Not sure how many of us there are out there, but I want to know:
What do you wear on your feet to ride????
I started out with brown crap kickers from Kmart. ha. Took bike class (MSF) in the 10 inches of rain and had to toss em out after that, they were nasty. So then I bought Harley boots. They are nice. Have a bit of a heal. Look cool as heck, but that heal gets in the way. Did on the Shadow and they do on the GS now. If I don't place my foot just right, I do a wif instead of a shift. :laugh: So then when I got the GS the sales/tech had on icon boots, they were so cool, they are Icon SUPERDUTY 2 with the cool strap and buckle, extra padding on the toe for shifting. I ordered them for $90 from motosports.com. Tried them out last night, wow, they are so heavy, and tight at the ankle (they have protection for the ankle as well) and look like I am wearing my brothers shoes! Just not right for me. So I am back to surfing the net looking for cool, affordable, comfortable, but safe boots once again.
Any input on any boots, shoes, that you trust and like, would be appreicated. We need to help each other out. I am curious to know how many women there are on this forum, do you know if there is a tool that counts that? Later.
the women riders come and go....mostly go
there are always a handful at any given time
motorcycle boots are great for riding bikes
horrible for walking in
good walking boots might be ok riding boots
welcome
I'm not a woman... but I've got a pair of Sidi boots that I think are awesome. They are racing oriented, but they're not too uncomfortable to walk in. Obviously they're not tennis shoes but I think the protection (and piece of mind) is worth what little discomfort there is. I usually wear my boots full time when I'm out... sometimes up to seven or eight hours and I have to say its not that bad
This is a topic near and dear to my heart.
First - comfort with a moto boot is not like comfort with a shoe. There will be a break-in period, and there will also be an adjustment period. You don't want to walk in good, protective moto boots. Carry shoes. Also, forget 'cool.' You don't look cool hobbling around on crutches, DAMHIK.
Second - I used to think that a moto boot was a moto boot. Then, after breaking my ankle in a low-speed fall during a race, I realized that they aren't. Most boots, even high-end boots, do not offer any protection against the ankle bending side-to-side. With most boots, I can hold the upper in one hand and the sole in the other, and bend the top back-and-forth. If your hand can do that, a bike falling on it will do worse. Shoes, like the Superduty 2, don't do even that much.
I have come up with a list of boots I've found so far that do offer that kind of lateral protection. None of them are cheap, but what price your ankles?
Unfortunately, only one of them come in my size (EU 36). If you're one size up from that or more, you have options. If not - well, I'm still clinging to my now-discontinued first-gen Supertechs.
Road boots:
Sidi Vortice
Puma GP1000 V2
Gaerne GRS
Dainese Axial Race
Daytona Security Evo
Daytona Evo Sport
Dirt/supermoto boots:
Sidi Stinger, the ones I mentioned above. Good, but not as good as Crossfires.
Sidi Crossfire SRS (I have friends with those, and my hubby has the previous-gen Flexforece; these will see your feet through Hades and back).
Gaerne Supermoto
Quote from: werase643 on May 07, 2009, 08:55:15 AM
the women riders come and go....mostly go
there are always a handful at any given time
motorcycle boots are great for riding bikes
horrible for walking in
good walking boots might be ok riding boots
welcome
I liked those rocky thinsulate 1000 boots for winter ... but they are a furnace in the summer, and they are OK for riding but great for walking.
And no matter what you do, no matter how cold it is where you live, the socks with heating coil in them = bad idea.
They have a single clutch cable sized coil that runs right under your toes. 5 mins walking in them and you'd be in pain for 2 days. Like walking on small rocks.
Cool.
Buddha.
Buddha, you should ride in these (http://www.motostrano.com/bombshell1.html).
I think he's got those in red. :cookoo: :dunno_white:
WOW. Good boots are all $400?
Ouch.
I feel like by the time I get all the gear, I am going to look like a budget Sci-Fi movie extra, or I am into cosplay :icon_mrgreen:
Quote from: Roadstergal on May 07, 2009, 09:36:34 AM
This is a topic near and dear to my heart.
