A sort-of Poll: Best/Fav Riding shoes/boots?

[CapnK]

My gloves came yesterday, flip-up helmet comes today, armored jacket Monday, leaving me to purchase pants and some shoes/boots. The pants I've figured out, but for the shoes I thought I'd ask and see what y'all have found...

I have plenty of perfectly fine street footwear, but not over-ankle or very protective in nature; I live on a boat in the hot South, and am always in that sort of environment, so I'm usually in Topsiders or Tevas. What I would like to find would be a shoe that did provide protection for toes and ankle, but was very quick to put on/take off, and hopefully don't cost an arm and a leg (or a toe and an ankle...). They don't need to be comfortable to walk in for any length of time - they are for riding, or moreso, for protection in case of an accident while riding. Insulation is definitely not needed. Ideally at my destination I'll whip them off and put on some comfy, lightweight, cool shoe I already own.

Is there such a beast?

If not, what are y'all wearing, and why do you like that style? Will it work for what I describe above? Or will I just have to accept that I will be buying _yet another_ pair of shoes, that are likely to set me back somewhere north of $100, based on what I am seeing at online shops.

I'd rather spend that money on some bling like saddlebags or a top case , but I do like being able to walk, and understand that there will be compromise involved...

Any input? TIA!

[Throwback7R]

this is what I own
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/14 ... Shoes.aspx

However I think shoes that slip on and off would be a bad idea for any sort of riding " if you fell off you would not want them to slip off."

the shift shoes are really comfortable and I am sorta picky about my shoes. I own teva's and other brands.

[gar1013]

I used to own something similar to this:

http://www.cyclegear.com/CycleGear/Stre ... 59409_1753

Basically, what you want is something that has some sort of ankle protection in the form of a hard cup (like these do).

For quick on/off, the combination of a zipper and velcro, or just velcro shoudld do the trick. The goal though should be a boot that won't come off your foot.

[JHScoot]

[Syd]

When I commute I wear what I will be wearing at work; but I only ride 5 miles each way. If I'm going to be out for a while, I'll usually put on a pair of Georgia Work Boots, like these. My feet don't get real hot, and they don't stink when they do, so that's not an issue. they have limited ankle impact protection, but if they are good enough for Georgia Workers, they're good enough for me.

No one sells riding boots that I can try on, except for knee draggery boots, and my legs aren't that long. I am far more concerned with the comfort of my shoes/boots, so I avoid ordering online if at all possible.

[Syd]

Those aren't DOT. These are:

[DariaSen]

These are not slip on but if you're looking for something more relaxed looking I have a pair of these:

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/tcx-x-street-shoes

Very comfortable and easy to lace on/off. I keep flip flops in the pet carrier to change into for in-between riding.

[BuddyRaton]

I have a bunch of boots but I for hot weather I like my Air Force Desert speed lace boots

[Dage'sVew]

Similar style to the above, L.A.Gear has these on sale: http://www.lapolicegear.com/baenseul8tas.html Side zip would make them easy on and off!

[ravenlore]

These are not slip on but if you're looking for something more relaxed looking I have a pair of these:

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/tcx-x-street-shoes

Very comfortable and easy to lace on/off. I keep flip flops in the pet carrier to change into for in-between riding.

I have the same shoes and adore them. While I do have a pair of Hello Kitty foldable flats in the petcarrier, i've only used tyem like twice.

[Drum Pro]

I usually wear monkey boots but some times I wear a zip up military surplus boot....

[gar1013]

Those things are horrible for your feet. What you need are these:




I'm actually not kidding though -- flip flops generate tons of business for podiatrists and other doctors. I personally can't wear them because my heels won't stay on the back.

Now birkenstocks, those are FANTASTIC.

[theflash784]

I picked up some Converse Composite toe ankle high boots from The SportsmansGuide. I think they were around $50. They are black, look like Conservse high top, are not too heavy and comfortable to wear. You can wear them causally without looking like you're wearing clunky boots.

[Howardr]

If you're looking for something less expensive, or for those on a budget, K-Mart sells a leather boot which laces AND has a zipper down the inside of the boot. Very quick to get on and off, but stills stays secure. They run less than $40.

Howard

[manual_overide]

Well, there's always these:

[KABarash]

Any boot or light hiker even a high top sneaker with a good amount of padding that fits snugly around the ankle should give you at least a modicum of protection in the event of an 'off'.
Safety toe may or may not be necessary depending on the 'exposure' you're willing to accept. Many here will argue that, in a decent crash and slide the toe of the boot can degrade and you'll end up with some mangled toes. There was a story a while back there someone had actually ground off toes in a slide while wearing sneakers.

I typically wear a pair of hi-top Vans or what I'll be wearing for work while commuting, as I work in EMS now I usually have been wearing Jungle style Combat Boots. I will say I have worn just about any foot wear out there except for anything that not enclosed, ie; sandals, flip-flops and my crocks.
As an aside, several years ago when I showed up for an MSF class wearing Jungle Boots the instructor suggested that my boots didn't really possess enough ankle support and/or protection, others were wearing hi-top sneaks, he said nothing.....