Street boot with ankle protection

Zen_ · 03-26-2012, 04:11 PM

I'm looking to buy some more protective footwear for this season, a boot with the usual moto specific features and at least a modicum of ankle protection, but also something I can walk around in, and not totally ridiculous looking.

I was about to order the Sidi Doha boots / shoes, but then read some negative opinions about the lack of ankle protection specifically. So I'm wondering if anyone has found some good gear with the right mix of protection and off bike practicality for the street.

spacejunkiehsv · 05-23-2012, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zen_

I'm looking to buy some more protective footwear for this season, a boot with the usual moto specific features and at least a modicum of ankle protection, but also something I can walk around in, and not totally ridiculous looking.

I was about to order the Sidi Doha boots / shoes, but then read some negative opinions about the lack of ankle protection specifically. So I'm wondering if anyone has found some good gear with the right mix of protection and off bike practicality for the street.

Is anyone here? Does anyone use this section of the forum? I am looking for boots too. I'm reading that most of the boots that are below $150 are poorly made. That sucks, because $150 is about all I can afford.

goalie · 05-23-2012, 07:56 PM

I know there have been several threads where there has been a lot of debate over "how much" is necessary for boots -- just in the past few months. I know that 'aaronkelly' had a nasty accident and resulting surgery and has advised on ankle protection.

I'm sure the search feature would help you find those threads.

good luck

aaronrkelly · 05-24-2012, 04:02 AM

Yeah doods.....dont do this.

or you will end up riding like this for awhile.....

(crutches tied down to the back of my bike)

Boots are a trade off.....the more protection they have the less likely your going to want to do much walking in them. I wear balls out motocross boots when riding dual sport.....but obviously I cant wear those down to bike night.

On the other hand flip flops are nice to walk in during bike night......but obviously you dont want to ride your motorcycle in those.

......the key is finding the right trade off for your risk/reward.

Personally I have a deep hatred for HD/Milwaukee Twin and other work boots that wanna be riding boots. In my opinion those are riding FASHION boots.....and they suck balls.

I really like SIDI as a overall brand.....they make good stuff.

For MOST of my street riding Im using Tourmaster Solutions.....although it sounds like Zen_ is looking for a bit more protections then that and I applaud you for that.

However, spacejunk might want to check them out.....at $107 they are some great budget riding boots.

spacejunkiehsv · 05-24-2012, 10:17 AM

I just saw those Tourmaster Solutions Air boots on a web search yesterday. I need to do some more digging on those.

By the way, I wear the old Cycle Gear store brand version of the big, tall waterproof boots during cooler weather. I want something smaller than that for warmer weather. However, I would wear some like that during warmer weather if they were really well vented. Like I said. I'm still looking for something that I will actually wear that fits my budget AND provides good protection.

dmcleod4 · 06-04-2012, 07:27 AM

I bought the Sidi street boots and love them. They have some ankle armor in them but I cam wear them at work and they look fine and are pretty comfortable. A good balance for a riding boot. They ran me $200 but I'm happy with them.

Don't have enough posts to add a link but just google sidi street boot

chefonahonda · 06-04-2012, 07:42 AM

Wearing Milwaukee Boots and love the sole but ankle protection is probably poor, wear Tourmaster 2.0 waterresistant when it is or is going to rain, the may a little more protection but the lug of the sole is lacking.
Wear Joe Rocket off road boots also, they are stiff-come way up over my ankle and have taken some time to break them in as shifting was challenging at first, walking is uncomfortable though. These probably offer the best protection.

Bede5man · 06-16-2012, 12:55 AM

I've got the Sidi boots too. Love 'em.

CharlesW · 06-17-2012, 09:37 PM

The two pairs of Icon boots I have seem to have decent protection.
I have the Super Duty 2, which I think have been discontinued, and the Super Duty 3.
They price is about $120 and I would recommend them.
I have worn them for a 180 mile ride, about 2 or 3 hours of walking and another 180 mile ride with no discomfort.
Both are in their second season and are holding up good.

clyde13 · 08-06-2012, 12:31 AM

As mentioned elsewhere I used to ride with combat boots...which had great ankle protection, and also dried out fast in the wet

clyde13 · 08-06-2012, 12:32 AM

eBay is where I found mine

clyde13 · 08-06-2012, 12:34 AM

If you are learning though, some of the heavier style boots I found could take a while to get used to...ie to feel the foot brake and gear lever

Badlands-4-2 · 08-06-2012, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesW

The two pairs of Icon boots I have seem to have decent protection.
I have the Super Duty 2, which I think have been discontinued, and the Super Duty 3.
They price is about $120 and I would recommend them.
I have worn them for a 180 mile ride, about 2 or 3 hours of walking and another 180 mile ride with no discomfort.
Both are in their second season and are holding up good.

