Motocross Boots: Yea or Nay?

[LandRover]

My recent fall-down got me thinking about this ....

I'm currently wearing steel-toed Georgia Boot Co. cowboy boots. I know, I know, hold the thoughts; I know this is bad, but I've gotten lazy because they've been working well so far ...

I now think it's time I grew up, and got better protection for the feet. The drop showed me the weak areas in my footwear. Though I (luckily) suffered no ill effects, I could've very easily.

I'm off to Denver next month, and I want new shoes before I go. I'm looking at the usual suspects, but I'm not seeing much in the way of complete foot / ankle protection.

Motocross boots are probably the best when it comes to total foot protection, but are they any good on the ST? Most offerings look to be a tad clunky and stiff (as they should be ...), so how does this translate to all-day wear on a street bike? Any of you fine folks wear them on the ST?

Looking "cool" or even "good" holds no interest for me; I follow the Mad Max theory of equipment: As long as it goes like h*ll, then it's all good. :)

What thinks you?

[LDMike]

I've worn Oxtar boots since I came back to motorcycling several years ago and think they're great - comfortable while walking, good protection (shin, anklebones, toes, etc.) and they wear well I've never had my feet get wet, either.

Try here: http://newenough.com/boots/waterproof_sport_street_touring_boots/oxtar/matrix_2_goretex_motorcycle_boots.html

[Rob Hephner]

Motocross boots do not allow for ankle movement to shift with your ankle. This is done on purpose since you shift with your knee on a dirtbike.

It is the one real thing to consider before you decide to ride street with motocross boots.

[LandRover]

Thanks for the link Mike ... I was on their site when you rang in. I was looking at the SIDI On-Roads. And now I'm checking the Oxtars. Are they heavy enough to afford real protection? Are the sides of the feet well protected? Would you buy them again?

Hi Rob. I must admit that you have me at a loss; how do you mean that a dirt-bike pilot shifts with his knee? I've played with dirt-bikes as a kid, but not as a serious thing. Only for fun. But I've never shifter with my knee. I think you're correct though; having read a bit about MX boots, I too believe that they would be more of a hassle than I want to deal with .....

[Gug]

+1 on The Oxtars. I have had a pair for three years now from Joe's recommendation and I have really enjoyed them. They are comfortable, offer loads of protection and are Gore-Tex lined, completely waterproof. I rode home today from work in a thunderstorm and as always they were bone dry. Great boot.

[Spencer]

A vote here for the Oxtar Infinity boots
CE approved, Gortex, armored ankles, shins,heels, and toe box. Great all weather sole. Took a week of wearing them around the house to break in, but now they feel great.
The stiff sole makes bike control easier and less fatigue for the long runs.
Looked at the Sidi Onroad, but reports of short sole life and seperating velcro on the straps made the decision to buy the Oxtars that much easier.
Thanks to everyone here that gave me that last push to replace my old Vendraminis.

Spencer

(if waterproof isn't important I have heard good things about the Gaerne Explorers, New Enough MX carries 'em)

[BamaRider]

If the question is motorcross boots for street then I'd vote:no1:

Too stiff and high, not sure about the traction they offer on slick pavement (toll booths, wet, etc) and I dunno about walking around cafes and rest stops. I'd think they'd tend to be uncomfortable on a 12 hour ride. And probably HOT in summer.

[redst05]

I have been VERY happy with a pair of "Diadora Evolution Veratex"
All day comfort a not much to break in:)
Here's a link http://www.motorhelmets.com/htm1/apparel-street-boots-diadora-evolution-veratex.htm
I have three others but the diadoras are my favorites.

[Styles]

Yea, though living in logger country, I'm a big fan of White's Smoke Jumpers (http://www.leatherimages.com/white.php), having worn my pair since 1981.

White knows lots about foot and ankle protection.

Styles

[2dogs]

OK does anyone know of a riding boot that offers good protection and comes in W - I - D - E widths ? ? ? :confused:
I need a EE or EEE.

