Motorcycle Boots

[Village Idiot]

Looking for some recommendations on a motorcycle boot that's comfortable and not so crazy that I can wear them to work or just around when I'm riding my bike and not feel like a hard core biker or a power ranger. I'm on an HD softail by the way.

I really like the Icon Elsinore, but they look a bit too aggressive to be wearing to work:

 

[Mick]

When I road every day I just used my steel insole,steel toed work boots.

That way I did not need to change boots when I got to work

 

[Village Idiot]

When I road every day I just used my steel insole,steel toed work boots.

That way I did not need to change boots when I got to work

I guess it would help to mention that I do IT work at a government facility, so my daily wear is usually cargos and a polo.

 

[Mick]

I guess it would help to mention that I do IT work at a government facility, so my daily wear is usually cargos and a polo.

You may still want to get boot with steel toe caps and a steel insole.

You can always change into your loafers once you get safely to work

 

[KindestCutofAll]

Sorry, no pic, but I picked up a pair from Bass Pro.

Redheads Rancher 12" Waterproof Work Boots. Got them on sale about 40% off.

Zippered side and I find them really comfortable.

 

[BrianL]

Just my opinion, both of those boots would work with cargo pants.

 

[oxford1833]

I have worn these for the better part of three years. They work well with jeans.

 

[Doc4]

Why not something more old school?

 

[DS/B MCS]

I've worn Chippewa and Carolina Boots when riding for years.

 

[bhorsoft]

I've worn Cruiserworks a fair amount. Comfortable, not too outrageous for work, waterproof and last forever (had on pair resoled recently after 5 years of frequent use). Only downside is they aren't cheap. I've also been know to wear Ariat ropers as well, but they don't have the toe protection that the Cruiserworks have.

 

[Raven457]

You may still want to get boot with steel toe caps and a steel insole. You can always change into your loafers once you get safely to work

There's some good advice in this thread! I agree with the idea of changing boots to work shoes when you arrive, and it's what I do myself. When I wrecked my last bike, I was wearing Wolverine work boots that were similar to some of the boots already mentioned. Since my boots were leather, they protected against abrasion but did almost nothing to stabilize my foot as it became pinned between the bike and the pavement. I limped away with a severely twisted and sprained ankle, and have worn nothing but full on motorcycle boots (currently a pair of TCX's S-Zero boots) ever since. Get the Elsinores, they'll work with jeans or whatever you wear when you aren't working and riding, and change into work shoes at the office.

 

[hold-fast]

There's some good advice in this thread! I agree with the idea of changing boots to work shoes when you arrive, and it's what I do myself. When I wrecked my last bike, I was wearing Wolverine work boots that were similar to some of the boots already mentioned. Since my boots were leather, they protected against abrasion but did almost nothing to stabilize my foot as it became pinned between the bike and the pavement. I limped away with a severely twisted and sprained ankle, and have worn nothing but full on motorcycle boots (currently a pair of TCX's S-Zero boots) ever since. Get the Elsinores, they'll work with jeans or whatever you wear when you aren't working and riding, and change into work shoes at the office.

Definitely get real motorcycle boots. Riding a bike means you will eventually dump it and the is good chance it'll fall onto your legs and be dragged under it. Once you've been riding long enough you realize that proper equipment is well worth the money and the hassle of it not quite working great off the bike.

 

[Village Idiot]

Definitely get real motorcycle boots. Riding a bike means you will eventually dump it and the is good chance it'll fall onto your legs and be dragged under it. Once you've been riding long enough you realize that proper equipment is well worth the money and the hassle of it not quite working great off the bike.

I did about 7500 damage to a 5600 bike after t-boning someone that ran a stop sign. I'm all about the right gear and not all boots advertised as motorcycle boots offer the best protection. There's companies that sell low top boots that just cover the ankle and those will definitely not protect from a broken ankle.

Trust me, enough of the other HD riders look at me weird when they see me on a Softail with a full face helmet. I get even weirder looks from the guys in PA riding without helmets. That's OK though, I'd rather be protected than dead.

