Steel Toe or No Steel Toe

Message

rmdelfino · #1 Unread post by **rmdelfino** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 1:28 pm

I recently passed a BRC course sponsored by the local MSF organization at the Reno-Fernley Raceway in Northern Nevada. We were told that steel toe shoes are a bad idea and should not be worn for riding whatsoever. However, I've seen posts where the recommended shoes ARE steel toe, "...to avoid losing your toes in case of any accident or unwanted flying object." Whose advice should I heed?

Thanks!

#2 Unread post by **Wrider** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 8:32 pm

I think it's more a personal issue. A lot of people seem to think that when a steel toed boot is crushed down it will amputate your toes.
I figure if there's that much pressure it's gonna take em off anyway, so might as well be protected from anything smaller.
Here at school I had a GSX-R750 engine land on my steel-toed boots from about a foot. I'm glad I wear them!
As far as riding, I haven't hit anything to test steel toes, but I have had my foot get caught beneath the bike and the steel shank saved my foot from getting broken beneath my pipes, the shank lifted the entire bike up off of the ground!
Wrider

Gunslinger · Sun Aug 17, 2008 8:45 pm

This has been discussed here at length but I'll give you my take on the topic as a fairly new motorcycle rider. I wear steel toes not for protection but because the plate leverage helps my foot lift the shift lever. I think the "losing your toes" argument is a myth. Some people state that they can't feel the gear shifting as well with a steel toe and I would agree with that as well but with practice it's a non-issue. Until I see more than one or two anecdotes about people having their toes crushed by the steel toe box I am not convinced that it is a safety hazard. IMO the benefits of steel toes far outweigh the percieved risks.
They also say not to use your cell phone when filling up your tank at the gas station even though there has not been one reported incident of this starting a fire.

the_sandman_454 · Mon Aug 18, 2008 5:15 am

In an accident significant enough to destroy the steel toe or cause it to amputate your toes, do you really think your foot isn't going to be completely mangled anyway?

Doesn't really make a whole lot of sense to me, so I guess I don't "get it".

Brackstone · Mon Aug 18, 2008 5:20 am

The Mythbusters proved it was a Myth.
The force required to amputate your toes wouldn't be enough to totally crush your foot to the point where you wouldn't want to have toes

http://kwc.org/mythbusters/2005/11/epis ... tatio.html

Lion_Lady · #6 Unread post by **Lion_Lady** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 7:09 am

The real issue with steel toed boots is that they are often tall/bulky and can make it tough to operate the shift lever.

But you can change the postion of the shift lever, relative to the footpeg to allow for whatever footwear.

P

Lisa · #7 Unread post by **Lisa** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 9:17 am

can't feel the shift lever.

I tend to wear military boots or cowboy boots. as long as they're leather.

Social Distortion · Mon Aug 18, 2008 4:12 pm

hell, i wear check taylors...
i shouldnt be posting, but i feel that someboots are heavy and causes fatigue..
better to be safe than sorry- go w/ a boot over your ankle and DOT doesnt really say anything about steel toe or not, so id go w/ out and get more "feeling" vs. that big clunk of steel there..
good luck

matthew5656 · Mon Aug 18, 2008 11:04 pm

A ride without wearing my steel toe boots just isn't the same for me. To me it's more annoying having to shift with regular, non steel shoes because it takes a bit more pressure and time. I like to shift quick, and effortlessly.

And I'd prefer having steel protection if the toes were ever in danger of amputation. But I try not to worry so much. I'm young, I'm invincible.

JC Viper · #10 Unread post by **JC Viper** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 8:21 pm

i ride with my timberland pro steel toe boots. The way the steel toe is implemented into the boot prevents the steel toe from crushing the toes. The only thing is that when it is cold out the steel toe will also pass the cold onto you but with my Timberland Pro that isn't a problem because it has insulation. Another positive is that the boot is ANSI approved for use in areas with electrical hazards.

I now have these boots since they are more comfortable and have a safety toe that is not metal. The big plus for me from these is that the toe area is really strong without weighing me down and it has an antimicrobial lining so it limits the stinky feet problem in hot and sweaty weather.

http://www.511tactical.com/511-xprt-pat ... 12203.html