Ok ATGATT folks - footwear advice please

[zeligman]

Hi all - got all my gear except boots. I am wearing hiking boots when I ride. What's the prevailing opinion regarding mc boots vs. hikers? Ignoring waterproof concerns for the moment, are leather hiking boots (over the ankle) sufficient or do the ankle bone plastic molds in mc boots really add something?

Thanks!

-Zelig

P.S. If you recommend mc boots, what are your personal recommendations with particular boots...

thanks again!

[Amdonim]

I haven't spent too much time looking, but to me most MC boots are expensive and uncomfortable. I wear a set of all leather, over the ankle work boots from wal-mart. My BRC instructor was wearing them, which gave me the idea.

[Skier]

I haven't spent too much time looking, but to me most MC boots are expensive and uncomfortable. I wear a set of all leather, over the ankle work boots from wal-mart. My BRC instructor was wearing them, which gave me the idea.

Your instructor might have been wearing work boots because they are more comfortable to stand in on the range all day.

[motokid]

after a similar dilema, I went with the Original S.W.A.T. boots. They try to play it tough, but this is very light comfortable boot, water proof, some insulation, sturdy where it needs to be, slip resistant sole. Comes with the side zipper that actually works, which is a must in my book. And a good part, they look like your ordinary combat boots, so once off the bik, you can go around withoput looking like ... somebody who is wearing MC boots.

[Lion_Lady]

I haven't spent too much time looking, but to me most MC boots are expensive and uncomfortable. I wear a set of all leather, over the ankle work boots from wal-mart. My BRC instructor was wearing them, which gave me the idea.

It is possible to find reasonably priced motorcycle boots that aren't uncomfortable. You just have to go try more on. Considering that typical work boots (esp "generic" ones) aren't built to protect your feet/ankles from the forces involved in a motorcycle crash, the extra money is worth the peace of mind.

P

[BuzZz]

Am I the only one who finds that wearing work/hiking boots makes shifting feel like whistling during a root canal?

When the wife f-ed off last year, I came up short a riding jacket, spare helmet and my riding boots. I tried my work boots... couldn't get around the block in 'em. Tried my MX boots... almost as bad. I don't like wearing running shoes on the bike, but at least I was able to shift.

Finally I broke down and bought another pair of street boots. For $120 (what I pay for running shoes) I got a comfy pair of boots with good protection, oil-proof rubber soles and a toebox small enough to get under the shifter easily. Once broken-in, they are comfortable for wearing and walking in all day as well.

Money well spent.

[fireguzzi]

I got pretty used to shifting in my work boots. (Non steel toed) I got to the point where I preferred them over my running shoes which let me feel the shift better but I felt exposed in them. After a while though I was very confident in my shifting. Just takes getting used to I guess.

Never tried motorcycle boots.

[havegunjoe]

I got a nice pair of HD boots from Fleet Farm for about half of what they charge at Harley or anywhere else last year. They are comfortable, water resistant and reasonably light weight. I didn't buy them because they were the HD brand, they fit the best at the best price.

[storysunfolding]

Purpose built, better protection, designed to hold up to the forces you'd encounter in a motorcycle crash and obviously the most important. Owning Motorcycle boots gives you street cred. You're loosing cool points in your hiking boots.

[zeligman]

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

any preferences for brand model?

thanks again all!

-z