Choosing the right motorcycle boots

[Dodsfall]

Good, solid, footwear is a staple of the gear a rider should always wear. Boots should keep the ankle supported, provide protection for the foot and allow a good grip on the ground when stopped. There are many styles of boots available for a rider to choose from. In this article, I will go over a few of the different styles available and share some thoughts on choosing a great boot.

Boot types

Anything from a work boot to a motorcycle-specific armored boot are used by motorcyclists. Armored boots will provide the best protection, although they may be uncomfortable to walk around in once the rider reaches their destination. Carrying an extra pair of shoes to change into may be the best option for riders who commute with armored boots. If the rider will be off and on the motorcycle often, or it is inconvenient to swap out footwear, a more comfortable walking boot should be considered.

Other considerations

Motorcycle-specific boots usually have any metal snaps, buckles or grommets only on one side of the boot to keep from scratching the motorcycle while riding. If wearing a work boot or other style, check to be sure there is nothing on the boot that will damage the finish while riding. Good oil-resistant tread on the bottom of the boots will help get a firm foothold at a stop, even if the road surface is slightly slippery. Boot laces the correct length that tie securely will hold the boot snug while not catching on the pegs or controls while moving the foot up and down at a stop. Making sure that the boot will fit dexterously under the shifter and over the brake controls is also something to watch for.

[CharlesW]

If it's OK, I would like to add something.
If it's not OK, then I guess you will just delete my post.

Lug soles may not be all that great on a boot used for motorcycling.
I wore a pair of hiking boots with lug soles and all was good until I had to make a panic stop. I feel the lugs caught on the footpeg and I was unable to get my foot down soon enough to prevent a low speed drop.
Broke a mirror, scratched a fairing, but the biggest damage was to my pride.

Since then, I have switched to some Icon boots that have a textured sole for traction, but no lugs. No problems with them.
I did try the hiking boots again and the lugs do seem to catch on the footpeg. I was aware of it and it was no problem. They have now been relegated to snowblowing use.

FWIW, I really like the Icon Super Duty 3 boots I'm using.

[vito]

One of the biggest challenges to finding the right boots are that motorcycle shops rarely have much of a selection, and buying on line does nothing to help make sure that the particular boot fits your particular feet. I have a collection of mediocre boots, with only one that is comfortable enough to wear for extended periods off the bike. That boot is the Icon Ventilated Tarmac, which is a short boot with mesh sections that help avoid the overheating of your feet while riding. I bought these boots on line and had to return them twice before on the third try I got the right size (I wear a size 10 shoe, and found that the 10, and 10.5 were too tight and ended up with a size 11. (Revzilla was great to deal with and even waived the shipping costs on the third try.) If you have the chance to go to a major motorcycle rally or one of the International Motorcycle Shows, this can be a great way to actually see and try on various boots from the vendors who come to these events, which is what I plan to do next February when the show comes to Chicago.

[Chris Stockley]

I find the SDI boots really comfortable. I take a size 43 normal shoe and a size 43 SDI boot fits the same. I like the simple zip up the side and easy velcrow tabs to dover the zip. The vertibra style back of the boot makes for easy walking.