Boots

[MikeyZ]

Im with NHBubba on this one. I wear work boots all the time on my bike and nothing else.

I can definitely see the upsides of the motorcycle specific boot and how it will offer more protection, however how about when you get OFF your bike? I could see having boots just for those motorcycle specific rides- when your just looking to get out there and ride spirited. But how about when you are using your bike to commute to places? Do you wear those boots into like a restaurant? Or the mall or to work? I mean, I never have been in this situation- but wouldnt it feel like you are wearing your skiing boots around?

Seems like it would be an awful hassle to carry an extra pair of shoes- then trade out for the large motorcycle boots and find somewhere to put them? As opposed to workboots you can come and go where ever.

[nhbubba]

The counter argument to that is, of course, that stuff happens even when you are 'just' commuting or not out for a "spirited" ride.

My opinion is not that you don't need protection on those rides; it is that work boots provide adequate protection.

It is entirely possible that I have my head up my ass. But there it is.

[SprintPoser]

When I would commute to work, I kept "work shoes" at my place of employment (machine shop) and wore the M/C boots for riding every time. If I was not going to work, I planned accordingly by wearing street clothes under oversized protective textile gear and/or carried a change of clothes and shoes on the bike via tank bag, tail pack or panniers. I always feel poorly-protected even wearing all the gear except blue jeans, so I don't even do that.

It's great that this is a free country and we can make these choices, isn't it? Of course some of my friends, family and coworkers think I'm nuts to get on a bike at all "at your age", and dismiss all of my attempts to reduce my risk by adhering to the ATGATT mantra.

[brady]

Im with NHBubba on this one. I wear work boots all the time on my bike and nothing else.

I can definitely see the upsides of the motorcycle specific boot and how it will offer more protection, however how about when you get OFF your bike? I could see having boots just for those motorcycle specific rides- when your just looking to get out there and ride spirited. But how about when you are using your bike to commute to places? Do you wear those boots into like a restaurant? Or the mall or to work? I mean, I never have been in this situation- but wouldnt it feel like you are wearing your skiing boots around?
Seems like it would be an awful hassle to carry an extra pair of shoes- then trade out for the large motorcycle boots and find somewhere to put them? As opposed to workboots you can come and go where ever.

There are plenty of "Touring" motorcycle boots with good protection plus comfort while walking off the bike.

[KnuckleBallz]

I bought a pair of Sidi Streetburners last year when I started riding. I can wear 'em all day with no complaints. Really comfortable. Not crash tested yet, but I'm sure Sidi values their brand enough to not put out a dangerous product.

[Kazinator]

I bought a pair of Sidi Streetburners last year when I started riding. I can wear 'em all day with no complaints. Really comfortable. Not crash tested yet, but I'm sure Sidi values their brand enough to not put out a dangerous product.

What was your reasoning behind getting that boot vs. a full boot?

[KnuckleBallz]

I had been told Sidi was the company to go with & after looking at what they had this seemed to be the most comfortable/appropriate for my riding. I mostly ride in the city & anytime I'm on the highway or riding hard I've got on leather pants with knee/shin guards so I figured I didn't need full race boots. If I start hitting the track I'll probably get a full boot.

[nhbubba]

Now I get to show my ignorance...

So I am starting to come around on this subject. Been discussing this with a (ironically less experienced! but apparently smarter!) rider friend who pointed out some of the armor and plastic support components of these higher end boots. I am dangerously close to being in the market for a 'full' boot myself.

But first I feel compelled to respond to this.

I look at it like this... Say you're riding along in your work boots and coming around a corner and you low side, the bike is going to land on your inside leg and ankle crushing down on it. A leather work boot provides no protection for the lateral pressure. Your big sticky sole is then going to grab at the asphalt snapping your foot around whichever way it chooses, whether it be twisting it around backwards or hyper-extending it around to touch your calf, again none of which will be prevented by a work boot. About the only thing you may be protected from is road rash...




HHHMMMMMMMM..................

Okay, so how about these:


Or these:


Or even these:


All of these are at least marketed as MC specific boots from reputable makers, yet I don't see how any of these provide any substantial increase in protection over a solid work boot.

Those Sidi ST's are a whole different ballgame. I think I'm on board with that. But they are also a (fairly) state of the art 'race' boot, no? Very different than the 'touring' or 'street' boots many wear. I don't see the value in dropping $250 or more on a black work boot with a chromed buckle and the word 'motorcycle' used in the marketing.

There.. with that out of the way.

[nhbubba]

So.. lets say I see the error in my ways and am suddenly interested in a FULL height boot that offers SUBSTANTIALLY more protection than a work boot.

Couple of hits I see from re-reading this thread, plus some interwebin' include:

- Tour Master Latigo - ~$150
- TCX S-Sportour - ~$200
- Alpinestars S-MX 5 - ~$250
- Dainese TRQ-Tour Gore-Tex - ~$330
- Sidi ST Air - ~$400

...when I was comparing the Cobra's to the St's there really wasn't any question as to which ones offered better protection.

This is helpful. I pop'ed the Cobra's from the list, even though they fall right in that ~$200 price point. Seems like the ST's are a worth upgrade, even if they are 2x the price. Assuming protection is ones goal.

[SprintPoser]

Just yesterday I went and bought a pair of Dainese "Long Range D-WP" full-height touring boots from Paul @ MotoMarket in Acton. Same price as I found online, and I much prefer to support the local guy. $229.95+ tax.