I also have the Icon boots. Very nice in the warmer weather.

ChipperJones · 08-13-2012, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zen_

, but also something I can walk around in, and not totally ridiculous looking.

The all eternal question....ive yet to find em brother...

SouperSteve0 · 09-11-2012, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clyde13

As mentioned elsewhere I used to ride with combat boots...which had great ankle protection, and also dried out fast in the wet

Do combat/police boots really have good crash ankle protection? I guess if you had some special inserts for around the ankles they would be heavenly. Though me thinks they're only good for minor slides and crashes

aaronrkelly · 09-11-2012, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouperSteve0

Do combat/police boots really have good crash ankle protection? I guess if you had some special inserts for around the ankles they would be heavenly. Though me thinks they're only good for minor slides and crashes

I work in law enforcement.....Ive owned many different pairs of police/swat boots. None Ive come across have any inserts or increased ankle protection of any kind.

Real motorcycle boots are the way to go here.....and can be had for as little as $100.

CharlesW · 09-11-2012, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aaronrkelly

I work in law enforcement.....Ive owned many different pairs of police/swat boots. None Ive come across have any inserts or increased ankle protection of any kind.

Real motorcycle boots are the way to go here.....and can be had for as little as $100.

From the voice of experience.
See post #4.

SouperSteve0 · 09-12-2012, 12:50 PM

As in sport bike stormtrooper boots or the engineer style boots...which seem a bit form than function imo

winters46 · 09-18-2012, 12:03 PM

I own Sidi Doha boots and I think they offer good ankle protection. They come up right above it. Overall it is solid and comfortable. In this same subsection I just wrote a thread called "Sidi Doha review"

WhiskyDevil · 09-19-2012, 04:41 PM

I've read thru several threads but have not found what I am looking for. Can anyone recommend lace-up boots with ankle protection for cruiser/touring riding? I don't care for the full race/moto style boot nor the typical touring slip on boot.

While not a MC boot, I was looking at the Fire/Rescue style boot with laces and the zipper down the middle. Minimum of 8" tall. Chippewa, All American and several others make them. Wescos are just out of my price range.

Something like the Thorogood Hellfire Wildland EMS boot. It is water, flame, cut resistant. Has reflective material. Steel chank. Goodyear welt. Vibram sole. Is resoleable. But no CE type armor.

Gunner75 · 09-19-2012, 06:45 PM

of all the ones pointed out here i havent seen one person mention the Speed And Strength Moment of Truth Moto shoe. Ive got those and they are really comfortable. And very functional. Ive put about 600 miles on with them and even went to Old Mans Caves in Hocking hills while wearing them. They did great and have awesome protection. checkout ssgear.com for them. they run around $119

I tried on the Sidi Doha and wasnt a fan of them at all

winters46 · 09-20-2012, 12:34 AM

What didn't you like about the Sidi Doha, specifically?

chet8625 · 10-08-2012, 06:59 PM

Picked these up at Timberland:

http://shop.timberland.com/product/i...ductId=4338097

Got bumped in stop and go traffic and dropped the bike and caught my foot in an awkward position under the bike. The boot was strong enough to keep my ankle from getting twisted.

Also have army jungle boots for real hot weather but they have no ankle support.

kittonian · 10-11-2012, 05:23 PM

While it's not a "traditional" motorcycle boot, Sketchers makes a really cool black boot with a steel toe and steel heel that looks great on or off the bike. You can find them at DSW for a lot less than normal retail (around $60).

RobMoore · 10-11-2012, 09:28 PM

I've worn these walking around at a state fair for 5 hours, and didnt think about my feet once.

If you're worried about how they look, ignore everything above the ankle unless you plan on tucking in your pants (who does that?) They come in plain black as well.

aaronrkelly · 10-11-2012, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kittonian

While it's not a "traditional" motorcycle boot, Sketchers makes a really cool black boot with a steel toe and steel heel that looks great on or off the bike. You can find them at DSW for a lot less than normal retail (around $60).

Steel heel and toe don't equate to protection from twisting or any other motions your foot is going to go thru in a motorcycle accident. The Skechers will protect your toes from damage if you drop your beer mug on your foot while looking cool at the biker bar. Most HD and Milwaukee boots fall into this same poser category.

kittonian · 10-12-2012, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aaronrkelly

Steel heel and toe don't equate to protection from twisting or any other motions your foot is going to go thru in a motorcycle accident. The Skechers will protect your toes from damage if you drop your beer mug on your foot while looking cool at the biker bar. Most HD and Milwaukee boots fall into this same poser category.

That's true, though throwing around the word "poser" isn't such a great idea.

aaronrkelly · 10-12-2012, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kittonian

That's true, though throwing around the word "poser" isn't such a great idea.