[fitenfyr]

Funny you should ask about motocross boots on the ST....

I actually rode my ST home from the dealer with a pair o AXO motocross boots on.
I had rode there with the wife and kids to get some motocross gear for me and my son.
Well low and behold size 13 motocross boots don't fit in the saddle bag. :D

Anyhow it was a complete pain (literally) to ride with those on the ST.
Not enough movement in the ankle for sure and they were just overall tight.
On my KX they are fine as the area you have to shift is much larger than on the ST.
I shift with more my whole foot on the dirt bike, but still have ankle control.

I ride with Magnum boots. They are the same thing I have been wearing in the fire station for years.
http://www.magnumboots.com/tacticalboots/8142.html
These ones are similar to what I have only newer versions.
Steel shank, steel toe, wears like a high top tennis shoe to me and they are pretty waterproof.
The best thing is the side zipper makes them easy to get on an off.

I drug my toe the other day with them on and didn't feel a thing, but the vibration. :D

[Rob Hephner]

Hi Rob. I must admit that you have me at a loss; how do you mean that a dirt-bike pilot shifts with his knee? I've played with dirt-bikes as a kid, but not as a serious thing. Only for fun. But I've never shifter with my knee.

You shift from your knee, not actually with it. A MX boot is completely stiff and allows no movement, so you cannot shift with your ankle, but you move the boot up and down from the knee.

If you want something similar to an MX boot that allows ankle movement look at the Sidi On Roads.

http://www.newenough.com/boots/waterproof_sport_street_touring_boots/sidi/on_road_gore_tex_motorcycle_boots.html

I use them on my Ulysses and they offer good street riding characteristics and good dirt usability as well.

[LandRover]

Funny you should ask about motocross boots on the ST....

I actually rode my ST home from the dealer with a pair o AXO motocross boots on.

Anyhow it was a complete pain (literally) to ride with those on the ST.
Not enough movement in the ankle for sure and they were just overall tight.

I shift with more my whole foot on the dirt bike, but still have ankle control.

I ride with Magnum boots. They are the same thing I have been wearing in the fire station for years.
http://www.magnumboots.com/tacticalboots/8142.html

:D

You shift from your knee, not actually with it. A MX boot is completely stiff and allows no movement, so you cannot shift with your ankle, but you move the boot up and down from the knee.



Oh, OK ... thanks gentlemen ... having never worn MX boots, I had no idea that they were THAT stiff. Excellent protection, but over-the-top for street riding. So those are off the list ...

Well, I was between the Oxtars and the SIDI's, then the SmokeJumpers and the Diadora's appear on the radar. I love the internet .... SO many options! :)

I've got my work cut out for me ... I'll be doing more research, and ordering something in the next few days. Thank you all for the suggestions and impressions.


2Dogs ... click the "Magnum" linky ... they offer EEE sizes ...

Allright, off I go ... thanks again Friends. I'll keep checking this thread to see what else shows up. :yes: :04biker:

[BigTom]

Quote by LandRover
Hi Rob. I must admit that you have me at a loss; how do you mean that a dirt-bike pilot shifts with his knee? I've played with dirt-bikes as a kid, but not as a serious thing. Only for fun. But I've never shifter with my knee.

Or whole leg? A good MX boot will pretty much lock your ankle into place, you move your whole leg up to up shift, and drop it to down shift. You don't (can't) just move your toes to shift. Has to be, you spend a large percentage of your riding time with your butt off the seat. Shifter/peg geometry is significantly different, too.

I like the looks of the MX boots too. Just sure that they would get un comfortable on a long ride...not to mention very hard to ride and walk:)

[Raven]

+1 on Smoke Jumpers

Also check out this place in Canada. They look like well designed touring boots.

