Motorcycle gear: Opinion about boots?
Hi motorcycle community,
I've started to learn motorcycle (2 months Learner license and experience). I got all the gears: Full face helmet, leather jacket, gloves, Kevlar jeans. All except boots.
I'm reluctant to buy boots because they look really chunky. Apart from looking good while on a bike, I don't think they suit any other social situations. Eg. nightclubs, work, etc.
So, how important are wearing proper footwear? Do they improve safety while riding (of cause they do, but by how much)? Are there boots out there that are safe, but don't make me look like I'm trying on batman's boots?
 7x14 Enclosed Trailer Bike Trailer Toy Hauler US Cargo  US $3,750.00
|
 Adams trail a bike trailer 2 two seat tandem US $101.00
|
 Chariot Cougar 1 Bike Trailer w Jogging Kit Great Cond US $182.50
|
 2011 Touring Cargo Motorcycle Trailer Pull Tow Behind US $1,475.00
|
 7x16 Enclosed Cargo Motorcycle Cargo Trailer 18 w V US $2,425.00
|
 Brand NEW 2011 Vnose Motorcycle Trailer WILL SELL Cheap US $2,125.00 |
Tagged with: batman • boots • full face helmet • gears • gloves • kevlar jeans • leather jacket • motorcycle community • nightclubs • proper footwear • social situations
Filed under: motorcycle helmets
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
Been riding for many a years. Most of the time I wear tennis shoes, but when I’m on a mission ride I wear my jump boots, black leather and up over the ankles. My feeling is if you go down on a freeway doing 65+ it’s not going to matter much what you have on your feet. It’s my head I would be concerned about.
Don’t get me wrong proper gear is important for those who are just starting out. There are many motorcycle web sites that carry boots you may find to your liking. Just make sure they have a non-slip heal and sole.
I don’t bother with boots. They protect your ankles in a slide, and that’s something, but you’re right, then you have to wear these big clunky boots wherever you go.
But motorcycle boots come in a very wide variety of styles. Some look like they belong at a racetrack, some seem to come from a bad science fiction movie, and some are just taller versions of the shoes you probably already wear.
But I think a good pair of leather shoes is enough. For me anyway.
I wear work boots.
My social occasions don’t include nightclubs.
Think of it this way: if your boots don’t fit the "social situation", how does all the rest fit? Honestly, if you’re into fashion statements, your boots MUST go with your outfit!
(I asked a girl for shoe advice….jk)
I guess you have to ask yourself, how important are my feet? What if I were to scrape off a couple of toes, would that be OK? What if I lost half my foot? Is that an acceptable risk for looking somewhat stylish? Would crutches look stylish?
You wear the gear to protect yourself, not to look good in gear. Screw the social situations. If you need to look good, get a top case and store the stuff you need to look good and change when you get to your destination. At work, leave another pair of shoes there so that you change out of your protective gear into something more comfortable.
Protect yourself at all costs.
Are you getting mixed up with motocross boots? I wear BMW Allrounds and they just look like normal leather boots.
http://search.ascycles.com/motorcycle/Bmw%20Boots
The ones I have are the first pair
Well lets see—you have the helmet, jacket, gloves, jeans, and you want to be safe and stylish also. I think knee high black riding boots look good—-I wouldn’t hang out in a club tho, unless it was a biker bar, but somehow i don’t think that’s you—just sayin
Dress for the crash, not for the ride. That also means, you don’t dress for social situations while on the bike. I will go on a short ride wearing shoes, but usually the bare minimum is an over-the-ankle boot. For the street, there is an incredible variety of boots you can wear. Some will protect your feet and ankles better than others, and some can look a lot like dress shoes.
An alternative to boots that look dressy is to carry a pair of shoes with you for when you are off the bike. I do that anyway when I am touring, not for appearance, but for comfort around camp. But it is no more difficult to carry dress shoes for the workplace, if that is what you need to wear to be appropriate.
Your feet are down where the action is and can be hurt bad by a rock or hard insect, and hurt really bad in an accident.
I wear Red Wing, hardened toes, oil resistant soles and I wear them everywhere.
There are more stylish boots that are designed for riding, though.
There are different types of boots.
Street bike boots look as good as any Italian loafer. I have a pair of Bates Fast Lanes that were made for street use and they’re 25 years old. Zippered , double lined and comfortable.
Some cheaper boots are work boots Lace ups that will be cut off in an emergency room.
MX/dirt bike boots look like Buzz Lightyears from the movies. The plastic lined kind.
The important things for boots are the padding around the ankles and the taking off abilty by ER personell
Well, unfortunately, a lot of motorcycle boots look chunky for a reason. They are to protect your feet, which by definition means they’ll be a bit bulky. Anyone on here who tells you that boots aren’t necessary is someone who hasn’t been down bad yet. As an ER doc, as well as a bike, I can tell you that boots are muy important…but only if you like keeping your feet in more or less one piece.
Here’s a really good piece on motorcycle boots from Motorcycle Cruiser magazine, in 2001:
"We ask a lot from our motorcycle riding boots. They need to be comfortable enough for long rides and walks, yet sturdy enough to protect our feet during a fall. They must provide a superior amount of traction, but not wear out easily. A motorcycle boot should also protect our feet from cold wind and rain, yet not lock in moisture as we sweat our way through the summer riding season.
Here, from top to bottom, are several things you should consider before shopping for your next pair of motorcycle boots.
When considering slip-on boots, remember they are more likely to slip-off during a spill.
Many boots incorporate sophisticated membranes which claim to be waterproof and breathable. Many work well in moderate rain, but most will leak when truly challenged.
For large or small calves, consider boots that close at the top or entirely with large swatches of hook-and-loop fastener. Uncovered zippers introduce wind and water.
Boots need to be protective yet flexibile. The best boots may require break-in, so use them before that big ride. A flexible ankle panel (ribbed or bellowed section) is a great enhancement. Engineer boots lack this since they allow room for the foot to flex.
Sport boots differ from all-around touring or cruising boots in the angle of the upper. A touring boot typically has a right angle, while sportier fare cocks forward to mimic the leg’s angle while riding. Touring boots are easier to walk in since they don’t cause that clumsy ski-boot effect.
We recommend some ankle protection, such as reinforcement in the upper front of the ankle, usually a plastic panel hidden between the liner and leather, as well as soft cups or pads for the anklebones).
We like reflective inserts. They should be set low on the back of the boot so your pants do not cover them.
A shifter pad will save your boot and foot from undue stress.
The welt (where the upper meets the sole) will be welded or sewn. Stitched-on soles can be replaced, but cost more. Welded soles bring down the cost and aid in water protection.
Heels are a matter of style, but we believe the ideal boot has a heel between 1.5 and 3.5 inches high. Taller heels (even cowboy-boot height) combined with footpegs, uncomfortably lock your feet into one position and won’t allow for instantaneous coverage of the brake. Look for a beveled heel instead of a boxed heel, which is better for walking.
We like meaty tread patterns on oil-resistant rubber soles for good adherence both to the ground and to foot controls. Thick soles also damp vibration."
Personally, I have several different pairs, depending on what type riding I plan on doing. I’m kind of partial to Chippewa Street Warriors, and I also have a pair of Xelements.
Welcome to motorcycling, and good luck!