boots

curlyred · Post by **curlyred** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 1:46 am

I have a stupid question.

I'm going to buy some boots to ride in, after reading that post about Renae and her poor toes.

My husband says I should buy that pair of women's army combat boots that I've wanted for a while now. All leather, steel plates in the feet, hard toes, etc. Do these sound good for the job, or should I buy some "motorcycle boots". I saw some with the "Harley Davidson" logo on them, all leather with tough soles and toes, around $100.

The army boots will run me about $160, which I don't mind spending at all, if it will save my piggies. What do you guys think? Does it matter as long as whatever I buy is solidly constructed and all leather?

robtaylor · Post by **robtaylor** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 2:01 am

i think the main thing you should worry about is ankle protection. you don't really need steel shank and toes but get what's comfortable what you'll wear and what supports the ankle in case of a crash. even some hiking boots or something similar would work.

GFridrich3 · Post by **GFridrich3** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 2:14 am

My buddy has a pair of wolverine boots. Plain black leather, silver eye holes for the laces, and steel toes. Very subtle, and he wears them all day at work on the days he rides his bike in. Without inspecting them up close, you cant tell they arent business casual shoes. I really need to get out and buy myself a pair, probably after work tomorrow. Can't keep riding around with my New Balance running shoes, i dont want to get myself into a bad habit early on.

irishtim · Post by **irishtim** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 2:33 am

www.newenough.com

charltons · Post by **charltons** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 2:41 am

I remember one of my MSF instructors saying something negative about steel toes. I like Dr. Martens, sturdy AND stylin. My wife is getting me another pair for our anniversary.

redcass · Post by **redcass** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 2:46 am

curlyred wrote:My husband says I should buy that pair of women's army combat boots that I've wanted for a while now. All leather, steel plates in the feet, hard toes, etc. Do these sound good for the job, or should I buy some "motorcycle boots". I saw some with the "Harley Davidson" logo on them, all leather with tough soles and toes, around $100.

I bought a pair of Harley boots on sale from zappos (the Harley buckle is hidden by my pants). They're really comfortable for riding, the sole is thick but more pliable than any other boots I've owned (have had many docs and army-style boots). They have a small heel (<1"), and the heel and sole help me get a solid footing quickly at every traffic light.

curlyred · Post by **curlyred** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 2:51 am

So do I need something with padding at the ankle, or is a plain leather covering like the military boots enough? Looks like I'm spending over $100 no matter what I do...or close enough to it. I'll check into the Dr Martens, I've never owned a pr, so I don't know what they are like. I like the variety at newenough.com.....just don't know how to decide!

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 3:23 am

curlyred wrote:So do I need something with padding at the ankle, or is a plain leather covering like the military boots enough? Looks like I'm spending over $100 no matter what I do...or close enough to it. I'll check into the Dr Martens, I've never owned a pr, so I don't know what they are like. I like the variety at newenough.com.....just don't know how to decide!

The steel-toed combat boots really sound adequate. This is just about the only area where I think non-motorcycle/scooter gear can provide as much protection.

schlagle · Post by **schlagle** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 3:33 am

ericalm wrote: The steel-toed combat boots really sound adequate. This is just about the only area where I think non-motorcycle/scooter gear can provide as much protection.

I agree as far as the boots being worn on a scooter. On a motorcycle your feet/ankles are basically pinned against a lot of steel. If you get hit your ankles provide the "meat" for a steel bumper and steel motorcycle engine sandwich. OUCH!

On a scooter the position of the feet keeps them from being crushed in this way.

Personally, I own and wear good quality motorcycle boots, just not for the trip to the store and back

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 3:35 am

I really like the mid-height (6 in) boots with zipper in the Harley line. Easy on, easy off. Men's and women's sizes. Good thick sole and heel. Available in many places around town.

http://www.legendbootshop.com/products. ... op=HD&pg=5

MikieTaps · Post by **MikieTaps** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 3:56 am

you should check out Magnum boots... they have pretty good prices, or zappos.com

schlagle · Post by **schlagle** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 4:30 am

zappos rocks! free shipping back and forth. What's not to love.

StacyB · Post by **StacyB** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 2:53 pm

I wear Icon Bombshells, and love them! Good grip when you stop, good ankle protection, easy on/off.... and... they're really pretty!

Groovealufagus · Post by **Groovealufagus** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 4:22 pm

Laid my scoot down last Tuesday to avoid a collision. Was wearing my sneekers instead of my boots. My ankle is still all bruised and sore from where the bike came down on top of it and my gym sock instead of leather or padding.

