Shoe help (now with time limited doc martin promo code)

peabody99 · Post by **peabody99** » Wed May 25, 2011 12:52 am

I am really in need of the following: a reasonably stylish(ok not horrible would be fine), short leather boot or shoe for riding that has a heel-so I can manage the vespa better (ok and I can look skinnier), a really thick grippy sole, and enough ankle support or protection to not peel off my foot in an accident. PLus it can't be pricey. I would like something I could actually wear after I get off the scooter-to a job, or out and about. I found this, but will it offer enough ankle support?

illnoise · Post by **illnoise** » Wed May 25, 2011 1:51 am

High heels scare me just because they're generally just glued on and they'll break off with little provocation. If you really need high-heels, I'd look for something where the heel is more joined to the rest of the sole. Sorry I'm not familiar with shoe terms but hopefully that makes sense.

Ultimately, there's an infinite variety, and no 'fashion' boot can really compete with a boot designed for motorcycle/scooter riding. There are a couple brands (Tucano Urbano for instance) designed for fashion AND riding, but they're usually hard to find in the US and expensive.

The ankles on those boots don't look very high or rigid and the leather looks pretty soft. A real motorcycle boot would have added ankle protection, maybe a steel toe, fairly stiff leather, etc.

But all that said, those boots are probably a lot better than what a lot of people wear. Any leather is better than rubber or canvas or nylon or (what are people thinking) flip-flops, and any ankle protection is better than none. I'd just be nervous about the heels.

Everyone makes compromises between fashion and safety. I generally wear jeans, steel-toe leather Converse All-Star work boots, and Corazzo's shop jacket. There are safer boots and jackets, but I find those to be my comfort zone, acceptably safe without looking like an exoskeleton. That varies depending on the ride/weather/distance/speeds/experience.

It's all a personal choice, and if you're making the effort to get informed and make a rational choice, you're doing better than most people I see riding scooters around in tank tops and flipflops.

peabody99 · Post by **peabody99** » Wed May 25, 2011 2:00 am

yeah. I would like heavier leather. It does get hot in the summer, but I could live with it it were short enough...I tend to be less concerned about a taller heel because if the force of a crash is tough enough to tear a heel, well you are probably dragging along the ground at that point, heel or no heel. I want the shoe to stay on my foot, and the leather not wear down to the bone. I actually like riding with taller boots as long as they have great traction-its nice to put your feet solidly on the ground and have a little room to play. I just want the boot to stay to stay on, and I am not sure if this is high up enough to cut it-it does seem to cover the ankle, but could it pull off in a crash?

Stormswift · Post by **Stormswift** » Wed May 25, 2011 2:51 am

I have these http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_ ... egan+boots

I really like them because they are not too heavy, give me enough of a lift, adjustable in width and feel very sturdy when I put my feet down at the stops.

CWO4GUNNER · Post by **CWO4GUNNER** » Wed May 25, 2011 2:59 pm

Speaking from a lifetime of riding expedience and my share of going down, mostly off-road, it really comes down to a balance between convenience & safety. There are going to be allot of time you just need to ride without getting totally outfitted in the "riding space suit" in the closet. Funny you should pick shoes as the topic of safety gear becasue ankle joint injuries by far have been what I have suffered in most of my falls, with hip joint injuries being a close second and knee joint third. We are taking mostly serious bruising and inflammation, inflammation that can take months to subside and sometime never subside without surgery.

Anyway my point, whatever fashionable shoe you chose for those pretty feet, make sure they provide ankle support and protection as it could make the difference between a badly bruised ankle and a missing foot or badly 360 torn & twisted ankle.

peabody99 · Post by **peabody99** » Wed May 25, 2011 4:55 pm

I think these shoes need to be a wee bit taller to give more ankle support. Thanks for the link Stormswift, I know people that have those and like them. I would just love to have something that could transition from bike to everyday life...and where people's eyes don't immediately drift to my feet (had this issue when I worked in the court system -which is pretty conservative. I was business suit on the top, but then had militant biker feet. Yes I know should not care about what people think...but I still dream of a compromise.

KABarash · Post by **KABarash** » Wed May 25, 2011 5:12 pm

Many people will argue about levels of protection needed, in the subject of footwear as well. I'm by far NOT a 'Gear Nazi' and will just say, whatever works for you is good.
For many years I wore a variety of boots to work, from light hikers to combat boots. Here in PA as likely most all states they would like to say any kind of sturdy over the ankle footwear is required. I WILL NEVER RIDE IN SANDALS OR MY CROCS!! Most times now I wear high top sneaks, not 'Chucks' but something a bit more substantial. Other than that I wear what is suitable for the day.......

polianarchy · Post by **polianarchy** » Wed May 25, 2011 5:25 pm

http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/wome ... hell+boots

And they're also available in white.

cdwise · Post by **cdwise** » Wed May 25, 2011 5:54 pm

I've got an old pair of Rockport waterproof wedge heeled walkers that are my favorite long distance riding boot, comfortable with lots of support and despite being waterproof they aren't too hot especially if worn with lowish socks that I fold over the top made with "MAX" cool material.

