Riding Boots

[slattmattery]

I will be buying my bike within the next few weeks here, and now I'm trying to pick out what riding gear I want. It was pretty simple for me to find a helmet using the helmet guide sticky and just browsing the store quickly (most of my dealers carry Scorpion, so I'll probably end with a high end helmet from them). But when it comes to boots, I'm clueless. I will be doing dirt riding as well as some street (with a DRZ 400S), so I want something that has plenty of protection, but isn't absurdly pricey. Any recommendations or advice?

[RC Fan]

I will be buying my bike within the next few weeks here, and now I'm trying to pick out what riding gear I want. It was pretty simple for me to find a helmet using the helmet guide sticky and just browsing the store quickly (most of my dealers carry Scorpion, so I'll probably end with a high end helmet from them). But when it comes to boots, I'm clueless. I will be doing dirt riding as well as some street (with a DRZ 400S), so I want something that has plenty of protection, but isn't absurdly pricey. Any recommendations or advice?

Do you do any shopping on Ebay? I scored a pair of Sidi Rose boots, new with tags, in the original box for $26 US. I also got a pair of Tour Master Solution boots for $40 US. Both brands are pretty good as far as I can tell. Before going on Ebay I googled motorcycle boots so that I could see what style I was interested in.

[Grey Thumper]

I'm thinking of getting motorcycle-specific boots myself. Currently using timberland-type work boots (I like being able to comfortably walk around while off the bike). Is there a major benefit to getting motorcycle-specific boots though? A lot of the more conservatively styled ones look pretty much like work boots.

[Kal]

Features usually found on motorcycle boots include;

Velcro fastenings makes them easy on - easy off.

Rubberised area across the toes to facilitate gear changes.

Additional padding over the ankle bone to stop it being worm away on a long slide.

Extra thick front to the boot to keep legs off ot the floor and save legs/knees from roadrash

Mine also happen to be black which is handy as I can wear them beneath work trousers and no one notices.

[ceemes]

I had a couple pairs of CAF issue combat boots I "liberated" when I retired at the ripe old age of 23. Found they made great street riding boots, wouldn't mind scoring another pair.

[Fly_Guy]

I've been wearing my flight boots, black leather, steel toe, and once you put enough polish into them, darn near waterproof.

I just ordered a pair from the Korean boot vendor who came to base. He had about three different types of riding boots, and I liked features from each pair, so I had him put together a custom design.

-Zippered side for easy on/off.
-reinforced top of the left toe for shifter
-Had him take off all the buckles and extras "stuff"
-Made them a little lower (about an inch above the ankle)

He measured my feet about ten different ways, so I'm expecting a great fit. Let you all know when I get them.

[ngsalvo]

G'day!
I got a pair of Thomas Cook (I think that's the brand) bike boots when I did the gear thing. Got them home, wore them a couple of times, and then got SO SICK AND TIRED of having to make sure there was either a pair of shoes where I was going that I could change into, or having to carry a pair of normal shoes with me everywhere I went.
These boots now sit nicely in my closet, looking like really good bike boots that you'd want to be wearing if you come off on the freeway at 100kp/h.
I also recently found some M2R (Made to Ride) boots for under $100(Aus) from one of the reputedly more expensive accesories shops in Melbourne. These are the 'normal' looking boots. They have ankle support, a cover thing for the laces, gear shift pad, and steel capped toes. They are soooo comfortable for normal getting around as well.
I reckon they're the go; although, for the price, I am interested to see how long they will last.

[warnerwh]

I am using Wolverine work boots with steel toes that I got new off of Ebay for 40 dollars shipped. I don't however recommend a new rider try riding with steel toe boots due to not being able to feel the shifter very well. The regular work boots from them are padded inside. You also want the 8" high ones, not the shorter ones, for maximum protection.

I've owned motorcycle specific boots and can't tell the difference. These are actually safer than some Harley boots I had and just as comfortable. Big price difference, quality the same.

[Nibblet99]

Personally I quite like my Frank Thomas boots
http://www.frank-thomas.co.uk/index.php ... egory_id=3
Properly waterproof, zip up, and armored where they need to be, softer in other places to allow them to flex. Also they don't look too stupid with jeans... Doubt I'll be able to get away with them and trousers though in the new job

[wiggumon]

These are the boots I wear.

http://www.wellco.com/html/bhwmtv.html

I tuck the laces in between my socks and the boot so that the laces don't get caught on the bike. They are very comfortable for combat boots. I purchased mine on ebay for a very good price.