I had bought a pair of Dainese touring boots (not waterproof) about 10 years ago, and they were so comfortable for walking around that I'm having my nephew recondition them so I can gift them to a deserving young (a.k.a. poor) rider. Shameless plug: My nephew owns Central Shoe Repair in downtown Worcester, should any of you need shoe and/or boot repairs. Great work, affordable!

[SRTie4k]

So.. lets say I see the error in my ways and am suddenly interested in a FULL height boot that offers SUBSTANTIALLY more protection than a work boot.

Couple of hits I see from re-reading this thread, plus some interwebin' include:

- Tour Master Latigo - ~$150
- TCX S-Sportour - ~$200
- Alpinestars S-MX 5 - ~$250
- Dainese TRQ-Tour Gore-Tex - ~$330
- Sidi ST Air - ~$400

This is helpful. I pop'ed the Cobra's from the list, even though they fall right in that ~$200 price point. Seems like the ST's are a worth upgrade, even if they are 2x the price. Assuming protection is ones goal.

I'll be getting a pair of the S-Sportours in May. I can give you a full review (from my limited knowledge of MC boots) then.

[HO-HUM-R1]

So I am starting to come around on this subject. Been discussing this with a (ironically less experienced! but apparently smarter!) rider friend who pointed out some of the armor and plastic support components of these higher end boots. I am dangerously close to being in the market for a 'full' boot myself.

But first I feel compelled to respond to this.
Okay, so how about these:


Or these:


Or even these:


All of these are at least marketed as MC specific boots from reputable makers, yet I don't see how any of these provide any substantial increase in protection over a solid work boot.

Those Sidi ST's are a whole different ballgame. I think I'm on board with that. But they are also a (fairly) state of the art 'race' boot, no? Very different than the 'touring' or 'street' boots many wear. I don't see the value in dropping $250 or more on a black work boot with a chromed buckle and the word 'motorcycle' used in the marketing.

There.. with that out of the way.

I agree completely........It's why i wear the ST's

[HO-HUM-R1]

some more options on closeout

http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=5816
http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=2240

actually just check out sportbiketrackgear... they have some good 400. + boots on closeout in the mid 200-300 range

[Dukaki848]

I just bought a set of boots the alpinestars smx. They are nice too bad they are to big.

[SprintPoser]

I just bought a set of boots the alpinestars smx. They are nice too bad they are to big.

Where did the boots come from? Can't you just bring them back and exchange for a smaller pair?

[nhbubba]

So the more I read about boots, the less I know wtf I want.

Seems like protection is the key. If you don't go for a well protecting boot, why bother?
So that means 'race' boots, right?
How asinine would it be for a mild-mannered V-Strom rider like me to waddle around in a full-on race boot?
Do the touring boots provide meaningful protection?

Can I just walk into a place like Seacoast, confess that I ride a dirty Suzuki, waive my CC at them and be happy?

I'm generally very bad at shopping with an open mind, I'm much better if I have a short-list ahead of time.

[jwm2k3]

Im the same....the more i check out boots the less decisive i become. This is why ive been in the considering stage for a year.

As far as a vstrom rider with race boots goes.......respect. Thats how i look at it.

[Rossco]

So the more I read about boots, the less I know wtf I want.

Seems like protection is the key. If you don't go for a well protecting boot, why bother?
So that means 'race' boots, right?
How asinine would it be for a mild-mannered V-Strom rider like me to waddle around in a full-on race boot?
Do the touring boots provide meaningful protection?

Can I just walk into a place like Seacoast, confess that I ride a dirty Suzuki, waive my CC at them and be happy?

I'm generally very bad at shopping with an open mind, I'm much better if I have a short-list ahead of time.

I say A* SMX5's and be done with it.

I am not a fast rider. Here's Proof.

I've been wearing a pair of SMX5's for over a year now, with two different bikes.

They worked great with this.



And this.


They are comfortable to walk in, comfortable to wear while riding, and feel really solid. They should be fine for you with the strom.

[PhilB]

I've been really happy with the motorcycle boots from Red Wing. They are a more traditional style boot, not a raceboot/PowerRanger style. They are sturdy and offer good protection. They are comfortable enough to wear all day; walk and work with. I did crash in my last pair, a lowside in which the bike landed on my ankle/boot, slid for a while, then the whole foot peg/hanger assembly broke off, providing sharp edges, and all of that plus my foot then tumbled out from under the bike. I broke no bones, wound up with a big bruise and 3 stitches in the top of my left foot. The boot was ripped nearly in half, but did its job well. I bought another pair of the same thing as soon as my foot was back near normal size.

My wife also got a pair, and she likes them a lot better than the Lady Daineses she had before. Those were fine and protective, but were such a PITA to get on and off that she tended to find excuses not to wear them (just a short ride, etc. ...). None of the protective features of a boot work if the boot is in the shoe rack not being worn.

PhilB

[7UPyours]

so how do you guys feel about shoes like this or similar http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...uth-Shoes.aspx

[G21forme]

I think they are useless, but that's just my .02

[Rossco]

I think they are useless, but that's just my .02

[fzwilly]

the Cortech Latigo boot was only mention 1 time and I have read good reviews on it and it falls within th OP's price point.



http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street...y_tour_master/

I personally just picked up a pair of the A-stars SMX-plus and thought they are waaaaay more comfortable than my Sidi vertigo boots.

[RandyO]

I wear work boots (loggers) and I will stand behind them being more protective than most motorcycle specific boots, currently wolverines but I think next pair will be Haix, rolling logs and chainsaws are as much if not more dangerous than dumping off a bike, and they are comfortable to walk in, waterproof in warm or cold temps, they provide superior arch and ankle support

[stpierre]