Whys that?

Those boots offer no CE rated armor.....no heel cup.....no ankle support......they arent water-proof.

They arent "real" motorcycle boots.....they are motorcycle fashion accessories....and poser boots.

None of the HD boots offer anything more than a pair of $35 work boots from WalMart offer.

Hey, where what ya want.....I could really care less.

I dont where my motorcycle boots ALL the time.....sometimes I wear poser boots.

poser poser poser

lol.....

the8thst · 10-13-2012, 07:02 PM

I picked up a pair of Tourmaster Solution Air boots, and they have been extremely comfortable both on and off the bike.

They had the most flexible sole of all the boots I looked and really are comfortable while looking pretty normal when you have jeans on.

aaronrkelly · 10-14-2012, 01:50 AM

I also have some TourMaster boots.....and I loved them, until they broke and I had to deal with TourMasters warranty procedure.

.....first....they dont accept warranty claims from people, you MUST go thru the place you bought them from.

.....lastly....it takes absolutely ages to get your item repaired/replaced.

I sent my boots in second week of April.......I just got them back LAST WEEK.

Utterly ridiculous.

Thankfully I had a spare pair of boots to wear.....but Im going to have to seriously think about it before I buy any more TourMaster stuff again.

If its a piece of gear you rely on you may need to factor in a possible second piece to replace the first while its off at warranty.....no way Id have just "not ridden" cause my boots were being fixed.

03-26-2012, 04:11 PM	#1
Zen_ Verified Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Nebraska Posts: 76	Street boot with ankle protection I'm looking to buy some more protective footwear for this season, a boot with the usual moto specific features and at least a modicum of ankle protection, but also something I can walk around in, and not totally ridiculous looking. I was about to order the Sidi Doha boots / shoes, but then read some negative opinions about the lack of ankle protection specifically. So I'm wondering if anyone has found some good gear with the right mix of protection and off bike practicality for the street.

05-24-2012, 10:17 AM	#5
spacejunkiehsv Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 375	I just saw those Tourmaster Solutions Air boots on a web search yesterday. I need to do some more digging on those. By the way, I wear the old Cycle Gear store brand version of the big, tall waterproof boots during cooler weather. I want something smaller than that for warmer weather. However, I would wear some like that during warmer weather if they were really well vented. Like I said. I'm still looking for something that I will actually wear that fits my budget AND provides good protection. __________________ Red 2009 Ninja 650R, 48mpg, 12.1s in the 1/4

06-17-2012, 09:37 PM	#9
CharlesW The Rainmaker Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ankeny, Iowa Posts: 506	The two pairs of Icon boots I have seem to have decent protection. I have the Super Duty 2, which I think have been discontinued, and the Super Duty 3. They price is about $120 and I would recommend them. I have worn them for a 180 mile ride, about 2 or 3 hours of walking and another 180 mile ride with no discomfort. Both are in their second season and are holding up good. __________________ Charles

10-14-2012, 01:50 AM	#30
aaronrkelly Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: southern Iowa Posts: 2,435	I also have some TourMaster boots.....and I loved them, until they broke and I had to deal with TourMasters warranty procedure. .....first....they dont accept warranty claims from people, you MUST go thru the place you bought them from. .....lastly....it takes absolutely ages to get your item repaired/replaced. I sent my boots in second week of April.......I just got them back LAST WEEK. Utterly ridiculous. Thankfully I had a spare pair of boots to wear.....but Im going to have to seriously think about it before I buy any more TourMaster stuff again. If its a piece of gear you rely on you may need to factor in a possible second piece to replace the first while its off at warranty.....no way Id have just "not ridden" cause my boots were being fixed. __________________ Cadillac Roughnecks MC

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05-23-2012, 07:56 PM	#3
goalie Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fairfax, Virginia -- near Fair Oaks Mall Posts: 1,596	I know there have been several threads where there has been a lot of debate over "how much" is necessary for boots -- just in the past few months. I know that 'aaronkelly' had a nasty accident and resulting surgery and has advised on ankle protection. I'm sure the search feature would help you find those threads. good luck

05-24-2012, 04:02 AM	#4
aaronrkelly Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: southern Iowa Posts: 2,435	Yeah doods.....dont do this. or you will end up riding like this for awhile..... (crutches tied down to the back of my bike) Boots are a trade off.....the more protection they have the less likely your going to want to do much walking in them. I wear balls out motocross boots when riding dual sport.....but obviously I cant wear those down to bike night. On the other hand flip flops are nice to walk in during bike night......but obviously you dont want to ride your motorcycle in those. ......the key is finding the right trade off for your risk/reward. Personally I have a deep hatred for HD/Milwaukee Twin and other work boots that wanna be riding boots. In my opinion those are riding FASHION boots.....and they suck balls. I really like SIDI as a overall brand.....they make good stuff. For MOST of my street riding Im using Tourmaster Solutions.....although it sounds like Zen_ is looking for a bit more protections then that and I applaud you for that. However, spacejunk might want to check them out.....at $107 they are some great budget riding boots. __________________ Cadillac Roughnecks MC

