Footwear?

[tate35]

Just wondering what everyone's preferred footwear is when on the bike?

I want to buy some suitable boots any suggestions? At the moment I wear...sneakers (yes, there I said it) and I have to say I'm not at all impressed to admit it

[Nasty]

Boots ... proper motorcycle ones ... I ride too much to scrimp on this.

[TerminalAddict]

proper boots .. or doc martins (10 ups) if I'm commuting to work

[vifferman]

In the (dim and distant) past I've worn anything (jandals, sneakers, workboots, gumboots) and have the scars to show for it (one from barbed wire, several from grazes and cuts). Now I wear boots, even if I'm only wearing jeans rather than my bike pants and/or not wearing gloves. Not just for safety, but also they're better for changing gear etc.
My current boots are the most expensive things I've had on my feet - even more expensive than my last ski boots - but VERY comfy, waterproof, and protected by six (6!) carbon fibre bits in each boot (2 ankle cups, a shin guard and 3 panels at sides and rear).

[Meekey_Mouse]

Definitely proper boots... I only live 5-6 blocks from the main street in town but if I'm taking the bike I'll still make sure I have boots on.

The first pair of boots I bought were just a cheap touring boot, which I find are now useful for the short trip into town as they also look ok with jeans, but will still keep my ankles together and protect me a lot more then shoes I'd normally wear to town. Whereas the boots I used for racing which have a lot more protection can look rather odd. Esp with the toe sliders so I wear them on longer rides as they will protect me a lot more than the touring ones.

Good brands to look at are Gaerne and Alpinestars.
My brother has had Gaerne boots since his first road bike which was 6 years ago and he has never had a problem with them.
Some of Alpinestar's boots can have a thing of squeaking but mine have lasted 3 bins on the track and only have minor scrapes.

[fridayflash]

SNEAKERS!!!??? naughty naughty smack bottom!! lol
ok ill fess up and admit ive done it many times,especialy in summer,
maybe even napier to paeroa and back
but realy riding boots are the only way to go,or if none
then sturdy workboots or horsie riding boots would be next best thing ily

[Mutley]

After two years of looking and trying on numerous pairs of boots, have finally found a pair the fit. Thanks to Motogirl for recommending Alpinestars. Found a pair that fit me at a Christchurch bikeshop and now can't wait to get out on the bike.

[SDU]

After two years of looking and trying on numerous pairs of boots, have finally found a pair the fit. Thanks to Motogirl for recommending Alpinestars. Found a pair that fit me at a Christchurch bikeshop and now can't wait to get out on the bike.

next time give us a yell, I love shopping in bikesshops other stores are boring!

It's hard to find a good fit if you have hobbit size feet sometimes but luckily more woman styles are about now giving more options.
Gaerne boots are what I wear. I've got the adventure style, very comfy even wear them while I work.

[rie]

is the reason you wear sneakers because (a) boots are beyond your means right now; or (b) you have trouble finding sizes?

i have hobbit feet AND i'd just blown my budget on gear. but after lots of searching i found a decent pair on sale at mt eden m/c. just takes a bit of looking & persistence. sales & outlet stores are great. definitely check those out first.

if you choose to get doc martens or some other 'normal' boot (i was doing that for a little while) at least get something that covers your shins because that's where the cage bumpers will smack into you. ouch.

[fatzx10r]

kung foo shoes

[sleeqe2000]

DRIRIDERS do a great boot for $199. Can't find them on the web though. Got them from Motomart in the Hutt.

[portokiwi]

ummm wear running shoes for just going down the road but I love my 511 boots. I might invest in motorcycle boots one day but these boots are light, zip up and have good gripping.

[portokiwi]

Wish I had my boots on the last 2 days.
not a good idea wearing running shoes on rainy days lol.

[nodrog:Me]

i wear crocs

[PrincessBandit]

Boots every time, regardless of where I'm going or how long/short the trip. Used to wear my docs - they are 8 ups and I found them to be fine except for pouring rain (water gets in at the tongue and eyelets if you don't have waterproof gear on your lower half!) But since getting my Oxtars (sunray) I wear nothing else on my feet when on the bike.