Proper Foot Protection

[Billy]

I've been having a hard time trying to find something that works. I'm mainly trying to find a boot that offers over the ankle protection.

I've tried riding with a pair of over the ankle work boots that I have but I was having some problems shifting with them. So I went back to sneakers (Yea I know).

I ordered a pair of the Icon Field Armor Street boots and I wasn't happy with them at all. It's a very bulky boot, I could barely fit it in between the shifter and the foot peg, and I couldn't even point my foot down to get it in between the shifter and the foot peg.

Are there any boots out there that offer the following:

1) Over the ankle protection.

2) Slim down by your toes so it will fit in between the shifter and foot peg for when you need to shift

3) Still allows you to move your foot around so you can properly position your foot for a shift.

[duey]

sidi vertigo's

it feels weird now NOT wearing them while riding. If you prefer the NON-power ranger look i'd definately go for the black versions.

[union]

Also look at the Oxtar EVO boots. I have a friend thats a STT instructor and he loves them. One thing to remember is any boot like that and the Sidi arent the best for walking. Youll be walking like a duck but they ride well.

[slaps76]

I haven't tried a bunch of different boots, I've have a cheap pair of Joe Rocket boots that are similar to work boots, and a pair of Setup boots like these: http://www.newenough.com/setup_gran_...boots_page.htm

They're not a full out race boot, but they've got pretty good protection, and aren't uncomfortable at all. Can walk in them fine.

Think you need to hit brockton cycles and try some things on maybe. Hard to judge stuff like that based on looks.

[brewmaster]

Spend the money on anyone of the top motorcycle boot brands and you will get a quality boot. They are more comfortable, protective and designed for riding. Gortex lined versions will even keep you dry in the rain. Buy them and you will wonder why you waited so long!

[Cheese]

Sidi B-2s are priced at the low end of Sidi's line (~$220) but are very comfortable and functional.

[Paul_E_D]

Sidi On-Roads are the best street boot I've used. Fully waterproof, leather, good soles for walking, nice enough to wear at work.

[ssg]

I like Sidi's and Alpinestars, but Sidi's (currently Vertigo's) just offer some of the best 'feel' from various boots I have tried.

[Billy]

I think I'm going to try the SIDI's out. Thanks for the help guys!

[ssg]

Cool, glad to hear it - now where are you buying them from is the next question?

[benVFR]

You might just want to adjust your shifter.

Boots with protection are going to take some adjustment but eventually they loosen up a little bit which will help.

Even if you just stick with the Icon boots for a while and break them in they should get easier to shift with, both because they will loosen up, and because you will just get used to shifting in them.

edit: Damn those Icons are some funky looking boots.. maybe they don't work after all! They look more like rollerblades minus the wheels...

[sanfelice]

How about boots with decent above ankle protection but that can actually *breathe*?! (/minor threadjack) my feet in my Setup boots are stoinky in this heat. I'm thinking of drilling holes in the damned things. Sort of defeat the rain-proofing though, huh?

[The Snowman]

I'm actually waiting on a pair of Icon Field Armor Street boots that I've ordered. I've tried GP boots and didn't like the feel of them. Not enough flex for me.

[RandyO]

sound like you just have to deal with stiff boots long enuf to get them broken in

[The Snowman]

Originally posted by RandyO
sound like you just have to deal with stiff boots long enuf to get them broken in

I had this same issue with my moto-x boots. Never got used to the stiffness, even after months of riding. Guess I just like ankle freedom. (not enough to ride with below the ankle shoes though)

[Aaron]

Wrap your foot/ankle in duct tape. 'nuff said.

[Billy]

Originally posted by 97BladeRider
I'm actually waiting on a pair of Icon Field Armor Street boots that I've ordered. I've tried GP boots and didn't like the feel of them. Not enough flex for me.

Then you are going to hate the Field Armor Street Boots. they have NO flex at all. It's like having a cast around the bottome of your foot.

[13]

Sidi race boots are stiff too. Like ski boots. I use them for racing, but that's it. On the street I use the Teknic Freestyle, they're like hiking boots with good ankle protection and they don't restrict your movement while walking. Or shifting for that matter.

[Punjistick]

I have a pair of these that I wear when just cruising around. They offer over-the-ankle protection while being flexible like sneakers. They will need to be broken in a bit. I found the best way was to wear them like normal everyday shoes and walk around in them for a while. I'm not too crazy about how they look but they do protect the ankle.

I wear Sidi boots when I am riding a little more aggressive or on the track. I love the Sidi's for the street too though.

[ssg]

Originally posted by Punjistick
I wear Sidi boots when I am riding a little more aggressive or on the track. I love the Sidi's for the street too though. [/B]

Yeah, I think the Sidi's are pretty good for all around if you don't get their race boots. I had a pair od their last Vertebra Race and they sucked for streetriding because you have to get off the bike at some point and that was never fun. Didn't mind them on the bike though.

[JeffL]

My A* SMX-Plus boots are really comfy, and nice once they broke in, only problem being, they still squeek like all hell when walking around. Its all a tradeoff, you give up some things to gain others.

[brewmaster]

Originally posted by JeffL
My A* SMX-Plus boots are really comfy, and nice once they broke in, only problem being, they still squeek like all hell when walking around. Its all a tradeoff, you give up some things to gain others.

Ditto, still dig mine also.

[duey]

i've been wearing my sidi vertigo's on a daily basis this season. I've heard of other peoples having sqeaking issues (same with SMX's) but mines are fine, i walk around in them if i need to and don't mind it except the funny looks i get with bright RED boots. But then alotta new sneakers are so flashy/corny looking my sidi's almost blend in sometimes lol

[Cheese]

You can hit them with a squirt of your favorite chain lube to fix the squeaking.

[KB]

I would go with a set of these!