First - comfort with a moto boot is not like comfort with a shoe. There will be a break-in period, and there will also be an adjustment period. You don't want to walk in good, protective moto boots. Carry shoes. Also, forget 'cool.' You don't look cool hobbling around on crutches, DAMHIK.
Second - I used to think that a moto boot was a moto boot. Then, after breaking my ankle in a low-speed fall during a race, I realized that they aren't. Most boots, even high-end boots, do not offer any protection against the ankle bending side-to-side. With most boots, I can hold the upper in one hand and the sole in the other, and bend the top back-and-forth. If your hand can do that, a bike falling on it will do worse. Shoes, like the Superduty 2, don't do even that much.
I have come up with a list of boots I've found so far that do offer that kind of lateral protection. None of them are cheap, but what price your ankles?
Unfortunately, only one of them come in my size (EU 36). If you're one size up from that or more, you have options. If not - well, I'm still clinging to my now-discontinued first-gen Supertechs.
Road boots:
Sidi Vortice
Puma GP1000 V2
Gaerne GRS
Dainese Axial Race
Daytona Security Evo
Daytona Evo Sport
Dirt/supermoto boots:
Sidi Stinger, the ones I mentioned above. Good, but not as good as Crossfires.
Sidi Crossfire SRS (I have friends with those, and my hubby has the previous-gen Flexforece; these will see your feet through Hades and back).
Gaerne Supermoto
New Lady rider here also, I have been soing some boot searching also, I found a few pair of Alpinestars for approx $200. If you do some searching you can find some for cheaper. But at the same time when it comes to protection you don't really want to go too "cheap"
When I was looking to buy a bike and deciding on my price range, my buddy said that I needed to add $1000 to any amount I thought I should save for a bike. That would cover my gear: helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots. That's not even counting a back protector. Now, I tell people that the first $1000 you save up should go toward gear. After that, you can start counting it toward the bike. Gear first, bike second.
Yeah, good gear is pricey but you get to take it with you when you change bikes, unlike a mod. And the real question is: how much are you or your [insert body part(s)] worth?
Now don't go and get all dirty...
My first pair of boots were great but just didn't fit right despite many, many variations (inserts, socks, etc). For my second pair, I really wanted fit over looks and, of course, protection. I ended up getting a pair of Daytonas on the advice of some friends. My Daytona Road Stars didn't make RG's list, but I'm not a badass racing machine. :bowdown:
But these boots are SUPER comfy. The comfort is probably emphasized by the fact that previous boots were just too big. These don't LOOK as "cool" as the other boots but they're actually pretty aesthetically versatile. I wore them for my CLASS at Laguna Seca:
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j111/pronator_photos/suitboots.jpg)
And I wear them at work.
Quote from: intergalactic on May 07, 2009, 12:59:10 PMWOW. Good boots are all $400?
The Pumas are under $400. I have to say, though - if they made them in my size, I'd be all over the Sidi Vortice. I have the Stinger, and as I mentioned, my hubby has both the Flexforce and an old pair of Sidi Vertebra Race (I got him a new pair of Sidi Vertigo Corsas for his B-Day), and I can only say good things about them all. Sidi's high-end boots are very well-made and hold up to hard use and multiple crashes. One pair of $400 boots that last through incidents that would kill one pair of $200 boots and possibly take a few bones with it? That's economics I can live with.
It's not that I'm a badass rider - it's that I am out there on a moto and Things Can Happen when you're out there on a moto. To anyone.
I disagree. I've seen you. I've seen the GS race bike.
You. Is. Badass.
(But yes, anything can happen to anyone - always dress for the crash.)
Quote from: Roadstergal on May 07, 2009, 09:50:14 AM
Buddha, you should ride in these (http://www.motostrano.com/bombshell1.html).
I find those to actually be very sexy..... :icon_eek:
Quote from: pronator on May 07, 2009, 02:12:43 PM
When I was looking to buy a bike and deciding on my price range, my buddy said that I needed to add $1000 to any amount I thought I should save for a bike. That would cover my gear: helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots. That's not even counting a back protector. Now, I tell people that the first $1000 you save up should go toward gear. After that, you can start counting it toward the bike. Gear first, bike second.
