Why you should wear boots

[Cornelius]

I was riding home from work one night, and when I got to my driveway, I looked in my mirror as I always do before turning, just to make sure someone isn't tailgating me and is gonna rear-end me if I slow down. And I saw a long line of smoke way behind me that apparently started right where I was. I pulled into my driveway, shut the bike off, and looked down. My right pant leg was coated with smoking hot oil, and I never even felt it, because I had good, tall boots on.

The oil had squirted out from between the bottom of the cylinder and the crankcase. Even if you never fall down, it is a good idea to wear boots whenever you are straddling an engine. ;)

[Blaine]

Hey here is something I agree with you 100 percent on, good point.

That sounds like is wasn't and easy fix either.

[Badlands-4-2]

Sounds like your bike may have some issues. Glad that you do not. I had a friend burn the Cr@p out of his leg riding with tennis shoes on. I always have boots on while riding.

[Cornelius]

Yup, it was many years ago, and it wasn't an easy fix. That bike is long gone, though. :)

[CharlesW]

Yup, it was many years ago, and it wasn't an easy fix. That bike is long gone, though. :)Harley or old Triumph by any chance? Or maybe even a BSA. :D

[MikeK77]

sooooo........no good???

http://www.motovideo.com/tremendous_motorcycle_photos%5Cdumb_parents.jpg

[drummershoes]

^^ full face helmets at least, right ?!

[bigtstryker]

sooooo........no good???



I just noticed there is a baby between them smh

[Hawkeye]

I just noticed there is a baby between them smh

WTF is wrong with people.

Good eyes though, didn't even see that poor kid that looks like they are being smothered.

[Chuck Heath]

Concerning the idiots in the above picture, the helmets will keep their faces intact for the funeral. And, they should be charged with criminal negligence for putting a baby in that situation.

[schlyme]

lay off me man!!! it was her idea..... oh wait different fat guy :p i have never ridden with anything other then 8" boots and at least jeans(if not my kevlar jeans) jacket(even in 100+ degrees) and full face helmet!! but the above pic is common to see in mexico :eek: and other places from what i hear

[Cornelius]

sooooo........no good???



Ooooh, that is just so wrong on so many levels. ;)

[Blaine]

sooooo........no good???

Seems to be no cure for stupid, other than being taken out of the gene pool.

[William Schiller]

You can wear boots for the protection of your feet in wind and during accidents.

[J2H]

I like motorcycle boots just for style anyway! :-)

[Cornelius]

You can wear boots for the protection of your feet in wind and during accidents.

Don't forget rain. :)

[rodrigobrf]

I can remember while my brother and I were ridding a trail track and I saw his bike, in front of me, suddenly lose the front tire grip and the bike dropped by the left side. We weren’t wearing appropriate boots, and obviously when he noticed the out of control situation he pulled up the left leg, the same side as the bike dropped. But his right leg had contact to very hot engine parts causing some hurts and permanent marks…

Trails or dirty roads without tall boots, no more.

Thanks for the advice.

see you,
rodrigo

[DoktorJazz]

Eh, I've got all the protection I need right here

http://www.bata.com/images/news/news/577_2.jpg

Yeah I know it's old, but you didn't really think you'd get away with a footwear thread without seeing it at least once, did you?

[CharlesW]

Eh, I've got all the protection I need right here

http://www.bata.com/images/news/news/577_2.jpg

Yeah I know it's old, but you didn't really think you'd get away with a footwear thread without seeing it at least once, did you?
One can always hope. :biggrin:

Actually, I had never seen that before.
The sad thing is, someone will be asking, "Where are these available? My local bike shop doesn't carry them."

[Ph Rider]

hmmm nice Moto Sandal..

[ScrumDown]

I wish there was a "motorcycle sandal" that was available. I hate wearing boots/shoes. I am a shorts and sandals kinda guy. But, I know when riding different gear is needed. I wear (most of) the proper gear but, I sure as heck don't have to like it.

[Conleyevans]

not to hijack, but curious... if the boot wears had a choice between a Chippewa and a Wesco.... what would they choose. looking for a good pair of tall engineers.
ride safe...

[jerry8376]

There is no way I would ever ride a motorcycle without the proper gear. No way am I going to let something happen that could have been avoided by simply wearing boots or proper pants.

[buellosaurusrex]

You can get a dirt-cheap pair of steel-toed Engineer boots at Wally World for around 40 bucks.....no reason not to have foot/leg protection. That way you can save your pennies for your SIDI's or Alpinestars and still be safe.

