What's a good riding shoe?

[darkknight49]

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...4290#post34290

[kkim]

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-boots/

[miks]

Like the look of the Spidi, looks like a casual shoe. Will these types of shoes protect your ankles?

[py2e]

I just bought a pair of ICON Chukkas. I haven't rode with them on yet, but it looks and feel like your typical timberland boots. I would buy them a 0.5 size bigger since it feels tight near the toes if I wear thick socks.

[Cali619]

Get ones that are protecting the ankle, otherwise there wont be a great difference in the riding boot to a pair of sneakers.

[camaroz1985]

I just bought a pair of Joe Rocket Meteor boots from New Enough for $109 and free shipping.

[hogfan83]

never had the boots but my experience with Frank Thomaas gear is not good...i just got the alpinestars smx-2 and love them! i walk all over campus in them....but they are a bit pricier

[xTKx]

Hey darkknight, I've actually got that exact same pair of Alpine one-o-one's that you have at the top of the list. I'd say the only thing I have against the shoes (which can be very easily fixed) is the comfort when wearing short socks. Last summer when I had my old bike, I'd wear short socks with my boots, then just swap shoes when I got to work. Longer rides can become pretty uncomfortable with short socks (the boot really seems to rub up against the ankle).

As for the boot itself, I love it! It's thick enough to offer a good amount of protection, yet flexible enough to offer range of motion. If it's within your finances, I'd def. reccomend that one to you...

Just my $.02

[OldGuy]

On the high side of your $$ range but the Sidi Doha is what I have been wearing and they go fine with my jeans for casual wear and feel good on the feet. I've worn them in just about all temperature ranges I'm going to find (high 90's down to the teens) and have been very happy. No pressure points or rubbing issues.

And you can't beat newenough for customer service, price, and delivery.

[darkknight49]

Originally Posted by camaroz1985

I just bought a pair of Joe Rocket Meteor boots from New Enough for $109 and free shipping.

how comfortable are they to walk around in?

[Syphen]

Puma flat2 is my favorite shoe. I also own Alpinestar Octanes. I wear them in colder weather. I also saw a really nice looking oxtar casual moto shoe the other day at my local bike shop. I cannot remember what the name of it was though. Looked sharp.

[noche_caliente]

you want something that's going to protect your ankle or don't bother
go search over in the newbie section on KF - up in the stickies - there are pics of folks who didn't wear boots with ankle protection - things like ground down ankle bones and what not - or check out what happened to JT when he went down and all of his ankle surgeries - if that doesn't convince you, then I'm wasting my figurative breath

[darkknight49]

Originally Posted by noche_caliente

you want something that's going to protect your ankle or don't bother
go search over in the newbie section on KF - up in the stickies - there are pics of folks who didn't wear boots with ankle protection - things like ground down ankle bones and what not - or check out what happened to JT when he went down and all of his ankle surgeries - if that doesn't convince you, then I'm wasting my figurative breath

um...that doesn't help me find a riding shoe.

I realize the importance of riding shoes otherwise i'd just wear my adidas. I am looking for people's experiences with riding shoes and which ones offer the best balance in protection and comfort.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by darkknight49

um...that doesn't help me find a riding shoe.

I realize the importance of riding shoes otherwise i'd just wear my adidas. I am looking for people's experiences with riding shoes and which ones offer the best balance in protection and comfort.

Unfortunately her comment is spot-on. There isn't a riding shoe available that provides any acceptable balance in protection and comfort, as none of them provide any ankle protection whatsoever. As far as I can tell the only features that make them "riding shoes" is that the upper is designed so the gearshift mechanism won't get in the way of laces.

Buy motorcycle-specific boots, or just wear Converses.

[darkknight49]

Originally Posted by Alex

Unfortunately her comment is spot-on. There isn't a riding shoe available that provides any acceptable balance in protection and comfort, as none of them provide any ankle protection whatsoever. As far as I can tell the only features that make them "riding shoes" is that the upper is designed so the gearshift mechanism won't get in the way of laces.

Buy motorcycle-specific boots, or just wear Converses.

hmm. I'm still a little confused on this then. So the shoes I mentioned above are basically no better than tennis shoes?

And I'm starting to sense a difference between boots and shoes besides shape.

Would something like this be a better choice then?

or

[Alex]

Originally Posted by darkknight49

Would something like this be a better choice then?

A better choice than what? Flip-flops? Absolutely! And probably better than low-rise tennis shoes as well.

Yes, there's a little exaggeration in that statement, and perhaps the shoes in your pic provide some level of protection, but in my opinion not nearly enough. As someone who has suffered some pretty severe ankle injuries, I do take these things reasonably seriously and wouldn't consider getting on a bike without having some decent ankle protection. It's not just about covering the ankle, it's about having a firm enough structure to actually support the ankle when it is hit by the bike or lands crooked on the pavement with all of your body weight. A soft-construction shoe just won't help at all at that point, all it can protect against is abrasions if it manages to stay on while you're sliding down the road.