Yeah, my suit alone cost more than I paid for both of my GS500s together, but when I crashed a week and a half ago, it saved me from major injury. It was totally worth it. I'm actually saving up to upgrade my boots next, but I have the opposite problem. I need huge manly boots that are wide enough for my big feet. I have trouble in general running into boots with too narrow of a toe box...
I ride in Sidi B-2 boots that are around $200. They are comfy while riding, and quite OK to walk in BUT unfortunatelly I can "I can hold the upper in one hand and the sole in the other, and bend the top back-and-forth" (quote from Roadstergal's thread).
This pisses me off, cause I paid $200 for boots that will probably NOT offer decent protection in the event of crash...
make sure that you spend your money well and get boots that will protect your ankles (forget about the looks - you ride for your own pleasure, not to be admired by others :thumb: )
cheers
Kamel
Sidi has made a 'female' version of a man's boot, finally - and it's the previous-gen Vertigo, not the current Vortice. It's not even the Vertigo Corsa, which is the nicely braced boot with sweet adjustability. Bah.
Fred - I have flat feet (never had an arch), and the Sidi dirt boots fit me great. Have you tried Sidis on?
Quote from: kml.krk on May 07, 2009, 05:09:00 PM
I ride in Sidi B-2 boots that are around $200. They are comfy while riding, and quite OK to walk in BUT unfortunatelly I can "I can hold the upper in one hand and the sole in the other, and bend the top back-and-forth" (quote from Roadstergal's thread).
Really? I've got the same boots (couldn't justify the extra $200 for what seems marginally better protection and crazy looks) and I can't bend mine left or right. I can bend them from back to front but that seems kind of necessary in order to use the shifter/brake. Can't really twist them either.
Fred, as far as Sidi boots go... try some on. I went to NYC (about 6 hour drive) to try on various boots. Since you live in an area that probably sells them, try them out. I have often needed wider shoes/sneakers, and although the Sidis were a little tight around the toes to start, they fit like a glove now. One other thing to worry about is the calf size, but if you get the higher end models they have adjustable shin/calf plates.
Quote from: NF11624 on May 07, 2009, 05:41:38 PM
Quote from: kml.krk on May 07, 2009, 05:09:00 PM
I ride in Sidi B-2 boots that are around $200. They are comfy while riding, and quite OK to walk in BUT unfortunatelly I can "I can hold the upper in one hand and the sole in the other, and bend the top back-and-forth" (quote from Roadstergal's thread).
Really? I've got the same boots (couldn't justify the extra $200 for what seems marginally better protection and crazy looks) and I can't bend mine left or right. I can bend them from back to front but that seems kind of necessary in order to use the shifter/brake. Can't really twist them either.
Well, now you got me confused ;)
I am in the classroom now buy when I get home I'm going to check again.
But it looks like either you're quite weak person or I am right... (I am only 150lbs and not very strong myself ;))
but to backup my words here is another quote from Roadstergal, this time from fz6-forum.com:
"I can bend the B2s and aforementioned Tech6s with my hands"
since Roadstergal is a woman I assume that she is not a "Strongman" (not saying that she is weak, but you get the idea...) therefore if she can bend them, and I can bend them, then it means that Sidi B2 are not that great in terms of ankle protection.
Sidi B2 are great boots overall, but I am just not sure that they will hold well in the event of crash - therefore if anyone wants to buy them, they should try them before spending $200
Ok, I am all into looking at boots now.
I did find Sidi Stingers in size 34,35 and 36 (I think) on eBay, in case anyone is interested :)
(I need a 45)
I like the look of the stinger. Now to find my size.
Quote from: Roadstergal on May 07, 2009, 02:14:16 PM
Quote from: intergalactic on May 07, 2009, 12:59:10 PMWOW. Good boots are all $400?
The Pumas are under $400. I have to say, though - if they made them in my size, I'd be all over the Sidi Vortice. I have the Stinger, and as I mentioned, my hubby has both the Flexforce and an old pair of Sidi Vertebra Race (I got him a new pair of Sidi Vertigo Corsas for his B-Day), and I can only say good things about them all. Sidi's high-end boots are very well-made and hold up to hard use and multiple crashes. One pair of $400 boots that last through incidents that would kill one pair of $200 boots and possibly take a few bones with it? That's economics I can live with.
