 ICON TARMAC VENTILATED MOTORCYCLE SHOE BOOT BLACK  US $125.00
|
 Speedmaster Boot Black Size 9 Joe Rocket US $125.00
|
 NEW ICON FIELD ARMOR LEATHER CHUKKA BOOTS BLACK 105 US $115.00
|
In today's post, I will discuss how to buy the right motorcycle boots. Boots seem to be the last thing most riders think about when buying their gear. Even among riders who seem to know the importance of gear, boots are seldom a priority because most riders have boots that are usable for motorcycling. Usable, however, does not mean appropriate.
What boot should I buy?
You should buy boots designed for motorcycles. However, mere boots designed for motorcycles are not enough. Even over the ankle motorcycle boots do not offer enough protection in my honest opinion. You need boots that have sufficient armor to protect your feet, ankles, and lower legs from injury. You do not even have to be moving to injure your legs. Human flesh cannot stand up to metal, concrete, and asphalt.
There are many styles of boots that you can buy for riding your sports bike. When picking a motorcycle boot, you have to decide what boot material is your preference: leather, textile, or plastic. For sports bike, I prefer racing boots that are a hard plastic/leather mixed material construction that is fastened by a zipper. Other forms of fasteners include laces and Velcro. I do not feel comfortable with any other fastener type other than a zipper because laces can get snagged on bike parts. My first boot was a Caterpillar steel-toed boot and on my first ride, I almost dropped my bike when the laces of my boot got caught up in the shift lever. That was almost an embarrassing experience that forced me to buy a new pair of plastic/leather racing boots. I have never had a Velcro fastened boot, but I do not have the confidence that a Velcro can keep the boots on my feet in a crash. But the single most important thing when selecting a boot is to ensure that it is a high-cut style that covers your ankles entirely. It does not have to be a racing style boot, though it is my number one preference. One of the highest points of injury in a motorcycle accident were injured ankles. Good riding boots provide significant ankle/shin protection, but some motorcycle boots are no better than $20.00 Wal-Mart boots. Non-slip soles are also important.
How should a boot fit?
Like a glove. The first point to note is that motorcycle boots have odd sizes as they do not have the exact same size as shoes. I wear a size 8.5 motorcycle boots, but have a 9.5 shoe size. This fact alone makes it very difficult to buy your boots online. But just like buying a helmet online, you want to make sure the boots fit like a glove by testing out your boots at the local motorcycle dealership.
Motorcycle boots should fit snug like your everyday shoe; not too tight, not too loose. You should be able to walk around in them normally without your heel moving as you walk. As a general rule, if you have any doubt that they are too loose, then they most likely are. When they fit correctly, you will know it. It is also acceptable to wear thick socks with your boots if they are too loose, but wearing thick socks in the summer is going to be very unpleasant. Because these boots do not breathe well, they are going to make your feet sweat puddles within your boots. Yucky!!!
Plastic-enforced style racing motorcycle boots will not be comfortable for walking around. Motorcycle boots, especially racing boots, do not bend very easily at the ankles. Walking around in them can be uncomfortable and be quite tiring. But you bought these boots for riding, why are you walking around in them? As with my helmet buying guide, visit your local motorcycle dealership and try on their selection of boots with appropriate socks. Once you find a pair of boots that give a snug fit, keep them on for another 15-20 minutes so that your feet can tell you if they are in complete and utter agony after 15-20 minutes of wearing them. If you choose the style, material, and brand wisely, you should be able to find a good pair of boots that you can comfortably use to walk around.
Which brand should I buy?
This is a very subjective topic and it will depend on your foot shape. For my foot, my preference is a Sidi or the new super hot and sexy Puma boots. Look to your boot manufacturer's website for which boots best fit your foot shape.
