Motorcycle Riding Boots
Motorcycles are not kind to unprotected feet. Rocks and debris can get kicked up and hit you straight in the toes. The engine gets hot enough to fry bacon, but it’s your feet that feel it. Plus, when you go to stop at a stop light, you have to keep hundreds of pounds of steel upright, a task that definitely benefits from a little ankle support. With the pavement usually only about a foot away from your foot, your feet need some serious protection.
Finding the right set for your feet and your bike requires research, trial and error, and a willingness to wait for the perfect pair. Luckily for you, this short guide will help you navigate the world of motorcycle boots. If you’re looking for riding gear or even your first motorcycle, stop by Crossroad Powersports in Upper Darby. We’re located in Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey.
Type of Bike
Not all boots are created equally, and different boots are better suited for different types of riding. If you ride a cruiser, a pair of sturdy leather boots or steel toes will match your look and also give you the support and protection you need. Serious superbike riders might want a higher boot to protect from engine heat and provide an aerodynamic profile that keeps you moving at top speed. Motocross has its own style of boot that is lightweight but durable and easy to clean. For dirt bike riders everywhere, motocross boots might be the perfect option. Those who are getting into motorcycle touring should find a pair that’s insulated and extremely comfortable. Remember: you’ll be wearing these things for hours on end, and the more you ride, the more you’ll need them to protect you from adverse weather conditions.
Protection
The key to picking motorcycle boots is matching the level of protection you need to the area you need it. For example, the higher profile of boots made for riding superbikes keeps the rider’s shins, calves, and feet protected from engine heat and exhaust pipes. Steel toe riding boots give you lots of protection in the front from rocks and debris. Motocross boots need extend up so that if the bike goes down in the mud, the rider can pick it up without getting mud in their boots. Motocross boots also benefit from being water resistant. Some boots also feature removable liners which can be washed separately, a great feature for those who don’t normally like to endure the sweaty feet that come with wearing boots while riding. The important thing about riding boots is that they cover your feet but also provide ankle support. While you can get away with riding in shoes for a while, if an accident happens, you’ll wish you’d invested in the protection of boots. (It’s never a good idea to ride in sandals, so save them for the beach.)
Construction
Boot construction makes a major difference in the performance of your boots. The old school way to make boots is all leather. While this construction tends to look good and offers a great deal of protection, leather doesn’t breathe particularly well, making it less-than-ideal for hot weather riding. Synthetic materials often breath better and may be lightweight. But they also tend to breakdown and lose their shape more rapidly. As you shop different models of boot, look for features like a shock absorbing heel and removable liner as they can be extremely valuable. As much as possible, try to buy your boots on before you buy, or at least make sure the retailer has a good return policy. Some boots are specifically designed to be tight-fitting, while others can afford to be more roomy, and you don’t want to mix these up.
Need new riding boots? What about a ventilated riding jacket? Stop by Crossroad Powersports today to try on different models for yourself. Our team of motorcycle experts will help you find what you need. We’re located in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, New York, New York, WIlmington, Delaware, and Camden, New Jersey.