It's not that I'm a badass rider - it's that I am out there on a moto and Things Can Happen when you're out there on a moto. To anyone.
Quote from: Roadstergal on May 07, 2009, 05:16:13 PM
Fred - I have flat feet (never had an arch), and the Sidi dirt boots fit me great. Have you tried Sidis on?
Thanks for the tip! I am also quite flat footed. I'm going to have to seek out some Sidi boots and try them on. WebBikeWorld just did a review of their boots, and they looked pretty cool. Hmm, there are many retailers of Sidi boots in the Los Angeles area, I'll have to go check one out...
Im still waiting for roadstergal to post a pic of her in the boots she suggested for buddah.. lol Those are hot.... gotta love em, I doubt they are very comfy though.
I am back from school and I tested the Sidi B-2 boots. It's worse than I thought...
and here is the proof:
1st picture: only a little pressure is applied to the boot
2nd picture: a little more pressure is applied to the boot
My thoughts: figure out what would happen if a motorcycle has fallen on the ankle (right now I can only pray that I will not happen, because I can't go out and buy new boots)
here are the pics:
1st
(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb128/kmlkrk/IMG_3626.jpg)
2nd
(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb128/kmlkrk/IMG_3627-3.jpg)
AHHH That makes my Ankle hurt just looking at it!!!!! I think I am going on a boot hunt this weekend and Next, If I find anything worth while I will let you guys/gals know
That does look bad... but I can't get mine to do that (and no I don't consider myself that weak :dunno_white:) The rear ridges seem to prevent me from doing that... though the front does bend and twist around.
Looking at it yet again (5 minutes later)... I can fold the boot over somewhat above the ankle protection... but at that point I think your lower-leg will have fractured in a very painful way...
Maybe roadstergal can post some photos of her doing the test so we don't all freak out (or maybe so we can freak out)
I would think that with your foot in them, the back of them would be wider, providing alot more rigidity than when they are empty. try it again with an empty soda bottle (with the cap off) and let us know how that goes. my guess is that it will be more rigid
Quote from: jeremy_nash on May 08, 2009, 10:36:14 AM
I would think that with your foot in them, the back of them would be wider, providing alot more rigidity than when they are empty. try it again with an empty soda bottle (with the cap off) and let us know how that goes. my guess is that it will be more rigid
I'll try that later on. I am trying to write an essay now... :icon_neutral: - fortunately it's the last one for this semester :woohoo:
Quote from: NF11624 on May 08, 2009, 07:38:45 AMMaybe roadstergal can post some photos of her doing the test so we don't all freak out (or maybe so we can freak out)
I don't own a pair of B-2s. I do the test at the store. If I did it on my Supertechs (not the Supertech Rs, I can bend those), you'd just see me going red in the face trying to bend a set of boots.
Quote from: NF11624 on May 08, 2009, 07:38:45 AMbut at that point I think your lower-leg will have fractured in a very painful way...
I had a 'sturdy' pair of MX boots on (sturdier than many road boots) when I did this. Leg dandy, ankle - not so much. And this is after having a very light bike - a CRF230 - land on it. Think of how much force a streetbike that weighs half again as much would deliver.
Legs are stronger than ankles and will stand up to more abuse. A good pair of boots will absorb some of the force of an impact and transfer the rest over a larger area, rather than folding at their weakest point and transmitting it all to your leg's weakest point.
(http://www.roadstergal.info/3_15_08/postop1.jpg)
(http://www.roadstergal.info/3_15_08/postop2.jpg)
No boot will protect you from every incident. But if there's a weak spot I can detect, I'll try to avoid it.
i love xray photos
nice bone structure. lol
Nice hardware. I swear, orthopedic surgeons are basically carpenters with a cleaner work area... The one I went to literally used a hammer and chisel on me...
Any opinions on the sidi crossfire TA versus the SRS?
Nevermind. I figured it out. SRS has removeable soles.
Quote from: fred on May 08, 2009, 04:02:03 PM
Nice hardware. I swear, orthopedic surgeons are basically carpenters with a cleaner work area... The one I went to literally used a hammer and chisel on me...
