Acceptable Riding Footwear

[Matt H]

I am in the market for a pair of riding boots and considering a pair of military/police/tactical type of boot (likely a pair of Danners, but Bates are a possibility), rather than a motorcycle-specific boot.

The boots that appeal to me are 8-9" hybrid leather/nylon (at least 50% leather), with GoreTex lining.

I would appreciate any thoughts on why this is a good idea or not (and maybe other brand recommendations... ).

Thanks in advance.

P.S. I like the idea of a pair of boots that offer sufficient protection (although perhaps not as much impact protection), that can be worn off the bike as well.

 

[Mihalis fjr]

Have a look at these boots,i have them and i am very happy!Warm in the winter and breezy in the spring or and in the summer in normal temperatures:

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/tcx-air-tech-gore-tex-boot

 

[Mihalis fjr]

Other options from XPD also waterproof & breathable:

https://www.xpdboots.com/products

 

[Bounce]

For years I rode with whatever I had. Then, as with learning better control, I got some training and got more aware of the risks to the ankle and feet from even a parking lot spill. I went to "duty" boots like the Rocky Eliminator II (which also gave some water resistance and insulation for summer and winter). When I started personally knowing people who ended up with pins in their ankles and the lifelong repercussions, I moved to a boot designed for riding; with ankle and shin armor as well as the "environmental" protection of the Rockies.

The path of all my gear has gone that way. Early on, I only wore street clothes and an Army surplus field jacket (when it got cold or wet). Any more, I realize I was luck to never actually need my gear as a result of a spill.

Now I dress for the fall. Just like a seat belt, it's better to have it and not need it than...

 

[Fly Bye]

Protection, fit and comfort on and off the bike are essential for me.

I went with Alpine Stars.

 

[James Burleigh]

I was looking for a boot I could use to ride to the train station during my commute to work by train. I wanted something that would give me some protection, but was also light, easy to take on and off, and comfortable walking in for a short distance. My standard riding boot, a pair of heavy-duty, waterproof Alpinstars, were just too bulky and heavy for that kind of everyday short-ride, long train-ride, commute.

So I picked up a pair of made-in-China, cheap combat boots with the mesh side, laces, and--very important--zipper. I believe they're rubber too, not leather. (I put some bees wax on the laces to keep them from coming apart and getting fouled in the shifter or brake lever.)

I'm very happy with them. They weigh much less than my Alpinestars, and are less bulky. Of course they are not waterproof, but they are quite comfortable on a hot day. I only use them for around town. For a "real" ride I'll take the Alpinestars.

[i see a lot of recommendations for standard MC riding boots. I got the impression Matt is looking for an alternative.]

Here's a pic:

 

[BigOgre]

+1 on the Air Techs. Fits my wide foot nicely and I can wear them all day off the bike if I had to.

 

[Top_Speed1]

How heavy are the air techs? and I know that they are not a warm boot which is OK with me.

 

[Mihalis fjr]

How heavy are the air techs? and I know that they are not a warm boot which is OK with me.

1,330kg = about 2,9 lb pounds both the two boots.

 

[SFCJCA]

In the summer, I wear a military issue jungle boot. I like the oil resistant sole, ankle support and breathability. But I'd like something waterproof. So I considering a pair of Danner Striker Torrent GTX boots for the spring.

Whatever you get, make sure it's got an oil resistant sole and plenty of ankle support.

 

[maggot]

I use a military work/tactical style. Been rotating between three pairs for like 12 years now and that's all I use for riding.

Great on the bike, can walk all day, work in the garage, shovel snow, whatever.

Get a gortex pair so you have breathability and waterproofness.

 

[Wlfman]

I wear these: https://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/boots/sport_street_touring_boots/sidi/fusion_air_motorcycle_boots.html

And an older version of these: https://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/boots/waterproof_sport_street_touring_boots/sidi/tour_rain_boots.html

 

[BigOgre]

How heavy are the air techs? and I know that they are not a warm boot which is OK with me.

1,330kg = about 2,9 lb pounds both the two boots.

KJ, They seem fairly light when picking them up if that means anything to you.

I wanted something vented for my usually warm dogs and these did the trick. Come winter I've never had an issue either. Wore them on Cota's Rock ride where the temps were in the teens and didn't notice any chill. Also never been wet in them although I do hit them with Camp Dry every so often.

 

[HotRodZilla]

Man...I have lots of pairs of military/tactical boots. My best ones are Converse and Reebok is making boots like them now. My favorite boots are Danner GPX hiking boots. Danners are good boots, but for their weight, feel and cost, you might as well go with a MC specific boot that will protect your ankle.

I have a pair of Diadoras that are waterproof and warm enough for most rides. They are super comfortable and I can walk in them all day. For a little over $100, they're totally worth it.

 

[PhilJet09]

Everything is a compromise, your job is to decide where to draw the line. I have a pair of Sidi adventure rain boots that will offer as much crash protection as I think I'll ever want, but they're not great to walk in. I also wear some wolverine waterproof boots while commuting. They're great to walk in, but have virtually no impact protection. Compromise. You decide.

 

[hppants]

I made the decision about 6 months ago to switch from hiking boots to M/C specific boots. I bought a pair of Alpine Stars W/P boots. When they arrived, I immediately had second thoughts - it was like wearing a couple of concrete blocks. A riding friend encouraged me to continue - assuring that the boots would eventually break in.

He was right.

Now, those boots are every bit as comfortable as any street boots I own. I wouldn't go on a 5 mile hike with them, but for walking about on ride stops - no problem what so ever.

 

[rbentnail]

Everything is a compromise, your job is to decide where to draw the line.

Indeed.

I've tried several different riding-specific boots but they simply don't meet my needs. Very often my recreational riding will include 1-3 mile hikes to get to the river or waterfall or whatever. Riding boots don't cut it. I was miserable. I wear Rocky or Georgia boots, over the ankle 8 or 9", Gore Tex lined with a splash of Camp Dry a couple times per year.

 

[JamesW]

Beware of shoelaces.

 

[Chuck35]

There aren't many MC boots wide enough for my duck like feet. I went with he Danner Striker II GTX 6".

I always have a pair of SmartWool socks under them. My feet stay dry and comfy no matter what the elements offer. (I add heated sock liners below 40f)