Check out this link, and just about any of the full-length boots on that page will provide much better protection for all types of foot and ankle injuries should you have an accident on your bike.

[kkim]

I'm a firm believer in wearing a full boot and not a lowcut type of over the ankle shoe. But neither do I want to look like a space alien walking around with a full race boot in my work clothes after my commute to work. My "compromise" was to go with a touring type of boot. It provides full coverage, has decent protection built in (if you look at the different types closely) and they usually come in plain black leather that looks like a regular pair of shoes (albeit a little bit weird) under my work clothes. Plus, they are comfortable enough to walk around in all day.

I have a pair of Oxtar Matrix 2 boots.

[Alex]

Another option that works for some folks is to stash a pair of comfortable shoes/sneakers where they need to be at the end of the ride. Under their desk at work, or in a locker at school. Won't work for every situation, if there isn't a convenient place to leave them or if there really are multiple destinations that you'll be riding the bike to during the day, but it may be worth thinking about.

[darkknight49]

Originally Posted by Alex

A better choice than what? Flip-flops? Absolutely! And probably better than low-rise tennis shoes as well.

Yes, there's a little exaggeration in that statement, and perhaps the shoes in your pic provide some level of protection, but in my opinion not nearly enough. As someone who has suffered some pretty severe ankle injuries, I do take these things reasonably seriously and wouldn't consider getting on a bike without having some decent ankle protection. It's not just about covering the ankle, it's about having a firm enough structure to actually support the ankle when it is hit by the bike or lands crooked on the pavement with all of your body weight. A soft-construction shoe just won't help at all at that point, all it can protect against is abrasions if it manages to stay on while you're sliding down the road.

Check out this link, and just about any of the full-length boots on that page will provide much better protection for all types of foot and ankle injuries should you have an accident on your bike.

thanks! I've been looking at that page for a bit now. I might just have to spend a bit more $$ than i would like but oh well. I'm gonna head down to Cycle Gear saturday and try some on.

[kkim]

also, keep an eye on different sites' closeout specials. I bought my boots, usually around $200, for little over $100 due them being on closeout.

You make luck out and find just what you need at a greatly reduced cost.

[hogfan83]

if your going up in your price range i highly recommend you consider the Alpinestar SMX-2

[ARc]

Go to your nearest Cycle Gear and try on their boot, make sure you note the size that fits you best. Then come home and find the nicest boots you can afford. The highest end boots right now that are on closeout are these

http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/b...cle_boots.html

They are quite pricey, but no one here will complain if you get them. If you want a more street-friendly option that doesn't make you look like a track demon, you can look online on ebay for a pair of Setup Visions, or Oxtar boots

Setup Visions

TCX Performance 2

That is the minimum that I would recommend. If the high prices make you balk, keep in mind that these boots last you for a good 2-3 years. I wear my $70 sneakers for 6 months at most ;D

[empire00]

i wrecked in a pair of steel toe work boots (high top not over the ankle) and it was obviously better than a pair of tennis shoes when my bike landed on my foot. but it didnt have the support i needed and messed up a lot of muscles and tendons in my ankle. if i would have had over the ankle boots i would have walked away. without them i had to have help to even stand up.

[noche_caliente]

Originally Posted by darkknight49

hmm. I'm still a little confused on this then. So the shoes I mentioned above are basically no better than tennis shoes?

And I'm starting to sense a difference between boots and shoes besides shape.

Would something like this be a better choice then?

I wasn't trying to be difficult, and yes, the shoes you mentioned are a *little* better than tennis shoes, but still not going to afford you much protection... the S* boots you pictured are the same as the ones I have (though I do have the women's version) and I couldn't be happier with them - they are VERY comfortable, and I even attended some important conferences for work while wearing them and no one could tell I forgot to bring my back-up shoes with me that day, but my pants were flowy enough to cover the tops and from the rest you really couldn't tell.... coming from someone who is waiting for knee replacements and wears Nike Shox all day as they are the only thing that my knees will tolerate- the statement that these were very comfortable is a huge endorsement for them!
Good luck on your quest for footwear! I got mine from motorcycle-superstore, and loved their service

[darkknight49]

Originally Posted by noche_caliente

I wasn't trying to be difficult, and yes, the shoes you mentioned are a *little* better than tennis shoes, but still not going to afford you much protection... the S* boots you pictured are the same as the ones I have (though I do have the women's version) and I couldn't be happier with them - they are VERY comfortable, and I even attended some important conferences for work while wearing them and no one could tell I forgot to bring my back-up shoes with me that day, but my pants were flowy enough to cover the tops and from the rest you really couldn't tell.... coming from someone who is waiting for knee replacements and wears Nike Shox all day as they are the only thing that my knees will tolerate- the statement that these were very comfortable is a huge endorsement for them!
Good luck on your quest for footwear! I got mine from motorcycle-superstore, and loved their service

Thanks for the help. I was loooking at motocycle-superstore and they had those sm-4s on sale but not in my size (). The next best one's I've found are the Sidi Strada Evo airs.