+1 :D
Quote from: fred on May 08, 2009, 04:02:03 PM
Nice hardware. I swear, orthopedic surgeons are basically carpenters with a cleaner work area... The one I went to literally used a hammer and chisel on me...
Me too. And a saw. If only he was a BETTER carpetner...
Quote from: intergalactic on May 09, 2009, 09:14:47 AM
Quote from: fred on May 08, 2009, 04:02:03 PM
Nice hardware. I swear, orthopedic surgeons are basically carpenters with a cleaner work area... The one I went to literally used a hammer and chisel on me...
Me too. And a saw. If only he was a BETTER carpetner...
Ha! Yeah, mine did what any good carpenter would do: tried to fix my knee four times then offered me a new one. I declined.
I wish my surgeon was better at sewing too. I have a 7 inch long scar, but it is so damn straight. Why couldn't have have made it look more like a shark bite or a knife fight wound? I think scars are always way cooler when they come with a good story...
You know unless you plan on racing for just street riding I wear close shoes and jeans.... No real need for fancy boots nor is it really that practical.... Just don't be like these stupid kids... and adults and wear shorts and flip flops when riding
I guess that is another opinion.
Well,
I beg to differ with guitarking on that one. Both of my incidents have been riding on regular roads and the first time I should have had decent boots. In fact the first incident I wasn't even moving LOL. Bike ran out of gas at red light decided to jump off and push to get more leverage :nono: . Pavement uneven lost balance only piece of gear I didn't have on boots guess what happened three torn ligaments on my ankle and six weeks of crutches! On Easter my second incident consisted of road debris hitting me in my right shoulder at 45mph the armor in my jacket took the brunt of the hit. Still seperated my shoulder could you imagine if I were just wearing a shirt!
I got my boots on here from Pronator they were big for her but perfect for me. They are the Frank Thomas ones and seem to work quite well I hope to never test them LOL!
Mary
Quote from: guitarking135 on May 10, 2009, 05:55:11 AM
You know unless you plan on racing for just street riding I wear close shoes and jeans.... No real need for fancy boots nor is it really that practical.... Just don't be like these stupid kids... and adults and wear shorts and flip flops when riding
Sounds like the words of someone who has never hit the pavement wearing just jeans. I hope you never have too. Unfortunately, there are only two types of riders: those that have gone down and those that will go down. When it happens, you should be wearing the best gear you can afford.
Or someone who has never had a co-worker hit the pavement wearing just jeans (he was just street riding, after all, at about 30mph), get roadrash with gravel inside, have to be held down by orderlies while nurses scrubbed out the gravel with scouring pads, and then have the rash get infected afterwards.
Quote from: Roadstergal on May 13, 2009, 08:57:47 AM
Or someone who has never had a co-worker hit the pavement wearing just jeans (he was just street riding, after all, at about 30mph), get roadrash with gravel inside, have to be held down by orderlies while nurses scrubbed out the gravel with scouring pads, and then have the rash get infected afterwards.
Yeah, I used to get that a lot when I mountain biked all the time. Not fun at all. At least I learned the lesson then when I was a teen and only on a bicycle. I've had more than enough bicycle-related road rash to know I'm not in any hurry to get more. Scrubbing bits of gravel and dirt out of rash is no fun. Also, if you miss some, it gets trapped inside you and slowly and painfully grows out for the next month or so. Trust me, you don't want it.
shaZam! happens...be prepared for shaZam! to happen.
Quote from: jeremy_nash on May 08, 2009, 10:36:14 AM
I would think that with your foot in them, the back of them would be wider, providing alot more rigidity than when they are empty. try it again with an empty soda bottle (with the cap off) and let us know how that goes. my guess is that it will be more rigid
I did test sidi B2 with soda bottle inside (coca-cola and poland spring)
poland spring bottle didn't make any difference and coca-cola bottle made the boot tiny bit more rigid, but still not good enough.
conclusion:
if you have money go for whatever roadstergal recommends!!
