Boots...

RxZ · 06-18-2008, 09:03 AM

So, I just signed up for the Basic Riders Course, and one of the requirements is that I have to bring my own boots that cover the ankles, for obvious reasons. I am new to riding, so what is out there that is decent. I suppose I need something that I can walk in when done riding, and ventilation is a must since this is East Texas we are talking about. I have searched the net, but I am such a newb at all things motorcycle that I don't know what I am looking at.

Any and all help is appreciated! Thanks.

RxZ (doesn't want to leave wifey and two kids behind when this endeavor is undertaken)

Jason333 · 06-18-2008, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RxZ

So, I just signed up for the Basic Riders Course, and one of the requirements is that I have to bring my own boots that cover the ankles, for obvious reasons. I am new to riding, so what is out there that is decent. I suppose I need something that I can walk in when done riding, and ventilation is a must since this is East Texas we are talking about. I have searched the net, but I am such a newb at all things motorcycle that I don't know what I am looking at.

Any and all help is appreciated! Thanks.

RxZ (doesn't want to leave wifey and two kids behind when this endeavor is undertaken)

I wold suggest a real riding boot. Anything for road use (not the Harley worker style). I have no idea why the majority of riders do not get proper boots.

Alpine star SMX is a nice inexpensive boot, Teknic etc
You could be a baller and go Sidi

fahrenheit350 · 06-18-2008, 11:32 AM

Riding boots aren't necessary. If you have a pair of Tim's or hiking boots that come up past the ankle then you are fine. I had my A* SMX Plus boots with me so I used those during the MSF riding course.

Recommended boots: TCX, Alpinestars and Sidi

Good sites:
http://sportbiketrackgear2.homestead.com/boots.html
http://www.newenough.com/boots/all_types/

Ky Z · 06-18-2008, 12:51 PM

Alpinestars makes the SMX-2's. I mainly use mine for going to class or running errands around town. They are not the most supportive by any means, but do give you the over the ankle protection and toe sliders...should you need them. Pretty comfy walking around in and plenty of airflow through them as well.

Swifty · 06-18-2008, 02:12 PM

Screw getting riding boots unless your going to the track or on a long road trip. Any boot will work. I rock anything from my work's steel toes, tims, etc.

Jason333 · 06-18-2008, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swifty

Screw getting riding boots unless your going to the track or on a long road trip. Any boot will work. I rock anything from my work's steel toes, tims, etc.

I agree..who needs ankles

Swifty · 06-18-2008, 02:50 PM

I've learned from several bike forums/friends/co-riders/etc. that this is a very touchy subject with gear. To each is own.

cart213 · 06-18-2008, 02:56 PM

Since I'm in the market for a bike, I've been watching bikes on the road lately. It amazes me how many of them are riding with no protective gear whatsoever. Probably 90% are wearing t-shirts. I hope that I never become that complacent with my safety.

doug · 06-18-2008, 04:13 PM

I rode with mid top sneakers and timberlands for years.. but i tell you .. when i actually got riding boots.. it felt so much better.. and my confidence went up..

i would say for the basic rider course you can use anything that covers your ankles.. but for when you start riding..get some riding boots..

here are my boots

doug · 06-18-2008, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swifty

Screw getting riding boots unless your going to the track or on a long road trip. Any boot will work. I rock anything from my work's steel toes, tims, etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swifty

Like Robbycolli mentioned, i wear whatever the weather calls for. I usually always wear a helmet & gloves but there are those few times when i ride without. I usually ride around in anything from shorts/t-shirt to full blown leathers. If i know i'll be doing high speeds, long distance, or group ride i'm usually in jeans, boots, gloves, jacket, etc. If i'm just going to the store, dinner, or whatever then i'm in whatever the weather calls for. .

no offense Swifty.. you seem like a cool dude.. but we know your thoughts on gear

zcaveman69 · 06-18-2008, 05:12 PM

Sidi. You can shut the thread down now. Seriously, I've owned a few pair of boots and I did like my A*'s but not as much as my last couple pair of Sidi's. My first pair lasted 35,000 miles and multiple trackdays, were still good shape when retired them except a zipper lace fell off, nothing on the boot was bad, just a 10 cent lace. Plus just wanted a new pair. If you're looking for venting, get the Sidi Vert Air, mighty nice boot, little pricey, but nothing worth buying for gear is gonna be cheap.

Swifty · 06-18-2008, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug

no offense Swifty.. you seem like a cool dude.. but we know your thoughts on gear

no offence takin, & your right my views on gear is different then most people on this forum.

Jason333 · 06-18-2008, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zcaveman69

little pricey, but nothing worth buying for gear is gonna be cheap.

Not to mention longevity. I have had my current boots for 3 years. Just replace the toe sliders if you need to. I like that Sidi allows you to replace most armor panels.

