boots

[free2ride]

so help me out here . . . I figure that running shoes aren't going to cut it on a long trip. was thinking of just picking up some work boots but am having second thoughts.

so if I were to buy some "official" riding boots what do you suggest? half-calf/ankle/?

[barelycompetent]

I wear a pair of harley davidson half calf boots that have really held up well.  They are comfortable on long trips, course you are paying for the name with them.  Any boot store should have a comparable set of boots, it just comes down to personal preference.

[LukeM]

Most MSC instructors will recommend something that covers the ankle at least, and preferably half way up the lower leg/shin.  It's primarily to avoid injury by stones, sticks, or debris in the road. I agree with this recommendation.

Luke M

[seestheday]

I was able to get some joe rocket ankle boots for a steal at royal distributing.  I'm very happy with them.

[cdaiscool]

I have a set of $100 boots I got for an old job. Don't remember if they're steel toe, but they're just basic 'ol work boots. They do the job just fine. Covers my feet, goes past the ankle, up the leg a bit (don't know about 1/2 way up the calf) and are oil resistant, which you also want. If you put your foot down where a guy with an oil leak stopped for 4 mins before you, do you want your foot to slip out?

[MarkPBG]

Heavy leather boots with ankle coverage are best. Motorcycle boots have the advantage of flaps that cover the laces, so they won't come undone from the wind and end up in your chain. Wear them for at least 3-4 weeks on and off the bike before a long trip to break them in, otherwise they'll be so stiff they won't be comfortable hovering over the controls.

[sgtslag]

I would recommend whatever type you get, be sure they are waterproof.  You can spray silicone on, yourself, but it plugs up the pores on the leather.  After talking with the sales person at a Red Wing Shoe Store, I'd recommend Mink Oil, over Silicone sprays:  it breathes, without plugging the pores of the leather; it softens up your leather to the point where you might be afraid it will tear -- it won't, but it will feel that soft, for the first 24-hours after applying it...  Used it on my leather chaps, and I thought they'd rip apart they were sooo soft, and waterproof.  Mink Oil is actually a cream which has to be rubbed into finished leather; only sprays can be used on suedes.

WebBikeWorld.com recommends getting bike-specific boots, as they are supposedly made with heavier thread material, some even use Kevlar, which will allegedly withstand a crash, without falling apart (they have reviews, but they tend to have champagne tastes -- and budgets!).  I consider that overkill, but that's just my opinion.

I just bought a set at a local DIY/everything-under-the-sun store (Mills Fleet Farm):  non-steel-toed boots, mid-calf, waterproof/oil resistant, leather, with deep tread design.  Mine are lace-up, and while they work, the lacing is tedious...  Both going on, and coming off.

LeatherUp.com sells a variety, for a wide range of prices.  Mine, from Mills Fleet Farm, were $80; my wife needed a new pair, so she got some nice Red Wing boots:  $140!  Prices vary -- a lot!  Neither of our sets were steel toe, or even made for biking!  If you feel comfortable mail ordering a pair, check out LeatherUp.  Read the customer reviews, and be prepared to pay the return shipping if not satisfied.  I've had good luck with their jackets -- wish I would have taken a chance on LeatherUp's zippered boots...  Cheers!

[FastCletus]

I wear MOTORCYCLE boots.  My first pair was alpine stars and i wore them out.  protected me feet and ankles in 2 crashes very well.  My current pair is SIDI.  I like them, they fit well, but the alpine stars were more comfortable for walking around the track or at any event I rode too.  

[Ray]

I wear Danner 8 inch work boots.feel great and are tough. to break them in  wear them into a creek or river and wear till they dry.  wont ever blister and use mink oil. I also have Danner calk boots but hey  arent very good for motorcycle riding. ( they have spikes in the soles to keep from slipping on wet logs) I was a logger for 15 years,   Ray

[icerigger]

Bilt Tornado, 8 inch waterproof etc. $60 at Cycle Gear. Waaaaaay better than my old s'kickers that I wore for the last 20 years.