[rickj]

I saw an ugly vid yesterday and decide to think about proper footwear. I've been wearing like pull-on "cowboy" (remember Frye boots?) when I commute and military Desert boots when I ride for fun(paternal right of appropriation- they are my son's). Since I dress for work I can't really do the desert boot then. Anyway- I'm wondering what the real purpose of riding boots is and what would satisfy it and still look OK at work??

If I gotta keep a pair of work shoes at work and just ride in and change -I suppose that is ok...are those light suede type low heel, lace-up desert boot acceptable? Anyone have street looking boots for riding? After seeing what the spill did to that guys foot- I'm willing to save for more gear!

Also- is there a better forum to post this on?? I want a classic triple attitude/point of view answer though.

 

[YrfuneralMytrial]

I'll admit that until a recent crash (no foot damage), I usually wore my Doc Martens or a pair of work boots I snagged from Wal-Mart. Post-crash and also post-10hr rain ride, I ponied up for some proper riding boots. I can't imagine wearing them at work though. NewEnough.com is a good place to look and find a deal. Their customer service is old school. Good luck. Wade

PS. Here's what I settled on:

http://www.newenough.com/joe_rocket_meteor_boots_page.htm

These look good for light duty/use at work:

http://www.newenough.com/sidi_doha_boots_page.htm

 

[LITTLEJOHN]

My daily commute when the weather is good includes 30 miles of 3 lane interstate highway. I want real good protection for my feet if something were to happen. I wear Chippewa motorcycle boots. These are heavy leather outside and glove leather lined inside, a heavy vibram sole and are about 12 inches tall. A hook and loop panel on the side makes them easy to get in and out of. The Pontiac, Michigan motorcycle police made these their boot of choice. They are made in Texas and retail for about $180.
John

 

[rickj]

I did a little looking around since m,y post- and checked out your choice too- looks like the smart thing might be to forget dual duty if I want real protection...yrfuneral

Littlejohn- I wonder if the redwings are similar to the chippewa?
Just looked- nope- the Chippewa are very nice looking!


[ This message was edited by: rickj on 2006-12-04 20:29 ]

 

[entropy]

i've settled on these for now...

Corcoran 995 10" Jump Boot

i'm still breaking them in. it is taking awhile since i haven't done much riding this past year. i was told once they are broken in they'll feel quite comfortable.

the beauty part is when you're not riding they could almost pass as a shiny dress shoe (for all you fancy pant office types) . they are made of a "spit shineable" leather.

 

[Blackhead]

And here is another option. Dayton Boots make the self described "finest motorcycle boots in the world". All their boots are hand made at their factory/showroom in Vancouver BC.

Pay careful attention to the fitting guide. These boots fit "wierd". Probably the best would be to go to Vancover and try some on. After all that is what the rich and famous do. Check out the gallery on the website if you don't believe.

By the way I have a pair and they are great. Will literally last a lifetime.
Dayton Boots

 

[jimmyj900]

I wore the Carolina 'Biker Boots' for years. The first pair was great -- comfortable and extremely durable despite being a bit heavy with the steel toes.

They changed the last on the second pair and I had to have the calves cut down -- made for those fat leg guys I guess -- and no longer comfortable with zero arch support.

I've been wearing leather combat boots for the past 3-4 years. Extremely water resistant and quite comfortable once broken in. Plus, you can actually walk in them... :-D

There's not as much protection as I'd like around the ankle, but I've yet to find a bike boot that's wearable off the bike. I haven't been looking too hard though.

Jim

 

[SWare]

I have the same problem.
Hard to find something that looks Ok with Dockers.
I find myself commuting with my work shoes.
Bad idea I know. 35 miles each way in Dallas/Ft Worth area.

The shoes I wear seem pretty well made.
Sketchers work series.
They make a chukka version but I can't find them anywhere locally to try and I'm really picky.

I tried on a pair of the Chippewa boots and found them kind of stiff (they were new) and restrictive for ankle movement. Kind of tight on my big calves as well. Very well made though. If I rode an Indian I'd have to make them work just because.

Stan

 

[jimmyj900]

Hard to find something that looks Ok with Dockers.

I went down to Shepler's today and bought a pair of Ariat ropers. They're the most comfortable boots I've ever worn (large magnitude surprise!) and not even broken in yet.

Might be worth a look -- and they're PC for Texas! :-D

Jim

 

[seumas]

I wear a pair of Tony Lama ropers. They have a non-skid sole and since they have a lower heel they're comfortable to walk in. They also look good with the Dockers at work. I know they probably don't offer as much protection as some of the 'real' motorcycle boots but they're better than some of the alternatives.

 

[wagonboss]

Been riding 40+ years, finally found the best motorcycle boots I've ever worn, light and comfortable as a pair of bedroom slippers to wear and walk in, water proof, toe guard, ballistic nylon ankle protection, etc. Cruiser Boots from CruiserWorks. I have a pair of their Men's Tour. They sometimes have a booth at the bike shows, or you can order on-line, they're great about swaps and returns if they don't fit exactly.CruiserWorks
No, I don't sell them and am not affliliated in any way.

[ This message was edited by: wagonboss on 2006-12-05 09:15 ]

 

[900.5669]

I have had no end of trouble over the years with boots. Started out with some £60 leather fasion boots that were great, waterproof, sturdy even padded at the ankle. Then got some Frank Thomas Aqua boots (£90) that I took back 3 times because they were not at all waterproof. Then got some Sidi couriers (£180, phew), they lasted 6 months before the sole wore through and I couldn't get them re-soled. They were great fun for dragging the metal toe caps and making showers of sparks!!! Now I have Redwing 970's (£130) which are great. Waterproof, hard wearing, all day comfortable, look good off the bike and after 14 months of almost continual wear still have a good sole.
I would highly recommend the Redwings, Chicks dig 'em too!! :-D

Wayne

 

[ReserveBum]

Been using Uncle Sams steel toe desert boots for about the last six years. (I'm on my third pair). They are comfortable and tough. Not good in the tread department though, after a few months melting on the desert tarmac. Also, as I found out year before last at Americade......they do not handle massive amounts of water real well. In fact, this year I have asked Santa for a pair of real motorcycle boots.

 

[RJScotti]

If you are cheap *like me) but want a nice pair of boots check out Leatherup. Good selection and most boots are less than $100. Mine fit/work fine so far.