Jamez Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 I've been looking at riding boots lately and I'm just curious as to what everyone is wearing. I currently don't have any but need to get some ASAP before I try and take my MSF course.I don't know if I need full riding boots like alpine stars or justa pair of over ankle boots. Are the alpine stars style necessary or are they for racing? This is my first pair of riding boots as I'm new to riding period. I just don't want to drop 200 bucks on something If I don't need them.Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 (edited) sidi or bust IMO. A* are not bad. either.the price hurts, but not as bad as thisGruesome:http://www.sports-injury-info.com/images/shauns-fractured-fibula-compound-ankle-dislocation-playing-baseball-warning-graphic-fracture-image-21312923.jpg Edited April 13, 2011 by Casper linked to photo, not something people want to see without a warning, lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohdaho Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 I wear Sidi Vertigos on the spirited street rides. They arent race specific...I use them cuz they offer the best protection. If im just doing tasks around town and getting some coffee at a starbucks, ive got regular boots (MIL issued).If you ever "need" $200 boots, then youll want them. Its risk management, you can ride a bike buck-naked if you wanted to. I just enjoy certain levels of protection for certain types of rides. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conn-e-rot Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 (edited) I wear these very comfy Shift Fuel street shoe Edited April 13, 2011 by conn-e-rot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J_Copeland Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 I have TCX-XCube boots.For around 100 buck they are real nice !Iron Pony has them ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jblosser Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 Sidi Vertigo Airs here.But, over-the-ankle work boots should suffice for the MSF course.+1 for thinking ahead with safety on the mind! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aetsh Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 Yes, any over the ankle boot is fine for msf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meanie Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 I have the Icon Field Armor Chukka boots. They are a little uncomfortable at first, until you get them broke in. They do not bend, so I feel like Frankenstein when I am walking around, but not bending is a good thing. I don't race, so getting a race boot made no sense. Well that and I would have looked pretty silly riding a cruiser with racing boots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kawi kid Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 Sidi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamez Posted April 13, 2011 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 I don't want to confuse anyone with my question so ill elaborate a little.I know racing boots offer the best protection and do plan to buy a nice pair when I have a few hundred bucks to drop.I also know that for the MSF course they require bare minimum and as long as you have above ankle anything then they'll take you.I was wondering as to how relevant racing boots are to regular riding around town and if there was a cheaper option until I can afford the good stuff. I'm not trying to be a squid with flip-flops but at the same time I'm looking for decent protection somewhere between racing boots and tennis shoes that will allow me to take the MSF and be somewhat safe putting around town until I get racers. Does a in between option exist or am I asking a noob question and being a cheap ass?Thanks a lot for the advice in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vw151 Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 I think these are discontinued but I have a pair of these for casual use. They are actually very comfortable to walk inhttp://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/images/InitialSet/tcx_x_square_boots_black_400.jpgThen I also have some Sidi Vertigo Air boots for the track and for when I'm riding out of town in full leathers. Not that great for walking but amazingly comfortable to ride inhttp://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=2082I've been very happy with both boots. Even crashed the Sidi's 2x and no foot injuries. Not sure if I would have had any otherwise but they seemed to work. For MSF, just a pair of red wings or something will be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbot Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 touring style boots (full coverage, easy to get in and out of) should offer plenty of protection, as long as the ankle protection is there (as in, they limit movement beyond the safe range).try on a few boots at iron pony or whatever dealer/shop near you that carries astars and sidi and etc and buy a set of used ones that are in good shape. you'll save a ton of money, and your lower extremities will thank you in a crash. or just buy new ones on clearance.believe me, i bought my sidi's on sale, but 2 of my friends who just recently got into riding bikes scored equivalent boots (slightly used) for $200 less in both instances. and that was with almost top of the line racing boots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 i have these sidisWay rain boot. I like them because they are not as flashy as some other boots.as for riding around town, obv the race boot will provide the best protection, but if you only have work boots or something, then wear those. id stay away from tennis shoes. they will fly off in a crash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vw151 Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 sidi or bust IMO. A* are not bad. either.the price hurts, but not as bad as thisIs this really necessary. The guy is already asking about boots, he's on the right track. Do we really need to fear monger about the boots. This is the problem with America (or at least with OR) today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 Is this really necessary. The guy is already asking about boots, he's on the right track. Do we really need to fear monger about the boots. This is the problem with America (or at least with OR) today. its for all the squids who think flip flops are fine and may view this thread in the future sometimes you dont really realize what can happen until you see it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bellboy1 Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 I was at a similar point earlier this year when I went shopping. My biggest problem was finding a boot that would fit over my calf. It seemed that most of the sport touring boots were made for skinny legs and I could not close the inner zipper on several brands. The $300 Sidi's were great, but I couldn't quite pull the trigger on them. I started looking at features that protect the most common injuries. I looked for toe protection, heavy contruction to protect the ankle, and quality of overall contruction. I also ended up with TCX's because they fit well and offered good protection features. Mine just don't have the full racing anti-twist ankle feature some of their upper end race boots have. Mine were in the $125-$150 range. Alpinestars have some decent mid price boots as well and they seem highly recommended, they just didn't fit me very well. There are lots of on line gear reviews. Check them if you find a kind you like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad324 Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 A* SMX 2 is what I use for all my riding as of now. They are comfortable as hell and great if you ride somewhere and plan to do some walking as they aren't totally noticeable you're wearing a boot. Its not a full tall track/race style boot which I will be investing in as well soon but they seem pretty protective and I think I got mine brand new for $170 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conn-e-rot Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 The Shift Fuel runs around $100 way more protection than a tennis shoe and more comfy than a race boot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
216cityboy Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 I wore a pair of Timberlands for the first 6 months then dropped the money for a pair of Sidi Cobra Air. I ride to/from work & with groups. You don't HAVE to spend a ton of money on riding boots but once you do you'll be glad you did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
obesityrules Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 imo those high top sneaker riding boots are a waste of money, a regular pair of work boots will offer the same amount of protection and offer a lot more use. If you want something for riding; either invest in a pair of touring boots or a street/track boot like the smx5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue03636 Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 its for all the squids who think flip flops are fine and may view this thread in the future sometimes you dont really realize what can happen until you see it.Wait, flip flops don't protect your feet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFM Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 That picture was uncalled for. That, and I wear Chuck Taylors to everything except weddings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue03636 Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 I use to wear my A* SMX Plus boots until last year. I started wearing something more like the TCX ones above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conn-e-rot Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 imo those high top sneaker riding boots are a waste of money, a regular pair of work boots will offer the same amount of protection and offer a lot more use. If you want something for riding; either invest in a pair of touring boots or a street/track boot like the smx5I disagree the Shift Fuel has plastic inserts to protect your ankles which work boots do not have. I do agree they do not provide near the protection of a race style boot. I just remembered I just got a magazine the other day had some race style boots in it on clearance for $69.99 I'll post up the site when I get home this evening. Someone might have tried them I can't recall the brand Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NinjaNick Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 I wear Sidi's B2's which I think are now called Sidi Fusion. I LOVE SIDI's! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.