Scooter Foot Gear

MarkTur · Post by **MarkTur** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 1:09 am

Hi all...need some advice about shoes.

First off - I live in South Florida and it's hot. I wear shorts just about every day of my life (nice being the owner of the company!).

I am going to the Motorcycle class in two weeks, and they require "leather high top shoes or low-heeled boots".

Questions:
Can I use a leather high-top sneaker? Will they give me the protection I need?

Does anyone out there wear real motorcycle riding boots on their scoot?

Can anyone point me to a link where I can see and buy boots that you're wearing?

I found these...and they look OK, because they look like black sneakers. I don't want to have to change shoes every time I want to ride...so a high-top sneaker sounds like a good thing for me.

I saw these online, but the thought of buying shoes online makes me cringe! (although my wife does it regularly)

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle- ... t-shoe.htm
and
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/ ... Shoes.aspx

I know these would be "acceptable" with shorts, but man, I have never had black sneakers before either, and would feel like a 'goober" I think. It's been white low and mid tops, Nike and Reebok for most of my life.

Anyway, fire away, let me know what you think!

peabody99 · Post by **peabody99** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 1:17 am

I do not think Hi top tennis shoes will cut it. I think they want something less flimsy. I rarely ride with sneakers, but can really tell the difference when I do if I step down on gravel or oil.

If you do not want to make a huge investment, you might want to go to a store like DSW and get some hiking boots iehttp://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/catalog/product.j ... 715&brand='

real boots are better though

sobo_buddy · Post by **sobo_buddy** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 1:21 am

I was allowed to wear high uggs for te MSF, but have since purchased sturdier boots for riding. It makes a difference imho.

donkin · Post by **donkin** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 1:35 am

I'm very happy with this short riding boot - but may not be your style:

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle- ... -response/

Post by **jmazza** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 2:05 am

Give your MSF course a call about the hi-tops. I think if they are leather, they will allow them. I'm pretty certain they would not allow canvas hi-tops like Chucks.

I wear Doc Martens down here and yeah, it's hot. It's not bad at all much of the year but in the summer it's rough. I wear low-top black tennis shoes (I'm the opposite of you- almost always wear black shoes) sometimes but I always wish I had my boots on halfway through the ride.

Those two you linked to are good. You might be able to find something a little cheaper at www.newenough.com

LMK · Post by **LMK** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 3:36 am

I went to the course here in AZ in early July (hot!!) and they said high top sneakers were ok, as long as they cover your ankles. They say to wear boots so some people wore Timberland boots.. I wore an old pair of Doc Martins.. someone else went to Walmart and bought a $20 pair of high-top boots that worked just fine for her. And actually there was a pile of old boots they had at the course just in case someone needed a pair.

I wouldn't go spend a bunch of money on a new pair of boots just for the course.. unless you really want them and are planning on using them to ride in the future, in that case knock yourself out!

Post by **Lostmycage** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 4:54 am

Forgive me if I misinterpreted here... but I just don't get the concern for high top boots if you're going to wear shorts.

I wear a pair of steel-toed redwings (with jeans at least) if I'm planning on doing anything unfamiliar. Of course, I'm one of those dirty hypocrites that wears leather sneakers when I commute. That's my choice, my ankles. I'm ok with that choice and I'm NOT asking for opinions on it, by the by.

Does your wardrobe completely lack any sort of over the ankle footwear? You've got to be realistic about your purchases. If it's something you're not going to wear after the MSF course, there's just no justification for it's purchase if it's some fancy-pants cycle specific (read: expensive) boot. If it's just for the MSF, buy the cheapest boot you can (walk around in them for at least a day before hand otherwise they'll be uncomfortable and distracting.

My $.02 for whatever it is or isn't worth, but I wouldn't spend gobs of money on something you'll wear for 3 days. Of course, I'm not rich by any means. If you've got excess liquid assets... well I just don't care if you do.

Pay attention and ride safe, the rest is up to Darwin's theories!

esk · Post by **esk** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 5:33 am

MarkTur wrote:Can I use a leather high-top sneaker? Will they give me the protection I need?

in my MSF class, i know they accepted people wearing high-top hiking boots. not sure that high-top sneakers would have cut it.

