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/...ar-collection/

[Motu]

http://www.corcoranandmatterhorn.com...&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...&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/...2/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. 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.