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So, I have to buy new shoes for the MSF. This is the price I pay for wearing sandals...yes, even in the winter.

What kind should I look for? They have to cover my ankle so I can't just grab a pair of tennis shoes and go.

And if I"m gonna buy a pair of shoes for MSF (and to ride in I guess) I want them to hold up. Should I buy boots? Or will like, a hiking shoe work?


Probably one of the least....relevant questions on the forums but I don't wanna spend like 70 bucks on a pair of over-glorified hiking shoes or anything.

So anyone got some brands or something I should look for?

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This topic has some information relevant to your question.

The important thing about riding boots is that you get something that has sturdy ankle protection, like metal or thick leather.

One of the first things that flies off in many bike crashes is plain shoes - the tarmac just rips em off. That's why boots are important.

Also, if you do fall and lowside or something, we have these big bony ankles just waiting for the asphalt to scrape the skin off and maybe even some bone - that's why Leather boots are important.

Go out and try some on ... if you get a pair that fit properly, you'll hardly notice you're wearing them.

If you just want to get by for the class you can do what I did. I got a pair of boots at Payless Shoes for $20. Waterproof leather. That being said, I don't plan to use them for actual riding post-class, but they did meet the minimum requirements for the class.

I did not want to have make a long term gear decision before actually riding a bike, that's why I went the $20 route for the class. I felt better able to make the real boot decision after the class and I went for the Icon Motorhead boots.

If you are just going to use these boots for riding (and wear sandals for normal walking around), then definately get some good motorcycle boots. Proper motorcycle boots will be more comfortable on the bike than work/hiking boots, and give you tons of protection.

For my MSF I just used the boots I wear every day (steel toed work boots - I work in a warehouse). These worked ok, just hard to find the shifter with a steel toe.

They'll let you take the course as long as it covers your ankles.Period. Boots and not high ankle tennis shoes.

I used my cheap hiking boots for the course and they practically disintegrated after the end of the course.....

I was lucky enough to find a really decent pair of riding boots since that've been through a lot more and held together a lot better!

Getcha some Joe Rocket Orbits. You won't be disappointed!

yeah those orbits are pretty nice. You can look a tad more civilized in those too as they are desiged to have pants go over them.

For my class, I ran to our local "Shoe Show" (more or less a rip-off of Payless Shoes...) and grabbed a pair of "hiking" boots.
They're "Crockett and Boone" brand, and with pants on, they look like a pair of Eastland casual/dress shoes. I wear these things to work...even when I'm not on the bike.
They made it fine through the course, they have the bottom very similar to some of the riding boots out there, and they're not steel toed, so finding the shifter wasn't a problem. They're made to have pants flow over them (again...I wear them to work with my khaki's...) and they look/feel nice.
I think I spent about $35-$40 on them. They go up above my ankle just a little bit (about as high as those Joe Rockets, there) and feel VERY comfortable!

Just my $0.02.

I use my old backpacking/hiking boots. They have lost their "fit" for hiking but being all leather and taller than my ankles they make good riding boots. And.....I can treat them with something to keep them water resistant.

I have been wearing for riding for a year now and they feel great.