Thoughts on alternative riding boots?

[dreamR]

I was thinking about using some big, steel capped saftey/work boots for riding. I dont really like the look of most of the riding boots available, but still want some protection.

there is a large range of work boots available at places like nz safety. i understand they're not going to be as good as proper riding boots, but i would be going for a pair that went high up the ancle, lace ups, steel caps, and the strongest type of leather possible.

does anyone have experience using this type of boot for riding? or does anyone have any other suggestions?

bare in mind that 90% of my riding is low speed commuting, and im not really a road racer at all.

[Motu]

I've just started using some Matterhorn boots...10'' lace ups,Kevlar toe and shank,Gortex liner,and Thinsulate....strong,waterproof and warm.Seriously tough boots,grippy sole and good to walk in.Better than street bike boots in most areas apart from ankle protection - and they are way cool.

[dreamR]

I've just started using some Matterhorn boots...10'' lace ups,Kevlar toe and shank,Gortex liner,and Thinsulate....strong,waterproof and warm.Seriously tough boots,grippy sole and good to walk in.Better than street bike boots in most areas apart from ankle protection - and they are way cool.

sound pretty cool, any chance of a link to them? or where to find them?

[blackdog]

i have a pair of these for really wet weather, they are far more watertight than my bike boots

they do a zip-up pair that look just like bike boots aswell (i could'nt find a pic but nz safety should stock them)

http://www.bataindustrials.com/news/bata-industrials-sales-organisation-for-new-mammoet-workwear-collection/

[Motu]

http://www.corcoranandmatterhorn.com/ItemDisplay.asp?Style=8602494&CategoryID=33

I got some brown ones after a season in Antarctica,unmarked apart from some toe scuffs.Boots that you put on an wear all day,not something you can slip in and out of easily - I've worn them on all day rides and they are great.I have other boots that go on and off faster if I need to wear slippers halfway through a ride.

[bezajel]

I occasionally wear my combat/safety boots for riding. Benefits are that they are more reliably waterproof than my old bike boots, the laces mean that they won't pull off in a bad crash (though I'm sure you can get more secure motorcycle boots than I have), and they are nice and comfy for walking around once I get off the bike.

The only drawback compared to motorcycle boots is that I'm used to feeling the gear shift against my foot, and with the steel caps I can't feel a damn thing... I get used to it after a while, but found I had a few missed shifts when I first started using them. Also, they are lots slower to take off if you need to, like to get your other gear off.

[dreamR]

http://www.corcoranandmatterhorn.com/ItemDisplay.asp?Style=8602494&CategoryID=33

I got some brown ones after a season in Antarctica,unmarked apart from some toe scuffs.Boots that you put on an wear all day,not something you can slip in and out of easily - I've worn them on all day rides and they are great.I have other boots that go on and off faster if I need to wear slippers halfway through a ride.

ok, thanks for that. so would you probably say that they would not be the best idea for a commuting (15-20min) boot?

can you get these in NZ?

[dreamR]

The only drawback compared to motorcycle boots is that I'm used to feeling the gear shift against my foot, and with the steel caps I can't feel a damn thing... I get used to it after a while, but found I had a few missed shifts when I first started using them. Also, they are lots slower to take off if you need to, like to get your other gear off.

yeah thats a good point. maybe some sturdy leather boots without the steel cap might be the go? i also do need the boots to be reasonably easy to get on and off, but im sure i would get used to them/find a way to do it quicker and easier

[Ratti]

Not sure how true it would be, but when I started riding 30 odd years ago, I was warned off steel caps as there is a possibililty of choping ones toes off should they fold back in a crash.
I have ex army boots. lace ups, comfy and cheap.

