Boots

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aireq · #1 Unread post by **aireq** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 1:07 am

So I've decided I want to start riding a motorcycle. I've never riden one before, but have registered for an MSF at the end of june. I'm not going to bother looking for a bike until I finish the course. However I'll need safety equipment for the course. One piece of equipment they require is boots that cover the ankles, which got me thinking about how people are able to ride a motorcycle safely with out looking like they just got off a motorcycle all day?

I figure I would want some kind of padded jacket, and pants that I could wear over my street clothes. But it's seems like it would be a pain to carry around a pair of regular shoes to change into in addtion to whatever protective footwear you are using.

Also what are some good sites to purchase equipment online? Obviously I'm not going to buy a helmet or any other fit sensitve piece of equipment with out first trying it on, but for something like a jacket, or pants I would like to save as much money as I can.

Eric

TheReaper · #2 Unread post by **TheReaper** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 1:59 am

While there are advantages to riding specific boots there are other options. A good pair of work boots would suffice very well. I also saw some riders in my MSF that wore Military/Law Enforcement style boots. Those can also be waterproof and aren't quite as clunky as riding boots. Both of these options may allow you to wear those with your regular clothes instead of having 2 pairs of shoes with.

One of my purchases for gear was a backpack. It hasn't been bad at all bringing my shoes with and changing at my destination.

Randy/TX · #3 Unread post by **Randy/TX** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 3:34 am

I wear jeans and boots everyday anyway, so I just bought a nice pair of western-style, rubber-soled boots with a leather upper. They are actually riding (horse) boots, but look nice enough to wear as dress/office boots. Slip-on and go well above my ankles.

Randy/TX

Aggroton · #4 Unread post by **Aggroton** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 3:48 am

yeah i wear a military esque type boot...more like doc martens then jack boots...but they work well and the boss has yet to say anything about them yet...and hes a stickler on the dress code....

http://www.heelandsoleshoes.com/data/CM ... 347574-234

mine are green with black caps but you get the idea.

#5 Unread post by **cb360** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 4:12 am

viewtopic.php?t=1927

This thread has a good discussion about some online sites you can try.

JustJames · #6 Unread post by **JustJames** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 5:10 am

yup a nice pair of working boots / hiking boot work just fine. I found that boots made specific for motorcycle will have a harder rubber sole and some kind of anti-slip. A lot of ppl don't like boots with steel toe, they claim to damage more to your feet, but I'd prefer steel toe or some king of protection.

I wear Icon heavy-duty boot which is provide some kind of protection and also comfort enough to wear as everyday shoes.

Gilfy650a · #7 Unread post by **Gilfy650a** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 6:08 am

Back in HS before i rode i bought a used pair of combat boots from the flea market, They go well above the ankle and are made of thick leather they are working out great as riding boots.

blair · #8 Unread post by **blair** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 6:11 am

I'm looking at finally getting a pair of cowboy boots (had my last pair when I was five, and I'm getting middle-agey enough I can pull off the conceit). They'll have to be custom-made because of my wide feet and high insteps. So I figure I'll ask for rubber soles and a reinforcing patch over the shifter toe. See how that works out.

Until then, I have a pair of "tactical boots", which are black combat-boot style boots with a zipper up the side and lacing up the front (for inspection, if I ever join the military again). But mostly I wear a short pair of Bass hikers. Both kinds of boots are mostly mesh, so they stay cool even in Phoenix temperatures because of the 60 mph breeze on the bike. In a hot-and-humid place like DC, though, I don't know if it would be so comfy.

#9 Unread post by **t_bonee** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 7:25 am

KON DEE wrote:yup a nice pair of working boots / hiking boot work just fine. I found that boots made specific for motorcycle will have a harder rubber sole and some kind of anti-slip. A lot of ppl don't like boots with steel toe, they claim to damage more to your feet, but I'd prefer steel toe or some king of protection.

I wear Icon heavy-duty boot which is provide some kind of protection and also comfort enough to wear as everyday shoes.

I wear steel toed work boots myself. I've heard that about steel toes too but I can't see how they could do more damage. It seems to me that if something got into the tips of your boots to mangle or mash the steel toes into your feet, what kinda of damage would have been done if you didn't have steel toes there? Probably a lot more that what the steel toe did to it.

Tom

macktruckturner · Tue Jun 07, 2005 7:06 pm

Since the Army is changing uniforms, and hence issued boots, my original issue boots will be my riding boots. Not the pair I spit-shine for wear in garrison, oh no. I'll be wearing my field boots - the one's that have exited an aircraft in flight a few times, jumped through razor wire, and racked up a few hundred miles of tactical marches

A set of "speedlaces", all black, all leather, combat boots should be a) easy to come by, b) comfortable after broken in, and c) offer a good deal of protection for the feet and ankles.

Just my $.02