View Full Version : Street Boots vs. Cruiser Boots vs. MX Boots vs. Military Boots
TheNewbie
10-03-2008, 01:05 PM
What are the functional differences between the different categories of boots? I've looked around the net for information on what makes an MX boot and MX boot or a cruiser boot a cruiser boot but haven't been able to find any info on it. Is it "bad" to use the wrong kind of boot, such as an MX boot on an HD? Military boots seem to be the cheapest option, and I would assume they're well protected, but has anyone noticed a difference between using military boots and actual motorcycle boots? I was thinking of picking up a pair of the Fox F3 boots since the reviews I've seen rave about them and they're on sale everywhere, but would it be "bad" to use them on a sport bike? I'll probably be getting a Ninja or CBR600 if it makes any difference.
hsartteacher
10-05-2008, 08:18 PM
A couple issues to consider:
Racing boots usually are light and have extra shin and ankle protection, etc.
M/C specific boots often have a shifter pad, and neoprene sole for non slip. Some larger or steel toed work boots *MAY* not fit well under the shifter from your peg. Depends on the boot and the bike.
If you have a work boot or military boot with a nonslip neoprene sole, and it fits under your shifter, I would go for it. Lots of riders ride sportbikes with sk8r shoes, which offer very little protection for the foot much less the ankle. I especially enjoy that look with shorts, a tank top, and an expensive helmet attached under the seat. DOH. A good heavy leather boot will protect you to some degree.
badmonkey
10-09-2008, 08:40 PM
i've always been one to advocate a proper over-the-ankle motorcycle boot at the very minimum. If you're riding fast and hard, you may also want lateral ankle protection to help mitigate ankle injury from highsiding.
but if you're cruising, commuting, just riding on the slab, and don't want to look like robocop or a stormtrooper, the motorcycle manufacturers make all sorts of boots that look like normal shoes. Sidi, Icon, TCS, Alpinestars, Teknic, etc are all places to start.
It may seem excessive to spend $150 or $300 on a boot--but when your ankle gets pinned under a 400 lb bike sliding along the asphalt at 60 mph, you'll understand why.
TheNewbie
10-10-2008, 02:59 PM
I don't mind the overall Storm Trooper look - especially if it makes a difference during a crash. I tried some Fox F3 boots on as they're on sale just about everywhere, but couldn't move my ankle at all in them, making it rather difficult to walk. Is this common? I already have military boots but would have no problem investing another $150-300 if it will make a serious difference in safety.
--
When I'm not wearing my high heel white boots that I learned about from Hsart..., I wear these boots (http://www.leatherup.com/p/Xelement-Biker-Boots/Xelement-Mens-Black-Leather-Sport-Motorcycle-Boot/42107.html) which have pretty good protection.
They have the issue of not zipping up if you have heavy legs, but still work with the velcro closing them. And the price is right.
I should add that I've worn them for some 15 hour days without any discomfort. They're lightweight and the soles let you "feel" where you place your foot.
RonK :p
schlyme
10-15-2008, 03:24 AM
i've use leather work boots, right know i have mil boots for my cruiser. when i get my gs running i may go to the sport bike boots. the thought of hamburger meat for feet don't sound good.
Dan631
10-15-2008, 09:29 AM
I don't mind the overall Storm Trooper look - especially if it makes a difference during a crash. I tried some Fox F3 boots on as they're on sale just about everywhere, but couldn't move my ankle at all in them, making it rather difficult to walk. Is this common? I already have military boots but would have no problem investing another $150-300 if it will make a serious difference in safety.
The Fox F3's are motocross boots. Not the best choice for street riding. Though motocross boots may offer the most foot protection and ankle support, they are made to take the abuse of off road riding. When you say you have a difficult time walking in them you are not alone. It's almost like trying to walk in ski boots. When you are landing from a large jump you want something on your feet that won't allow them to wrap around a foot peg. You also want a boot with good impact protection. Motocross boots for street riding is a bit of overkill. Check out http://alpinestarsinc.com/moto.
badmonkey
10-16-2008, 01:25 PM
I don't mind the overall Storm Trooper look - especially if it makes a difference during a crash. I tried some Fox F3 boots on as they're on sale just about everywhere, but couldn't move my ankle at all in them, making it rather difficult to walk. Is this common? I already have military boots but would have no problem investing another $150-300 if it will make a serious difference in safety.
it will make a serious difference in safety. the Fox boots you're talking about sound like motocross boots, which aren't good for street bike riding b/c they don't let you use your ankle enough.
if you don't mind the race boot look, i'd try some of the following boots:
alpinestars SMX-plus
Sidi B2
sidi vertigo
TCS Evo RX
alpinestars SMX-4
I don't mind the overall Storm Trooper look - especially if it makes a difference during a crash. ...
--
TheNew...,
Did you read my post? Did you link to these boots (http://www.leatherup.com/p/Xelement-Biker-Boots/Xelement-Mens-Black-Leather-Sport-Motorcycle-Boot/42107.html)? Are they not what you want?
RonK :confused: -:confused:
iamgumby
10-17-2008, 12:34 AM
Good tip ronk! Those are no more expensive than my Magnums are. It's just such a pain buying boots over the net...duck feet, ya know...:mad:...never wide enough.
Good tip ronk! Those are no more expensive than my Magnums are. It's just such a pain buying boots over the net...duck feet, ya know...:mad:...never wide enough.
--
While you do have to pay for the shipping, you can send products back within 30 days for a refund at this company. Also, you can get a discount coupon number on the internet under something like: "Leatherup discount coupons" at no charge--you just copy the discount number.
I liked those boots a lot for their comfort in bending, light weight, and wide toe area. Even ducks would be able to use these--so go ahead Iam....
RonK :)
Badlands-4-2
12-16-2008, 01:14 AM
I have a good pair of lace up boots that go well over my ankle. Good protection, but it is to restrictive of my ankle movement. Makes it hard to shift and brake. I plan on getting some propper motorcycle boots. No laces and even more protection.
chaindad
12-26-2008, 07:57 PM
--
TheNew...,
Did you read my post? Did you link to these boots (http://www.leatherup.com/p/Xelement-Biker-Boots/Xelement-Mens-Black-Leather-Sport-Motorcycle-Boot/42107.html)? Are they not what you want?
RonK :confused: -:confused:
I saw Gene Simmons wearing those boots the other day....hey wait....RonK....are you secretly a member of Kiss?????
I saw Gene Simmons wearing those boots the other day....hey wait....RonK....are you secretly a member of Kiss?????
--
Naw, I was wearing them with shorts exercising behind the other GS guy (?) with the striped shorts--but you didn't hear that from me!
:eek:
RonK
hsartteacher
12-26-2008, 08:18 PM
Are you talking about Richard Simmons perchance?:eek:
Please, again, you MUST post pics of these events. :p
Are you talking about Richard Simmons perchance?:eek:
Please, again, you MUST post pics of these events. :p
--
Oh, yeah. Different makeup.
The boots on picture, oh. Maybe those were the ones I left in San Francisco. You have a picture of those, Hsart..., like yours.
RonK