[scracha]

Used Hi-Tek Magnum's for years...cos they last for years. Have converted a kiwi mate to them too. Waterproof, oil proof, breathable and very, very light

http://www.magnumboots.com/gl/boots/essentials/52/classic-cen/

[steelphoenix]

Until I got proper bike boots, I used my combat boots - Army surplus Magnum Stealth IIs. Gotten from Kiwi Disposals (K Road) for twohundred-something. They have the version with the side zips in right now (http://www.kiwidisposals.co.nz/items/?itemID=438). Love them to pieces - 90% waterproof (a particular Scout camp where it rained the entire weekend), light, comfortable, and tough - I've had them 4 years and they're still in great shape. No nice steel shanks or armour, though...

[mazz1972]

when I started riding 30 odd years ago, I was warned off steel caps as there is a possibililty of choping ones toes off should they fold back in a crash.

Was told the same thing at basic handling skills test a few years ago.

It interesting to see what non-bike-boots people wear.

[ICE180]

I got some of these easy to get on and off very comfy and dry in wet conditions

http://www.thormx.com/product.jsp?path=3224,3233,11444

they are as comfy as a pair of normal boots to walk around in as well

[Jerry74]

Hitech Magnums comfy and strong

[p.dath]

I was thinking about using some big, steel capped saftey/work boots for riding. I dont really like the look of most of the riding boots available, but still want some protection.

Steel capped boots aren't usually used for motorcycling because the caps get really hot when they slide along tarseal.

Think of it as having a hot iron stuck to your foot, and your body being to broken to be able to get the burning hot boots off.

I guess it depends if you are more worried about an impact (which steel capped boots would be good for if the steel doesn't cave in) or going for a slide.

But steal capped boots is heaps better than no boots. So at the end of the day, you need to weigh up your personal risk and decide what is best for you. Their is no wrong option, just risks and consequences to weigh up.

[Buyasta]

Steel capped boots don't actually cut toes off when they're crushed - they tested it on Mythbusters many years back, and couldn't get the steel caps to curl in a way that would amputate toes (http://kwc.org/mythbusters/2005/11/episode_42_steel_toe_amputatio.html).

[steve_t]

<img src=http://www.maifm.co.nz/Portals/0/F_2006Viral_e-mails_130537a.jpg>

:bleh:

[Phreak]

I use combat style boots, very comfortable, reasonable (not the best but not the worst) ankle support, and my feet don't overheat in them. Not 100% waterproof, but they are super comfortable for walking around in all day...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=349651768

[Gubb]

Laces and Chains seem like an unhappy partnership to me.

[fliplid]

Laces and Chains seem like an unhappy partnership to me.
I've seen more riders with tie downs, bungee cords, soft luggage straps, bags and the likes flapping against the rear of their bike than boot laces. Do laces up right and they stay done up.
I wear me steel toe capped work boots riding my bike most of the time because I need them for work, and they're comfy to ride in.

[Crisis management]

You want riding boots to do two things, keep the rain out and minimise damage when you arse off.
The keep the rain out is obvious, it's either waterproof or not.
Accident damage occurs from either sliding along the road or twisting / tearing action of the ankle joint, either case you want the ankle supported and protected so a mid-shin boot with ankle protection is needed, anything else is a waste of time.


Feel free tho, it's your ankle. :msn-wink:

[Motu]

Bugger - you mean I just wasted my whole fucking life?

[PrincessBandit]

Not sure how true it would be, but when I started riding 30 odd years ago, I was warned off steel caps as there is a possibililty of choping ones toes off should they fold back in a crash.
I have ex army boots. lace ups, comfy and cheap.


Was told the same thing at basic handling skills test a few years ago.

It interesting to see what non-bike-boots people wear.


Steel capped boots don't actually cut toes off when they're crushed - they tested it on Mythbusters many years back, and couldn't get the steel caps to curl in a way that would amputate toes (http://kwc.org/mythbusters/2005/11/episode_42_steel_toe_amputatio.html).
I too was told that and it kinda freaked me out, although part of my brain did question the actual likelihood of it happening. I just stuck with my doc martins until being able to buy bike boots.


image removed

:bleh:
Whwooaaaaarrr! now there is a fashion statement if ever there was one. I wonder if it will catch on in the chandal capital of Manukau?

