Riding boots?

**weekendwarrior** · 1st February 2009, 18:12

was just wondering what the pros and cons of riding boots are? i have struggled with anything other that running shoes so far for gear changing etc, is it something you just get used to??

**FJRider** · 1st February 2009, 18:17

Originally Posted by weekendwarrior

was just wondering what the pros and cons of riding boots are? i have struggled with anything other that running shoes so far for gear changing etc, is it something you just get used to??

Riding boots are LESS likely to come off when your sliding... tarmac or dirt. More protection for the feet, and safer for kicking car doors...

**Owl** · 1st February 2009, 18:20

Yes! I didn't particularly like my boots when I purchased them, because they were so much stiffer than my previous boots. A few days and all was well!

**pritch** · 1st February 2009, 18:27

Originally Posted by weekendwarrior

was just wondering what the pros and cons of riding boots are? i have struggled with anything other that running shoes so far for gear changing etc, is it something you just get used to??

Running shoes aren't going to offer much in the way of protection for the ankles. On the rare occasions I haven't got boots on my ankle bones feel very exposed.

There are many different styles of boots and if you aren't used to them you should probably steer away from the all-plastic ones that make you walk like Robotcop. It depends what you want to do with them, I wanted my first pair in recent years to be OK to walk in. When you are touring you tend to do a bit of walking.

If you plan on doing trackdays though perhaps you should check out the Robotcop models. Then again, there was a recent thread here where Army surplus boots were the flavour of the week. The price was right too.

**Neon** · 1st February 2009, 18:30

Have a read of this

http://www.rideforever.co.nz/gear_up/choose_boots.html

should answer most of your questions.

Basically your legs and ankles/feet are the part of your body most likely to be injured in an accident. Riding boots give you support and protection from 'undesirable' twisting and bending of the lower leg that shoes just can't give. Not to mention weather protection.

I don't know about you, but the last thing I want to be thinking about while sliding along the ground with my leg trapped under my bike is 'damn, should have got me some boots'

**hayd3n** · 1st February 2009, 18:32

at least have something to cover your ankles

**Hitcher** · 1st February 2009, 18:51

Speaking as an extreme minority voice, protection from accidents and injury aside, I buy riding boots for weather protection, nay waterproofness. Granted, my choice of boot lacks the go-fast-technicolor-squid factor, grinding-titanium-toe-slider sparks and the bad-arse-cool dimension, but give me warm and dry feet any time. GoreTex seriously rocks.

Avoid anything with laces.

**Cosmo** · 1st February 2009, 19:01

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Speaking as an extreme minority voice, protection from accidents and injury aside, I buy riding boots for weather protection, nay waterproofness. Granted, my choice of boot lacks the go-fast-technicolor-squid factor, grinding-titanium-toe-slider sparks and the bad-arse-cool dimension, but give me warm and dry feet any time. GoreTex seriously rocks.

Avoid anything with laces.

Can I ask what type/brand do you wear?

**Chooky** · 1st February 2009, 19:04

Yer...Avoid anything with laces....

Nothing like going to put ya foot down and finding laces are hooked on the gear lever....How do I know this....dont ask..

**Hitcher** · 1st February 2009, 19:07

Originally Posted by Cosmo

Can I ask what type/brand do you wear?

After my trusty Oxtar's wore out, I've now procured the Sidi Canyon Gores. Great fit and ergos, but my jury is still out on the ratchet clip do dahs and whether or not this makes up for no zips.

**Cosmo** · 1st February 2009, 19:24

Originally Posted by Hitcher

After my trusty Oxtar's wore out, I've now procured the Sidi Canyon Gores. Great fit and ergos, but my jury is still out on the ratchet clip do dahs and whether or not this makes up for no zips.

Thanks for that, Just considering what to get myself at a fair price/safety & comfort.

**Ixion** · 1st February 2009, 19:54

Waterproof boots are like an honest politician. Possible in theory , but no living person has ever seen one . Motorcycle boots are a delusion and a snare. Get a decent pair of combat boots, and dubbin them well.

**Kevnz** · 1st February 2009, 20:03

Get some motorcycle boots as they offer the best protection. A bit funny to walk in at first but you get used to them. Buy some with the gear lever pad on them and you can't go wrong. Just remember you get what you pay for, happy shopping.