Riding boots that work with limited ankle movement

**who_me_33** · 4th March 2009, 09:26

As the topic states, can anyone recomend a reasonable set of riding boots that will be easy enough to get on and off with limited ankle movement (ankle movement is currently limited to 12ish degrees, and it sounds like its going to be quite a while till I get full movement back, and although I'm riding in steelcap work boots at the moment, I want something that has a better chance of staying on in an accident). Ideally I would like to spend $200 - $300, but if I need to spend more than that, then so be it. And I'd prefer to buy it from a "real" shop, (just so I can try it on first).

**Bend-it** · 4th March 2009, 09:35

Touring boots are usually softer than sport ones... althought with 12 deg of movement, would you ba able to work the gear or brake levers??

**Nasty** · 4th March 2009, 09:40

Originally Posted by Bend-it

Touring boots are usually softer than sport ones... althought with 12 deg of movement, would you ba able to work the gear or brake levers??

Grub had crap all movement in his right ankle and had the brake lever lowered to accomodate .. so that shouldn't be a problem ... I agree that touring boots are the goer in this situation ... he tried on many and every time he found great boots bought them .. just in case he couldnt' get another set that fit when he needed them!

**who_me_33** · 4th March 2009, 09:42

Originally Posted by Bend-it

Touring boots are usually softer than sport ones... althought with 12 deg of movement, would you ba able to work the gear or brake levers??

Its right ankle only, and yes, but its currently not comfortable, (even with the brake leaver adjusted right down), so we are going to alter a spare brake leaver (was bought a while back, I've had a fair while to think about what needs altering, but just never thought about the boot problem), so its even further down. And I'll try the touring boot route.

**Nasty** · 4th March 2009, 09:44

Originally Posted by who_me_33

Its right ankle only, and yes, but its currently not comfortable, (even with the brake leaver adjusted right down), so we are going to alter a spare brake leaver (was bought a while back, I've had a fair while to think about what needs altering, but just never thought about the boot problem), so its even further down. And I'll try the touring boot route.

You can always work on the theory that you shouldn't use that back brake anyway ... Grubs was altered down .. and then he rode with his foot under it and only move the foot when he really needed to use the brake. Thoughts anyways

**who_me_33** · 4th March 2009, 09:55

Don't really want to work on that theory, as its only a few hours work to alter the pedal. Good to hear that its been done before. And I will go and have a nosy at them in a few days, just let the bank acc take a breather before I beat it again, (wof, rego, insurance all got done yesterday).

**vifferman** · 4th March 2009, 10:02

It's best really if you just visit some bike shops and try some on. Most touring boots are less stiff than sports boots, especially the leather rather than plastic ones, and should suit better.
Depends on the shape of your feet too - brands like Oxtar and StylMartin are good if you have wide feet or want a roomy boot. I have wide, flat feet, and have had two pairs of StylMartins - both were great. However, my current ones (StylSafe) aren't cheap: $449, because they've lots of carbon fibre panels in them. Great boots though - comfy from the start, good to walk in, not too hot in summer and warm in winter, 100% waterproof.

**pritch** · 4th March 2009, 14:24

Thinking about the various bike boots I have here, the StyleMartins are probably the easiest to get on and off.

I have to wrestle with the Sidi Canyons, but that's more to do with my gut getting in the way. The catch is fiddly.

Also I have a pair of Red Wing slip-ons but I don't know how they'd go with only limited ankle movement.

There is also the urban boot type, they won't offer the same protection but might be worth considering in the event you can't find a touring boot.

**saltydog** · 4th March 2009, 19:58

My trotters are fat and wide (not that I am a pig though

) and the "Falco's" (Italian) I brought from down Welly way are the business for me. Easy entry/exit, and all the friut, and flexiable enough as well. I'd just try as many on as you can. Second hand boots, (walking in another mans boots and all that) could be dodgy, and plus, a nice new pair of boots ($300ish) are worth their weight in gold.....