Get the boots.

alienmeatsack · Post by **alienmeatsack** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 4:24 pm

I have a pair of Doc's Ivan style on order. I wonder if these will be sufficient to satisfy the over the ankle requirements for the MSF?

I'd hate to have to order ANOTHER pair of boots just for the course.

Xena · Post by **Xena** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 4:25 pm

StacyB wrote:I wear Icon Bombshells, and love them! Good grip when you stop, good ankle protection, easy on/off.... and... they're really pretty!

Do you happen to have a picture Stacy?

Post by **illnoise** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 4:40 pm

Like anything, there's a scale of quality vs. expense vs. comfort vs. protection. I rarely wear anything with ankle protection but I really should. the edge of the floorboards is plenty heavy to mangle your ankle, and just putting your foot down wrong, or slipping on some road grime, can sprain your ankle pretty bad. Between that and kickstarting (the old bikes), I've messed up my ankles pretty bad a few times.

I think you're looking more for support than padding, you just don't want your ankle to bend in a weird way unnecessarily.

Those Harley-branded boots you see at Target or Farm & Fleet look pretty junky. And a lot of Dr. Martens are pretty poorly made these days, too (They moved all production to China several years ago, even for their traditional 'boutique' boots.) But either of those are hella better than canvas tennis shoes or flip flops, that's for sure.

I'm trying to find a resource about the best tread, too. It seems to me you'd want something that won't slip when you put your feet down (in oil or grime or water), but won't be so grippy that they won't slide in an accident. Chunky hiking boot soles kind of scare me for the latter reason, and also because they just take up a lot of space and feel awkward as you ride. If anyone has any tips on that, I'd appreciate it.

bunny · Post by **bunny** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 4:47 pm

StacyB wrote:I wear Icon Bombshells, and love them! Good grip when you stop, good ankle protection, easy on/off.... and... they're really pretty!

Just can't do wedge heels on boots. For some reason it jsut seems WRONG!

buddyboop · Post by **buddyboop** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 4:51 pm

I have Dr. Martens also and I like them. Very comfortable and stylish. I have had comments on these everytime I wear them (good comments too

)

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/_jack_attack_/2633575295/" title="mom's boot by Thingus995, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/263 ... 50e3_o.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="mom's boot" /></a>

Post by **polianarchy** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 4:59 pm

charltons wrote:I remember one of my MSF instructors saying something negative about steel toes.

O RLY? Do you recall what it was? Or does anyone else here know why steel-toed boots would be bad? I have two (yes, older, Bb

) pairs of steel-toed Doc Martens that I use for long rides.

For regular ol' commuting, I use more comfortable boots. Indeed, ankle protection is key!

JettaKnight · Post by **JettaKnight** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 5:02 pm

polianarchy wrote:
charltons wrote:I remember one of my MSF instructors saying something negative about steel toes.
O RLY? Do you recall what it was? Or does anyone else here know why steel-toed boots would be bad? I have two (yes, older, Bb ) pairs of steel-toed Doc Martens that I use for long rides.

For regular ol' commuting, I use more comfortable boots. Indeed, ankle protection is key!

Steel toe shoes can get in the way if you're using your toes to shift gears.

I regularly wear steel toe shoes when riding.

hackett · Post by **hackett** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 5:07 pm

Since I'd been wanting some cowboy boots anyway, I went and bought a pair of Justin boots with rubber soles. I've been happy with them so far, although they haven't been crash tested yet.

hackett · Post by **hackett** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 5:09 pm

polianarchy wrote:
charltons wrote:I remember one of my MSF instructors saying something negative about steel toes.
O RLY? Do you recall what it was? Or does anyone else here know why steel-toed boots would be bad? I have two (yes, older, Bb ) pairs of steel-toed Doc Martens that I use for long rides.

For regular ol' commuting, I use more comfortable boots. Indeed, ankle protection is key!

I'd heard that a sufficient amount of weight on top of the steel can make it buckle, cutting off the toes.

Then again, that much weight is going to crush your foot anyway, so I always took that as a moot point.

bunny · Post by **bunny** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 5:16 pm

buddyboop wrote:I have Dr. Martens also and I like them. Very comfortable and stylish. I have had comments on these everytime I wear them (good comments too )

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/_jack_attack_/2633575295/" title="mom's boot by Thingus995, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/263 ... 50e3_o.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="mom's boot" /></a>

I *LOVE* your Docs! LOVE them. I'm waiting on a pair of yellow 8 eyes to match my gear.

StacyB · Post by **StacyB** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 5:17 pm

Xena wrote:
StacyB wrote:I wear Icon Bombshells, and love them! Good grip when you stop, good ankle protection, easy on/off.... and... they're really pretty!
Do you happen to have a picture Stacy?

