Boot question

[dougfollett]

I am looking at a pair of Converse, lace up combat boots with a side zipper. They look like a cross between a boot and a sports shoe. I am considering them because they look very comfortable, easy to put on and the laces shouldn't get in the way as the top part where they are tied can be tucked out of the way. Any one have any experience or comments on this type of zip up boot? I'm trying to save some money.

 

[sumran]

I am looking at a pair of Converse, lace up combat boots with a side zipper. They look like a cross between a boot and a sports shoe. I am considering them because they look very comfortable, easy to put on and the laces shouldn't get in the way as the top part where they are tied can be tucked out of the way. Any one have any experience or comments on this type of zip up boot? I'm trying to save some money.

I looked at a pair of Redwing motorcycle boots that sound similar. I ended up buying Tourmasters because the Redwing store was out of my size. It was a decision I regret. The Tourmaster boots accelerated my intense dislike for all things Velcro. Does the Converse boot have good ankle protection?

 

[Bobmws]

I am looking at a pair of Converse, lace up combat boots with a side zipper. They look like a cross between a boot and a sports shoe. I am considering them because they look very comfortable, easy to put on and the laces shouldn't get in the way as the top part where they are tied can be tucked out of the way. Any one have any experience or comments on this type of zip up boot? I'm trying to save some money.

Eat more Ramen noodles to save $$$.
Don't skimp on something that can protect you.

 

[Rpbump]

Bought Red Wing steel toed boots after breaking my left big toe, they are very comfortable are are available up to EEE widths. I laid my bike down after being cut off, only alternative was to high side and thats not a good choice. I was wearing 10" HD boots but they lacked the steel toe insert. Safety and comfort is a big plus in footwear.

 

[AFHRNFA1]

boots

I have worn many different kind of boots. My Sidi are the best

 

[boxerkuh]

I ride to work and my "true" motorcycle boots by Alpinestar don't work for that. I have invested in several different pair of "work" boots and "police" boots that are very comfortable and I can suggest. If you want one with a side zipper, I have a pair of Rocky boots that work great. The 511 are also great. If you are looking at a lace up boot, I bought a pair of Adidas, GSG 9 II boots that are absolutely great. I recommend all of those. It is all about making sacrificises here and there. My food for thought. Good luck...

 

[dougfollett]

Eat more Ramen noodles to save $$$.
Don't skimp on something that can protect you.

I'm not looking for cheap, I just want to avoid spending money on highly specialized equipment if it isn't necessary. I think boots are one area that you can save some money and actually get better protection if you don't go with the high end "motorcycle" stuff. Admittedly you will look cooler but if you are comfortable in a high top work boot and it doesn't interfere with the operation of your bike, is there really any reason to spend more money? I'm looking at "motorcycle" boots from about $100 to $300. Unfortunately my feet don't fit in anything under $200. I can buy an excellent, zip up work boot for $85. Helmets are another story. I'll agree with you there.

Doug

 

[Wallowa]

Seriously, You Don't Know?

I'm not looking for cheap, I just want to avoid spending money on highly specialized equipment if it isn't necessary. I think boots are one area that you can save some money and actually get better protection if you don't go with the high end "motorcycle" stuff. Admittedly you will look cooler but if you are comfortable in a high top work boot and it doesn't interfere with the operation of your bike, is there really any reason to spend more money? I'm looking at "motorcycle" boots from about $100 to $300. Unfortunately my feet don't fit in anything under $200. I can buy an excellent, zip up work boot for $85. Helmets are another story. I'll agree with you there.

Doug

Work boots were not designed to protect your feet, ankle and lower leg in a motorcycle accident. Period. But you knew that right? Like why wear anything to protect your knees, elbows, shoulders and hands? Oh, levis and windbreaker? Ok it is your hide and bones....I am not trying to be a wise ass, but this is plain common sense...

 

[dougfollett]

Hmm, guess I'm showing my ignorance. I really haven't looked into motorcycle boot design that much but from looking at a pair of $275 BMW boots, I wasn't all that impressed with their ability to do much in the way of protecting your feet. Comfortable yest but the high top hunting boots I tried on seemed to offer a whole lot more protection. Guess I need to go back to the class room on this one.

Doug

 

[gabentx]

I've never worn Motorcycle Boots before, generally worn hiking boots/steel-toe boots previously and decided just a few weeks ago that it was time to purchase actual Motorcycle boots. I was looking for a pair that I could reasonably use off the bike for a few hours at a time if I wanted to wander through towns with the wife/friends/etc while out on longer rides.

I bought this pair but at the local BMW dealership (for a better price I might add), http://www.extremesupply.com/sidi/sidiboots/2007/sporttepor.html, and so far I recommend them.

As to the protection, I think it's not that one protects better than another, but that one protects against the types of injuries that you'd expect to get in each sport of choice better. I wouldn't want to wear a football helmet on the motorcycle nor the other way around but they both are excellent protectors of the old noggin...

Anyway...safe riding...

 

[REM07adventure]

Aerostitch boots

Aerostitch makes a pair of lace up boots they call the Combat boot. You might check their website to see if they still have them available and if they are close to what you are looking for. I have never actually seen a pair so I can't give any sort of opinion as to their features, construction, etc. Hope this helps.
REM

 

[BOXERR]

I use Rossi bike boots(not Valentino) They are an Australian company that make work, leasure, and motorcycle boots.
Very comfortable. I have 2 pair. 1 long pair, waterproof, and one shorter day boot.
Both have air cushion soles, so good to walk around in all day.
www.rossiboots.com.au
Not sure if available in USA

 

[119240]

What your looking for reminds me of clown shoes - zippers on the side, laces...

Go get a good pair of motorcycle boots - do not skimp on gear.
If the moto boots are to much sell one of your old bike that'll cover the expense.

 

[dougfollett]

I hate to seem hard headed but I am not convinced that a "good pair of motorcycle boots" is better than a good pair of any other boot. Most of the motor cycle boots I have looked at look less protective than most of the high top, non motorcycle boots I am seeing. I am open to being shown otherwise. The moto cross and track boots obviously are a well designed safety boot that go well beyond what you could ever buy in a non motorcycle boot but the standard riding/touring boots I am looking at seem a bit on the light side. I will admit to complete ignorance on the subject so please clue me in. I just don't like spending money just because people say "buy the best that you can afford". As if spending a lot of money on something makes it good. In some cases that is true but in my life time I have learned it is not always the case.

Doug

 

[Rinty]

Doug:

After a very unhappy August ride in snow in southern Alberta a few years ago, I bought a pair of rain proof gortex lined Alpinestar boots, and it was one of the best $350 "investments" I have ever made. No more wet feet, no more stopping before the front and horsing around with overboots.

At the same time, I also retired my Dainese sport leather suit , got a Dainese textile riding suit, and I've never looked back

I know a lot of folks ride with work boots but I just don't see it, when there are excellent, purpose designed bike boots out there.

The modern bike riding gear is superlative.

Rinty

 

[Mongo]

I like my Tourmaster Solution Boots. They are not too expensive and give good protection and are water proof.

Click on pic for more info

 

[tommcgee]

I like my Tourmaster Solution Boots. They are not too expensive and give good protection and are water proof.

Three out of four of mine are waterproof. And no, I don't wear all four at once.

 

[The_Veg]

My Prexports are comfier to ride in than my old pair of Hitec Magnum tactical/hiking boots, but I seriously doubt that they would be as protective. The leather is thinner, the stitching is lighter, there is less to secure to boot to my feet (three hook-and-loop straps vs. laces (which I DO keep tucked out of the way!)). The Magnums have more sole, both underfoot and moulded around the sides of the foot (and retained better too). Both are waterproof, but the Magnums breathe much better. I usually ride in the Prexports because I keep coming back to that fit and comfort.

 

[REM07adventure]

More boot stuff

Hoo...
Here's the deal: some motorcycle specific boots are going to fit better than others, some are going to protect better than others, yada yada. You should look for what works for you.
What's important? Probably steel toes and ankle protection. That's where I see the most trauma seconday to MC injuries. Motorcycle boots tend (note "tend") to offer protection in those areas because they are the most vulneable to injury. As complex as the foot and ankle are, they are much more so to repair especially when strategic bits have been ripped or abraided to nothing. Many people overlook the need for quality protection over the feet and ankles. While steel toed work boots may seem like a positive approach, they leave your ankles exposed because at best there's just a bit of leather between the pavement and the skin. There isn't a whole lot of abraiding until the medial and lateral bony portions of your ankle start making contact with the pavement. You do NOT want that, believe me!
Find the best motorcycle boot you can afford. Work boots may be easier to get on and off, they may be more stylish, they may be cheaper, or may be more comfortable for walking about but trust me, they won't offer you the same protection and I think that's important to you.
I just unloaded a healthy chunk on a pair of BMW Santiagos and am very pleased with the fit, feel, and construction. God forbid I have a bad off, I'd like to think I have stacked the deck a bit in my favor. Good luck in your quest and stay safe.
REM

 

[FELAW]

Boots

What brands of motorcycle boots have steel toe caps? Those Tourmasters, though nice looking, don't seem to, or do they?