recommend a boot (please)

[redxblack]

I'd like something I could wear on a track but that doesn't look like a stole them from a sleeping power ranger. The guy at the shop (who I trust) suggested the Sidi Way Rain, but I'd be a fool for not asking here before dropping cash on boots.

Cheers and thanks in advance.

[Spidey]

A coupla more questions will help get you an answer more tailored to your needs.

1)  What kind of riding is the majority of your riding time?  There are lots of boots you could wear on the track, but some are better for twisties riding and some are better for commuting.   

2)  And for what kind of weather?  Do they need to be rain boots as well?  Alternatively, do you only ride in sweltering heat where you'd need some perf'd boots?

3)  What's your approximate price range/budget?  Boot can run from under $100 to over $500.

[redxblack]

I'm usually commuting and taking unnecessary trips on country roads for fun, but I'd like to do track days in the spring/summer. I'm in Ohio, so I'd be a seasonal rider in temps ranging from 50-95 usually. I'm not too worried about the wetness - I am currently wearing Red Wing Pecos leather boots and they're keeping my feet dry.

I'd like to spend somewhere between $150 and $250.

[Mike_D]

Might I suggest the Sidi B2--nothing outlandish colorwise and a comfortable boot.  I think I paid around $230 for mine.

[DoubleEagle]

Hi, I will suggest a couple a boots for you to consider .

I too live and ride in Ohio so I'm familiar w, the crazy weather we have in this State.

I have a pair of BMW Racing boots which are made in Italy and are leather with Carbon Fiber protection in the heel area and a very aggressive Carbon Fiber piece to protect one's shin area.

The boots also have a matching color replaceable slider for the track or twisties. A fully padded collar , 1/2 " reflective stripe across the back and the boot opens completely for ease of entry /exit.

There is a 1/2 zip closure w, a full velcro closure that allows for various calf sizes and a shift pad made of some sort of non slip rubber like pad.

Boots are very comfortable to ride and walk in and I believe they come in black only. Check current sizes and cost . Mine are EU48/ US13 and cost $300- 3 years ago.

The other pair are Ducati Puma Desmos. They are very comfortable , easy to put on and take off with a 1/2 zip 1/2 velcro closure which allows for a snug fit for various calf sizes.

Boots come in different colors and sizes , mine are EU47/ US13. cost me $285.

The boot's uppers are made of a microfiber with hardened TPU heel and shin protectors. a replaceable slider w, metal slider plate built in. They are abrasion and water resistant and very comfortable to ride and walk in .

Elsewhere thick rubber areas offer additional foot protection. The inside of the boots offers up a comfortable breathable liner.









I really like the BMW boots. They feel like they would offer more protection and fit my feet more like a shoe does.      Dolph       

[redxblack]

Thanks for the responses! The BMW boots look killer. I might have to track down a pair. I also really like the b-2s, especially the gore-tex model. My monster has lots of carbon fibre bits, so cosmetically either would be great (and more importantly, functionally they both look way safer than what I'm riding with now).

[Privateer]

dainese torque or axial.  not power-ranger-y at all, but still gobs of protection.


Andy

[redxblack]

I ordered a pair of B-2s today. Revzilla also had tex pants on clearance, so I grabbed a pair for $55. 

Thanks for the responses! I hadn't even thought about the b-2 before I posted here.

[DoubleEagle]

I ordered a pair of B-2s today. Revzilla also had tex pants on clearance, so I grabbed a pair for $55. 

Thanks for the responses! I hadn't even thought about the b-2 before I posted here.

I have a pair of the Sidi B-2s . I bought them for one reason because I could get size 49s.

They are very comfortable , sort of like the Puma Desmos but more protection especially w, the Vertibrae shield down the back.

Hope they work well for you.   Dolph       

[redxblack]

thanks - and thanks for posting those others. I'm going to add those BMWs to my wishlist.

[Buckethead]

How about these. 

[metallimonster]

Hopefully I am not thread jacking.

I've noticed that people on here spend a shit-ton of money on boots.  I ride with a pair of steel toe doc martins work boots that come up way above my ankle (almost as high as the boots above).  If I do not do any kind of track days and just use the bike for communting and fun are these boots okay.  I mean they are very thick leather so I should be protected right?  I always wear my gear and feel safe in them but am starting to second guess since everyone seems to be using motorcyle specific boots. 

[swampduc]

I used to ride in Doc's and they held up through a couple of crashes, getting pretty scraped up in both of them. I currently ride in Sidi Streetburners. The fit is better than my Docs due to the ratchet tightening system. They're also lighter with better ventilation, and give me much better feel on the pegs and levers.

[metallimonster]

Thanks swamp.   I feel better now.  I guess I do see the upside (ventilation and better feel) now.  I wouldn't mind a better feel when shifting but I like the fact that I can take off my leathers and put on jeans and don't have to worry about carrying around a different pair of shoes. 

[Triple J]

Hopefully I am not thread jacking.

I've noticed that people on here spend a shit-ton of money on boots.  I ride with a pair of steel toe doc martins work boots that come up way above my ankle (almost as high as the boots above).  If I do not do any kind of track days and just use the bike for communting and fun are these boots okay.  I mean they are very thick leather so I should be protected right?  I always wear my gear and feel safe in them but am starting to second guess since everyone seems to be using motorcyle specific boots. 

I personally wouldn't ride in Docs. Steel toe is good protection if you're on a construction site...not so much on a motorcycle. What you need is ankle protection. Protection against abrasion, impact, and twisting. The Docs and their thick leather give you the abrasion protection, but offer very little in the impact and twisting protection category. I use Docs as work boots so I know how stiff they are.

Moto specific boots will have plates over you ankle bones to prvide impact protection. Some will also have plates over the small bones on the outsides of your feet, sliders or caps to protect your toes, and heel cups. They should also have some sort of internal or external protection against twisting. Race boots have a shit ton of protection, whereas as street boots have far less. It's a balance of comfort vs. safety vs. risk that you're willing to take vs. cost.

I wear the Sidi B-2 boots for everything from commuting to trackdays. If I raced I'd move to a full race boot, but I only do 3-4 trackdays per year so I feel they're fine. I wouldn't want to wear them ALL day, but they're very comfortable on the bike, and pretty comfortable for minor walking around (i.e. parking garage to office).

http://www.newenough.com/boots/racing_boots/sidi/b_2_motorcycle_race_boots.html

I like my ankles too much to wear anything with much less protection...but it's a personal choice.