Here's a link! I love love love them!!!! You will probably want to buy them at least 1/2 a size larger than what you would wear in "normal" shoes.

http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/Ico ... 10202.html

StacyB · Post by **StacyB** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 5:25 pm

bunny wrote:
StacyB wrote:I wear Icon Bombshells, and love them! Good grip when you stop, good ankle protection, easy on/off.... and... they're really pretty!
Just can't do wedge heels on boots. For some reason it jsut seems WRONG!

Yea, I hear ya! It was kinda weird walking in them at first, but I adapted quickly!!! I love love love them!

Kaos · Post by **Kaos** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 5:49 pm

I'd heard that a sufficient amount of weight on top of the steel can make it buckle, cutting off the toes.

Then again, that much weight is going to crush your foot anyway, so I always took that as a moot point.

The Mythbusters did a special that disproved this. They were totally unable to reproduce this in any way.

I wear Docmarten's 14 inchers for my ride, as well as around the office. Or anywhere else I'm at for that matter. With a pair of khakis nobody can tell that they're not business casual shoes. I've also worn surplus army tanker boots as riding boots as well.

AxeYrCat · Post by **AxeYrCat** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 5:57 pm

I was able to get a really awesome deal on some Triumph motorcycle boots on eBay... (Obviously, they make a little more brand-sense when I'm riding the Thrux.)

I'd consider scouring there for a bit if you're not in a huge hurry.

The ankle protection is really what I think is best about them.

hackett · Post by **hackett** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 6:02 pm

Kaos wrote: The Mythbusters did a special that disproved this. They were totally unable to reproduce this in any way.

Glad to hear it. It always carried a hint of urban legend with it, but I'd never bothered to look it up.

alienmeatsack · Post by **alienmeatsack** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 6:19 pm

I had ordered a pair of Doc Ivans earlier today but cancelled and am replacing them with some with higher sides. Since I am getting them for riding and then secondary for wearing, plus I always wanted a pair of the higher sided ones (not the super highs) I might as well get what I need.

I wish they made some cool Docs for doods that were patterns and not crazy flowers or bunnies.

bunny · Post by **bunny** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 6:30 pm

alienmeatsack wrote:I wish they made some cool Docs for doods that were patterns and not crazy flowers or bunnies.

You found Docs with bunnies? WHERE?!

alienmeatsack · Post by **alienmeatsack** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 6:34 pm

Here:

:p

Sorry to get you all excited. I was just making a point about the cool designs and how mens just have black, brown, red and thats it.

These are what I ordered just now to replace the Ivans:

bunny · Post by **bunny** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 6:36 pm

Niiiiiiiiiice.

alienmeatsack · Post by **alienmeatsack** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 6:47 pm

I'm addicted to Van's Slip-Ons so that is almost all I ever wear, ever. And I've been riding in them. Not the best idea. So i am looking forward to having something more substantial between me feetsies and the ouchies.

My old (and comfy) Docs won't cut it either. The soles are slippery as heck, esp on wet surfaces, and they provide zero ankle protection:

Johnny · Post by **Johnny** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 6:58 pm

I'm a HUGE fan of Red Wing motorcycle boots:
http://www.zappos.com/n/es/d/722621396/page/1.html
I'm also a huge fan of Zappo's.
You can browse their woman's motorcycle boot selection here:
http://www.zappos.com/n/es/d/722000639/page/1.html
(although I'd steer clear of those dumb Harley boots with the stiletto heel...

)

Piedmont · Post by **Piedmont** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 7:23 pm

alienmeatsack wrote: I wish they made some cool Docs for doods that were patterns and not crazy flowers or bunnies.

Know anyone good with a paintbrush?

OScoot! · Post by **OScoot!** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 2:11 am

Well, I looked at all the pricey motorcyle boots and honestly didn't want shell out that kind of money. I ended up going with what I thought would serve the same purpose but cost a heck of a lot less. I found a steel-toe Brahma Work Boot (the Gus) at Wally Mart for $30. Not pretty at all, but over the ankle, sturdy leather, lace up, oil resistant non skid soles, with a Goodyear welt and quite comfortable. I also found this review online that gives a little more info. So, if you're not ready to shell out $150-$200 or more but want protection, this sure did it for me. I may not be the coolest looking thing...but who cares?
http://www.viewpoints.com/Brahma-6-Stee ... view-64be0

Christy · Post by **Christy** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 2:59 am

stacyb, do you love the icon bombshells?? are they comfy?