[j8jensen]

[QUOTE=MikeK77;769874]sooooo........no good???

What has been seen, cannot be unseen.

My boots weren't designed specifically for motorcycles, but they do provide the same protection plus they have steel-toes.
So, showing my ignorance, do boots specifically designed for riding have steel-toes?

[Sidewalk]

Racing boots are not steel toe, and the soles are really thin too. They are more there to protect your ankle, which is the weak point.

My race boots have been doing a good job so far. I didn't wreck this weekend, but I did 5 times in February alone.

[eugen.podaru]

I often wear boots even when I'm not riding. I feel more confident in them, especially when I walk in some obscure neighborhoods.

[AndrewKing]

Im definitely investing in a pair of boots!

[joekool4]

re: the picture
I see that all the time (i live near a beach) usually its sportbike riders in board shorts sandals and fullface, though more common is people on 49cc scooters going flat out (35-40 mph) on a 55mph local highway. I use to wear boots but the soles blew out and dont have the $40 to get a pair at walmart, but i never wear lowtops(always cover my ankles)

[grae]

Where can i get a pair of those sandals. M & M Leather can't even order them and Super Motorcycle don't sell them.

[grae]

:D ;)

[Capri142]

I was riding a scooter across the campus, I was wearing jeans, long sleeve shirt and tennis shpes. I stopped at a light and looking at something else, not paying attention at all I tipped the bike over. How Embarrasing! But not nearly as bad as my leg being trapped underneath the bike, when I tried to pull it out I pulled my foot out of the tennis shoe leaving my sock in the shoe, dropping the hot exhaust pipe down onto my naked foot. 2nd AND 3rd degree burns all along the side of my foot and ankle. Wear the Gear!

[Badlands-4-2]

I was riding a scooter across the campus, I was wearing jeans, long sleeve shirt and tennis shpes. I stopped at a light and looking at something else, not paying attention at all I tipped the bike over. How Embarrasing! But not nearly as bad as my leg being trapped underneath the bike, when I tried to pull it out I pulled my foot out of the tennis shoe leaving my sock in the shoe, dropping the hot exhaust pipe down onto my naked foot. 2nd AND 3rd degree burns all along the side of my foot and ankle. Wear the Gear!

OUCH! Burns like that do not take long. I recently had to get the seams on the lower leg of my chaps resewn. I actually burned off the thread that held them together by resting my leg on the exhaust. No damage to my leg, and $20 later my leathers are better than new!

[aaronrkelly]

My boots weren't designed specifically for motorcycles, but they do provide the same protection plus they have steel-toes.
So, showing my ignorance, do boots specifically designed for riding have steel-toes?

I dont know what kind of boots your talking about......so I cant say for certain.....but I REALLY doubt they provide the "same protection".

I was recently in a motorcycle accident wearing a pair of Carhartt steel toed work boots - I thought, much like you.....good boots are good boots.

It was a 15mph get off in which I stupidly tried to "save" the bike by planting my foot.......well the bike kept going.....my foot stayed put and pulled me off the bike and decimated my ankle. Now the wreck was my fault......and planting my foot was stupid (its an automatic reaction when your going down....its hard to override it)........but it happened.

I did the following:
broke my Fibula 3 inches below me knee
split my Fibula and Tibia apart at the base
busted the base of my Tibia off
tore ligaments in my ankle

1 week in a splint to reduce swelling, 2 hours of surgery, 2 weeks in a splint again, 6 weeks in a walking boot (but I wasnt allowed to even put that foot on the ground....zero weight) followed up by 6 weeks of physical therapy (transition from crutches to walking) and Im on my way to walking like a 80 year old. They said about 6 months till Im back to pre-accident shape.

This is what my foot looked like about 4 weeks in.....they were taking the staples out.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263588_1597727362402_1812559313_957726_2870434_n.j pg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267833_1597727162397_1812559313_957725_375693_n.jp g

Work boots are better then tennis shoes.......but they damn sure arent as good as motorcycle boots.

........and by motorcycle boots I DONT mean those Harley or Milwaukee wannabes......they are glorified work boots and only are for looks.....they offer **** protection, dont bother.

I have a pair of Alpinestars that I will be wearing once my ankle stops swelling up.....I cant get my foot in them now.

If you read the features and compared them to your work boots....you can see they dont measure up.




