[Equalizer]

I searched around the forum and couldn't find an answer, so here goes...

I've been looking for a good set of riding boots to wear on casual riding. What I mean by casual is that I ride my bike usually from place to place like from home to college and back or to the gym. Obviously, full on racing boots up to my upper calf isn't what I'm looking for. So can anyone recommend a good pair of riding boots that give decent protection and are comfortable to walk in without looking like a total eye sore?

 

[SDSUsnowboards]

I have a pair of Icons. they come in black and tan, very stylish and very comfortable after a few hours of break-in. Made specifically for motorcycling and offer ankle protection but obviously not to the same level as racing boots.

 

[Clint]

I'm using Sidi Champions. Not bad.
A random link:
http://store.roadridermca.com/sichtebo.html

 

[Louis]

I'm wearing black leather boots. Never saw them online. Quite comfortable.

 

[wavyredlaurie]

If you have smaller feet, I got a pair of Alpinestars at Motorcycle Accessories Warehouse (MAW) for 49.95 (normal price over 200). They are waterproof, and very comfortable, even to walk in. I've always ridden in a pair of tropical weight army boots someone gave me (with Vibram soles), but can't believe how much nicer "real" riding boots are. Several times, I've stopped on a slick spot, and the great traction they give has saved me from a slip or dropping the bike. I've worn sneakers once since I got these boots - and I never will again. The boots are so much better! Bad news - MAW only had men's size 8. But now that I know how nice riding boots are, I'd be willing to go full price for them!

Aerostich also has killer boots - not cheap, but will last a LONG time. My iron-butt BMW brothers swear by them. I think they're called Combat Touring Boots.

For my daughter, who just rides behind for shorter distances, we went to Wal-Mart and found a nice pair of Herman Survivor waterproof boots - WITHOUT the steel toes. They were 35 dollars, and very nice for that price. I might eventually get a pair of those for around town. My other boots are kinda clunky when i cruise down to the mall! These look more like a hiking boot, but I think the waterproof would be nice in a surprise storm.

 

[SuzukiGirl1]

I like my Sidi boots...they are comfortable enough to walk around in all day, and waterproof so that if I get caught in the rain, I don't have to worry about having wet feet all day!

 

[Braada]

The following is a random thought that pops into my head whenever I see someone wanting gear that looks like street clothes.....It is not a bash, putdown, flame or any other means of malicious post. I am an admitted gear nut and wear full gear every time I ride. Please feel free to ignore my ramblings

Posts like this always make me wonder.......
Why do you want gear that doesn't look like gear? Are you afraid you'll look like you are riding a motorcycle? :lol:

Seriously though you can find nice solid black boots that offer proper protection from most of the major manufacturers. Sidi and Alpinestars both have good "Street" boots that look like work boots with an emphasis on ankle protection.

 

[Uncle Bob]

You're right Jim, look like you ride, impose respect !

Heck Jim can you fab me some cowls for my boots ? :lol:

Lot's of boots available that'll pass as streetware, Harley Davidson alone has many models available just take them off before entering the house, you don't want oil stains on the carpet. :lol:

 

[Nexus242]

10 eye Doc Martens

 

[Equalizer]

The following is a random thought that pops into my head whenever I see someone wanting gear that looks like street clothes.....It is not a bash, putdown, flame or any other means of malicious post. I am an admitted gear nut and wear full gear every time I ride. Please feel free to ignore my ramblings

Posts like this always make me wonder.......
Why do you want gear that doesn't look like gear? Are you afraid you'll look like you are riding a motorcycle? :lol:

Seriously though you can find nice solid black boots that offer proper protection from most of the major manufacturers. Sidi and Alpinestars both have good "Street" boots that look like work boots with an emphasis on ankle protection.

Because I've worn and have racing boots and they are not the type of comfortable I want to wear all day walking from place to place. Typically if the shoe fits the scene, its fits the comfort. I have a pair of jungle boots from the military, but I've put enough blood and sweat into those I can't stand wearing them.

Thanks for the replies everyone!

 

[FIVEINCH]

I went to Kohl's and bought a pair of GBX's.

I would also go with some Doc's.

I'm in a position where I do not wish to change my shoes whenever I ride to work. I would like something that will suit both purposes, all the while keeping in mind that I must accept pros and cons. They are not dressy as I would like to have for work, and they do not provide the protection a set of riding boots would. My GBX's are comfortable, leather, non-slip sole, and just at the ankle.

 

[SDSUsnowboards]

The following is a random thought that pops into my head whenever I see someone wanting gear that looks like street clothes.....It is not a bash, putdown, flame or any other means of malicious post. I am an admitted gear nut and wear full gear every time I ride. Please feel free to ignore my ramblings

Posts like this always make me wonder.......
Why do you want gear that doesn't look like gear? Are you afraid you'll look like you are riding a motorcycle? :lol:

Seriously though you can find nice solid black boots that offer proper protection from most of the major manufacturers. Sidi and Alpinestars both have good "Street" boots that look like work boots with an emphasis on ankle protection.

That's a good observation. I thought about it myself. For me, there are several reasons. Firstly It's just my style. I'm a casual type of person and I like casual looking gear. I don't want racing gear because I don't race and have no intention of starting soon.
Secondly, I don't want to be at a stop light wearing racing inspired gear and have some little **** come up and beg to race me or make a fool of himself by racing off anyways (potentially putting another person in danger). I wan't to look as *unracy* as possible for that reason. Some people might take it as a symbol of my attitude on the street.

 

[inspiron]

It's a sign of maturity to be able to ignore the "challenges" posed by cager's with abnormally small reproductive organs. Let them race away from the light, while you ride at a normal pace. Sometimes you are rewarded by the sight of them being pulled out of traffic at the next intersection by your friendly neighborhood peace officer...

I have a set of black leather MC boots lined with GoreTex, so they are waterproof and provide enough protection for my feet and ankles. I always have my pants over them, since I don't want rain or water dripping into the boots. With my pants over the boots, you can't tell if I'm wearing MC boots or just high shoes. I have also had them on in the office - you really wouldn't know the difference, except for the extra leather over the area where the gearshift lies.

 

[tlwisner]

It's a sign of maturity to be able to ignore the "challenges" posed by cager's with abnormally small reproductive organs.

I knew I was immature, I was compelled to royally toast some dickweed in a Corolla this morning. I was on my ZG1000, but my GZ 250 probably would have sufficed.. :?

 

[Uncle Bob]

Isn't this about boots ?.

 

[Bluejeans]

10 eye Doc Martens

I don't know what "10 eye" means, but I have a couple of pair of Doc Martens that I really like. I am an Executive Assistant in a somewhat casual office (I never wear a dress) and my Docs fit in fine with my wardrobe. I wear them all day every day when I ride to work.

I have them in red and purple (cuz girls can get by with that stuff). I wear my pants over them and they just look like dress boots. You can't beat them for comfort.

They retail at $120-$150 a pair, but I got 'em on eBay for $44 for the red ones and $16 for the purple ones.

 

[svhooligan]

"10 eye" is short for 10 eyelets.
Doc Martens boots come in 8, 10 and 14 "eye"

I'm surprised people mentions Jungle boots. Working in EMS I've seen the result of how much protection the canvas upper gives to your ankles.
NONE!

get full leather, your ankles will thank you

 

[Bluejeans]

I thought it was something like that. These of mine are Doc Martens but they don't lace up, they have a zipper on the inside. And they do come up, full leather, to mid calf. I like 'em