Boots come in all shapes and sizes, and generally can be split up into categories depending upon their intended use. Most intended for actually riding a motorcycle are of the upper ankle design, with material, often leather, extending up to the mid-shin position, offering a lot of protection to this area. Touring boots tend to be plain and of a simple construction, with a lot of emphasis on comfort, warmth and waterproofing, whereas race boots are more garishly styled and offer the maximum amount of protection in the event of a fall.
Taking a look at a range of race boots soon reveals many different approaches to the art of foot protection. Plastic hinges and locking devices prevent the ankle from being forced out of its normal operating range, while extensive layering in crucial areas also offers superior impact protection. Some of these features can also be found in higher-end touring and everyday boots but the cheaper you go, generally, the less you get in the form of crash protection.
Checks when buying motorcycle boots
Upper design
Select motorcycle boots that at least cover your ankles. This has two advantages: firstly, your ankle is protected and secondly, your foot becomes stronger and thus better able to handle anything the bike wants to do (eg. tip over, slide away from you and onto your foot, set your foot on fire from the engine).
It helps if the upper section has shell protection. The upper section can be reinforced at the front, the back, the heel, toes and ankle. On some boots you can adjust the shells for a perfect fit. Without a doubt, such protection is the safest.
Foot design
Two things are important for a good foot design: how well the designs grip the ankle and heel (a good grip prevents heel from lifting and makes for a more comfortable ride), and whether the motorcycle boots have a shifter pad (the boot is going to be used a lot in this area).
Sole design
Grip! On and off the bike. Motorcycle boots should include a heel under the sole so you can rest it easily on the foot peg. On the road, the motorcycle boot should give you great grip in mud, water, sand and oil.
Boot material
Most motorcycle boots are made of leather with reinforcements on all the essential places. The leather can be supplemented with newer kinds of materials like Gor-Tex (which increases the breath ability). A stiff rubber sole forms the basis for motorcycle boots. Chin, ankle, heels and calf are often protected by a carbon Kevlar material, which protects the foot at the critical areas.
Opening and closing
Do your motorcycle boots use a step in system with Velcro or shoelaces? It doesn’t matter, as long as you don’t have loose material hanging from your feet. You could get it caught on the shift leaver or other places. Just check how your motorcycle boot handles this.
Ventilation
Apart from engine heat, just wearing (big) motorcycle boots will heat up your feet. Does your boot have a ventilation system? Maybe something like Gore-tex, which lets your feet breathe without letting water in. Good leather is also known for its ability to breathe.
Water resistant
It is great to have water resistant motorcycle boots! It can just poor down, water can splash up against my feet...but I won’t notice a thing. I highly recommend finding good water resistant motorcycle gear, but especially boots.
Boot usability
Are you going to be using your motorcycle boots for other things? You might want all-round boots that will easily let you go for a hike, take them out to town or walk around the office. Are you going to only wear them riding or all day? Think of this before you select.
Useful tips
- There are a lot of boots that look good, are great to ride in and can be worn doing many other things. So take your time selecting the right pair.
- Check how flexible the boots are. You want to avoid or prevent hyperextension/flexion/inversion of the ankle; get a strong boots.
- On lighter boots, check if it’s sturdy enough to resist flapping in the wind and has a good seal around your leg (especially if worn on the outside of your pants).
- If you’re unsure what boot you need or is best for you, ask the salesperson – it’s their job.
A few selection pointers (that don’t apply for every type of boot):
(1) strong toe protection/shifter pad
(2) good ankle/heel grip and protection
(3) anti slip sole/stiff sole
(4) ankle protection
(5) strong waterproof material/flexible
(6) extra padding if wanted
(7) easy step in – strong zippers/closers
TOURING BOOTS
A high design made from comfortable materials. Included are the basic protection shells, however not as many as on race boots. They are commonly used off the bike as well. Of course they include extra features to avoid problems while riding (eg. burning sole on exhaust or shoelaces around gear shifter).
SHORTY BOOTS
A lighter version of the ‘normal’ boots. The upper design is shorter and often made of softer material. Generally such a boot contains less features than ‘normal’ boots and is often used as a daily boot.
RACE BOOTS
Often very technical boots, with armour shells on impact areas. High design that can be tightly wrapped around foot and calf. All features are to accommodate rider while riding and are generally not all that comfy for walking in.
MOTORCYCLE SHOES
An alternative solution if you just don’t feel like wearing boots. Such shoes are a great combination for on and off the bike. They have features for riding: shifter pad, waterproof material and a strong design. However, these types generally do not have the ankle and calf protection found in boots.
All boots shown are available from Crown Kiwi Enterprises www.crownkiwi.co.nz