[ARc]

I approve of those ;D

[darkknight49]

Originally Posted by ARc

I approve of those ;D

yea, they look pretty badass as well. I ordered those from motorcycle superstore and should have em by monday. Hope they work well.

Thanks for everyones help. Maybe I'll put up a review of the shoe as a thank you.

[camaroz1985]

Originally Posted by darkknight49

how comfortable are they to walk around in?

Wow I go away for a little bit and this thread has exploded. Seems you have found some boots, but to answer your question. The Joe Rocket Meteors seem to be pretty comfortable to walk around in, but I am still breaking them in so I think they will be getting better. I just got them yesterday.

[Visus]

I've been looking for boots for a while too.
These look pretty good: Vendramini Aero Air-Tex

or for a full boot maybe: Dainese B.B.2 D-Dry Boots

Wish I could try them on though.

[kazam58]

This thread definitely did explode. I have a pair of A* Octanes. I like them, they're comfy, and have a good deal more protection than regular shoes, but I still only use them on the low speed scoots around town, where tall boots really aren't practical, especially if I'm going out with friends or something (yea, i'm gonna get flamed for that...)
I bought a pair of Sidi race boots recently from newenough. Can't say enough about how sweet they are. I certainly won't be worrying about my feet when I have those on.

For some reason I don't like black boots/shoes. It's something that bothers me. It seems to me like they always look better in white....

[devinjc]

Those Sidi Stradas Airs should be nice. I have some Vertigo Airs and didn't die walking around in the Sac heat last summer. They comfortable enough for walking, but then I don't go walking around UCD. I would think as long as they fit right you'll be fine. The Stradas might even be more comfortable.

[darkknight49]

Originally Posted by devinjc

Those Sidi Stradas Airs should be nice. I have some Vertigo Airs and didn't die walking around in the Sac heat last summer. They comfortable enough for walking, but then I don't go walking around UCD. I would think as long as they fit right you'll be fine. The Stradas might even be more comfortable.

Hope so, they shipped today so I should have em early next week. My bike is getting it's 7500 mile service and I won't have it till monday at the earliest.

Yea, i hope they are comfortable for walking around in, even though I graduate this summer, i'd still like something comfortable.

[kkim]

Originally Posted by darkknight49

My bike is getting it's 7500 mile service and I won't have it till monday at the earliest.

Please find out if they had to adjust the valves and if so, how far off they were?

[Sailariel]

I like the River Road Ranger Harness Boot. It doesn`t look like a Moon Boot, is comfortable, and is good for walking. It is traditional. I wore the same boot 40years ago. A lot of the cruisers wear them, and several companies make them--namely Dingo and Justin. They are priced between $100 and $125.

[darkknight49]

Originally Posted by kkim

Please find out if they had to adjust the valves and if so, how far off they were?

no problem, kelly. I'm curious myself. I'm also hoping my clutch lever is adjusted. The darn thing had like half an inch of play. Didn't notice it when i bought the bike.

[cwb48]

I wear the Cortech "Solution" waterproof touring boots. They are a less extreme style boot that are comfortable for walking and cost around $120.

Chris

[djpharoah]

I found a set of A*s GPS3 touring/street boots online for like $60 bucks. Are these any good?

[darkknight49]

[littledog]

OKAY...

Originally Posted by Alex

Unfortunately her comment is spot-on. There isn't a riding shoe available that provides any acceptable balance in protection and comfort, as none of them provide any ankle protection whatsoever. As far as I can tell the only features that make them "riding shoes" is that the upper is designed so the gearshift mechanism won't get in the way of laces.

Buy motorcycle-specific boots, or just wear Converses.

I value my feet very highly, tied for second or a very close third with my hands. first place has to be my noggin. So when I got my ninja last year I went shopping and threw money at every body part.

I think my shoes are lacking.

this is what I have, bought locally. They appear to be heavy leather work boots, sans steel toe, with a brand. So far as I can tell, nothing more.

http://www.rockytopleather.com/produ...-dipstick.html



I wear those instead of my "tennies" when I ride.

I am actually a serious tennis player.

being able to run and stop-start is priceless to me. these are my tennies

http://www.holabirdsports.com/m/Shoe.../p1/111670.htm



they have wide forefoot (I have wide feet) and good enough ankle support so that I do not need secondary braces (can roll my ankles walking in the yard if I step on a rock wrong)

I'd hate to mess up my ankles. are the harley boots as bad as I think they might be? should I just wear my tennies?

[Alex]

Comes down to one's own thoughts about what's important in foot/ankle protection. Seems like it's important for the footwear to fit well, tighten firmly, and have no chance of coming off in a crash. It's important for it to prevent ankle twisting, as much as feasible, if you land on it hard, or if something lands on it hard. It's important that there aren't any loose items (laces, etc.) that have the potential to come loose and get caught up in any moving parts of the motorcycle. I'm sure folks could think of a few more items, but once you have that list, weigh 'em against what you plan on wearing, and make sure that they fit whatever your acceptable risk profile is.