I also ride with a pair of short cowboy boots I got at Nordstroms. They have a side zipper so they should stay on in a crash. They are lose around the ankle but not that much loser than the "real" m/c boots I picked up at a motorcycle show and are more versitile off the bike. The m/c boots I have are like these Icon Hella boots except mine have a separate instead of a wedge heel:

siobhan · Post by **siobhan** » Wed May 25, 2011 6:19 pm

These aren't exactly shortie boots but I just can't give advice on boots that don't actually do what boots are supposed to do. And some of them are spendy. But good boots will last years with proper care (clean the grime off every now and again and Sno-Seal 'em once/twice a year).

I have some Gaernes that are the most comfortable off-road boots I've ever worn, some I'm assuming their street boots are comfy, too.
Here's with a heel: http://www.revzilla.com/product/gaerne- ... onah-boots
It has a Vibram sole for super-stickiness.

and the Black Rose which a friend has and loves: http://www.revzilla.com/product/gaerne- ... rose-boots

Revzilla has a whole list of riding 'shoes': http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle-riding-shoes
Most are for men so sizing may be an issue.

Can you not keep shoes under the seat or at work to change into? I have practically an entire shoe closet in my office; I'm fortunate to have the space, though.

peabody99 · Post by **peabody99** » Wed May 25, 2011 7:31 pm

all the above are just what I am looking for. I need to stalk amazon for them to come down in price. If I could only fit into a 5 1/2.

I saw a pair on Doc martins site that is not bad...need to wait for a promo code though.

peabody99 · Post by **peabody99** » Wed May 25, 2011 8:04 pm

well I just found the Doc Martin Darcie in black leather, something I had my eye on, on sale for 79.00 on eastbay.com. I am not a fan of laces, but I will make a point to double knot and tuck. I LOVE, LOVE the sole-thick and grippy

http://www.drmartens.com/ProductDetail.asp?PID=12891006

Stormswift · Post by **Stormswift** » Wed May 25, 2011 9:28 pm

peabody99 wrote:well I just found the Doc Martin Darcie in black leather, something I had my eye on, on sale for 79.00 on eastbay.com. I am not a fan of laces, but I will make a point to double knot and tuck. I LOVE, LOVE the sole-thick and grippy

http://www.drmartens.com/ProductDetail.asp?PID=12891006

I saw those and it was love from the first moment I saw them. My only problem is laces. I am getting too old to lace up every time I ride That is why I gave up on my rather comfortable kiddie construction boots and ended up with HD Tegan. It was zipper on the side that "sold" me. If those Docs would only come with some kind of zipper. I too can use the extra height.

illnoise · Post by **illnoise** » Wed May 25, 2011 9:42 pm

wedge heel! That's the term. I'd think you'd really be much better off with a wedge heel. And note how those icons are well over the ankle with some reinforcement (the little circle of armor)

Bb

peabody99 · Post by **peabody99** » Sat Jun 04, 2011 3:50 am

well I received my Doc Marten Darcie, and so far very happy. It is not too heavy, the heel is tall but comfortable. I feel as if I could get off the scooter and not look like I just walked off a construction site. Anyone who knows me knows I do not ride for only play-I drive car once a month if that, so everything happens on the scoot-so I want to be able to fit in anywhere, yet have protection.

Now, the quality. The leather is medium think, not utility heavy, yet not fashion boot thin. The sole is the BOMB. think and sturdy. This is huge, I really need this when riding and putting feet down in sand and oil (and I am ashamed to admit, unexpected ice, in the Cleveland my days).

They lace up very tight, in fact they are a pain to put on which says they probably are not coming off in a wreck.

My feeling is over the years Docs have gone down in quality,but are still better than a lot of what is out there. The best feature for riders is the thick sole. my first pair of loafers was made in England. I regret donating them (thought they were too masculine and heavy) in perfect condition with no wear after 8 years. my second pair was Chinese, the leather was thinner and the zipper broke...still loved the sole.

I am inseam challenged so it felt really nice today on my tall Vespa to be able to feel like I can flat foot. Parking is much easier too with sturdier footing. Anyway this is a good bet if you want a solid leather boot with a heel. If you order from eastbay make sure you note the free shipping....I missed that.

Lotrat · Post by **Lotrat** » Sat Jun 04, 2011 4:25 am

Holy crap I must be on the wrong forum.

peabody99 · Post by **peabody99** » Sat Jun 04, 2011 4:29 am

carlsbad? You are close enough where I could come up and whip you into shape if needed.
Thats what you meant right?

Lotrat · Post by **Lotrat** » Sat Jun 04, 2011 2:27 pm

peabody99 wrote:carlsbad? You are close enough where I could come up and whip you into shape if needed.
Thats what you meant right?

Um... no. It's Carlsbad New Mexico. The one far away with caves and bats.

agrogod · Post by **agrogod** » Sun Jun 05, 2011 12:16 pm

"Did someone need help in shoes?"

