Whats on your feet???

[mike_sema]

Hey every one just want to start and say if this has been asked before my bad, I have only been riding since oct of 08 and I have been wearing just plain street shoes I just wanted to know what you guys tend to wear. I was thinking of getting a pair of frank Thomas XTi Sports Boots, this may seem extreme of a boot for the street buy my buddy just low sided his vfr 800 and his feet are mess up bad, so I want a lot of protection thanks mike

[kkim]

I would recommend full riding boots.

Based on my experience with boots, getting a good fit is essential. You need to size up (no pun intended) what type of foot you have and buy accordingly.

To my knowledge (based on reading reviews and recommendations) the following are general sizing guidelines according to manufactures.

Slim feet- SIDI, Setup

average width feet- Alpine Stars

wide feet- Oxtar, TCX, Gaerne

if anyone knows other brands that fit into any of those categories, please feel free to add to it.

btw- I wear Oxtar Matrix 2 Gore Tex Boots

[CaliGirl]

Hi! Welcome.

I agree with Kkim, only full riding boots offer full protection. I ride in a pair of TCX (previously Oxtar) Airtech GTX's. I like them very much. They offer ood protection without feeling like a pair of race boots. My feet are average width and they fit well. Try on as many pairs as you can before buying. Even if you end up buying online, try to find a retailer (like newenough) that has good return/exchange policies.

[Snake]

Caligirl, those are a nice pair of boots. I have been looking for a full boot like that.

[sm0kediver]

I wear a pair of black Red Wing steel toe boots, double knotted so there are no dangly bits to hang in the chain. Comfortable, tough, and non dork like when I get off the bike to go into a restaurant, store, whatever.

[kazam58]

kkim, I have to disagree with you about the Sidi's, i have at least normal width feet and my toes tend to float around in the Sidis that I have but they are fine in the Alpinstars riding shoe that I have. Just another opinion, that's all...
I quickly bought myself a pair of Alpinestars Octanes (simply riding Shoes) for the quick stints and recently got a set of Sidi Vertigo Corsas...they are a sick pair of boots and I feel ridiculously well protected in them. I would quickly get yourself a good pair of riding boots, the best you can afford

[kkim]

just curious... do you know what your foot width is??... a,b,c,d,e,ee,eee, etc??

as I said, it's a general rule, one that is supported by the newenough people who see a lot of different boot brands.

[mike_sema]

I have been looking around at my local shops that were open today not to many shops are open on Monday around her, and I will go out tomorrow to pick something out, and I think this is going to open me up to other ??? like what kind of gear do I wear so I will spit it out now.
joe rocket- rasp text
motoboss- swift for the cold
kushitani- mesh for the really hot days
icon field armore knee pads
scorpion exo 1000 love this helmet

joe rocket gloves mess and text mix
power trip full leather
shift full leather

i have not found a full leather jacket that i want to pick up yet but its on my list of things to get

[mike_sema]

Originally Posted by kkim

just curious... do you know what your foot width is??... a,b,c,d,e,ee,eee, etc??

as I said, it's a general rule, one that is supported by the newenough people who see a lot of different boot brands.

no i dont

[kazam58]

Originally Posted by kkim

just curious... do you know what your foot width is??... a,b,c,d,e,ee,eee, etc??

as I said, it's a general rule, one that is supported by the newenough people who see a lot of different boot brands.

oh dear, i have no idea, but i know i have had to buy shoes marked with that extra llittle "Wide" sticker in the past.

[Broom]

I wear my alpinestar smx or old oxtar racing boots and carry an old pair of converse with me (they fold up nice and small), or just leave an extra pair of shoes at work if I'm commuting.
Posted via Mobile Device

[mike_sema]

hey broom thats a good idea

[wyckedflesh]

I need to replace my last pair, but I have worn Full Leather Magnums for years. They offer as much protection as any of the non-armored Riding boots listed above. Plus, since I got pins in my ankle, they are the only boots I have found that are comfortable and allow the fitment around the inside of my ankle. Oh, and it is easier to slip an ankle brace on and wear them then the non-laceable boots also :-)

Right now I am sadly wearing a pair of above the ankle hiking boots until I can get my replacement magnums. It is REALLY difficult to get the full leather ones here, its always the ones with the fabric sides that are on the shelves so I have to order them in.

Oh, but the advantage of those riding boots is better feel for your pedals and rear braking. If I spent more time on the track or canyon straffing, I might see about getting a pair fitted.

[mike_sema]

cool boot looks like the army style converse boot I see at my work you should check those out

[mike_sema]

kinda like this

[ninjablk08]

wish i had full boots ,but got these for now, Icon super duty 2 boots

[smcbride11]

At the moment? Socks.

I've got a pair of A* Ridge waterproof boots I wear for just about everything, though I'm looking for something with a little more achilles support. Great tip about the brands that run a bit wide, Kelly - I'm always searching for the elusive 10W when I shop for shoes that don't come sized with the width letters. My work shoes come along in my backpack or saddlebags - polishing shifter marks out of leather shoes doesn't work all that well. Well, that and that I like my ankles with skin.

I've also got a pair of Wolverine work boots I wore through the MSF, but I've caught the cuffs of my pants on my pegs a few times and won't wear either cuffed pants or laced boots anymore.

[zartan]

I love the Icon super duty!! the heel is cut back so you don't hook on the footpeg. Comfortable to walk in when you stop somewhere..

but oooh yesterday I got a pair of Brand new vans for 17 bucks woot kids clearance!!!