PS. I am sure though that even worst motorcycle dedicated boots will offer more protection than tennis shoes... :thumb:
Quote from: Bluesmudge on May 12, 2009, 11:37:44 PM
Quote from: guitarking135 on May 10, 2009, 05:55:11 AM
You know unless you plan on racing for just street riding I wear close shoes and jeans.... No real need for fancy boots nor is it really that practical.... Just don't be like these stupid kids... and adults and wear shorts and flip flops when riding
Sounds like the words of someone who has never hit the pavement wearing just jeans. I hope you never have too. Unfortunately, there are only two types of riders: those that have gone down and those that will go down. When it happens, you should be wearing the best gear you can afford.
actually I have I had to lay my bike down a few weeks after painting it to keep from getting hit by a semi so yea I do know what its like to go down. I just feel like its over kill
I love that myth "I had to lay my bike down" Might wanna read up and do some more practice in swerving and braking. Almost, every collision is avoidable between driver and rider. Sometimes you have to be more defensive about it than a car but watch your Six's and always be alert.
"More than 30 years ago, before I even had an interest in motorcycling, I remember hearing talk among co-workers about what they would do if they were riding their bikes and saw an impending crash coming. They all agreed that the best thing to do was to deliberately lay their motorcycles down on the ground and avoid the crash. Some had even practiced doing this.
I didn't know anything about bikes except that I had always wanted to ride since I was a kid but never did. I thought that this seemed like a strange way to avoid a crash by becoming a crash yourself.
Perhaps this was in the days when tires weren't so sticky and brakes were drum only. I do know that the helmets weren't all that great and that many states didn't have helmet laws. So, it seems even more dangerous now as I think about it than it seemed then when I knew nothing about riding.
Today, the bikes stop faster, some even have ABS brakes to stop in a straight line on any surface.
The helmets are better, the apparel is better. The training is better and people aren't afraid to use their front brakes to stop faster.
So, be prepared with MSF training. Practice good braking techniques. Learn to avoid or swerve around problems and anticipate situations that may force you to react to save your life. Stay on your bike in an upright position. Don't lay your bike down and hope that it will slow you down. It may just flip you into traffic and make things much worse."
Also here are 9 other motorcycle myths discussed http://motorcycleviews.com/general/motomyths.htm
Mary
Sometimes "having to lay it down" doesn't mean you had a choice in the matter. The crash I had sorta recently as I was cresting a hill and a truck was coming at me, I tried to brake but next thing I knew I was on the ground. Lost the front end somehow...maybe because I was cresting the hill, maybe bad suspension, probably rider error. Never the less, I was practicing my panic stops the day before like I try to do often but when that split second happened, it was all instinct and survival reaction.
I agree though, I can't think of any circumstance where laying the bike down would be the best option.
.
Laying the bike down takes away all of your options. Swerving takes away the fewest.
And laying the bike down changes the traction surface from rubber to plastic. Plastic doesn't grip as well. Braking will out-stop sliding, any time.
with mine I had no choice the I was in the middle of the turn semi ran a redlight it was hit the ground or hit the truck and well the ground seemed a lot softer.
Any idea if Sidi boots run big or small?
I have size 45 Doc marten's shoes (4 eyelet) and they are pretty loose (I slide into them) I was wondering if I should get 44s or 45s in Sidi Crossfire TAs? Roadstergal convinced me.
check this sidi sizing chart - I used it to help me choose B2 boots and they fit perfectly
A) just print this thing out (make sure that when you print no option to stretch or skew image is selected so the image prints in it's original size - this is VERY important - otherwise your chart will give you false information)
B) then tape the chart together according to instructions
C) put your foot on that chart and you should know exact size you need to order
http://www.sidiusa.com/contents/en-us/SIDIShoeSizer.pdf
"I HAD to lay the bike down" is a staement that an idot makes. You never HAVE to lay the bike down. They say that to make themselves look better with all that road rash. If you purposefully dump your bike onto the concrete, asphalt, black top, tarmac, whatever you call it...youre a dumb ass.
Quote from: intergalactic on May 14, 2009, 10:39:35 AM
Any idea if Sidi boots run big or small?
I have size 45 Doc marten's shoes (4 eyelet) and they are pretty loose (I slide into them) I was wondering if I should get 44s or 45s in Sidi Crossfire TAs? Roadstergal convinced me.
