Matus1976's Motorcycle corner

Casual Motorcycling Boots

 

My regular shoes are wearing out, the soles almost gone and stitches coming out. Time for a new pair of shoes. I have a nice pair of motorcycle boots, some nice full size Joe Rockets which are waterproof. As full time riding boots I am very happy with them. However, they are very inconvenient and uncomfortable to walk in, and if I want to ride my bike anywhere and then socialize, I will need to bring another pair of shoes with me. Being a person of a very 'synergistic' mindset (to use a lame corporate buzzword for a concept which I can not quickly think of a better word for) this is a no go. So I go on the hunt for a motorcycle boot. As is my style, I list all the things I would want in such an item and quickly realize no such item exists.

1) casaul - It must look normal enough to wear to work
2) safe - it needs to have ankle protection and toe protection and securely fastens so it will not slide off in an accident.
3) comfortable - it needs to be comfortable enough to walk around all day in and flexible
4) comfortable 2 - it needs to be cool in the summer, warm and cozy in the winter and dry as a bone in a rainstorm.
5) It should prevent hyperextension of the ankle, foot, and toes (ok, that doesn't exist, but it would be nice)
6) non-compressible - if the weight of the bike lay on my ankle, the structure of the shoe should hold it up! ok, again like the previous one this doesnt exist either. I will add such a shoe to my list of things to make in the future.
7) steel toe - why not?

Ok, so 5, 6, and 7 do not exist, and 4 only partially so. So after some googling, lets see what we find.

Sidi Motorsports Boots / Sidi Escape

SIDI Escape replaces Motosport model

Low profile and low cost but not lacking in quality and features, that’s the “Escape” boot. This all-new model replaces the venerable Motosport model, which has been a mainstay of the Sidi collection for years. The Escape’s outer is manufactured of a combination of Lorica synthetic leather and Cordura mesh panels for maximum flexibility. The Escape has a wealth of extra features including; a reflective panel on the heel of the boot aids safety as does the inner protection plates that are included on the toe and heel, interior ankle padding is also featured, as is a firm Nylon innersole with removable arch support. A secure hook and loop closure system ensures that the Escape upholds Sidi’s image as the premier boot maker in the world today.

From - http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcbeware/motosport.html

 

Purchase - http://www.motonation.com/item.asp?cid=2&scid=5&pid=4&rdir=1 = $140

Purchase and reviews -
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?style=6283&department=115&Division=1#

The Sidi escape gets excellent reviews and is stylistically appealing. Definately a contendor. However, it does not look like it has serious ankly protection. From the descriptions I can find it apparently only has foam padding in the ankly =/
Diadora Express Boot

- Full-grain leather upper
- Versatex waterproof lining
- Injection molded plastic ankle guard
- Reinforced heel and toe
- Side zipper and Velcro entry system
- Keprotec reflex panels
- Toe shifter pad
- Double-density no slick sole

from, and Purchase and reviews
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?style=10155&department=115&Division=1#

= $135.99


The Diadora express has the ankle protection, has a nice style and is certainly casual when hidden under pant legs. However, it is a high-mid boot. Very reasonable priced.
ICON Motorhead boot

- Protection and comfort combined into a cutting-edge street riding boot
- Motorhead boots start with a 2mm leather upper an add internal protection plates to support your ankles
- TPU armor and reinforced toe box also gives extra protection whether you're riding or on the job
- Goodyear welt outsole stands up to years of abuse
- Comfort doesn't take a back seat to protection with features like a padded over-tongue and contoured liner
- Positive lock buckle system keep the boots snug on your feet
- Advanced features include rubber shifter interface nubs that not only protect the top of the boot but provide an enhanced feel

From, Purchase, and reviews -
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?style=11678&department=115&Division=1# - $180

Well, as usual ICON comes through with an intruiging design. Its got the ankle protection, its a mid height boot, has those awesome shiny meshes ICON loves... Price is not so favorable at $180. It gets excellent reviews. It does not, however, appear to be waterproof or resistant.

SIDI Champion Air Boot

- Part of Sidi's warm weather collection, the all-new Champion Air, will keep your dogs cool and fresh during the hottest days
- The Champion Air is a mid-height boot fully constructed of a combination of Teflon coated Lorica and breathable mesh panels
- Teflon acts as an invisible protection barrier against water and road grime which, when combined with Lorica offers far longer boot life than leather boots, which stiffen and degrade over time
- The Champion Air all features a full-length inner liner system with a large hook and loop outer cover over the zippered entry area of the boot
- Internally you will find comfortable thousand-air cell memory foam padded front shin area, full internal heel and toe protection panels all built upon Sidi's exclusive plastic innersole, which has a removable arch support
- Externally the rider will note that Sidi has included a double layer of material over the toe shift area, a low profile contoured sole and a pleated rear calve area for maximum comfort

From, and Purchase -
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?style=6282&department=115&Division=1# = $160


It's definately not waterproof and does not appear to have any serious ankle protection.
Sidi Champion Tepor

- Sidi is proud to bring into the USA its first mid-height boot, The "Champion". With an outer construction of Lorica and lined with water resistant Tepor the "Champion" can be worn all day in total comfort, on the bike or off
- Full-length inner liner system combines with a large hook and loop outer cover over the entry area of the boot
- Internal plastic ankle protection plate encased in a foam pad for maximum protection and comfort
- Foam padded shin and achilies area for all day comfort
- Internal heel and toe protection
- Double layer of material over the toe shift area
- Inner steel arch support
- Reflective panel above the heel
-Non-slip rubber sole
- Classic, simple design in basic black

From, and Purchase -
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?style=2275&department=115&Division=1# = $180.00

 

This one appears to have a different (updated) sole?

The Sidi Tepor gets excellent reviews for comfort, armor, and water resistance. It's still a high mid size boot and on the pricey side.

Alpine Stars Ridge Waterproof Boot

 

CLOSURE: 2 adjustable Velcro® straps
ANKLE PROTECTION: Injection molded plastic ankle protectors
HEEL PROTECTION: An internal heel counter
TOE PROTECTION: An internal counter is layered under the leather
SOLE: Alpinestars exclusive compound and unique side wrapping vulcanized design MIDSOLE: Injected high-modulus polyammide follows the shape of the foot and features an integrated shank
UPPER: Synthetic Cordura and coated leather
LINING: Waterproof
FRONT/REAR FLEX AREA: Soft, coated microfiber "bellows" are extended to increase flexibility
FOOTBED: Removable anatomic footbed
PADDING: Multi-density E.V.A.
REAR REFLECTIVE INSERT: For nighttime visibility

From, and to Purchase -
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?style=6841&department=115&Division=1# = $99

So which is it? In the time I have spent researching it so far, these are the boots I have found. The AlpineStars boot is very tempting and at an excellent price, it has some good reviews and looks decent. It just seems fishy why is it only a hundred bucks?

More info - http://www.bmwofsaltlake.com/store/sidi.html

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