[Bsmith]

I wear the SMX+ I have a narrow-ish foot. The internal laces do wonders for that. They are a bit pricey now but I got them before it went up and had a coupon.

[00v_Lucky]

What boot has the best arch support for the flat footed people like me? The descriptions on many boots do not say.

[Verus Cidere]

Originally Posted by CaliGirl

Try on as many pairs as you can before buying.

I have trouble with this, as the only riding boots I can actually find in stock around here are full-shin dirtbike boots. The ones that have solid metal casing them and almost no ankle movement to speak of. Really need to find a place that gives the other options!

[Nemy]

Originally Posted by 00v_Lucky

What boot has the best arch support for the flat footed people like me? The descriptions on many boots do not say.

I just chuck my insoles into the boot. The ones in my icon were removable.

Good fit with good ankle and toe protection, albeit not full boots. But I needed something for daily use. They also have the middle plastic so your shifter sits on that instead of the leathers.

[SteveL]

I have a pair of Akito Vipers wide fitting and warm enough for temperatures down to 0˚C

Steve

[Buffalony]

I'm wearing Bates. Their military issue (actually straight from the service) and I couldnt be happier. Have a pair in black and desert eagle. Their completely water proof, look good with jeans, and are very comfortable.
I think if your going to actually buy a pair of official riding boots you might want to just go to a couple of stores in your area to try few different brands on first. Then make a decision from there.

[BlueTyke]

Originally Posted by ninjablk08

Icon super duty 2 boots

+1 I have big feet... Ladies boots.. do not fit my big feet...

[websniper]

Originally Posted by kkim

I would recommend full riding boots.

Based on my experience with boots, getting a good fit is essential. You need to size up (no pun intended) what type of foot you have and buy accordingly.

To my knowledge (based on reading reviews and recommendations) the following are general sizing guidelines according to manufactures.

Slim feet- SIDI, Setup

average width feet- Alpine Stars

wide feet- Oxtar, TCX, Gaerne

if anyone knows other brands that fit into any of those categories, please feel free to add to it.

btw- I wear Oxtar Matrix 2 Gore Tex Boots

I will chime in that my findings have been different on boot width. I've tried on several Gaerne boots that do NOT fit my 8 wide foot. The A*'s SMX series boots I've tried all fit wider per the same size than the Gaerne's. Sidi's: typical Euro fit, narrow. Oxtar seems to be relatively wide as well.

[py2e]

Originally Posted by Nemy

I just chuck my insoles into the boot. The ones in my icon were removable.

Good fit with good ankle and toe protection, albeit not full boots. But I needed something for daily use. They also have the middle plastic so your shifter sits on that instead of the leathers.

I also have these, and I'm wearing them at work right now.

[paterick4o8]

I have the Gaerne GRS. They have good ratings and are an Italian brand


Crash tested already, only thing is the toe slider which came lose but didnt break off, but can be fixed
They're comfortable too.

[CC Cowboy]

Flip-flops, you have to remember it is hot in Florida all year.

[komohana]

i got me a pair of these for xmas (mom..shnarfer)



i also have a pair of these:

[FroggyGreenInSD]

I got these when I bought the bike. They're comfortable enough that I wear them at work sometimes. I mainly commute with the occasional fun ride on the weekend so these boots are a good compromise for me.

[Syphen]

I ride in Alpinestars Octane riding shoes. I also have a pair of Alpinestars GP-tech raceboots. Depends on where I am going or what I'm doing.

[Buffalony]

Originally Posted by mike_sema

Hey every one just want to start and say if this has been asked before my bad, I have only been riding since oct of 08 and I have been wearing just plain street shoes I just wanted to know what you guys tend to wear. I was thinking of getting a pair of frank Thomas XTi Sports Boots, this may seem extreme of a boot for the street buy my buddy just low sided his vfr 800 and his feet are mess up bad, so I want a lot of protection thanks mike

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

Flip-flops, you have to remember it is hot in Florida all year.

With out a shirt or helmet.

[dyeclan]

Originally Posted by py2e

I also have these, and I'm wearing them at work right now.

+1 on these, I have them in black, and they are holding up really well. Sometimes wear them even if I'm not riding, they're that comfortable.

[py2e]

Originally Posted by Buffalony

With out a shirt or helmet.

Some times I don't even wear pants... =>

[Beast]

Originally Posted by paterick4o8

I have the Gaerne GRS. They have good ratings and are an Italian brand


Crash tested already, only thing is the toe slider which came lose but didnt break off, but can be fixed
They're comfortable too.

Nice! I haven't seen that brand before.

I wear Sidi coolmax Monza socks when I ride. These things are amazing! Well worth the $15. Bought them from New Enough.


Puma Desmo My first boot. However one of the zippers JUST broke (permanently) on the left boot. Useless now :/


Puma 1000 V1 Second boot, but am getting rid of them soon


They will be replaced by these:

Sidi Vortice Air

[py2e]

what's special about the socks?

[Jiu Jitsu Player]

Im an idiot- I usually wear slip on vans or nike air max 95s. After seeing all the serious boots in this thread though, its making me rethink my approach.

[kkim]

Originally Posted by Jiu Jitsu Player

After seeing all the serious boots in this thread though, its making me rethink my approach.

Good idea!

[sometimesido]

Originally Posted by Jiu Jitsu Player

Im an idiot- I usually wear slip on vans or nike air max 95s. After seeing all the serious boots in this thread though, its making me rethink my approach.

Two of my buddies have dropped their bikes and both of them damaged their ankles. As soon as they could ride again, they spent the dough and got proper boots.