MarkTur wrote:Does anyone out there wear real motorcycle riding boots on their scoot?

yes - i already had a pair of motorcycle boots to ride with my boyfriend, so i use them on my scoot now. i like having them on because i'm still getting used to riding and i sometimes end up putting my foot down for sudden stops or difficult turns. the ankle support is extremely nice to have when that happens.

but i live in seattle and rarely have to deal with extreme heat!

MarkTur wrote:Can anyone point me to a link where I can see and buy boots that you're wearing?

<a href="https://www.motoliberty.com/prod_detail ... 8">this</a> is what i wear - obviously a ladies' boot - but sidi makes high-quality men's boots as well. they may look a little excessively "sporty," but i wear them under bootcut jeans and they just look like normal black boots.

enzomatic · Post by **enzomatic** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 7:44 am

if you don't want to keep them, try not to scuff them up and return them after MSF

shawnie · Post by **shawnie** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 11:08 am

Buying shoes from Zappos.com is great! They have free shipping to you and free return shipping if you're not satisfied with your shoes. They also typically ship everything overnight so you order one day and get the shoes the next. I did this with boots for my scooter last week and was able to order one size receive it-too big, order a smaller size, receive them- fit! all in 3 days. I got the Dr. Martens "Triumph" (there is a womens and mens version)

kathygnome · Post by **kathygnome** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 11:20 am

Will a standard cheap pair of work boots from the local megalomart or payless work?

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 11:32 am

kathygnome wrote:Will a standard cheap pair of work boots from the local megalomart or payless work?

Yes.

beagldog · Post by **beagldog** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 1:50 pm

I got my "boots" from Zappos.com, they are the Osiris Bronx skateboard shoes. Very good padding at the ankle and lightweight enough to not get your feet hot.

hackett · Post by **hackett** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 2:49 pm

Living in South Texas, I went with a pair of rubber-soled cowboy boots.

http://www.justinboots.com/boots/justin ... cf8=JB3000

MarkTur · Post by **MarkTur** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 3:36 pm

beagldog wrote:I got my "boots" from Zappos.com, they are the Osiris Bronx skateboard shoes. Very good padding at the ankle and lightweight enough to not get your feet hot.

Great idea! Duh...I grew up skateboarding, and have just recently bought a "Ripstick"...(pretty good for 43 years old, eh?). (Still surfing, too).

Just called the school, and they will allow leather high-top sneakers. The extra padding on the skate shoes sounds PERFECT!

sunshinen · Post by **sunshinen** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 8:37 pm

Lostmycage wrote:I just don't get the concern for high top boots if you're going to wear shorts.

I feel naked riding in anything but jeans... but I do feel slightly more protective of the delicate bones in my feet/ankle than skin on my legs. I would cut wearing jeans before I would cut wearing boots. Also, I think it is about supporting the ankle/having stable shoes to stand on.

sunshinen · Post by **sunshinen** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 8:38 pm

Oh, and I wear mesh hiking boots in the summer. So air and leather!

LisaLisa · Post by **LisaLisa** » Sat Aug 09, 2008 1:14 am

as I said on another thread:

I was wearing soft sneakers (chucks) - dropped a people 250 on my leg, and busted my toe so bad (bent backward- turf toe) it was months before I could run on it. I had to tape it up every day for 2 months to avoid permanent damage through re-injury.

So since then I wear Vasque Isis hiking boots. Not very stylish. But they saved me from twisting/breaking my ankle in a another incident involving a curb cutout.

Go to target and buy some yellow work boots to start on.

Then you can get fashionable later. Just don't wear soft shoes.

MarkTur · Post by **MarkTur** » Sat Aug 09, 2008 4:48 am

Good point Lisa Lisa!

Actually, tomorrow I'm going to run up to JC Penneys - they have a huge selection of Vans skateboard stuff - protective ankles, heels and toes in a more "shorts-friendly" look. I will get high-top, leather for sure, but this way I won't look like that much of a kook in shorts with them, because I'm definitely not going to be cruising around with an extra pair of sneakers!

