Modern Vespa

Has anyone tried or even seen these IRL? I'm considering for my work commute as I refuse to change shoes at work and these sound like they would offer more protection than my regular dress boots.

http://www.bmw-riders-gear.com/BMWRA_products.asp?page=1&mm=By+Form&c=Protection&sc=Boots&m=MC-Riders&r1=&md=&a1=ON&d1=ON&i1=ON&p1=1&p2=12&s1=72607710061-070&bplo=&bphi=

I've never tried those boots, but couldn't you wear any dress boot? Or is there something specific about BMW boots that give an added advantage? There are so many to chose from.

I'm considering the BMW ones because the offer some more reinforcement and protection than regular dress boots. Not sure if the minimal increase in protection is worth it or not. That's why I'm curious to hear if anyone has used these.

I just did a quick Google and read some comments over at ADVRider.com. and the riders there seem to like them as an in-town, boot that looks nice under a suit in the office. They do seem to have some reinforcement in the heel and ankle area and in the sole to make them better for shifting.

I would have to assume that are better than a non-bike standard dress boot but they are not as protective as a heavier "riding" boot. I would treat them as dress boots made for riding (with some riding specific features) as opposed to dress boots made for the office.

I would also assume the BMW boot is designed to stay on your foot during an accident as opposed to flying off. That is what the elasticized heel and a tighter fit above the ankle are designed to do. A dress boot may have more comfort features, no elastic in the heel cup and the looser fit above the ankle and actually be designed to slip on and off easier.

They're good boots. They do offer modestly more protection than your typical mid-rise dress boot. ankle protection is obviously not hard core, but will help in case your ankle's sliding down the asphalt with a scooter on top of it. The fit is much better than the older model, which wouldn't stay on your foot in a real get off. But do try them on IRL bcs the sizing runs a wee bit large.

In my experience the BMW brand gear is great. It's over-engineered, over-built, and over-priced. But I still bought a ton of it because it was so good.

great looking boot!

That is a really nice looking boot.

I've crashed going 60 mph wearing BMW gear (including BMW boots). I came away without a scratch, bruise or anything else. I wasn't even sore the next day. I feel very well protected wearing BMW gear. It's worth it. Get them.

http://www.drmartens.com/

nuff said

I've had several pairs of BMW boots over the years and they really took a beating. They held up well and still looked good. Really comfortable riding boots. I may have to check those out myself, very nice.

Don't worry I still rock some Made in England oxbloods from time to time.

I really like these by BMW. Very comfortable, lightweight and well ventilated.

I have heard that the non-England made Doc Martins are no where near as good. Just what I heard.

If you're looking for Doc Martens the way they used to be made then you could do worse than look at http://www.britboot.co.uk/SolovairBootsUK.html

We have a pair each in this household (one 8-eyelet and one 11-eyelet), and they get the thumbs-up from both of us.

Much better than the travesty that claim to be Dr Martens these days.

Link fixed above by taking the "." off the end of the .html

I use those BMW boots for riding, and they have held up nicely. Often I wear them all day, and they stay fairly comfortable. There's more padding in the ankle than DM's, and they're easy to slip on and off.

Thanks! How is the sizing on these, in your opinion?

Fairly accurate, possibly a bit narrow on the sides. But like all boots the leather starts to take shape and become more comfortable over time. I was fortunate enough to be able to try them on before purchasing, as the local Vespa store is also a BMW shop.