RxZ · 06-18-2008, 07:16 PM

Thanks guys for all the replies. My course is in three weeks, and it will be a couple of weeks after that before I actually get my first bike. I just want to be prepared for when that time comes, and I am trying my best to spread out the costs as much as possible. I think for the MSF class I will wear my hiking boots that come up over my ankles. Unless I find a good deal at the local bike shop. However, the hiking boots have a thick layer of thermalite, so they will be drenched by the end of day one, not to mention day two of the class; maybe I will get the boots before hand? I looked at the Alpinestar SMXs earlier today online, and I must say those look good, and they are not too expensive. Lots of people seem to recommend them, both here and elsewhere that I have seen.

Keep the suggestions and thoughts coming. I know I am not the only new rider on the forum, so the input is helping many people here!

Swifty · 06-18-2008, 07:37 PM

if your worried about money i wouldn't spend a grip on boots just for the class. They are something that can wait. I think the first day is mainly class room and the secound day is hands on outside. If money is an issue i would deffinetly wait on the boots until you become an avid rider.

RxZ · 06-18-2008, 07:45 PM

Well, money isn't really an issue. The instructions for the course state that the boots must cover the ankles, which except for the hiking boots I do not have anything that covers the ankles. It would probably be best in the long run to get boots, so I figured I would do it now, and not have to worry about it later when I am buying other protective gear.

nlsqba · 06-18-2008, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ky Z

+1

I have those in white.

nbdyfcnsqnc · 06-18-2008, 10:30 PM

I just wore hiking boots for the MSF course. I got some Red Wing 11 2E motorcycle boots which are great, but they're so narrow it hurts to walk in them. If anyone knows where to get 4E motorcycle boots please PM me!

jeffie7 · 06-18-2008, 10:57 PM

I would not want to wear my riding boots to a MSF course. just any basic boots as listed above should do just fine and will keep you much more comfy throughout the day.

zcaveman69 · 06-19-2008, 03:50 AM

If you don't want to throw down a ton of cash right off the bat, take a look into "Setup" boots, they used to be made by Sidi, I believe they may be discontinued now, and I think I saw some for sale for less than a hundred bucks not long ago, brand new. Great boots, not sure why they stoppd selling them.

How you doing for gloves?
Jacket?
Full suit?
Helmet?
Back protector?
Trailer?
SUV to pull the bike?
Couple 5gallon gas cans?
Tie downs, canyon dancer?
Tire warmers/slicks?
Full set of race fiberglass?
Rearsets?
Ready for a 520 conversion and gearing change?

J/K man, better get an account the wife doesn't know about.

06-18-2008, 09:03 AM	#1
RxZ Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: East Texas (Tyler Area) Posts: 1,971 iTrader: (0)	Boots... So, I just signed up for the Basic Riders Course, and one of the requirements is that I have to bring my own boots that cover the ankles, for obvious reasons. I am new to riding, so what is out there that is decent. I suppose I need something that I can walk in when done riding, and ventilation is a must since this is East Texas we are talking about. I have searched the net, but I am such a newb at all things motorcycle that I don't know what I am looking at. Any and all help is appreciated! Thanks. RxZ (doesn't want to leave wifey and two kids behind when this endeavor is undertaken)

06-18-2008, 11:32 AM	#3
fahrenheit350 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: DC -> OC, CA Posts: 1,489 iTrader: (15)	Riding boots aren't necessary. If you have a pair of Tim's or hiking boots that come up past the ankle then you are fine. I had my A* SMX Plus boots with me so I used those during the MSF riding course. Recommended boots: TCX, Alpinestars and Sidi Good sites: http://sportbiketrackgear2.homestead.com/boots.html http://www.newenough.com/boots/all_types/ __________________ -Albert-

06-18-2008, 02:12 PM	#5
Swifty Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Panhandle, FL Posts: 1,710 iTrader: (6)	Screw getting riding boots unless your going to the track or on a long road trip. Any boot will work. I rock anything from my work's steel toes, tims, etc. __________________ 04 350z droptop FOR SALE http://my350z.com/forum/cars-sale/37...-roadster.html - $125 to anyone who sells my Z! asking $21k.

06-18-2008, 02:50 PM	#7
Swifty Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Panhandle, FL Posts: 1,710 iTrader: (6)	I've learned from several bike forums/friends/co-riders/etc. that this is a very touchy subject with gear. To each is own. __________________ 04 350z droptop FOR SALE http://my350z.com/forum/cars-sale/37...-roadster.html - $125 to anyone who sells my Z! asking $21k.