I wear some harley motorcycle boots and they are fine, but very worn in...and the sole is pretty worn down. my foot actually slipped a little on the pavement today at one point (never happened before, but they might be more worn down than before...not sure) anyway, I was considering getting the bombshells b/c they are hot, but wasn't sure if they were comfortable. comfort is hugely important to me.

OKBubbles · Post by **OKBubbles** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 3:52 am

I got these at Famous Footwear for under $60.

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/19518063/c/145073.html

They are very comfortable, and look great with whatever pants I am wearing.

Christy · Post by **Christy** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 4:03 am

hey pink scoot ladies! i saw these and though of you:

OScoot! · Post by **OScoot!** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 12:45 pm

OKBubbles wrote:I got these at Famous Footwear for under $60.

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/19518063/c/145073.html

They are very comfortable, and look great with whatever pants I am wearing.

Those ARE cool looking. Hmmmm....maybe I should consider returning my black combat boots and getting these!

PostNote: Well...I DID return my clunky work boots (had just bought them) and ordered these Dr Martens today! OK...so I broke down and spent more than 30 bucks! I even got a note from Zappos telling me they "upgraded" my shipping at no cost.

Sadly....none of the stores here that carried Dr. Martens, carried women's shoes, so I ending up paying almost twice as much as Bubbles did. Oh well....I guess that's what it takes to be "cool".

charltons · Post by **charltons** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 12:48 pm

JettaKnight wrote:
polianarchy wrote:
charltons wrote:I remember one of my MSF instructors saying something negative about steel toes.
O RLY? Do you recall what it was? Or does anyone else here know why steel-toed boots would be bad? I have two (yes, older, Bb ) pairs of steel-toed Doc Martens that I use for long rides.

For regular ol' commuting, I use more comfortable boots. Indeed, ankle protection is key!
Steel toe shoes can get in the way if you're using your toes to shift gears.

I regularly wear steel toe shoes when riding.

I think that was the reason.

StacyB · Post by **StacyB** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 3:39 pm

Christy wrote:stacyb, do you love the icon bombshells?? are they comfy?

I wear some harley motorcycle boots and they are fine, but very worn in...and the sole is pretty worn down. my foot actually slipped a little on the pavement today at one point (never happened before, but they might be more worn down than before...not sure) anyway, I was considering getting the bombshells b/c they are hot, but wasn't sure if they were comfortable. comfort is hugely important to me.

The bombshells are VERY comfy for me, and I love the look. I mostly wear high heels everyday, so it was really hard for me to go from "cute shoes" to the more "work boot" style when my husband got a motorcycle. I found some cute riding boots (horse-riding) on Zappos and they worked fine... that is until I saw the bombshells! I love, love love them!!!

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 5:27 pm

Oxtar Matrix II - waterproof.

Cheshire · Post by **Cheshire** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 6:08 pm

curlyred wrote:So do I need something with padding at the ankle, or is a plain leather covering like the military boots enough? Looks like I'm spending over $100 no matter what I do...or close enough to it. I'll check into the Dr Martens, I've never owned a pr, so I don't know what they are like. I like the variety at newenough.com.....just don't know how to decide!

If you're going with military boots, check around at the military surplus stores. You may have to go to the next county or something, but $100+ seems outrageous for army boots. Mine cost me $20 2 years ago, and they look new.

docutech · Post by **docutech** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 6:15 pm

I wear these:

They are great. Super comfy and they dont make my feet sweat. They are my army boots

alienmeatsack · Post by **alienmeatsack** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 8:02 pm

I think it's interesting to see all the different kinds of boots people wear/love for when they scoot.

It's similar to the diversity of scooter owner/riders, old/young, men/women, you name it.

Cool stuff.

scullyfu · Post by **scullyfu** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 8:39 pm

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/ ... Boots.aspx

i love these boots. good protection and very comfy, no break-in period. ankle pads. all leather. stylish, not all clunky looking.

docutech · Post by **docutech** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 8:49 pm

scullyfu wrote:http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/ ... Boots.aspx

i love these boots. good protection and very comfy, no break-in period. ankle pads. all leather. stylish, not all clunky looking.

Those ARE sexy!

BoneGirl · Post by **BoneGirl** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 9:54 pm

I finally found a riding boot that I love. It's also a Doc Marten, 6-eye boot I found at DSW shoes for less than $80. It is comfortable, grippy sole, covers my ankle and is actually functional. A lot of boots hurt your feet if you have to actually do any walking in them. They are tough leather and wear wonderfully!

http://www.dmusastore.com/p-1508-9b06zp ... izzly.aspx

Oh, yeah...I forgot to tell you they look even better with big pink boot laces...of course!

Modern Buddy

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