[dreamR]

i got given a pair of used (hardly) steel capped, blundstone work/hiking boots. tried them today and they seemed nice. steel cap didnt have any effect for me as far as gear changing goes

[Sable]

Nothing wrong with combat boots

[Spazman727]

I use a pair of RNZAF Kevlar toed boots I got from Kiwidisposals on Krd for work and I wear them on the bike when commuting. They come quite far up my shin and are made of strong leather. Being Kevlar toed, they won't heat up like steel would in an off. They did have some of the same boots without the Kevlar toes but I can't find either on their website now. Pretty cheap too at $100. Being lace up they do take a bit of time to get off but I do it every morning to take my bike pants off before work and its not really a hassle any more. They look similar to these, and these may be a good option as their even cheaper http://www.kiwidisposals.co.nz/items/?itemID=333

[wysper]

Accident damage occurs from either sliding along the road or twisting / tearing action of the ankle joint, either case you want the ankle supported and protected so a mid-shin boot with ankle protection is needed, anything else is a waste of time.




Something to consider with this too, and it might be a case of six of one, half a dozen of another.

When playing inline hockey (solid boots to about a third of the way up your shin).
I had a guy fall on my back, as I stood up, he fell off, his leg went between my feet and he kind of spun round me as I fell. My foot and boot stayed straight, my leg didnt.
Result - two broken bones in my leg, spiral fractures.
I wonder if that was worse or better than a broken ankle.

[p.dath]

When playing inline hockey (solid boots to about a third of the way up your shin).
I had a guy fall on my back, as I stood up, he fell off, his leg went between my feet and he kind of spun round me as I fell. My foot and boot stayed straight, my leg didnt.
Result - two broken bones in my leg, spiral fractures.
I wonder if that was worse or better than a broken ankle.

That doesn't sound like a common motorcycle injury to me - getting something stuck between your legs and then it rotating until you leg breaks.

Getting your foot rotated is a common injury though (when there is no ankle support).

[HenryDorsetCase]

You want riding boots to do two things, keep the rain out and minimise damage when you arse off.
The keep the rain out is obvious, it's either waterproof or not.
Accident damage occurs from either sliding along the road or twisting / tearing action of the ankle joint, either case you want the ankle supported and protected so a mid-shin boot with ankle protection is needed, anything else is a waste of time.


Feel free tho, it's your ankle. :msn-wink:

I know someone whose boots supported his ankle so well that his ankle rotated and spirally fractured his tib and fib and tore the ligaments round his knee.

Having said that, it was a pretty big off.

But his ankle was OK.

[scumdog]

Steel capped boots aren't usually used for motorcycling because the caps get really hot when they slide along tarseal.

Think of it as having a hot iron stuck to your foot, and your body being to broken to be able to get the burning hot boots off.

I guess it depends if you are more worried about an impact (which steel capped boots would be good for if the steel doesn't cave in) or going for a slide.

But steal capped boots is heaps better than no boots. So at the end of the day, you need to weigh up your personal risk and decide what is best for you. Their is no wrong option, just risks and consequences to weigh up.

I sue to use freezing-work steel-caps, they have leather over the cap.

Saved my foot/toes once.

Now use lighter combat-style boots, not as much protection but not so hard on my knees when walking.

[Flip]

I have been wearing steel cap or combat boots all my working career. The ones that I like these days are a brand called Steel Blue, they are well made, are a relatively flexible boot and are like wearing slippers compared to the others. I wear them most days, on hunting trips and on the bike. The nitrile soles last well and don't dissolve in chemicals. I get about 18 months out of a pair at work. I have 2 clean pairs I wear on the bike, one is a nice brown mid length boot I wear on my vintage bike, the second is a tall black logging bomber boot I wear on the Harley. Ok none of my bikes are road razors, but the Harley has a great gear box for shit kicker boots, it just works that way.

Why would you not wear steel cap boots, I wear armored clothing these days incl the boots. As a young fella I once hit a possum at night with my foot wearing std shoes and broke a toe.