*Contoured shin plate protector is injected with high modulus PU for a high level of impact and abrasion resistance

*Extended inside plate is injected with medium/low durometer PU guarding the side and toe box area and features a rubber insert for controlling grip

*The inner side of the boot is specifically designed for control and features thick and whole stamped suede designed for excellent contact and grip against the bike, whilst guarding against heat

*Wide calf protector plate is injected with PU for high impact resistance

*Injected external PU heel protector guards the outer ankle and features a shock-absorbing insert on the back of the boot

*Poly fabric internal lining is laminated with open cell foam for improved air circulation

*High density contoured padding provides shock absorption for the heel and ankle areas.

*Removable anatomic foot bed

*Optimal back and forth flexibility

*3-stage instep flex zone for maximum comfort, control and support

*Coated Leather upper

*Exclusive rubber outsole design

*Closure structure features three, low profile Aluminum buckles with memory, self-closure design provides superior impact avoidance and optimal fit

*Increased flexiblity at the ball of the foot for improved braking and shifting

*Patented "ankle brace" protector

*Increased back and forth flexibility

*New form fitting PU gasket seals water out of the boot

[Blackberie89]

Great advice..no more sneakers for me

[joekool4]

........and by motorcycle boots I DONT mean those Harley or Milwaukee wannabes......they are glorified work boots and only are for looks.....they offer **** protection, dont bother.


What about actual harley boots, any good? recently got a pair as a gift. they damn sure are comfy though.

[aaronrkelly]

What about actual harley boots, any good? recently got a pair as a gift. they damn sure are comfy though.

I looked at all the boots HD listed on their motor clothes website......they all read like this:

Constructed with full grain leather upper, full length cushion sock lining, and YKK® locking inside zipper. Oil-resistant rubber outsole and Goodyear® welt construction. Patented Brake Pad rubber outsole with multi-directional grip. Shaft height: 8.5"; heel height: 1.5".


Absolutely nothing there of beneift for a riding boot....might as well save your money and buy cheapy work boots at WalMart.




The exception are 3 HD boots that read like this:


Constructed with full grain leather upper, Ortholite® sock lining, YKK® locking inside zipper, outside air vent zipper, Poron® ankle protection, abrasion-resistant Tech Tuff overlays, rubber outsole, and Goodyear® welt construction. Shaft height: 8"; Heel height 1.5". Riding appropriate footwear.

Nothing there really sounds any more protective then a work boot....except that Poron ankle protection......so I Googled it.

Attitude starts from the ground up with Harley-Davidson Footwear styles for men, women and children. Bringing together style and performance, selected Harley-Davidson boots utilize the benefits of PORON® Performance Cushioning.

Its cushioning.....not CE Armor, not a stiffening panels.....cushioning. FAIL.

[jkm4201]

People in shorts, tennis shoes and no shirt while riding just amaze me..

LOL! when I see riders out there doing that, my first impulse is to get in front of them, light up a few smokes and toss them over my shoulder just to get my point across. People really do amaze me at how dumb they can actually get, road debris, insects, flying cigarette butts, unforeseen accidents, all of which can hurt or kill you, why would you be an idiot and not wear the proper gear? lol.

[jkm4201]

Really I don't think it matters on the brand of boot, if it's leather, over the ankle and acceptable in most rider safety courses then the boot is fine. In the situation above, when you add up all the factors and think about it, no boot is really gonna help in that situation, it's horrible it happened, but the boots aren't really the problem. Although, steel toe boots? I'm pretty much against steel toe footwear in general, in some situations having a steel toe is actually more of a danger than having a reinforced regular toe.

I have a pair of Milwaukee boots that I got about 3 days ago, I threw them on my feet, and have pretty much been sleeping with them on since then.. (to break them in) All I can really say is, these boots are nice, they don't cause me any discomfort when I'm on the bike, and as long as they keep the exhaust burns at bay I'll remain quite pleased with them. My sole complaint about the boots is that the toe is a bit larger than I expected, feels a little "bulky?" But other than that, they are pretty decent.

[Lil' Red Rocket]

You might ask my Bud "Lefty" why you should wear boots. He has no right foot. A lady hit him, and his ankle caught the rear bumper, and she drug him a block before another driver pulled in front of her and go there stopped.

[aaronrkelly]

In the situation above, when you add up all the factors and think about it, no boot is really gonna help in that situation, it's horrible it happened, but the boots aren't really the problem. .

You MAY be right.....Im not about to go back with moto boots on and try again to find out.

