So, I spent my motorcycle shop gift certificate on a set of Alpinestars Bionic Knee guards, and Icon Motorhead boots.

The Bionic Knee things rock, I'll be wearing them beneath riding pants, cause the armor never seems to stay placed correctly on my knee and gets pretty uncomforatble.  Also if I wanted to be bad, I could always slip them beneath jeans for a ride to school.

But the boots... ick    Yeah, so they didn't even fit right, too narrow in the toe box.  And small.  Didn't really like the construction on the boots.  Compared to my Sidi's, it reminds me of something Joe Rocket would make  :lol: Buckles were stiff, and the backing plates for them looked like cheap galvanized plates that would pop off under any extended use.  I'm glad the shop took them back, getting a back protector instead  

So, I want some advice.  I'd like to keep my Sidi Vertigo Corsas for long distance rides, and use something a little more normal for commuting/hanging out.  I hate how most MC boots don't cinch down around the ankle.  I sent back a pair of nice touring boots cause the heels kept popping out as I walked (I don't have a fat foot ) My Sidi's tighten down and fit great! Any suggestions on what to get?  Maybe some 12" steel toed sh*t kickers... but I don't like the lack of ankle/shin armor with that.  Or a non-flashy pair of MX boots?  What should I do?

Yeah, I like the protection... getting up after an accident is good

You have to go to a store and try them on to know if they fit.

While you're there, try on Alpinestars Roam waterproof boots.  They're the ones I'm wearing in my devil outfit.

I have Alpinestar's GPS 3 boots. Very comfy. I even forget to change shoes at work sometimes. But I needed something that doesn't stick out for certain occasions and the Icon Super Duty 2 fit the bill for me. I know people will say I'm giving up protection, but the area that is covered by the Icon boot feels much more protective than the AStar boot. I just feel naked on the bike with the Icon boots because they don't go up as high and they don't have the shin protection of the AStar boot.

But based on feel, I have to say that the Icon will do a better job of protecting, everything from the top of my ankle to my toes, than the AStars boot. The hardest thing getting used to the Icon boot is the feel on the shifter. I can't barely feel it anymore. I was so used the the touch that the AStar boots gave me. The whole top of the AStar boots didn't feel protective, but gave good feedback.

So to me, it's a trade off. More foot/ankle protection or shin protection. I'm guessing a busted foot is worse than a busted shin?

Quote
I sent back a pair of nice touring boots cause the heels kept popping out as I walked (I don't have a fat foot Razz )

That's been my experience with the A* Web boots (below left), which, like the Roam boots (below, right) are "touring" style.   I prefer the Web boots, for how well they hide under dress pants.  But the "Roam" boots will be more snug around the foot, which sounds like what you want:



There's Sidi City... never seen them in person, but they look a little tighter around the calf than touring boots.  They claim to have ankle, heel and toe protection.  Or maybe some "trials boots" (GAERNE Balance oiled boots... a little bit "vintage" look).  Or the Aerostich Combat Touring boots (made by Sidi, also no armor):

I've got Sidi Strada Tepor Evo, and they are freakin' amazing. Waterproof. comfortable, warm when it's cold, and not THAT expensive (in comparison to other Sidi boots).

Quote from: leoI have Alpinestar's GPS 3 boots. Very comfy. I even forget to change shoes at work sometimes. But I needed something that doesn't stick out for certain occasions and the Icon Super Duty 2 fit the bill for me. I know people will say I'm giving up protection, but the area that is covered by the Icon boot feels much more protective than the AStar boot. I just feel naked on the bike with the Icon boots because they don't go up as high and they don't have the shin protection of the AStar boot.

But based on feel, I have to say that the Icon will do a better job of protecting, everything from the top of my ankle to my toes, than the AStars boot. The hardest thing getting used to the Icon boot is the feel on the shifter. I can't barely feel it anymore. I was so used the the touch that the AStar boots gave me. The whole top of the AStar boots didn't feel protective, but gave good feedback.



So to me, it's a trade off. More foot/ankle protection or shin protection. I'm guessing a busted foot is worse than a busted shin?

I have these boots also, mine are the waterproof ones. They seem pretty stiff though, kinda like cowboy boots.

I have Gaerne ST Dry touring boots.  Not so impressed.  The A* Web Gore-Tex boots had much better construction and control feel - they just didn't fit me

I have the Setup Gran Prix boots
http://www.newenough.com/setup_gran_prix_red_blue_boots_page.htm

Considering that they're the only pair of motorcycle boots I have, I'm happy with em =P They fit nicely, are pretty comfy, and i can walk around without any difficulty. As far as the not-so-fat foot goes, it doesn't really cinch around the ankle. Heck, it doesn't really cinch around anywhere. But for 105 shipped, I'm not complainin =)

I have the Alpinestars SM-X boots. They have an internal tie for the ankle, zipper and motocross-boot-style snap/lock closure at the top as well as outside protection as well. I love them.


very comfy, nice and warm, not too obnoxious to look at when you're walking around the office (I leave mine on all day) and VERY comfy to walk in! I like the protected feeling I get when I wear them. They're all I'd trust on my feet after the surgery I just had. I would wear them to bed if I could!

Quote from: Maduro MistressI would wear them to bed if I could!

Are you afraid the mattress police would give you a citation?

I got GPS 3 and they are very comfy. Also crash tested them yesterday, my right big toe is all blue now, but I think that's because I screwed it up 2 years ago when I took my first fall with no gear.... what a dumbass I was... otherwise legs are great, boots are great. Highly recommend.  

PS and yeah, don't forget to try them on, I usually get size 11 but these are  size 9 and fit perfectly

Quote from: AlphaFire X5I've got Sidi Strada Tepor Evo, and they are freakin' amazing. Waterproof. comfortable, warm when it's cold, and not THAT expensive (in comparison to other Sidi boots).

I ordered a pair of those a while back... but I exchanged them for the Vertigo Corsas because of the poor fit while walking and shifting   New Enough rocks for exchanges  

I dunno why manufacturers don't design in a strap to cinch down the instep on more boots.  It would make sense!

Oh yah, I'll repeat: those Icon boots looked like they had poor build quality and didn't fit close to acceptable.

Quote from: Turkina

Quote from: AlphaFire X5I've got Sidi Strada Tepor Evo, and they are freakin' amazing. Waterproof. comfortable, warm when it's cold, and not THAT expensive (in comparison to other Sidi boots).

I ordered a pair of those a while back... but I exchanged them for the Vertigo Corsas because of the poor fit while walking and shifting

What do you mean poor fit while shifting? I had to try on a bunch of different sizes to find the right fit for me. I ended up getting a size down from my normal shoe size, so they work great for me. It's all a personal thing.

The Vertigo Corsas are twice as expensive though! I would have loved to get some, definitely, but I splurged enough getting the Stradas.

Quote from: RoadstergalYou have to go to a store and try them on to know if they fit.

While you're there, try on Alpinestars Roam waterproof boots.  They're the ones I'm wearing in my devil outfit.

You were wearing boots in that pic.   :dunno:  :dunno:














I guess I did not look down that far    :mrgreen: