Boots!?

[soccerspawn]

Hey guys,
The course I'm looking to take requires ankle coverage footwear, plus I know it's just a good plan to have.  As SO many boots appear to be either cruiser or sportbike styling, I thought this would be a good place to ask for opinions on boots as I feel the GS doesn't really fit directly into either category.  I was looking at something like this, because I feel like I could wear them with jeans and not look like a robot or major wannabe. http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/speed-and-strength-hard-knock-life-boots
Alternatively I could just pick up a pair of work boots, but I'm not trying to look like a thug, because thats not my style either.
I understand it's personal preference, but thought I'd ask my new GS comrades to weigh in.
Thanks,
Nick

[adidasguy]

I like Alpinestars Afrika and Monaco boots. They look like ordinary shoes so you don't look like a biker. I wore them on a trip to Berlin and walked all over the city in them. They feel great and provide good protection for riding.

http://www.alpinestars.com/moto/where/size-men-us-footwear/8.5.html

[crzydood17]

Wear a full boot... cheap boots can cost you your feet...

[Badot]

I don't think anyone will think you look like a thug wearing work boots. I wear a cheap pair of steel toes from walmart that are nice and sturdy and I don't see a problem with it so long as the laces are tucked. I've had and heavily used them about 4 years now, started riding a bit over a year ago, and it took about 15k miles to wear through the toe to the steel (literally just made it there 2 days ago). No idea if that's good or bad but if you plan to ride a lot you should probably look for something better. The primary thing you're looking for is ankle support though.

Also, I would highly recommend actual motorcycling pants rather than jeans, at least before you do anything faster than moped speeds. There are plenty of nasty pictures floating around if you feel you need a little convincing.

[DrtRydr23]

I have basically the 4 year-old model of this boot from Alpinestars.  They are pretty sturdy and more sport oriented.  Waterproof is nice and provide good ankle protection.  They do not look too crazy, but definitely look like moto boots.

[weedahoe]

I wear Alpinestars MX-5 and love them

[soccerspawn]

Thanks guys, good thoughts all around.  my jeans are Kevlar reinforced and have some CE in the knees.  I know they aren't leather chaps, but can't see myself wearing those or sport pants either.

[craigs449]

Alpinestar Scout boots.............

[Funderb]

USMC issue belleville warm climate / desert boots.

best, most comfortable boots I've ever worn. I have worn a lot of boots.

[Janx101]

http://www.motorcyclesuperstore.com.au/on-road-accessories/boots-road/johnny-reb-boots/11277-johnny-reb-rascal-boot-black.html

i got these.. for that extra "I will step on your head while you facedown in shallow water" factor.... good comfort for riding... a 'tad' large on the shifter sometimes though... and while they ok for a little light rain... heavy shower = pour the water out later .. a fairly stiff sole plate too which i like for arch protection... and .. industrial grade tread .. overall they suit my 'dumb truck driver' looks   

i took the tiny Johnny Reb badges off the heel though... they were a little too much 'blue oyster' for my liking .. (Police Academy movie reference)

[twinrat]

I wear a full length johny reb boot  as i ride every day and they give the extra shin protection in the event of a prang. also wear my leather trousers over the boot so any rain goes down the outside of the boot.
I do not feel like they are that noticable.Every one to there own choice ,depends if you like looking after your hide..

[adidasguy]

I guess whatever you have for boots isn't as noticeable as my flip-up day-glow yellow helmet with reflective Suzuki "S"'s on it.

I just flip it up and go into the store- Metro market, QFC, Target or Wells Fargo. I love flip-up helmets for that reason. I also use the drive-up teller even though the bank is 200 feet from my office. Any excuse to ride.

Really, I think its not worth worrying about how you look as long as you don't look like something NEGATIVE in your community. My helmet, white/black jackets seem to start lots of positive conversations.

Get the gear you like. Wear it with pride. Pride makes a BIG difference.

When I grew up, there was the aura of the black leather Hell's Angels and bikers were evil. I guess that's why I personally am anti-black leather. Also I have noticed that white gear with black accents seems to make some drivers think I'm a cop when riding Suzi (She's 2009 blue and white with added fog lights - looks like a cop bike in a rear view mirror) and some slow down (to my irritation) and some have even pulled over!

Maybe the Seattle riding community and attitudes towards motorbikes are different than other cities where you can ride all year and have plenty of time to piss off the cagers. (Notice I said "motorbikes" to appeal to the non-USA members?)

So buy what YOU like. What other people think - that's their issue they have to deal with. Do avoid things you know are negative stereotypes in your community. (Is there such thing as a "monotype? A "surroundtype"? And do you have to take a special class to design plaid? And who designs the random holes in acoustical ceiling tile?)

[noworries]

....negative stereotype??.....chaps, definately avoid chaps. And on the practical boot level, avoid laces. can feel such a twat when that foot won't go down to ground level cos the laces are hung up on that gearlever and the bike slowly canters over.....avoid those chaps to the max, tho.....

[Twisted]

My only gripe about the white leather on my jacket is it gets dirty very easy and pretty fast. It's a road grime magnet.

As for boots I have a pair of these - http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-boots/shift/fuel-street-shoe.htm

[adidasguy]

My only gripe about the white leather on my jacket is it gets dirty very easy and pretty fast. It's a road grime magnet.

As for boots I have a pair of these - http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-boots/shift/fuel-street-shoe.htm

Live in Seattle. The rain washes it off on a regular basis.

[Worm]

I just wear a pair of Red Wing work boots that I can't wear to work anymore because they are not safety toe. I'm sure dedicated riding boots would be better for the ankle protection but these are really comfortable and the tread is fairly aggressive to avoid slipping at stops. Plus they just look like leather work boots (do you think that's because they are?)!

[jestercinti]

I use Vasque hiking boots.  Pretty rough and tough, but not as good as Alpinestars.  Better than sandals or flip-flops that I see other people on...

[Snake2715]

These are on sale at Bike bandit today onl;y for $49.95:

http://www.bikebandit.com/river-road-guardian-motorcycle-boots?fc_c=2866531x11007299x203899357&utm_source=Thursday_Sale_011713&utm_medium=email&utm_content=RiverRoad_Guardian_Boots&utm_campaign=ODO_Boots_Sale_011713&WT.mc_id=2794849

I bought and have these Icon Superduty 4's:
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/boots/sport_street_touring_boots/icon/super_duty_4_motorcycle_boots.html

[twocool]

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/tcx-x-cube-boots

got 'em last year,  love 'em


Cookie

Hey guys,
The course I'm looking to take requires ankle coverage footwear, plus I know it's just a good plan to have.  As SO many boots appear to be either cruiser or sportbike styling, I thought this would be a good place to ask for opinions on boots as I feel the GS doesn't really fit directly into either category.  I was looking at something like this, because I feel like I could wear them with jeans and not look like a robot or major wannabe. http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/speed-and-strength-hard-knock-life-boots
Alternatively I could just pick up a pair of work boots, but I'm not trying to look like a thug, because thats not my style either.
I understand it's personal preference, but thought I'd ask my new GS comrades to weigh in.
Thanks,
Nick

[jdoorn14]

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/tcx-x-cube-boots

I have these as well. They are great, but they do get quite toasty in the heat of the summer.