However I do believe that offroad boots would have made a difference.......they are very rigid and really wouldnt have allowed movement in "bad" directions.

http://www.sconacyclehonda.com/Portals/0/Images/2007_Alpinestars_Tech_10_Boot_Black.jpg

Huge difference between these and road boots.....and there is a pair right next to my KLR650 for me to put on when I ride off-road.






I have a pair of Milwaukee boots that I got about 3 days ago, I threw them on my feet, and have pretty much been sleeping with them on since then.. (to break them in) All I can really say is, these boots are nice, they don't cause me any discomfort when I'm on the bike, and as long as they keep the exhaust burns at bay I'll remain quite pleased with them. My sole complaint about the boots is that the toe is a bit larger than I expected, feels a little "bulky?" But other than that, they are pretty decent.

I know what you mean about the bulky feel. Ive taken deliver of the Tourmaster Solution road boots I made mention of before.

SUPER boots.....and the only boot Ive ever owned that didnt feel bulky......right out of the box wearable.

In fact they feel more like a ....... thick leather sock ....... they fit like that. Thinner slip resistant sole.......impact reinforcement in the toe box, ankle, heel and shin. Even if I could find a work boot style boot that had CE Armor in it....Im done buying that style of boot - these boots dont look as good but man they are a complete different world fit wise.

http://www.revzilla.com/product_images/0025/1553/Solution2Pair_detail.jpg

[greyboyfan]

When my buddy went down after colliding with the duelly fender on a big Chevy truck, we couldn't find his left boot for some time. It was way back near where the truck stopped and up by a fence in the weeds. IT WAS STILL TIED! 8" HD boots got pulled off his foot without even being untied. It's thought that he may have gotten his toe stuck under the truck tire on his way by, while skidding his feet to try to stop. That almost NEVER works.Needless to say, that did a number on his lower leg. It resembled the way the meat on a chicken wing will get stripped all down around one end of the bone. Ofcorse, he lost the foot. The boot offered no protection in this case.
But, they do, in most cases.

[Sashsquach]

brutal pictures. Boots are always a must. Sold my 81 twinstar to a kid who rode of in flip flops. Hope him and the bike are still ok...

[aaronrkelly]

When my buddy went down after colliding with the duelly fender on a big Chevy truck, we couldn't find his left boot for some time. It was way back near where the truck stopped and up by a fence in the weeds. IT WAS STILL TIED! 8" HD boots got pulled off his foot without even being untied. It's thought that he may have gotten his toe stuck under the truck tire on his way by, while skidding his feet to try to stop. That almost NEVER works.Needless to say, that did a number on his lower leg. It resembled the way the meat on a chicken wing will get stripped all down around one end of the bone. Ofcorse, he lost the foot. The boot offered no protection in this case.
But, they do, in most cases.

Yeah in some cases gear isnt going to save you or all your limbs - it just ups the odds.

.....and I am by NO means an all the gear all the time guy. My road gear consists of road boots, jeans and a half helmet. My off road gear consists of
off-road boots, jeans and a 3/4 helmet.

That being said Im not a fan of the HD boots.....none Ive seen really offer much (or any in case of most models) more protection then a pair of WalMart hiking or work boots.

Im not getting into the image or brand debate with HD....but they dont make effective boots.

Im also NOT saying your buddy would still have his foot if he would have been wearing any other boots - sometimes **** happens. MAYBE a balls out pair of motocross boots (the hard plastic kind with buckles) would have saved his foot.....but even at that who knows.

[curtis41]

Worst ankle sprain came at a stop sign at age 17. Standing in loose gravel, bike fell over and nearly broke my ankle. No more regular shoes riding. Wearing Carolina boots now, all 15EE of them. They tell you on their site how to accurately measure for them and it works, perfectly. No ankle burns, no broken bones or severe bruising. Gee, wish I had figured that out sooner. :-) BigFoot.

[Honda]

I feel like it is a hard thing to find a pair that not only works well for riding, but that I can actually walk around like a normal human being out in public.

[CharlesW]

I feel like it is a hard thing to find a pair that not only works well for riding, but that I can actually walk around like a normal human being out in public.
It will obviously vary from person to person, but I have two pair of Icon boots that fill that requirement for me.
One pair, Icon Super Duty 2, one pair Icon Super Duty 3. Very similar except the Super Duty 3 is perforated leather. I doubt that either pair is going to be dry in the rain, but I try to not ride in the rain.

[Big.Tater]

There is a lot of good and wise information in this thread, thanks everyone!