Good Riding Boots?

[Pittance]

Hello TMW!

I am a soon to be new rider. I just signed up for the MSF course near my area (Johnston county course, live in Raleigh NC) and will be taking it in exactly one month. From their website, it says I need long sleeved clothing, gloves, and over the ankle shoes. The latter being the one piece I dont already have. So I am looking for some advice on where to start shopping, or what brand/model of boot would work well.

It doesnt have to be specifically for motorcycles. In fact, I want to be able to wear it just walking around as well as on the bike. Therefore, it needs to fit well and be comfortable in all situations. Also, my price limit is about 100$ and under, so that rules out getting some good redwings, at least for now. I am also a very wide footed person, so finding shoes that fit is always a pain for me.

Could anyone recommend? any good boots in particular? Or better yet, any boot type that would work well and provide protection and comfort? Or even better, does anybody know of any good motorcycle shops/boot shops in the Raleigh (cary, etc) area? Thanks.

[slimcolo]

For cheap try Wal Mart (they only carry wide sizes no narrow) also might try Army surplus (ours carries Chippawa Engineers boots for $98, combat and jungle boots for about $24) Get some of these for now and save for some Real ridding boots. Try to avoid steel toes, ballistic nylon toes are avial. and much warmer + OSHA approved for Electrical work) I can't believe you do not have any boots though. (no work boots, no hiking boots, no hunting boots no dress boots?)

[Loonette]

Both my husband and I have been wearing these...

http://www.rockyboots.com/Products/deta ... bCatId=108

They're comfortable right out of the box. I wear them all the time - at the firehouse, walking around town, hiking, and for riding. There is no shift lever protector, but so far, after a full riding season, I see no wear on top of the left boot. One thing... if your feet tend to run even close to a wide width, you may very well want to order a wide width.

Cheers,
Loonette

[storysunfolding]

Payless has some cheap hiking boots that'll work.

[Pittance]

I forgot to mention that if there are any good boots to order, I need to be able to try on the exact boot and size that I would buy first, since my feet are so weird.

Actually slimcolo, I do have a pair of USAF issued boots from when I was in USAF ROTC in college (2 yrs). But those things are so incredibly uncomfortable that I wouldnt wear them unless I had to. Every time I wore them for more than an hour, Id get blisters on my heels. Id like to find some that were fairly comfortable out of the box. Doesnt have to be great, dont mind breaking them in, but they cant cause foot damage.

Thanks for the suggestions of walmart and payless, ill have to swing by there and check that out at the mall tonight. I also forgot about the army surplus near me which has a huge selection of police and army ready boots.

Thanks for the great ideas. If anyone has any good experiences with a specific boot or brand, be sure to let me know.

[mgdavis]

... Actually slimcolo, I do have a pair of USAF issued boots from when I was in USAF ROTC in college (2 yrs). But those things are so incredibly uncomfortable that I wouldnt wear them unless I had to. Every time I wore them for more than an hour, Id get blisters on my heels. ...

That's funny, the only boots I wear while riding were issued to me by the USAF. Usually these ones that I received in Basic, but occasionally my steel toed boots as well. The Altama boots rock for me, it'll be a sad day when I finally wear out both pairs.

[Thumper]

For the class I went to Payless and got a $12 pair of suede over the ankle boots. Nothing I'd want to really ride in, but I wasn't buying "riding" boots until after the class.

I think it was Payless. Might have been WalMart. Either way, if you're just buying to take the class, go cheap. You can get the good boots later.

[Pittance]

Bah, Ill wear my old boots to work tomorrow, see if I cant get them broken in a bit. Theyd be perfect if it wasnt for the hard "O Ring" leather. Then maybe Ill find something at a bike shop or army surplus. If anyone can recommend a good bike shop with good service and a large selection of gear, I'd much appreciate it. Went to one off Glenwood today that mostly catered to HDs. Got a little bit of service since I was wearing leather, but they mostly seemed like they'd rather be chatting each other up.

[NewGuy]

You can go the cheapo WalMart or Payless route, but keep in mind those boots will probably begin to fall apart after a year or so.

You could also go for a more expensive, but much higher quality boots, like RedWings or Chippewa, that will last you a decade or more.

I've had cheap Payless boots, and despite only wearing them 2 or 3 times a week, they were literally falling apart after just over a year.

I also have a pair of RedWings that are probably going to last forever.

The next time I buy boots I'm getting another pair of high quality boots.

[slimcolo]

Something else to think about, most bike shops get new clothing in Spring and sell any of last years styles at a discount, except basic black. (If they didn't clearance them when snowmobiles came in) Also check local Western Wear or tack stores. (the Real stores and not the mall outlets) Try looking at ranch orientated hardware stores like Big-R or Murdoch's. And if you really want cheap Flea Markets, Yard Sales, Play It Again Sports, Goodwill or Salvation Army. I have also found motorcycle stuff at the annual Sniagrab. Might look on the net at Cheaper Than Dirt. (Army surplus but carry some MC stuff too)