Ok ATGATT folks - footwear advice please

[storysunfolding]

Is your riding jacket a Wilson?

Try what fits you. I like Sidi but I also get a good price on it.

[Lion_Lady]

actually, my boots are merrell's, so I still retain SOME cool credit -

any preferences for brand model?

Just as Nike sneakers don't fit my feet very well, but New Balance does, you've got to find which brand works best for YOU!

P

[RockBottom]

I love my Diadora, BMW, and Gaerne, but the best bang for the buck are Xelement from Leatherup.com. Wearing them right now. Under a hundred bucks and I have hundreds of hours in them.

[zeligman]

Ok - i've been staring and reading at 50 different boot models for the last 5 days... many of your recommendations.

BUT, and here's the question - each has different 'armor'/protection descriptions, some don't mention any... just what IS important in protection in boots?

Steel shank?
toe cups?
heel cups?
ankle plates (round)?
'floating' ankle armor (whatever the heck that is)?

I can't wear 'moto' boots...

The xelement doesn't list ANY of the above at all? Are they just mc 'style' boots?

Help!

[pchast]

Hi

Just as important. I havn't found a place yet where I can try on boots here in upstate NY. I'm a difficult fit with regular shoes and work boots, 9.5 -10 4e. I wouldn't consider catalog purchase of boots.

Any sugestions?
Thanks
Pete

[TorontoBoy]

...BUT, and here's the question - each has different 'armor'/protection descriptions, some don't mention any... just what IS important in protection in boots?

Steel shank?
toe cups?
heel cups?
ankle plates (round)?
'floating' ankle armor (whatever the heck that is)?...

Firstly, all boots and shoes come with a heel cup, for without one your heel would quickly distort and deform your shoe from simply walking. Steel shank will protect you from a puncture of a nail through the sole of your foot, so that's not really important. It also makes walking more difficult as the sole is not as flexible, and you'll need to take off your shoes when you go through a metal detector in an airport.

The ankle armour is so when you slide down the road you don't grind down the malleoli on both sides of your ankle. You can also get boots with armour for your lower shins.

If you have difficulty buying shoes in general, then your options are more limited. Finding wide boots may be problematic. Start with finding an over the ankle workboot that you can wear now. If you can find them, move up to a motorcycle boot. Fit is foremost, because if they don't fit well, they'll be uncomfortable and you won't wear them, and they'll be no good to you in a crash. I doubt you will find comfortable boots online with your special feet.

Personally I started with steel toe steel shank over the ankle lace up work boots (green triangle). They are heavy and initially awkward to shift but I quickly got used to them. I then got some Frank Thomas motorcycle boots with thin soles, malleoli and shin armour, waterproof, plastic everything and I hated them. Somehow I shifted better with my work boots, so I went back to them and have been happy ever since.

[slimcolo]

It would be nice just to find a pair of riding boots that fit. (they are all for fat feet D, E or EE width) With most shoes C width is medium and I wear C in ball of foot but a B sometimes A heel.

Out of five pairs only once was I able to get my size without special ordering. (and this from Red Wing for work boots never found any bike boots that actually fit)

[TorontoBoy]

Without a doubt, shoes are difficult to fit. Sure, if you have a pretty common foot shape then great, walk into a store and most will fit. For others, keep trying.

You have 26 bones in your foot. As you age, you walk 10,000 steps a day, each step takes your body weight. Over time this takes a toll. Feet change, biomechanics change, then you have a unique foot.

Do the best you can with what is available in your area. Buying boots over the internet, for those with foot issues, can be near impossible to get a good fit. Often custom is the only way. One good thing about motorcycle boots is that riding is not weight bearing, making the fit of the arch not as critical as, say a walking shoe.

[Lion_Lady]

I can be a "tough fit" for footwear. This is where its nice to have use of a credit card, and some time. Check the return policy for whomever you use...

I have been known to order the same pair of shoes/boots in two different sizes by mail order/internet. Try each on, wear it around the house for a bit and return the one that doesn't fit. If neither one does, at least I've got a "starting point" for the next selection.

Not ideal. But at least you know what you're getting.

As for "which" feature is most important. I think the "floating armor" and round ankle plates are just variations of ankle armor. You've got to pick whichever is most comfortable that offers protection of those pointy bones on either side of your ankles... Shin armor would be great if you intend to do any off road-riding, but probably not necessary for street riding.

P

[zeligman]

SUCCESS!!!

I've been looking online and narrowing down choices to try on - had a list of 3. After calling the MC shop to confirm that they carried some of my list (all 3 top choices actually) I went there today to try on some shoes.

First try was the Icon Accelerant - HOME RUN! Comfy, good balance of protection and comfort. Tried on the joe rocket meteors as well - not comfy at all. Too big and clunky - and I have a wide foot - with a lovely bunyon to boot - even so the joe rocket was too big... VERY strange.

Bought the Icons and took them for their first ride today - STILL comfortable after 2 hours on feet, then an hour riding.

Took me a bit to get used to their 'thickness' for shifting - but with my cruiser (02 Suz VL800) it wasn't much of a problem.

They claim to be waterproof - will let you know when I find out. Easy to put on, lace up, tighten, etc.

VERY very happy.

-Z