CWO4GUNNER · Post by **CWO4GUNNER** » Sun Jun 05, 2011 2:45 pm

Doc Marten's are great shoes, so my 26 year old daughter states. I think subliminally their looks on her feet are what caused me to keep pitching a career in the Coast Guard or Navy at her. She still wears Doc Martens and now works as a software editor for eBay making more money then I ever did LOL. So maybe the Doc Martens have something, but as a sailor who has seen the world I have to say I agree with polianarchy choice, I think those boots would look outstanding and irresistible on a young lady!

peabody99 · Post by **peabody99** » Sun Jun 05, 2011 4:04 pm

yeah the Icons are my clear favorite style wise. The price was an issue for me and the sole is kind of thin and the bottom does not look as grippy. Docs have those awesome oil resistant work boot soles. wish there was a zipper option of the boot I got

Stormswift · Post by **Stormswift** » Sun Jun 05, 2011 4:53 pm

This is the one I want. It has zipper and laces:

http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Martens-Womens ... 80&sr=1-29

Cost is an issue for now though. Will have to wait till next summer

peabody99 · Post by **peabody99** » Sun Jun 05, 2011 5:00 pm

those are great. I actually saw those after I ordered mine. Its weird b/c I have been looking for almost a year and now these are appearing on sale as if they have been around a while. Either way I am happy in the end with the darcie. I have done a bit of walking in them and they are extremely comfortable

Stormswift · Post by **Stormswift** » Sun Jun 05, 2011 7:19 pm

enjoy. Comfortable footwear is so important and when we can go from riding to working without changing - that is just fabulous

bonsie · Post by **bonsie** » Mon Aug 15, 2011 5:59 am

i am (hopefully) about to purchase my first scooter and am trying to figure out what kind of shoes to get. i know that non-slip and over the ankle are the most important things but i don't know what other kinds of features to look for. i found a couple of pairs of dr. marten's that look like they could work but i could really use some input on them.

thanks in advance for your help (that is, if anyone comes back and checks this... i know it's been a while since anyone has posted on this thread!)

jijifer · Post by **jijifer** » Mon Aug 15, 2011 3:49 pm

these are my short boots:

http://www.amazon.com/Dansko-Womens-Sco ... 145&sr=8-5

I have them in black. they are discontinued so if you find them they may be cheap.

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Mon Aug 15, 2011 7:07 pm

bonsie wrote:

I don't know if this one would cover your ankle. It probably wouldn't cover mine (I've tried on a couple dozen chukka-boot-type boots hoping one would cover my ankle without success. YAMV, though.

Meresankh · Post by **Meresankh** » Mon Aug 15, 2011 8:22 pm

Hmmm... the Buddy is a tad bit taller than what I'm used to. I could also use a little inseam help.

The Icon Bombshell boots have been on my wishlist for a long time, but the price is prohibitive. They are also overkill on a Honda Met. I could probably pull them off riding the Buddy, though...

Those Darcie boots are exactly the kind of boot I'd like to get for riding! Thanks for posting the review! I've always wanted a pair of Docs. I've also been looking for something that's sturdy, provides some protection and a bit of height, but that doesn't look like a space boot or a construction boot. I'm also liking the price point.

I'll have look into getting those. =)

peabody99 · Post by **peabody99** » Fri Oct 21, 2011 2:28 am

Doc Martin is having a sale on some items....add the promo code: take20sale and another 20% is taken off until Nov 1. There is a tall wedge included (Marcie was $130.00 now 62.00 with promo code). I know we all talked about a wedge being the best way to add height and not lose stability. While Docs are not the sexiest boot (and the quality dipped some when they stopped making them in the UK), the sole is the BEST. really grippy and they don't seem to wear down. I guess I am a heavy walker and my soles on other shoes seem to show wear pretty quickly. I have the Darcie (Marcie's slightly cooler cousin) and love them. The height really helps me when on the vespa

black sunshine · Post by **black sunshine** » Mon Oct 24, 2011 4:20 pm

polianarchy wrote:http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/wome ... hell+boots

And they're also available in white.

okay, those boots are teh HOT SEX. +5 to seduction rolls in those babies!

now i gotta find some equivalent men's boots . . .

mia_mali · Post by **mia_mali** » Mon Oct 24, 2011 5:10 pm

I wear Ariat cowboy boots for riding. Makes the legs look slim, provides an inch riding heel and protects the ankles. They're meant for horseback riding so they also provide ankle support and arch supports for all day wear and the leather holds up extremely well

heatherkay · Post by **heatherkay** » Mon Oct 24, 2011 6:08 pm

I like the Ariat cowboy boots as well -- also have good grippy rubber soles. Not so great for boot-scooting, but much better for walking around and scoot-scooting.

Modern Buddy

Shoe help (now with time limited doc martin promo code)

Shoe help (now with time limited doc martin promo code)

help with shoes! =)

Re: help with shoes! =)