Modern Vespa

What kind of boots is everyone wearing on their scoot? I have a pair of Walmart Hiking Boots that I am wearing right now, though I know I should be wearing some motorcycle boots.
Anyone wearing the motocross boots like Alpinestars or Fox? Is that overkill? I thought they might be a good idea because they are protecting the shins and ankles really well.
What about those Harley boots they sell at sears?
I thought that true motorcycle boots would have some sort of ankle padding/protection and oil resistance. But if you do a search on ebay for motorcycle boots, they pull up anything labeled motorcycle boot just because it may look like one, but really offers no protection.
Any brand I should really be looking at?

I just wear shoes. Probably not smart. That's a very good question.

I wear a pair of Sidi Vertigo boots. I originally wanted the Sidi Canyon Gore-Tex, but after trying them on I did not like the fit or how long it takes to buckle them up. The Vertigo boots have a zipper up the entire side and one velcro strap at the top. I commute with them and can put them on and take them off in seconds. The protection is great for a scooter boot and they are comfy. The one downside is the price. Quite frankly I wouldn't own a pair of them now, but my local motorcycle shop was having a moving sale and I got them for 25% off. They typically sell for about $300.

wow torqueboy! those are nice looking boots. Now, are those considered a motocross boot? how high up on your leg do they go? I like the looks and protection of a motocross boot, but I don't want to look like a dork riding my scooter with a pair of overkill boots. then again, is there such a thing as overkill when you are trying to protect yourself????

Holly, I also wear a pair of boots from Wally World. Mine are steel toed work boots. I believe the "SWAT" model. I just recently switched from the "Gus" model that I'd worn for 7 or 8 years.

That's not important, though. If I remember correctly from my MSF class, they said to wear something that completely covers the ankle. I think that was to prevent rolled ankles, either when putting your feat down or, heaven forbid, while trying to catch a falling bike.

My boots are also steel toed. I can tell you that more than once I've been very glad of that fact when I've had my feet planted while backing up my MP3 and run over my little tootsies...

Mark

No. Absolutely, positively no. There is never too much you can do to protect yourself.

Unless it causes you to pass out from the heat...

That's why I wear a reflective vest while riding. It may look stupid, but I'd rather be seen as a fool than not be seen.

Mark

I wear these. Joe Rocket Meteor Boots. Great support and protection but you can still walk somewhat normal in them.



http://www.amazon.com/JOE-ROCKET-METEOR-BOOTS-7573012/dp/B000P5BPAY

look at these. there are alot to choose from.http://www.cyclegear.com/productlist.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&P=3&S=MA&KW=boots&minprice=0&maxprice=0&maxrows=40&srchBrand=0&srchCat=0&spec=&frmsub=1
touring boots or road style boots is probably better than moto-x or dirt bike boots. most good touring boots have very good ankle protection and depending on what you want full calf length or just above ankles you need to try them on in the shops as what I like on my feet for comfort someone else hates. Comfort when riding is good but I feel you also need comfort for walking around. Not that your going walking in them for a day shopping in the mall but enough going to the gas station and at events or into resturants that sort of thing.
Alpine stars, Dainese, Joe Rocket, Frank Thomas, Axo are all good quality. and that is just the scratching of the surface.

FFIW I cannot stand those "Harley" ones they are heavy and bulky. and most are made in china and are not that great of quality but they do say "harley" on them.

$$ cruiserworks boots, company is now restarting a factory in wisconsin, think this is about the third or fourth time they moved in the past 8 years. Great boots, if u find what fits you, mail order or vendor at ralleys only!

hollybry,

The Vertigos are not a motocross boot. They are a light sport boot. They do not have an internal frame like the crotch rocket riders use, but they offer some of the impact protection in the toe, heel, and on the ankle. They are very flexible and comfortable (even for walking). They do get a little warm even though they have a vent on the side. I don't mind the warmth since most boots are warm. They come up to the top of a pair of calf length socks. I'd estimate they are 10 to 11 inches tall.

I agree that you don't want to look overkill on a scooter, but a 70 mph crash on a scooter hurts just as much on a motorcycle. I snow ski, mountain bike, and hike. If this keeps me from crushing my foot in an accident I'll consider them money well spent. The worst would be if my foot was permanently damaged so that I could never ski again. My wife likes to dance on pointe and it's the same story. Is looking less like a dork more important than fully functional feet? That's up to you.

That being said I don't think the boots make me look like a dork. I also wear a pair of Olympia Airglide 3 pants and they cover the boot down to the lower foot portion. At that point they aren't all that flashy, but the protection is still there. Just for reference I commute everyday on the freeway and use the equipment shown below. The primary concern is safety. My next concern is comfort. Lowest on the list is the appearance. I always say that the day 70 mph road rash is more comfortable than my gear I'll stop wearing it.

