Help on deciding on riding boots

ichibunkid.206 · July 24th, 2011, 11:53 AM

Hi All,

Need some help on deciding on some riding boots... But I need some education on making sure I get the correct type of boot...

I'm thinking of getting either the Sidi Fusion boot, or the Joe Rocket Super Street Boot... At present I won't be doing any track day, at the soonest next season maybe... most of my riding is mainly city street, rural road, highway riding...

I'd like for them to be comfortable enough so that if I decide to park the bike, and get off to walk around and do some shopping, sight-seeing, the boots won't kill my feet while walking around.

Please correct me if I'm wrong... but in the event of a crash the full length boot will offer my ankle better support/protection.. correct? Will I/ Do I sacrifice off bike comfort (When walking around) with a full length boot? And do I need a full length for the type of riding I do??

thanks, Also feel free to offer up any other boot suggestions you may have.

Honko · July 24th, 2011, 12:18 PM

Because it doesn't have the brace that goes from the heel to the ankle, those fusions look like they would be pretty comfortable off the bike. I've got Sidi STs which have the full brace and even those are still pretty comfortable to walk around in, but probably not for overly extended periods of walking. The vertigos might also be worth looking into since they offer good walking and have a little plastic piece of the ankle.

You are correct about the full length boot providing significantly better protection than "riding shoes", a broken leg heals A LOT more cleanly than a shattered ankle will (if the ankle heals at all). In the case of a lowside where you might get stuck under the bike, it also provides more coverage on the leg in case you come in contact with the exhaust which could cause sever burns.

I had actually purchased a pair of shift kicker shoes but after seeing pictures of ankle injuries and reading this (post #22)

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=76532

I changed my tune and returned the kickers and bought the STs.

austexjg · July 24th, 2011, 02:11 PM

Sidi ST are a great choice - I have the Vortice and they are awesome. Just go to a local shop and look at the different styles of Sidi - the choice will be easy, but might be painfull on the wallet.

mishka · July 24th, 2011, 05:26 PM

I'm sold on these boots but I need a size 14 and every place is sold out except ebay. :\ Does every store order from the same warehouse? Every site seems to have the same amount in stock.

Edit: is there decent air flow in a non perforated boot?

setasai · July 24th, 2011, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mishka

I'm sold on these boots but I need a size 14 and every place is sold out except ebay. :\ Does every store order from the same warehouse? Every site seems to have the same amount in stock.

Edit: is there decent air flow in a non perforated boot?

Depends on the boot. My non-perf TCX 3/4 length touring boot gets warm but not uncomfortably warm... yet. Toes do get cold though so I suppose it's useless for all weather variations except moderate.

kaiserz · July 24th, 2011, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honko

Because it doesn't have the brace that goes from the heel to the ankle, those fusions look like they would be pretty comfortable off the bike. I've got Sidi STs which have the full brace and even those are still pretty comfortable to walk around in, but probably not for overly extended periods of walking. The vertigos might also be worth looking into since they offer good walking and have a little plastic piece of the ankle.

You are correct about the full length boot providing significantly better protection than "riding shoes", a broken leg heals A LOT more cleanly than a shattered ankle will (if the ankle heals at all). In the case of a lowside where you might get stuck under the bike, it also provides more coverage on the leg in case you come in contact with the exhaust which could cause sever burns.

I had actually purchased a pair of shift kicker shoes but after seeing pictures of ankle injuries and reading this (post #22)

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=76532

I changed my tune and returned the kickers and bought the STs.

Well said

mishka · July 24th, 2011, 06:35 PM

Yeah, that post got my spooked. I love running so I want my feet. I ordered the non perforated STs in size 14. Hopefully they won't be too uncomfortable in GA summers.

Honko · July 24th, 2011, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by austexjg

Sidi ST are a great choice - I have the Vortice and they are awesome. Just go to a local shop and look at the different styles of Sidi - the choice will be easy, but might be painfull on the wallet.

I forgot to mention this in my post. If you have a shop around that has a good selection of boots, it would probably be worth your while to go there and try some on to see how they feel when you walk around in them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mishka

Yeah, that post got my spooked. I love running so I want my feet. I ordered the non perforated STs in size 14. Hopefully they won't be too uncomfortable in GA summers.

I've got the non-perforated STs and was riding around in them in the 110 degree weather we had here the past couple of days and my feet were perfectly fine (they have a little vent near the bottom that helps)....my body on the other hand......

Honko · July 24th, 2011, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaiserz

Well said

kaiserz · July 24th, 2011, 08:28 PM

me too bro, that's why I got the best riding boots I can get my hands on, I don't care even if Its not comfortable to walk on, it's meant for riding anyway, not for walking. (that is also why I got my flip-flops with me, if i decide to walk around the mall and stuff)

ichibunkid.206 · July 25th, 2011, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honko

Because it doesn't have the brace that goes from the heel to the ankle, those fusions look like they would be pretty comfortable off the bike. I've got Sidi STs which have the full brace and even those are still pretty comfortable to walk around in, but probably not for overly extended periods of walking. The vertigos might also be worth looking into since they offer good walking and have a little plastic piece of the ankle.

