questions about boots

[oboedrew]

I've got a few questions about motorcycle boots for you all. So far I've just been wearing a pair of lace-up, steel-toe work boots, but I'm considering buying one of these two models of Double-H boots:

10" Ranch Wellington (#2559, pic at http://www.doublehboots.com/mens-collection.asp?catid=59)

10" Harness (#4008, pic at http://www.doublehboots.com/mens-collection.asp?catid=65)

If anyone has worn these boots, I've got a couple of questions for you.

First, the outsole description for #2559 reads "superior resistance to oil,"
whereas the outsole description for the #4008 reads "superior resistance to oil" PLUS "excellent slip resistance." In your experience is the #4008 model MORE slip-resistant than the #2559? Or does oil resistance pretty much equal slip resistance?

Second, is there any real advantage to getting a steel toe in a riding boot?

I'd also love to hear your general opinions on the quality/durability of these boots.

Cheers,
Drew

[PJL]

You should get a purpose-built motorcycle boot. They do things like help protect your ankles from being crushed if you lowside and the bike ends up on your leg.

And there really isn't an advantage I can think of to having a steel-toed riding boot, or more of them would have them, I think.

[wilmi]

Personal Opinion: Steel toes lessen the feel of the shift for me...I don't like it.
I wore combat boots during the summer and I'm wearing a Frank Thomas motorcycle boots from Cyclegear right now for winter. I like the zipper and velcro of the motorcycle boots, but I prefer the combat boots for traction and feel. As for protection, they are comparable where it counts (soles, tops, ankles, etc.).

[rexmitchell]

Im moving this into opinions/reviews

[Archangel]

I find that using steel toes cause your toes to get colder in the winter while riding.
But they would take much longer to ware through in a dragging situation.

[dustbuster]

I don't see anything wrong with either of your choices. I sometimes wear the ST harness boots, when I have to have em at work. Normally wear lace up combat type. Even my western boots on occasion. As long as your getting some ankle/foot protection and you can brake/shift.

[Top Gear Motorcycle]

I completely agree about the steel toes.

[skooter Bum]

oboedrew, how ya doing?

I went through the same thing trying to find a pair of boots. After checking out I don't know how many types of boots, I settled for a pair by Harley Davidson. From what I understand,....for just plain everyday riding boots, HD are suppose to be the best. I just over a $100.00 for them and I don't regret it. I wish I could tell you the style, but I can't. All I can tell you is that they're 10 inch high boots and they have a zipper on the inside of the boot.

Good luck on finding the boots, if you haven't already.

[willcarr]

See if you can get Bates boots on the web. I am a big advocator of steel toes and comfort, Bates makes awesome ST that feel like sneakers and zip up the side. I wear mine daily and they are over a year old. Only problem I have had is the zipper pull on the left boot broke, but I think it's a random problem (my luck.) Great boots. I have to say anything sturdy, preferably leather, that covers your ankle should be sufficient. More than $150 is being pretentious. I originally said $80 but I forget to account for military discounts. My bad.

[SBright]

Hey Oboedrew
You might also check out Red Wing, they have a line of motorcycle boots. Their site is redwingshoes.com
I got the #970, Just looked them up and mine have been discontinued! Drag, but, they are similar to the #988, very comfortable boots.