Modern Vespa

Hi All:
I got my 2018 Vespa GTS 300 a couple of weeks ago. I'm really enjoying the experience. It my only form of transportation. Do people carry comfortable shoes like runners everywhere you go or do people wear their riding boots all the time. I was wearing runners with my vespa but wanted to protect myself from ankles injuries by wearing boots. How do people handle their foot wear situation.

I currently wear these as I'm happy to wear them all the time. https://www.amazon.com.au/Helly-Hansen-11422-Helly-Hansen/dp/B07SSTWSPY

Not as safe as proper bike boots but good enough for me

Forma Adventure Low

No more laces.

So far, I haven't been wearing any specific protective gear while I ride my Vespa. But I have been thinking of getting a pair of TCX Hero WP boots.

I wear comfortable boots on my commute.
While I could wear them all day my feet would get hot eventually, so I have shoes at work.
Otherwise if I'm just out riding and doing whatever I just keep my boots on.

I follow the AT GATT religion: all the gear, all the time. So I'm wearing my riding boots on the Vespa, the same ones as I'm wearing on the Kawasaki.

I always try to imagine: when I'm being pulled by a rope at 70 mph, would I be comfortable wearing my All Stars, or would I be more happy wearing motorcycle riding boots? Because going down at full speed is just the same.

Ride safe .

I have tried many different boots over the years, but now wear only Vans high tops for my rides.

They are a combination of leather and canvas.

I keep them quite tight too, so they will stay on in case of falling off the scooter.

I am aware that they are not as protective as bike specific boots, but they sure are more comfortable when on and off the scooter.

I have two pairs that both get used often.

Bill

The Vans high tops are what I wear if I ride on the weekend. Did you know they make "Pro" versions of the Jazz vans? Yup, fully reinforced. Around $160 if I recall. Anyways, I donated the Pro ones to the thrift store though, not the regular Jazz Vans. Same color so I didn't notice till months later.

I ride mostly for commuting to work now. I just wear my Red Wing work boots now.

I have a pair (two pair, actually) of leather Chuck Taylor Urban Hikers with D-Loops and hooks. They're leather and cover my ankles. I'm ok with those around town and ... well ... Chucks.

I also have a pair of these from Noru. In fact, I'm wearing them right now.



They're a light riding shoe with a protective plate over the ankle. And I don't have to walk around looking like Robocop.

I also have a pair of Johnston and Murphy insulated boots I wear when it's colder. Again, leather up over the ankle.

Still wearing my Fabiano hiking boots 90% of the time. Made in Boston maybe 45 years ago, resoled twice and still going strong. They've been halfway around the world. My wife HATES them. I tell her they're for function, not looks....they're gonna get wet, track through whatever crap is on the road, and as long as my feet-and ankles- are happy and safe, who cares? I have another pair of high top boots as well as Alpinestar moto boots that I cycle on a whim....

Commuting to work, I'll either carry a pair of shoes with me, or keep a couple of pair at work to change into. When I'm doing serious riding and traveling light, I'll wear the boots full time. If I have room, I might bring a pair of sneakers or sandals for walking around.

My situation makes proper moto boots extremely difficult. My compromise is boots made of durable material (currently leather) that cover my foot and at least my ankles. For day-to-day, these are also my regular footwear. Other times, like when I ride to somewhere to run or hike, I bring shoes or even clothes along and change. I'm not running in long pants/trousers and I won't ride in shorts. Same for boots vs low-top shoes.

I have three pair of older boots I like to wear in winter. The TCX Air high tops, Joe Rocket Heartbreaker tall boots, and Icon Moto Hella ankle boots. Footwear is my lax area in ATG-ATT for summer temperature control.

Black Thoroughgood high top USPS shoes. US-made and very comfy for walking with moderate protection. They make my 14s look svelte and replaced some motoboots that made me walk like John Wayne. Ugh.

I have TCX Hero WP leather boots. They might not be for everyone, but these saved my left ankle and foot in my accident last summer. Zero foot injury, not even a twisted ankle (the rest of me did not fare so well).

They weathered that wreck so well, I didn't even bother replacing them. I wear them every time I go out for a ride. I like these because I can lace them up for a nice custom fit, then use the zipper closure to take them on and off. They are completely waterproof; I've worn them in torrential rain. These might get a little hot for some folks in higher temps, but that never bothered me, even up to triple digits. They are reasonably comfortable after a minimal break-in period, but you'll never mistake these for sneakers or slippers. They might be overkill for some folks, but the protection and quality is top notch.

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/tcx-hero-wp-boots?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1dPDoJrV9wIVrG1vBB2FpwuGEAYYBCABEgIwy_D_BwE

I like the style and I could wear it as my everyday shoe whether or not I am riding.

I have to ride to Philly to try them out at Revzilla.
I don't know what size will really fit me (can't be getting 3-4 pairs to send back the ones I dont fit into).
Union Garage here in Brooklyn used to carry them but they moved out of Brooklyn & hence got to go check them out in Philly. I am planning on getting them before Labor day this year.

I carry a pair of Vans half cab (caballero) shoes with me for walking around/site seeing. They also double as a comfortable leather ankle protective high top riding shoe if needed

I think I have found the ideal riding boot for me in the REAX Fulton Air Riding boots. I have both Summer and winter/waterproof versions. They are really comfortable to ride in and even more to walk in.

I didn't even now HH made shoes. I've been wearing HH ski jackets/pants for years. Love their products.

-Craig

You can't beat the BOA system for getting in and out of hightop boots. That's why I wear Stormhawks.


Since everyone else is adding photos…


Last edited by mayorofnow on Tue, 10 May 2022 20:27:04 +0000; edited 1 time

I like and use the Bilt Dexters. They are rugged, lightweight, and comfortable.

I have a pair of these in blue and also some redwings

I like my Reax Fulton leather riding "sneakers" from CycleGear. Ankle pucks on both sides, waterproof membrane, stiff, but comfy, walkable soles, full leather boot.


Reax Fulton riding shoes

Usually have spare shoes.
Almost (see Crocs below) always wear protective shoes when riding.

Riding shoes: I got them all Long boots (Gaerne), angle-lenght boots (TCX) and even a tad shorter, ultra light sports riding shoes (Alpinestars). Crocs (Crocs ) for visiting a neighbour by bike.

Spares: leather shoes for the office, light running shoes for travel. My feet don't like flat shoes, so no basket-ball -style shoes for me.

I used to wear Georgia brand tall work boots, the same boots I mow the lawn with. Recently, I bought a pair of TCX Mood boots. Still not broken in yet.

My fat feet (think: Fred Flintstone) require an extra-wide width. Keen Hiking Boots, Redwing, and Milwaukee Leather engineer boots.

Has anyone tried the Tourmaster Solution 2.0 Air boots? They are supposed to flow a lot of air, but still have good protection. And available in wide.

Love my grey ones!
Easy on, easy off.....so I stopped being lazy and wearing sneakers!
I feel well protected in these boots.
O.S.

I have a pair Frye Engineer and a pair of Frye Harness boots that I've worn for years but that TCX Hero is mighty tempting.

https://www.ariat.com/P17255_M_FOO.html

Only side zip, waterproof, safety toe boots I could find that weren't "tactical"

I only wear boots (Daytona) when touring & normally use running shoes (or flip flops on occasion).
Whatever boot you get, make sure they'll fit in the bikes storage area when you change into your comfortable shoes

Ariat, WP work boots that are oil & slip resistant. Comfy to walk around in, as well. [/img]

I'm really diggin' these! My first moto boots were the Icon Tarmac model. I really liked them as they were very comfy and durable. But the velcro closure system would not enable me to really snug them down. The BOA laces would certainly solve that.

Mine have been daily wear for a year. It's been a long time since I've found footwear that durable.

Chucks and a Jean jacket. Don't do what I do lol

Same ^^^