I am going to talk to you about choosing proper footwear for riding. I will explain why wearing good boots is important when riding and provide suggestions on what to look for when selecting boots.
When riding a motorcycle, you should wear sturdy boots that cover the ankle, with good traction. This is not to look like a “biker” but to save you from injury. Believe me, if you have an ankle injury, it can take a long time to heal, and sometimes it remains weak even after the initial injury; I know this from personal experience. A good pair of motorcycle boots will reduce the impact on your feet, ankles, and legs should you be involved in a crash. Motorcycles produce heat from the engine and the exhaust pipes, so boots will also prevent your legs from getting burned if you accidentally brush against a hot engine or pipes. Motorcycle boots are designed with good tread, which helps you keep the bike stable when stationary at a stoplight or when maneuvering it into a parking spot.
Now I know motorcycle boots can be expensive, but some on the market are affordable and just as good, if not better, than the expensive ones. I know there are a few of you who only wear Harley-Davidson® boots, and that’s fine, but they aren’t the best option for everyone.
Here are some things to consider when looking for riding boots:
- Fit – Boots should fit you correctly and cover your ankle. Some people prefer longer boots, while others, like me, need shorter shaft boots. Boots should not be too big. You don’t need your foot moving around inside the boot while riding. If you get into an accident, that would be asking for broken toes. Boots should not be too small. You don’t want to cut off blood flow to your feet.
- Comfort – Boots need to be comfortable. You may be wearing them all day long. You should also consider that you may need to stop and walk around during your ride, so it’s good to have boots that are comfortable enough for both walking and riding. I have a pair of Justin boots that I can ride in all day, but I cannot walk in them for any length of time. They rub in the wrong place when I walk, so I don’t wear them very often. I had a pair of Survivors work boots that I could ride in all day and then hike Starved Rock National Park with no problem.
- Traction – Traction helps when you put your foot down at stops, preventing your feet from slipping when you push the bike while backing into a parking spot. I prefer hiking boot treads, but there are other tread types available. A small heel also helps to grip pegs and can provide extra traction. I know some people prefer cowboy boots for riding. I have both Justin and Ariat cowboy boots, but they have traction soles. I attended a Harley Garage Party a few years ago, and they were pushing their new cowboy boots. I looked these over, and I would never ride in them. They had no traction. I have talked with people who ride in these types of boots, and they don’t have a problem, but I think you have to get used to them.
- Lace-up vs. Pull-on vs. Zip-up – Lace-up boots can be tightened for a better fit, but they take longer to put on. Lace-up boots have gaps where water can seep in, even if they are advertised as waterproof. Pull-on boots are fast to get on and off, but they can be loose, and in an accident, they may come off more easily. Pull-on boots are usually more water-tight, depending on the material they are made from. Zip-up boots are quick to put on. I have a pair with a zipper and laces that you have to re-tie every time you put them on, so what’s the point of the zipper? The zipper is a point where water can seep in.
- Steel toe (or not?) – Steel toes are an optional feature, and some people love them, while others hate them. They can help protect your toes from the shifter on a ride or in the event of an accident. They can also become very hot if placed too close to your engine, and in some accidents, they can cause damage if they are pushed down into your feet.
- Riding sneakers: There are also riding sneakers on the market. They are reinforced in the protection areas and are made to ride in. May sport bikers wear them; a few of our sisters have also found that they like them. They allow more airflow in hot temperatures, and they are usually more flexible, making them more comfortable if you don’t wear boots during your non-riding time.
I have a shoe addiction and have several pairs of riding boots. I have dressy ones, different-colored ones to match my work pants, old, broken-in ones, and everyday ones. I have cowboy boots, work boots, and biker boots. My personal favorites are my Justin-brand steel-toe boots. They are waterproof, steel-toe boots with good traction, making them ideal for long trips. I also found a shoe cobbler that will replace the soles with hiking tread for $50.00, so I can keep my boots longer. In Leather & Lace MC, we don’t ride in the pack without boots on because the safety of our sisters is our top priority.
Be Safe!
Fire Dog
Leather & Lace MC