You are correct about the full length boot providing significantly better protection than "riding shoes", a broken leg heals A LOT more cleanly than a shattered ankle will (if the ankle heals at all). In the case of a lowside where you might get stuck under the bike, it also provides more coverage on the leg in case you come in contact with the exhaust which could cause sever burns.

I had actually purchased a pair of shift kicker shoes but after seeing pictures of ankle injuries and reading this (post #22)

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=76532

I changed my tune and returned the kickers and bought the STs.

Holy cr@p

.... I remember reading through that thread maybe a month or so ago, and I remember reading that post too... Thanks for bringing it up again, 395.00 for a pair of Sidi ST's is cheap insurance compared to the alternative.

Honko · July 25th, 2011, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ichibunkid.206

Holy cr@p

.... I remember reading through that thread maybe a month or so ago, and I remember reading that post too... Thanks for bringing it up again, 395.00 for a pair of Sidi ST's is cheap insurance compared to the alternative.

You also have to consider that a good pair of boots should last you a veeerrry long time, even if you do get into an accident.

PHL · July 25th, 2011, 04:37 PM

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/d...-out-air-boots

I purchased these and am very happy with them. Novice rider so I've nothing to compare them to, but they are not terribly uncomfortable even with the ankle support. The perfs do their job I suppose, as I notice how terribly hot my head and body are, not my feet. Seem to be breaking in nicely as I've gone to the grocery store in them. The ladies on the block seem to like them too!

I was considering the Fusion boots as well, but I'm glad I have the extra ankle support. I normally wear a size 9 thanks to my wide feet. The salesperson at Revzilla (great people BTW) gave me a 8.5 and was spot on. IIRC Sidi tend to be narrower, and A* are wider?

Honko · July 25th, 2011, 06:09 PM

I believe you're right on the Sidis being narrower since they are an Italian brand, but I think they're more recent models have a wider footbase/heelcup than they used to.

ichibunkid.206 · July 28th, 2011, 07:25 PM

Went and tried a pair of the Sidi ST at the locale motorcycle shop and had a look at the Sidi Fusion's, Vertigo as well

The Fusions looked real comfortable but I thought they lacked any real lateral ankle support, the Vertigo's were a bit better and also felt comfy when I tried them on... and lastly I tried the ST's on. They were comfortable on my feet, and when I walking around the store they felt pretty good also (I was expecting them to feel like walking around in ski boots) I was pleasantly surprised with the way they felt. The store only had the ST's in the Black/White versions in stock, and I wanted the all black version.

I decided to have a look around the store (bad idea), and I tried on a pair of the A* SP-1's (real bad idea) these gloves are NICE, but I wasn't sure if they were 150.00 nice though... I decided to head home and thought I dodged the bullet on this one... Too bad I have internet at home, and a credit card... dam the internet, just placed my order for the gloves, and Sidi ST boots... Now I can't wait till my gear shows up!!!!

ichibunkid.206 · July 28th, 2011, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honko

I believe you're right on the Sidis being narrower since they are an Italian brand, but I think they're more recent models have a wider footbase/heelcup than they used to.

I think you're correct on this.... when I tried the Sidi's on today I needed to wear a second pair of socks to take care of the looseness in the heel cup, and a little in the foot base...

I normally wear a size 9 in tennis shoes and my feet are on the narrow side, I ended up needing a 42euro/8.5 US.. I did try on a 41euro/7.5 US, but it didn't have the length I needed. The fit in the 41euro was better in the heel cup, and footbase but my toes were some what jammed into the front of the toe box.

ducducgooseit · July 28th, 2011, 07:44 PM

After trying the SP-1s you are forbidden to look at these.

You will not be able to resist.

Mmmmmmm gloves ....

OP: Sidis are a good choice. I would recommend Sidis over Joe Rocket

Honko · July 28th, 2011, 07:46 PM

Which ones did you end up purchasing?

ichibunkid.206 · July 28th, 2011, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honko

Which ones did you end up purchasing?

Got the Sidi ST, and the A* SP-1... I modified my post to be more clear

ichibunkid.206 · July 28th, 2011, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducducgooseit

After trying the SP-1s you are forbidden to look at these.

You will not be able to resist.