Specter Road (http://www.specterroad.com/en_fab_a.htm)

[cadiletta]

I ride with a pair of Alpinestars that I got cheap off a co-worker. They fit and were cheap and my old ones were wearing through the shifter foot. I'll be referencing this thread when I'm next up for new booties

[Old Way]

Thor 50/50's shift well on the ST and are less than $100.

[LandRover]

My thanks to all who have taken a moment to offer their thoughts and experiences.

I'm down to two choices: Oxtar Infinities (Thanks Bob! :) ) and Aerostich Combat Tourers.

I feel I really want the full-on ankle protection that these two seem to offer. Mind you, I'm still eye-balling the SIDI Vertigo Corsa's, but at $395.00, the wife might raise an eyebrow, and we all know that's never good ....

Again, thank you all ... I'll be buying something in the next few days, and if anyone is interested, I'll be posting a quick write-up after a few miles. Or maybe after I return from Denver ..... :04biker:

Cheers!
Bill

[lowlander28]

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?style=27926&department=115&division=1

these maybefor EE size boots

[forgitaboutut]

:confused: I'm quite comfortable in my walmart steel toe work boots ...
other than that,ATGATT...

[ST/SV]

I had been riding with Red Wing boots. I use them for work also. Work requires a steel toe and puncture resistant sole so they make good riding boots but I don't want to use them in the rain so I just bought a pair of Tour Master Solution boots from Tonker for around $110. Just tried them out Tuesday on a short ride and they were very comfortable right from the start, and they are water proof.

[Raven]

These are supposed to be really great boots as well http://www.newenoughmx.com/product_pictures/g/gaerne_boots/ex_bk_200w.jpg. They're the Gaerne Explorer boot and are geared towards the Adventure Riding crowd. All of the reviews I've read say they offer great protection but are still comfortable for street riding as well as walking.

They're available at NewEnough (http://www.newenoughmx.com/gaerne_7_explorer_page.htm) for $159.

I'd buy a pair but I need lacers due to big calves. :(

[scott99]

Aerostitch Combat Touring Boots are the best combination of protection and walk-around, i think. I absolutely love them.

[Imrubicon]

Work bought these as I needed steel toe and walking .
These are working pretty well so far but I heard they are not making them anymore

NEW DOC MARTENS 7Z02 STEEL TOE BOOTS

[RobertCShay]

My recent fall-down got me thinking about this ....

I'm currently wearing steel-toed Georgia Boot Co. cowboy boots. I know, I know, hold the thoughts; I know this is bad, but I've gotten lazy because they've been working well so far ...

I now think it's time I grew up, and got better protection for the feet. The drop showed me the weak areas in my footwear. Though I (luckily) suffered no ill effects, I could've very easily.

I'm off to Denver next month, and I want new shoes before I go. I'm looking at the usual suspects, but I'm not seeing much in the way of complete foot / ankle protection.

Motocross boots are probably the best when it comes to total foot protection, but are they any good on the ST? Most offerings look to be a tad clunky and stiff (as they should be ...), so how does this translate to all-day wear on a street bike? Any of you fine folks wear them on the ST?

Looking "cool" or even "good" holds no interest for me; I follow the Mad Max theory of equipment: As long as it goes like h*ll, then it's all good. :)

What thinks you?


While I was waiting on my road boots I wore my Alpinestar Tech 8 motocross racing boots (in the picture on the left) on the ST1300. I loved them. The only reason I'm going to Alpinestar S MX-R road boots is that the Tech 8's are a little big from a purely style standpoint and not easy to walk around in - they weren't meant for that. Shifting/braking/Riding all are no problem - but I have over ten years of racing experience in these types of boots.

The downside, they are not meant for walking around.

[glevar]

Aerostitch Combat Touring Lites, with the cleated sole. Highly recommended. Based on a motocross boot design, but without the exoskeleton. I tried on both the regular and lites at Aerostitch in Duluth. The regulars are quite tall. Very protective all the way up the calf, but I did not think they would be practical for the more everyday kinds of riding. The lite model works great for me.


George