I’ve been acquiring a lot of boots lately. The thing that really strikes me is the different uses that people think boots should have – and that the companies that sell them want to make you think they’re good for.
For example – the boots on the left are MIA “motorcycle” boots. The leather is so soft and distressed, and I’ve worn holes in the heels after just a year of wearing them to walk around – think of how they would hold up at stops on a motorcycle! The boots in the middle are Frye Engineer boots, graciously gifted to me by a friend who didn’t quite fit into them – they are great, and I would be tempted to wear them on the motorcycle. Except! The ones on the right are actual motorcycle boots (the Tourmaster Solutions), and they have ankle protection and a shifting pad on the left toe so the tops don’t get hopelessly scuffed up. Plus they’re honest-to-goodness waterproof. After riding around in boots that really do protect your whole foot and ankle it’s hard to go back a reduced level of protection – no matter how goofy your feet look in the motorcycle boots.
Of the three boots the REAL motorcycle boots were also the most inexpensive, hilariously. Who knew it was so expensive to look like a motorcyclist, and still be so poorly protected?
I’m blogging a photo a day for the month of February. You should too! #29in29
The only downside with moto boots is that they are not made for walking… I am a boots person, too. I definitely like the engineer boots. They look cool.
when I motorcycle in to work or a meeting, I generally swap shoes when I get there. I have a great hat box that makes it super easy to carry lots of extra stuff with me! I always am ducking in to the bathroom at work after I arrive to make a quick change and emerge in a skirt and heels.
I wore some zip up leather boots until I finally got a pair of motorcycle boots at the end of July. I wore them for a grand total of 5 months and almost wore the tread occ them completely. I have been dragging my feet across the ground either – honest. They were inexpensive and now I know why I need to pay a little more. I have some Triumph boots now and I like them. I wanted TourMaster, but no one carries them in our town & I need to try them on because I have a hard to fit foot. My gear is TourMaster and it is awesome. Nothing beats the protection of motorcycle boots.
I was able to order my TourMaster boots through motorcyclegear.com – their shipping policy is amazing and I actually tried on a few pairs before settling on the size I wear. (that link is an affiliate link w. proceeds going to my fav motorcycle forum two wheel females) motorcyclegear.com is a great resource if you don’t have a local gear shop!
I ride in East German Army-Surplus boots that I bought in a junk shop. I have feet that are too big for women’s boots and it turns out that men have much narrower ankles than women so I really struggle to find “proper” bike boots that fit. These cost 30 UKP and have lasted so far 4 years. I love them, though they fail on the ankle protection front. On the plus side, a taxi parked on my foot while I was filtering and did no damage…
Sonja,
Sport touring motorcycle boots are definitely made for walking.
It completely depends on what you buy. The tourmaster boots that Karina posted are definitely comfortable, right Karina?
If you need recommendations, drop me a line. 🙂
-GC
they are pretty comfortable! there is zero arch support but my foot is ok with that, and it would be easy to slip in an insole if you need a little more support yourself.
and did I mention? Totally Waterproof. it’s remarkable!