Ai-Ka-Rumba

Honko · July 28th, 2011, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ichibunkid.206

Got the Sidi ST, and the A* SP-1... I modified my post to be more clear

July 28th, 2011, 07:25 PM	#15
ichibunkid.206 ninjette.org member Name: Phil Location: Seattle Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R Posts: 190	Going to the Poor Farm Went and tried a pair of the Sidi ST at the locale motorcycle shop and had a look at the Sidi Fusion's, Vertigo as well The Fusions looked real comfortable but I thought they lacked any real lateral ankle support, the Vertigo's were a bit better and also felt comfy when I tried them on... and lastly I tried the ST's on. They were comfortable on my feet, and when I walking around the store they felt pretty good also (I was expecting them to feel like walking around in ski boots) I was pleasantly surprised with the way they felt. The store only had the ST's in the Black/White versions in stock, and I wanted the all black version. I decided to have a look around the store (bad idea), and I tried on a pair of the A* SP-1's (real bad idea) these gloves are NICE, but I wasn't sure if they were 150.00 nice though... I decided to head home and thought I dodged the bullet on this one... Too bad I have internet at home, and a credit card... dam the internet, just placed my order for the gloves, and Sidi ST boots... Now I can't wait till my gear shows up!!!! __________________________________________________ ATGATT Quote Wild Hogs - Woody: "May be I don't want to wear a helmet, Maybe I don't want anything between me and the road" Bobby: "You will if your head falls on it"

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July 24th, 2011, 12:18 PM	#2
Honko ninjette.org sage Name: Hyon Location: Northern Virginia Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Green SE Posts: 574	Because it doesn't have the brace that goes from the heel to the ankle, those fusions look like they would be pretty comfortable off the bike. I've got Sidi STs which have the full brace and even those are still pretty comfortable to walk around in, but probably not for overly extended periods of walking. The vertigos might also be worth looking into since they offer good walking and have a little plastic piece of the ankle. You are correct about the full length boot providing significantly better protection than "riding shoes", a broken leg heals A LOT more cleanly than a shattered ankle will (if the ankle heals at all). In the case of a lowside where you might get stuck under the bike, it also provides more coverage on the leg in case you come in contact with the exhaust which could cause sever burns. I had actually purchased a pair of shift kicker shoes but after seeing pictures of ankle injuries and reading this (post #22) http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=76532 I changed my tune and returned the kickers and bought the STs.

July 24th, 2011, 02:11 PM	#3
austexjg ninjette.org sage Name: J.G. Location: Austin Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 zx6r Green/Black, (ex-)Diablo Black '09 Ninja 250r Posts: 959	Sidi ST are a great choice - I have the Vortice and they are awesome. Just go to a local shop and look at the different styles of Sidi - the choice will be easy, but might be painfull on the wallet.

July 24th, 2011, 05:26 PM	#4
mishka ninjette.org member Name: Paul Location: Atlanta, GA Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: 48	I'm sold on these boots but I need a size 14 and every place is sold out except ebay. :\ Does every store order from the same warehouse? Every site seems to have the same amount in stock. Edit: is there decent air flow in a non perforated boot?

July 24th, 2011, 06:35 PM	#7
mishka ninjette.org member Name: Paul Location: Atlanta, GA Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: 48	Yeah, that post got my spooked. I love running so I want my feet. I ordered the non perforated STs in size 14. Hopefully they won't be too uncomfortable in GA summers.

July 24th, 2011, 08:28 PM	#10
kaiserz There's a limit to s2pdty Name: A.D. Location: NoVa the burg Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 250r ninja (sold) Posts: A lot.	me too bro, that's why I got the best riding boots I can get my hands on, I don't care even if Its not comfortable to walk on, it's meant for riding anyway, not for walking. (that is also why I got my flip-flops with me, if i decide to walk around the mall and stuff)

July 25th, 2011, 04:37 PM	#13
PHL ninjette.org member Name: Napoleon Location: Philadelphia Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Street Triple R Posts: 86	http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/d...-out-air-boots I purchased these and am very happy with them. Novice rider so I've nothing to compare them to, but they are not terribly uncomfortable even with the ankle support. The perfs do their job I suppose, as I notice how terribly hot my head and body are, not my feet. Seem to be breaking in nicely as I've gone to the grocery store in them. The ladies on the block seem to like them too! I was considering the Fusion boots as well, but I'm glad I have the extra ankle support. I normally wear a size 9 thanks to my wide feet. The salesperson at Revzilla (great people BTW) gave me a 8.5 and was spot on. IIRC Sidi tend to be narrower, and A* are wider?

July 25th, 2011, 06:09 PM	#14
Honko ninjette.org sage Name: Hyon Location: Northern Virginia Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Green SE Posts: 574	I believe you're right on the Sidis being narrower since they are an Italian brand, but I think they're more recent models have a wider footbase/heelcup than they used to.

July 28th, 2011, 07:44 PM	#17
ducducgooseit Name: ... Location: ... Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): ... Posts: 999	After trying the SP-1s you are forbidden to look at these. You will not be able to resist. Mmmmmmm gloves .... OP: Sidis are a good choice. I would recommend Sidis over Joe Rocket

July 28th, 2011, 07:46 PM	#18
Honko ninjette.org sage Name: Hyon Location: Northern Virginia Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Green SE Posts: 574	Which ones did you end up purchasing?