The Sidi's are the first pair of Euro shoes I've owned, but the chart that kml.krk linked is pretty accurate. My regular (US) shoe size is 9.5 - 10.5 (depending on brand), and I got the size 44 boots. One thing to check of course is how the toe box fits your feet. These are VERY rigid around the toes, so you might want to try and find a pair in your area to try on. According to your location info (assuming its accurate 8)), and the Sidi US distributors' website, there is at least one Sidi dealer in your area - http://www.greaterbostonmotorsports.com/ Go there and try on a pair and see how they fit.
Quote from: gs5oofever on May 07, 2009, 06:06:25 AM
Not sure how many of us there are out there, but I want to know:
What do you wear on your feet to ride????
I started out with brown crap kickers from Kmart. ha. Took bike class (MSF) in the 10 inches of rain and had to toss em out after that, they were nasty. So then I bought Harley boots. They are nice. Have a bit of a heal. Look cool as heck, but that heal gets in the way. Did on the Shadow and they do on the GS now. If I don't place my foot just right, I do a wif instead of a shift. :laugh: So then when I got the GS the sales/tech had on icon boots, they were so cool, they are Icon SUPERDUTY 2 with the cool strap and buckle, extra padding on the toe for shifting. I ordered them for $90 from motosports.com. Tried them out last night, wow, they are so heavy, and tight at the ankle (they have protection for the ankle as well) and look like I am wearing my brothers shoes! Just not right for me. So I am back to surfing the net looking for cool, affordable, comfortable, but safe boots once again.
Any input on any boots, shoes, that you trust and like, would be appreicated. We need to help each other out. I am curious to know how many women there are on this forum, do you know if there is a tool that counts that? Later.
There's a few women riders out here. =)
I haven't been riding long, and not (yet) into racing. I wear leather boots that cover my ankles for riding - never sneakers. Not sure how much more this will keep from sprains/etc.. but I'm much more confident it will keep me from picking out gravel. I actually got my boots at Journeys in the mall, and they have a reinforced strip where my foot hits the shifter. (It doesn't seem to be just for looks). Actually men's boots, but I have big feet for a girl, so no prob.
For basic street riding, what comfortable options are there and how thick does the leather have to be to make a significant improvement in protection over jeans?
Well this thread has made me think about boots differently. Reading about clutch covers and ankles.
I am looking at some Sidi vertigo corsa boots sometime in my future. Or crossfires.
P.S. There are some small Sidi stingers for cheap on eBay. 34/35/36 size?
Got my new boots today!!! have not ridden with them but I LOVE THEM ALREADY!!!!!!!
Alpinestars Stella S-mx4 boots. They run pretty true to size, I wear a 7-7-1/2 and I have "wider" feet for a chick, and short thick legs and the size 7 (euro 38) fit amazing! I even have a little room to wiggly my toes. The boots seem pretty comfy to walk in so far, and they have a good amount of support!
My eBay Sidi Vortice Air boots should be here tomorrow!
Really glad I read this thread...
Heather has a pair of the vegan Doc Marten's somewhere that we picked up when she needed boots for her MSF course. They seemed to work fine. I used to always ride in combat boots when I started riding. I eventually splurged on a pair of Sidi riding boots, which were waterproof and AMAZING, but I doubt I'll spend the cash on them again once I get the bike running and start riding again. I'd keep an eye out on ebay to see what you can find. I put them on ebay the winter of 07-08 without a reserve, and they only sold for $35, i could've cried.
It's summer, so I paid a lot more than that for my used eBay boots. Vortice Airs. :icon_mrgreen: Press corps boots.
Still probably 60-70% off retail. But still expensive...
Quote from: tt_four on June 10, 2009, 08:18:42 AM
Heather has a pair of the vegan Doc Marten's somewhere that we picked up when she needed boots for her MSF course. They seemed to work fine. I used to always ride in combat boots when I started riding. I eventually splurged on a pair of Sidi riding boots, which were waterproof and AMAZING, but I doubt I'll spend the cash on them again once I get the bike running and start riding again. I'd keep an eye out on ebay to see what you can find. I put them on ebay the winter of 07-08 without a reserve, and they only sold for $35, i could've cried.
Hello. I decided to go with Shift boots. I love them. Thanks for the info, looks like this link helpped some others find what they wanted too. Be safe!