TCX Infinity boots

The Sidi Canyon boots I was originally looking at are very similar to those TCX Infinity boots, but I decided against them because it was a hassle to deal with the latches. My Vertigo boots have a single zip up the side and go on quick. The only disadvantage is that they don't look as understated as those TCX boots or the Sidi Canyon.

Great! To hell with the boots, who is the hottie modeling the pants in that picture? Yummy!
Ok, let me gather myself.
I wear all the gear-gloves, armored jacket, helmet and pants. I am lacking in the boots department. I didn't mean to insinuate that wearing all the gear made me look like a dork. I want safety first!
What brought this question to mind was reading prowedding's post about breaking his leg and someone mentioned that there were boots that support you in the event you put your foot down (when you shouldn't). That made me really second guess my footwear and start looking for something more protective. If that is a motocross boot, then I am going to get a pair. If that can be had in a cruiser style boot, then I would go that route. I wanted to see what other people wore because when I look up motorcycle boots on the 'net, it is not real clear what offers good protection. I even saw some stilleto boots (would go great with my outfit) that are marketed as motorcycle boots!

Sidi's are great; but I would prefer shorter boots myself.

Hey, these are close-out Sidi's and I wonder why...


Sidi Blade (Lux) Boots , on sale now $89.99 ~ $119.99.

Hollybry,

Sorry about coming on strong there. I don't mean to criticize. Safety on two (or three) wheels is an important topic to me as I have three friends alive today because they wore their helmets. Plus I broke my femur from a 4 mph bicycle fall on flat ground, so I know the human body needs all the protection it can get at high speeds.

I can't tell you who the hunk is. Sorry again. He was the model on the Olympia website. Also, those close out Sidis are UGLY.

A couple of things to consider:

1) Boots are like all the rest of your gear, finding a true 4-season model can be challenging. Will you only have one pair? Water-proof won't mean much if you only ride when the sun shines, etc. Conversely vented summer boots can be chilly in the winter and wet feet aren't fun.

2) Ease of use. Getting in and out of them should be easy. Zippers are faster than laces.

3) Short or high? Motocross boots may provide better protection than shoes but are they really necessary for your type of riding? Same with heavy clunky "Harley" type boots, they're not great to walk in unless you spend a lot of time prowling around wrecking yards. Short boots provide adequate protection as long as they're designed right.

I wore the same old set of BMW touring boots for a decade, summer and winter through all sorts of weather and they never failed me. Recently on a tour I had to abandon them as their soles had worn out leaving me with little grip at stop lights, etc. As an emergency substitute I bought a pair of Danner hiking boots and they worked fine to get me home. I'm going to replace them with a pair similar to the old BMW ones this winter but for now I'm wearing Alpinstar's Harlems.

Try New Enough for your boot source, they have the best exchange/return policy of any on-line store I've traded at and their prices are competitive.

http://www.newenough.com/street/boots/

LL75

I am also a fan of Sidi but I got the B2's which I think is their cheapest boot ($230) but the protection seems top notch. They are also pretty muted style wise which I like.



These go about mid/upper shin on me. I think moto-cross boots go a lot higher, almost to your knees. It's almost impossible to have too much protection IMO so wear whatever you feel comfortable with.

Interesting, this is the Harlem WP boots:



Gotta love Alpinestars, man, they keep coming up with these dressy, casual, yet non-threatening, proper riding boots that makes you wanna wear them! And we all know, the more you love wearing something, the more likely you will be wear something -- and in this case, protection for your feet.

This is what I currently wear -- the Alpinestars Shibuya WP:



A little hot in the summer; but great in winter, great for walking all-day-long, and PERFECT in the rain (passed a 7-hr downpour test)!

Or, you could be really fashion-forward and go for some of these Articolo 80 Sportivo Boots --

Shortly after buying my 250 I had a spill in a gravel parking lot. I was wearing steel toed work boots and took a hit on the ankle bone that would not let me walk for a week.Luckily nothing broken. I bought a pair of Joe Rocket Meteor boots like Sticky shows above. My selection required 2 things. One comfortable for walking and two, hard ankle protection. I was surprised how many motorcycle boots had no protection for impact on the ankle. A thin piece of leather over the ankle does nothing for an impact.

I currently were Dainese but my next pair will be the Joe rockets like Fuzzys and sticky have because I agree withthem on the hard ankle protectio. They are also firm enough around the upper ankle for lower leg support unlike some of those pics you see above that barely cover the ankle area. They are also easy on and off.

Sidi does make some great foot wear also. alot of road racers use their boots

I don't think that boots provide much protection from twisting your ankle - and if they do, they would only be transferring the torque on up to the knee.

That said, a good boot will provide some protection from the ankle bending too far front, back, or side. Mainly, though, it will provide some protection from impact on the asphalt during a crash. This is where the added armor in the toe, heel, and ankle bone areas really helps. Non-motorcycle-specific boots don't have this, though full-grain leather can be pretty tough by itself.