So now I add to the ritual:

Shoes on (new)
Jacket on
Glasses off
Helmet on
Glasses on
Gloves on
Start Buddy..have fun

Reverse this process after ride...this sucks after a 4 minute ride to the grocery store! (But I will do it religously)

Sounds simple, but in 2 minutes here, you're covered in sweat. It's a race! Today I cranked up the AC and made it cold in the office at 4:00...freezing by 4:30, so I put my jacket on and was riding before I got hot setting up!

LisaLisa · Post by **LisaLisa** » Sat Aug 09, 2008 6:12 pm

To me, the most important thing is ankle support and a stiff toe box. If you can flex the toe it's not good.

hmmmph. shorts.

MarkTur · Post by **MarkTur** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 11:24 am

This is what I bought yesterday:
http://www.footlocker.com/catalog/produ ... gle-_-null

Full leather, padded well around ankles (and covers them completely). Stiff reinforced sole. And I'll WEAR THEM. Definitely more protection than the low ttop cross-training sneakers I usually wear, comfortable, and look good.

Oh, and they were on sale yesterday for $99 - 10%, too.

When it cools down a bit, October-November and I start wearing jeans all the time, I'll get some real boots - but I need to find some that I can walk around in full-time, but at least I know there's many choices out there.

Frankie 2 Tone · Post by **Frankie 2 Tone** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 12:31 pm

I wear shorts and flip flops all the time when I ride......sorry, I am not a good example after reading everyone's reply.....

MarkTur · Post by **MarkTur** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 3:43 pm

Duuuuuude! Flip-flops??
Do you realize how soft human flesh and bone are? Even dragging your toes at 5mph will grind them down...and if you're not yet aware: Toes don't grow back.

Ouch - I'm cringing just thinking about you cruising on your scoot like that...

farrellcollie · Post by **farrellcollie** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 4:58 pm

In my msf class in missouri - they only cared if the shoes covered your ankle - several people had high top sneakers.

I used blundstone boots from sierra trading post - comfortable and not too expensive and I will wear them.

Frankie 2 Tone · Post by **Frankie 2 Tone** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 6:04 pm

MarkTur wrote:Duuuuuude! Flip-flops??
Do you realize how soft human flesh and bone are? Even dragging your toes at 5mph will grind them down...and if you're not yet aware: Toes don't grow back.

Ouch - I'm cringing just thinking about you cruising on your scoot like that...

Yeah, I know.......I am a paramedic. Don't cringe, I was only messing with you all. I don't wear boots, but I do always wear close toed shoes.

Like most people have said here, Call the class and ask them if they have a specific need, and I also recommend the Doc Martens...

Good Luck!!!

Post by **ericalm** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 6:08 pm

Frankie 2 Tone wrote:I wear shorts and flip flops all the time when I ride......sorry, I am not a good example after reading everyone's reply.....

Footwear is one of the most-neglected things for scooterists. I'll confess that I don't always go out in boots, though I rarely wear anything less than leather shoes of some sort. Flip flops, never, but that's just because I think they're kind of gross.

That said, one of the most often-repeated stories in scooterdom is the story of Renae from POC Scooters, who lad 2 toes ground off during a crash while wearing canvas (Converse) sneakers. The rather graphic photo has also made the rounds on the web. So, without any kind of lecturing, etc., I usually suggest people look at that then decide what they want to do for footwear. Everyone's free to decide how much risk they want to assume when riding, but it's good to at least know the repercussions of that risk (i.e., pain and fewer toes).

I can also drum up some pretty graphic road burn images if anyone wants those!

ryder1 · Post by **ryder1** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 7:37 pm

Eric thanks posting because after we ride several thousand miles we need a reality check and burst our over confidence to remind us how fragile the human body is against asphalt, speed, and when pinned against something.

Good reminder and the photos speak for themselves. OUCH!

MarkTur · Post by **MarkTur** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 10:31 pm

Glad you were just kidding, Eric!

Kinda like when the waitress says "What would you like?" to my son, and I jump in and order "Beer and Cigarrettes"... It's funny in person when they can see my face (smiling), but to write it sounds all together different.

That picture was nasty, btw...but important

OK, so do we think my leather high top basketball super-duper sneakers will protect my toes? (with the exception of the scooter landing on them) If so, I'll practice that nifty pommel-horse dismount I just saw on tv (olympics) to insure I don't drop the bike on my feet!

Modern Buddy

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