Is there anything wrong with Oneal boots?

[Malcolmv8]

Hey guys, I'm brand new to moto cross. Got my first MX bike and now looking at getting some gear.
My local MX shops have boots around $120 and up.

I see on rockymountainatv.com they have Oneal Element boots for $89. Oneal's a name brand right? Why are they so cheap? most boots I see are $150 + and most seem to be over $200.

Anyhow I've never had MX boots before and honestly I don't even know what to look for when shopping for a pair.

Thanks for any pointers, tips, or info.
Malcolm

[HiG4s]

Originally Posted by Malcolmv8

Hey guys, I'm brand new to moto cross. Got my first MX bike and now looking at getting some gear.
My local MX shops have boots around $120 and up.

I see on rockymountainatv.com they have Oneal Element boots for $89. Oneal's a name brand right? Why are they so cheap? most boots I see are $150 + and most seem to be over $200.

Anyhow I've never had MX boots before and honestly I don't even know what to look for when shopping for a pair.

Thanks for any pointers, tips, or info.
Malcolm

I use O'neal Element boots.. They are about the same level of protection as older (late 70s early 80s) top of the line leather MX boots.. But boots have progressed a lot in those years.. If I still raced I would not use them, but for the way I ride, easy trail/play riding and a little track practice with very little air they are fine.

And [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] is having a closeout on 06 Element boots for $53,, but there are limited sizes.

If I still raced I would go with Sidi Forceflex, Scott or Alpinestar Tech 8s

[Imahoot393]

I have had a pair as a beginner and they have lasted 3 years. Very torn up now but I can use them for a little while longer. Not the best boot out there but good for beginners as HiG4s said.

[Simulcaster]

Malcolm it all comes down to what kind of riding you are going to be doing.

Anything is safer than flip-flops or sneakers but I would say Boots are second most important after a good helmet.(A Leatt is second if you can afford it) Anyways Less expensive boots are not cheaply made. Therefor they are not cheap boots but less expensive. That being said, you get what you pay for. Does one need to go out by the most expensive boot. NO WAY. If you research these boards you will see alot of boot reviews. Take a peek and take what you read and make a decision on what you need by setting out what kind of riding you are going to be doing.

If you are going to ride a utility quad around in the woods the Element boot would be a decent choice. If you are going to be riding a bike I would shy away and step up to a more rigid boot. There are alot of great boots around $200.00.
If you look hard enough Berik is practically giving away RC replicas. AStar has plenty of medium priced boots. The auction site is always good for a deal. TRY THEM ON BEFORE YOU BUY ANYTHING. Sizes will very from manufacturer to manufacturer. Have fun, be safe, and protect yourself.

[crfjedi393]

A rigid boot with zero side-to-side movement would be best if you plan on riding hard or racing. No boot will guarantee that your bones will stay unbroken but the better boots will certainly lessen the chances. Most people buy a cheaper boot at first and then upgrade as they gain skill and speed. The higher price doesn't seem worth it when you start but it doesn't take long to realize you need to spend the bucks. My .02.

[Malcolmv8]

Thanks for all the info guys. While I may be new to MX I'm not new to dirt bikes and I plan on riding local MX tracks and if at all possible I would love to race. With this in mind I didn't want to have to buy a second set of boots as I upgrade down the line. I would prefer to purchase one set.

I think you guys have convinced me that the Oneal Element boots are good starter boots but I would be looking for something else in short order. With that in mind I will keep looking.

I just didn't want to pay $150 or $200 on a set of boots without some reassurance that I wasn't just wasting money. I guess like most things in life you get what you pay for

And yes a few minor wipe outs, couple bumps, bruises and scrapes are what got me looking for the right gear sooner than later.

[Imahoot393]

Good for you. Protection is so important in this sport. Enjoy and let us know what you go with and your opinions upon use.

[onenastynotch]

i had onel m10 boots for a whole year and they fit well and were comfortable.....they were just lacking in ankle support like when i come up short on doubles i just got tech 6 alpinstars from motosport outlet for 200 bucks and it was def a good move

[2000kx250]

I have a pair of Oneal boots and they are o.k. boots for beginners but are def. nothing special. They are not very stiff and as a result I fractured my big toe in a crash. If I had gotten the better boots I probably wouldn't have broken my toe. I would recommend spending a few more $$ for some better equipment.

- Mike

[Florida 393]

I used the Oneal elements for 2 years and had no complaints about them at all. Well built boot. It was the only non Alpinestar boots I have owned.

I now use the Alpinestars Tech 8 and I am glad I do. I used the Astars boots under the Hi-Point label for years from the beginning in 1972. Still have a pair of the 6 buckle black leather with the shin plate in ridable condition. If you can swing a few more dollars the Tech 3 is a good entry level boot too.

Bill

[ossagp1]

I still like my HiPoints for comfort and long trail rides. Light, I can walk in them. Tech 6's are probably the best dollar value I know if you can't afford the 8's or better.

[The Baron]

Originally Posted by ossagp1

I still like my HiPoints for comfort and long trail rides. Light, I can walk in them. Tech 6's are probably the best dollar value I know if you can't afford the 8's or better.

Actually the new Tech 7's surpass the Tech 6's in value IMHO. The Tech 7's are a little more expensive than the Tech 6's but they use more current technology.

[Simulcaster]

A quick search of the web will turn up some great prices on SG-10s. I have also heard alot of great things about the Tech-7 but I own the SG-10's and can say they have been my favorite boot.

[Malcolmv8]

The tech 7 and SG-10 boots look nice but out of my price range. $260 to $360 is a stretch from the $89 Oneal boots I was about to get

I think the Berik Contenders are more in my price range. I see them in the $166 to $207 range. I saw a set go ebay for $76 (dang wish I bit on that).

[LoKi]

As many have already said, they're a good entry level boot. I've had a couple pairs of them. They serve their purpose. They don't compare to my Tech 8's, but they do the job.

[Florida 393]

I'd watch out for the Berik Contenders. John had a pair and they never broke in. Very stiff and hard. He got some of the new Fox F3 Forma boots and loves them.

Bill

[HiG4s]

Check out these Fox F3s on clearance right from Fox Racing
Fox Racing Inc

[Malcolmv8]

Bill,

Who's John and why did that happen? Just a fluke or what? From what I've read the Berik boots are good boots.

I've never owned a set of boots so when you guys say they break in does the boot go soft and comfortable? But still retain good ankle support etc. I noticed when trying on a few in the store they are extremely stiff and somewhat uncomfortable. If they are leather they should soften I would think.

Hig4s, thanks for the link but Fox's clearance price of $199 is regular price at my local store. This place is not to far from my house and they have the F3s for $199 every day.
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

[crdude]

I'v been using O'neal element boots sens 05' and there still in great condition, non of the seams are pulling apart and all the tread is still under them. I will probley get some new ones next year just for grins.

The stiffness in the boot you felt when trying new boots on is normal, they always need to be broken in.

[Florida 393]

Mallcom,
Sorry, I forgot you are new here. John is my son, Madcow802 and a charter here also. He rides an RMZ250. I have heard fro other riders that the Berik boots other than the RC replicas are really hard and stiff. No other complaints. He gave his to a member here in the Pay-it-forward forum and he is happy with them. See if you can wrangle a ride with someone's pair to see how you like it.

Bill