Boots

[Jas0n]

Do any of you use motorcycle-specific shoes/boots?

They look really uncomfertable to walk in. I feel like using my defult shoes instead of investing in boots. If theres a slight safety increase with motorcycle boots, I'll get them, but I don't see how they could be any better than some good ol steel toed work boots you can buy at K-mart for 30 bucks.. I'm not made of money, and spending $250 for shoes that barely benefit me over something like this isnt worth it.

Oh, and another question.. if you go out riding, and decide to stop at some public place.. like... the mall or something. Do you lug around your helmet?

[Ninja Geoff]

http://newenough.com/boots/sport_street ... boots.html

I have those. They also doubled for work shoes when i lived in maine, pumping gas. THey're comfortable enough, though on the low side of the protection scale. THOUGH having scraped them on the ground at speed a few times, they seem fairly tough.

With the exception of the mall, i lug the helmet around. Though i've only been to the mall once with the bike.

[Johnj]

I don't wear cycle specific boots because I have to e on my feet at work so I wear tactical boots. The ones I have, have plenty of padded ankle support and are comfortable enough to walk the plant floor for eight hours.

When I'm out riding and stop I carry my helmet with me or sometimes I'll put it in one of the saddlebags.

[Justice75]

I wear these. I think they are comfortable.

http://www.bikebandit.com/product/4415

Justice75

[Katharine]

Always wondered that. I'd want boots I could walk in comfortably, and also without looking too much like I stepped right off the set of Tron... (Of course, in women's boots I also have to navigate past all the ones with heels, of all things)

Is there such a thing as textile/non-leather boots? (Vegetarian... would rather keep the leather to a minimum)

[ceemes]

I picked up a pair of these a couple of years back and am quite happy with them. After breaking them in, I find I can wear them all day. They are pretty water resistant, (can't say I have found any boots other then the old steel toed Wellingtons I wore back in my courier days that were 100% waterproof) and have pretty good protection and support.

And I have it from a collegue of mine whom I overtook one day, the reflect piping really does stand out in the dark.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/ ... Boots.aspx

[mogster]

Is there such a thing as textile/non-leather boots? (Vegetarian... would rather keep the leather to a minimum)

There are lots of textile short boots around. They are often advertised as Paddock Boots, & are designed to be lighter when walking. I have a pair of Heingericke short boots but I do mainly wear my "heavy duty" leather Daytona boots, which have never leaked in 6yrs!

Re work boots.....please ensure laces are tucked away as these can get tangled with bike bits. Also whatever you wear always ensure you have some sort of ankle protection.

You can't avoid long bone fracture (torque /twist force) but you can minimise getting your ankle joint being smashed beyond repair!

I work in surgery & really do see the consequences of poor riding gear!

[freebird73]

I have been riding since Aug. '11 . Two weeks ago i just took my first spill, i was wearing my helmet, rocket jacket, and a good pair of jeans, gloves,and sneakers. i was lucky enough to walk away with a skinned knee (pants never ripped) and some bruises....

I have heard many riders say that you dont need boots or they have the potential to rip the foot off... now I dont know about all that but, I can tell you from a hard learned lesson that a sneaker falls apart when sliding down the road. It ripped right off my foot, the lace holes ripped under the strain.

I wont be riding without boots again....

I am thankful for all the advice ive gotten on this site, and very glad i wasn't stupid enough to be riding in shorts and a tank top! Safety gear only works if you wear it.

[mogster]

Glad you didn't get seriously hurt.

Many people voice strong opinions about the "freedom of riding" & don't want to be constrained by heavy/hot protective gear or even helmets.

We all take a massive risk when we get on a bike but personally I balance that risk with good gear. If I do suffer serious injury at least my kids/partner/employer will know that I tried to protect myself.

It's your choice at the end of the day but if you have financial or parental responsibilities then surely some element of caution should prevail

[dirt dobber]

you want boots that is high up, i know from a spill. need support of ankle & shin. no slip on, in a crash slip on is the first thing that comes off. i have a pair velcro kind of like LEGENDARY 1000 above. get something that will protect you and last.