 

[hold-fast]

I did about 7500 damage to a 5600 bike after t-boning someone that ran a stop sign. I'm all about the right gear and not all boots advertised as motorcycle boots offer the best protection. There's companies that sell low top boots that just cover the ankle and those will definitely not protect from a broken ankle.

Trust me, enough of the other HD riders look at me weird when they see me on a Softail with a full face helmet. I get even weirder looks from the guys in PA riding without helmets. That's OK though, I'd rather be protected than dead.

My wife and I both have these. http://www.ascycles.com/images/products/BMW/2011Apparel/72607697642_SantiagoBoots.jpg Works well in rain. We never got our feet wet last year on a two week trip when it rained 10 of the 14 days. One day we got 92mm(3.6") of rain. This was out in Nova Scotia. They're also very sturdy with a nice hard ankle cup and shin plate. Pricey, but I only have two feet and they aren't replaceable.

 

[oc_in_fw]

This is what I wear. Great traction, great support, and side zipper. They are comfortable after 8 hours on the job.
http://www.magnumboots.com/us/product-stealth-force-8-0-wos-black.html

 

[oc_in_fw]

I did about 7500 damage to a 5600 bike after t-boning someone that ran a stop sign. I'm all about the right gear and not all boots advertised as motorcycle boots offer the best protection. There's companies that sell low top boots that just cover the ankle and those will definitely not protect from a broken ankle.

Trust me, enough of the other HD riders look at me weird when they see me on a Softail with a full face helmet. I get even weirder looks from the guys in PA riding without helmets. That's OK though, I'd rather be protected than dead.

I wish I could wear a full face. I am enough claustrophobic that I can't even get one strapped on before I HAVE to take it off. Even my 3/4 bothers me a little when winter comes and I put a face shield on. Maybe I should see a hypnotist.

 

[Dusty1]

"Dress for the crash, not for the ride." This is good advice I was given years ago and I have stuck to it ever since. I see you ride a Harley, I would only do the full on boots if I had a helmet on first. Start with the order of priority, and happy riding!

 

[Dusty1]

Sorry, I see you already wear a full face helmet, your reply must have come in just prior to mine.

I'm primarily a sport bike rider but wear full gear nonetheless when riding my cruiser. It's funny how helmets are fully accepted when riding sport bikes or touring bikes, but not with cruisers. I know they are jealous of my head gear when they are on the highway with a hankerchief around their face.

 

[Phog Allen]

I will not speak to exact specifics since I do ride motorbikes. I have seriously thought about it though. Anyroad, working in the mechanical trades I have seen a lot of crappy footwear in my life. If I had the money, and for dedicated riding it probably is not that much, i would look at Wesco. They have been around for a long time. They make custom fits as well as off the shelf. I am sorely tempted at times to just place the order.

Cheers Todd

 

[bhorsoft]

I did about 7500 damage to a 5600 bike after t-boning someone that ran a stop sign. I'm all about the right gear and not all boots advertised as motorcycle boots offer the best protection. There's companies that sell low top boots that just cover the ankle and those will definitely not protect from a broken ankle.

Trust me, enough of the other HD riders look at me weird when they see me on a Softail with a full face helmet. I get even weirder looks from the guys in PA riding without helmets. That's OK though, I'd rather be protected than dead.

I ride a Fat Boy and have always worn an Arai full face - usually bright yellow or that fluorescent green color. I also always wear a jacket - mesh in the summer or leather or three quarter in the winter (also in yellow, orange or green). I used to lead group rides for my Harley chapter an no one said a word about my attire other than I was easy to follow. I had two high speed get offs on the Fat Boy (65 mph and 45 mph). The 65 mph wreck resulted in busted ribs and a punctured lung (landing hard on a boulder will do that), but I was back a work in a couple of weeks. No injuries on the 45 mph wreck and I vividly remember my chin guard bouncing off the pavement 3 times. Because of the full face helmet I'm not eating steak through a straw. I've now had that Fat Boy converted to a trike. I still wear the gear. The odds of a get off are decreased, but if I do I still want protection.

Like Dusty said, "Dress for the crash and not the ride." Get the best gear you can afford and if it means changing boots, clothes, etc. at work so be it although there is good gear you can wear even in a business casual environment. If James Bond can wear a tux under a wet suit.....