While we're on the subjet of hard boots, www.bomberonline.com has their
boots on sale right now.

The best deals IMHO a

Raichle SB 423 - $150
Raichle SB 413 - $125

Limited sizes are available

Even with all the criticisms of Raichle boots listed here, IMHO either of
these makes a great first pair of hard boots especially at these prices.
The 423s come with a Thermoflex liner.

As Arvin, myself, and others have found out, sizing hard boots can be
tricky. Everyone says "measure your foot in cm and order your measurement
in Mondo Point size" but for many of us that gives you a boot that's too
big. Example: My feet measue about 26.5 cm in length but I use a 26
Salomon Malamute soft boot - and a 25 Raichle SB series shell. I rode for
two years on 26 Raichle shells until I realized they were too big!

Bomber is really good about returns if you follow the rules - try them on in
the house. If you think you're in between two sizes you can order both and
then return the one that doesn't fit as well, they're used to people doing
that.

-Mike T

Disclaimer: I don't work for Bomber, I'm just a very satisfied customer of
theirs.