So...here's my predicament...
I work in an office environment that requires business casual dress (slacks, button down shirt, and dress shoes). My daily driver is an '04 Ford Ranger with well over 200k on the clock. As a result I've been riding to work as often as weather allows. My problem is that my cheap pair of dress shoes really don't offer a whole lot of foot protection in the event of a fall. I've done some shopping, but can't seem to find a good pair of shoes that offer the protection I'd like, along with the "dressy" appearance.
Before offering the suggestion to leave a pair of shoes at work, please know that has already crossed my mind, and is not an option I prefer. I'm really looking for something I can ride in, and that I can wear at work all day. Nothing loaded up with a bunch of logos, that looks too much like a motorcycle boot, or that looks like a tennis shoe.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Dainese do a "Cafe Style" Boot.
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-cafe-boots
Not sure if it's something you're after.
Do you wear khakis or black dress pants more? Also, what color are you searching for/are your current dress shoes?
I could be totally missing the mark here but... in total honesty, if I saw these peeking out from under a pair of black dress pants I wouldn't question them one bit:
http://www.cyclegear.com/BILT-Torrent-Waterproof-Leather-Motorcycle-Boots
If you're looking for something brown (to go with khakis and a brown belt for example) these *could* work... because most of the gingerbread would be under your lower pant legs. I tried to find simpler ones without those little nubbies on the top but I was also trying to keep ya out of the $200+ range !
http://www.cyclegear.com/ICON-Superduty-4-Leather-Motorcycle-Boots
EDIT: BAH I can't the the link to show the medium brown color right away when you click on it. I don't suggest the black ones, I wanted you to see the brown!! :technical: LOL
You're right, it's not simple as pie to find something that doesn't say, "HELLO, I'M A BOOT" :icon_razz:
Not sure what you are looking to spend, but Gasolina makes nice boots in Mexico that fit the bill:
http://www.gasolinaboots.com/deluxe_boots.html (http://www.gasolinaboots.com/deluxe_boots.html)
I wear a pair of Justin boots that could be mistaken for dress shoes under pants. Not much protection, but better than dress shoes:
http://www.bootbarn.com/Justin-Men%27s-Roper-Boots/1000402,default,pd.html?dwvar_1000402_color=Black (http://www.bootbarn.com/Justin-Men%27s-Roper-Boots/1000402,default,pd.html?dwvar_1000402_color=Black)
My first concern would be comfort - you'll be wearing those boots for at least 9 hours straight, so they better keep your feet happy. Try to find brands that are reviewed as comfortable (TCX, Gaerne, etc) and then check the styles that would work for you.
Personally, I wear my TCX boots for extended amounts of time and fine them comfortable on or off the bike.....but not enough that I would wear them all day at work.
Mmmm comfort! ... 'most' (not all) motorcycle designed footwear is subtly but significantly different in structural components. .. much stiffer sole plate, different template and stitching patterns to allow for strength/flexibility, heavier materials etc.
Its a bit like trying to find a 'Dress Basketball Hightop' ... theoretically there's a hybrid that does both uses as best it can!
Good bike/dress shoes that are actually comfortable enough for a whole office day won't be a budget buy either! ...
You don't like leaving shoes at work.. now about a top box/luggage case on the bike? .. lockable.. plus you get to use the toolbox for all sorts of stuff if you do a weekend ride!?
I do wish you luck with the shoe search tho! :thumb:
ooo yeah that's a good idea, lockable storage space on the bike since the idea of leaving things inside work isn't appealing !!
Even a good pair of regular, "non-motorcycle" boots can offer good protection when riding. I daily wear a pair of Bates Ultra-Lights. They are comfy and sturdy, when clean and polished they pass fine as business casual (I often have to wear slacks, a button shirt, and tie, but I don't give up my boots), and I HAVE gone down in a low-side while wearing them with no damage to speak of other than some abrasions on the toe.
Sure there are no hard panels or slider points in the event of your foot being trapped under the bike or something, but tough leather and heavy nylon are basically what soft riding gear is anyway so you've at least got that going for you.
Watcher makes a good point! ... so I thought for a bit.... who needs a tough boot that also spends a lot of time on their feet? .... soldiers!
Did a bit of a search.... the Nike SFB is highly rated by many servicemen for its comfort on a long days trek! ... and a lot of other reasons.... Google! .... is also available in a very presentable black leather!
Just grist for the mill eh! :thumb:
Thanks for the help, everyone! I'm definitely leaning towards a black pair, as they're more versatile and I can make them work with most anything. I'll take a look at a few of these and hopefully be able to make a decision! Much appreciated!
or a backpack could be an option. i.e. put the work shoes within. and change upon arrival. many options listed in thread. eventually one will fit the bill methinks.
Aaron
Is a good backpack a possibility? I find that when I need heels ...and pearls and a skirt (in my case...you might want to skip one or all three :icon_lol:) and I had to....make that loved to commute, backpack was my best choice if I chose not to leave these things at the office. If this subject has been covered, please carry on. :icon_mrgreen:
Dammit....Yama beat me by mere HOURS LOL
I have the same dress where I work. I wear heavy beat up black boots to work. If you ride a bike to work, people at work won't f with your shoes because they're scared of you......so long as you still sport your khakis and button down. I even grew a beard and didn't get a haircut for 6mo.
A relative who's been a biker since the 1960s did not realize my boots were boots, he thought they were brown fancy dress shoes (I've polished them to alarming levels and swapped the laces with dressier ones; the boot style has been in production since the 1930s and in the U.S., both Alden and Frye make "Indy" style boots).
Gasolina boots would be in my closet if I could justify them, they're gorgeous and likely more protective than Alden or Frye.
I'll dare mention Lewis Leathers even though my bike is worth $1K on a good day. Maybe when the lottery money comes in.
Among non-bike boots, loggers, jump boots, combat boots, and engineers offer useful protection but look ludicrous if you're wearing a coat and tie.
The backpack is a good option...I have to carry one anyway since I transport my laptop to and from work daily. The backpack I'm using now doesn't really offer much extra room for a pair of shoes though, so I'll likely have to invest in something larger. I like a lot of these boots that you all are posting though. I'll probably end up buying one of these pair anyway, along with a new backpack so that I can carry shoes that are more comfortable for the work day.
I also like the idea of a lockable box for the back of my bike for longer trips. They appear to be pretty pricey though. I'll add that to the list :icon_lol:
What about a magnetic tank bag? Throw your proper work shoes in there, and just swap them out at the office.
Magnum boots for the win. Composite reinforced toe and super light I work in an office and onsite where boots are required sometimes I have my boots on for 13 hours. Not a motorcycle boot but will do the job I'd say.