06-04-2012, 07:27 AM	#6
dmcleod4 Verified Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 29	I bought the Sidi street boots and love them. They have some ankle armor in them but I cam wear them at work and they look fine and are pretty comfortable. A good balance for a riding boot. They ran me $200 but I'm happy with them. Don't have enough posts to add a link but just google sidi street boot

06-04-2012, 07:42 AM	#7
chefonahonda Lead, follow or get out of the way. Life Is Good! Join Date: May 2011 Location: Lakeland, Florida Posts: 755	Wearing Milwaukee Boots and love the sole but ankle protection is probably poor, wear Tourmaster 2.0 waterresistant when it is or is going to rain, the may a little more protection but the lug of the sole is lacking. Wear Joe Rocket off road boots also, they are stiff-come way up over my ankle and have taken some time to break them in as shifting was challenging at first, walking is uncomfortable though. These probably offer the best protection.

06-16-2012, 12:55 AM	#8
Bede5man Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 339	I've got the Sidi boots too. Love 'em.

08-06-2012, 12:31 AM	#10
clyde13 Verified Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Australia Posts: 21	As mentioned elsewhere I used to ride with combat boots...which had great ankle protection, and also dried out fast in the wet

08-06-2012, 12:32 AM	#11
clyde13 Verified Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Australia Posts: 21	eBay is where I found mine

08-06-2012, 12:34 AM	#12
clyde13 Verified Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Australia Posts: 21	If you are learning though, some of the heavier style boots I found could take a while to get used to...ie to feel the foot brake and gear lever

09-12-2012, 12:50 PM	#18
SouperSteve0 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 4	As in sport bike stormtrooper boots or the engineer style boots...which seem a bit form than function imo

09-18-2012, 12:03 PM	#19
winters46 Master At Arms Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 129	I own Sidi Doha boots and I think they offer good ankle protection. They come up right above it. Overall it is solid and comfortable. In this same subsection I just wrote a thread called "Sidi Doha review"

09-19-2012, 04:41 PM	#20
WhiskyDevil Motorcyclist Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 10	I've read thru several threads but have not found what I am looking for. Can anyone recommend lace-up boots with ankle protection for cruiser/touring riding? I don't care for the full race/moto style boot nor the typical touring slip on boot. While not a MC boot, I was looking at the Fire/Rescue style boot with laces and the zipper down the middle. Minimum of 8" tall. Chippewa, All American and several others make them. Wescos are just out of my price range. Something like the Thorogood Hellfire Wildland EMS boot. It is water, flame, cut resistant. Has reflective material. Steel chank. Goodyear welt. Vibram sole. Is resoleable. But no CE type armor.

09-19-2012, 06:45 PM	#21
Gunner75 Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Jackson Center Ohio Posts: 218	of all the ones pointed out here i havent seen one person mention the Speed And Strength Moment of Truth Moto shoe. Ive got those and they are really comfortable. And very functional. Ive put about 600 miles on with them and even went to Old Mans Caves in Hocking hills while wearing them. They did great and have awesome protection. checkout ssgear.com for them. they run around $119 I tried on the Sidi Doha and wasnt a fan of them at all

09-20-2012, 12:34 AM	#22
winters46 Master At Arms Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 129	What didn't you like about the Sidi Doha, specifically?

10-08-2012, 06:59 PM	#23
chet8625 Master At Arms Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 168	Picked these up at Timberland: http://shop.timberland.com/product/i...ductId=4338097 Got bumped in stop and go traffic and dropped the bike and caught my foot in an awkward position under the bike. The boot was strong enough to keep my ankle from getting twisted. Also have army jungle boots for real hot weather but they have no ankle support.

10-11-2012, 05:23 PM	#24
kittonian Verified Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 26	While it's not a "traditional" motorcycle boot, Sketchers makes a really cool black boot with a steel toe and steel heel that looks great on or off the bike. You can find them at DSW for a lot less than normal retail (around $60).

10-11-2012, 09:28 PM	#25
RobMoore Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Queen Anne's Posts: 685	I've worn these walking around at a state fair for 5 hours, and didnt think about my feet once. If you're worried about how they look, ignore everything above the ankle unless you plan on tucking in your pants (who does that?) They come in plain black as well.

10-13-2012, 07:02 PM	#29
the8thst Verified Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 89	I picked up a pair of Tourmaster Solution Air boots, and they have been extremely comfortable both on and off the bike. They had the most flexible sole of all the boots I looked and really are comfortable while looking pretty normal when you have jeans on.