Finally, a good boot can provide just about complete protection from abrasion ("road rash"). Think of sliding along the asphalt on your ankle bone without a boot, not to mention toes or the side of the foot.

Fit is very important, as a boot that doesn't stay on your foot during a crash is of no help whatsoever.

These are my boots:

I actually think those are wicked cool... Now I just need to find some to try them out...

Mark

Relevant thread

Boots??

Everything about that pic is just so wrong -- the lighting, the shading, the proportions, the lack of many safety gear...
Man, I am having trouble looking away??

You'd think he'd want some gloves with that riding gear.

looks like I just found a riding partner!
Thanks for the info and pictures! Is it safe to say the Joe rocket boots, sidi,alpinestar will have the ankle protection? Some styles don't say whether they have that protection or not, so I am wondering if that is a feature common to top name motorcycle boots?

The SIDI's shown have ankle protection, I know. Don't know about the others.
Those SIDI's that were shown are one of the best boots you can get.
I will be buying a pair of these in a few months.
http://www.revzilla.com/product/sidi-vertigo-mega-gore-tex-boots

Just need to save another $150

The Sidi Vertigo boots have protective plates over the the bones in the ankle, but there is no internal frame in the boot to stiffen the ankle. In fact they are very flexible. If you are very concerned about breaking an ankle from putting a foot down then I'm not sure these boots will help much. They are designed more for impact protection. If you want ankle support you'd have to go up to the next model (Sidi Vortice), which does have external ankle support. Other boots I've seen have internal frames that you have to strap to your calf before you zip up the boot. Usually the internal frames allow you to rock your foot back and forth for shifting, but restrict motion in other directions. In general the downside to increasing ankle support with framework such as this is that it increases complexity, time it takes to put on, and the price. The Vortice boots sell for $475. Here's a picture of the Vortice:

One last thing. The most important thing you can do is go to a store and try some boots on. I wasn't going to my local store to buy the Vertigo boots, but they fit the best and had more protection than I was originally looking for. Find something with all the protective features you want that feels good.

Joe Rocket Meteor boots have ankle impact protection. Not all Joe Rocket boots do so check the specific boot.

Hollybry,

Just be sure when you get boots that you're clear on the difference between ankle support and ankle impact protection. Impact protection will reduce injury if your foot hits the ground hard. Support will stiffen the ankle to keep it from twisting at funny angles if it gets caught in something or if you put your foot down at a funny angle. I was more concerned about impact protection because at the point I get full sport bike boots I'll also be wanting spine armor and a chest plate.

Good points in both your posts.

My personal concern was impact as that is what hurt my ankle 2 years ago.

I bought a pair of Alpinestars on close out that are very close in looks to these

What they need to provide is good impact protection against when your leg gets thrown hard back into the side of your bike, like mine did less than 2 weeks ago on the unplanned low speed foot down that broke the small bone in my leg just above the ankle.

Bill

PS: Just found out that Holly has my '07 Mp3 250 that I started out on.

This is the Rev-It Rival H20 boot. I looked at a similarly configured AlpineStar at the the M/C shop, but they didn't feel a comfortable -- especially around my lower leg.

After a couple a rides they are starting to feel pretty comfy. I fitted mine with medium socks, a Spenco flat neoprene insole, and a SuperFeet Black (low volume) insole (file down the sharp corners of the 6 heel supports). If I need to wear heavy socks, I can pull the Spenco insole.

Be warned, however, that their sizing is about one Euro size small. If you normally take a 44, you'll likely need a 45 in this boot.

Thanks for all the help kids!
I have decided on a pair of Joe Rocket Womens Orbit Boots. I couldn't try any boots on locally because I live in bum fu*# egypt, and there aren't any stores around that came even CLOSE to carrying the size I needed. (I have big ol' women feet).
Any way, I got them from the Motorcycle Superstore and if they don't fit, I can return them without a restocking fee. I think they will work just fine though!

They look good, I used a pair of ECCO boots until I got my TCX's that were about that height. I see what looks like ankle impact support which is great and of course we all need that shifter pad on the left boot .

Holly, you just used a term I have not heard since I was in the Air Force (and the boots you chose look a lot like we called "chuka boots" in basic training). Are you a vet or military brat, by any chance?

My screening questions:
Do you know what country Bum F**k is located in?
What's the difference between the commissary and the PX/BX?
Bonus screening question for vets: Is Sierra Hotel good or bad?
Bonus screening question for brats: are kids more likely to be found living in OBH or BOQ?

No. I am not a military brat or a vet. My dad is a Vietnam vet, but the only thing I learned from his stint in the military is not to run over cans, bottles, etc in the road as they might be booby trapped. He saw a lot of instances of such occurances while over there.
The boots I chose have the ankle impact protection. Which is something I was really looking for. And of course, I had to have boots that had protection from the shifter!