06-18-2008, 04:13 PM	#9
doug Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Connecticut Posts: 10,238 iTrader: (4)	I rode with mid top sneakers and timberlands for years.. but i tell you .. when i actually got riding boots.. it felt so much better.. and my confidence went up.. i would say for the basic rider course you can use anything that covers your ankles.. but for when you start riding..get some riding boots.. here are my boots __________________ 2009 Pebble Beige Magic Broom \| 2007 Pearl White Acura RSX Type S (SOLD)

06-18-2008, 12:51 PM	#4
Ky Z Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Kentucky Posts: 2,351 iTrader: (0)	Alpinestars makes the SMX-2's. I mainly use mine for going to class or running errands around town. They are not the most supportive by any means, but do give you the over the ankle protection and toe sliders...should you need them. Pretty comfy walking around in and plenty of airflow through them as well.

06-18-2008, 02:56 PM	#8
cart213 Professional Join Date: May 2004 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 1,539 iTrader: (0)	Since I'm in the market for a bike, I've been watching bikes on the road lately. It amazes me how many of them are riding with no protective gear whatsoever. Probably 90% are wearing t-shirts. I hope that I never become that complacent with my safety.

06-18-2008, 05:12 PM	#11
zcaveman69 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: StL Posts: 180 iTrader: (0)	Sidi. You can shut the thread down now. Seriously, I've owned a few pair of boots and I did like my A*'s but not as much as my last couple pair of Sidi's. My first pair lasted 35,000 miles and multiple trackdays, were still good shape when retired them except a zipper lace fell off, nothing on the boot was bad, just a 10 cent lace. Plus just wanted a new pair. If you're looking for venting, get the Sidi Vert Air, mighty nice boot, little pricey, but nothing worth buying for gear is gonna be cheap.

06-18-2008, 07:16 PM	#14
RxZ Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: East Texas (Tyler Area) Posts: 1,971 iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys for all the replies. My course is in three weeks, and it will be a couple of weeks after that before I actually get my first bike. I just want to be prepared for when that time comes, and I am trying my best to spread out the costs as much as possible. I think for the MSF class I will wear my hiking boots that come up over my ankles. Unless I find a good deal at the local bike shop. However, the hiking boots have a thick layer of thermalite, so they will be drenched by the end of day one, not to mention day two of the class; maybe I will get the boots before hand? I looked at the Alpinestar SMXs earlier today online, and I must say those look good, and they are not too expensive. Lots of people seem to recommend them, both here and elsewhere that I have seen. Keep the suggestions and thoughts coming. I know I am not the only new rider on the forum, so the input is helping many people here!

06-18-2008, 07:37 PM	#15
Swifty Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Panhandle, FL Posts: 1,710 iTrader: (6)	if your worried about money i wouldn't spend a grip on boots just for the class. They are something that can wait. I think the first day is mainly class room and the secound day is hands on outside. If money is an issue i would deffinetly wait on the boots until you become an avid rider. __________________ 04 350z droptop FOR SALE http://my350z.com/forum/cars-sale/37...-roadster.html - $125 to anyone who sells my Z! asking $21k.

06-18-2008, 07:45 PM	#16
RxZ Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: East Texas (Tyler Area) Posts: 1,971 iTrader: (0)	Well, money isn't really an issue. The instructions for the course state that the boots must cover the ankles, which except for the hiking boots I do not have anything that covers the ankles. It would probably be best in the long run to get boots, so I figured I would do it now, and not have to worry about it later when I am buying other protective gear.

06-18-2008, 10:30 PM	#18
nbdyfcnsqnc Super Moderator MY350Z.COM Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: SoCal Posts: 23,701 iTrader: (0)	I just wore hiking boots for the MSF course. I got some Red Wing 11 2E motorcycle boots which are great, but they're so narrow it hurts to walk in them. If anyone knows where to get 4E motorcycle boots please PM me!

06-18-2008, 10:57 PM	#19
jeffie7 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,178 iTrader: (4)	I would not want to wear my riding boots to a MSF course. just any basic boots as listed above should do just fine and will keep you much more comfy throughout the day. __________________ DNF fUzZyBuNnYbAlLz iny0mouf

06-19-2008, 03:50 AM	#20
zcaveman69 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: StL Posts: 180 iTrader: (0)	If you don't want to throw down a ton of cash right off the bat, take a look into "Setup" boots, they used to be made by Sidi, I believe they may be discontinued now, and I think I saw some for sale for less than a hundred bucks not long ago, brand new. Great boots, not sure why they stoppd selling them. How you doing for gloves? Jacket? Full suit? Helmet? Back protector? Trailer? SUV to pull the bike? Couple 5gallon gas cans? Tie downs, canyon dancer? Tire warmers/slicks? Full set of race fiberglass? Rearsets? Ready for a 520 conversion and gearing change? J/K man, better get an account the wife doesn't know about.