boots, protection vs comfort

[CTYANKEE]

 Looking for opinions on comfort vs protection, specifically do you guys wear boots that are mid calf to higher with shin protection? The reason I'm asking, I picked up a pair of Bates Adrenaline boots, super comfortable, all the protection to just above the ankle. I didn't use them yet, because now I'm wondering if I should get something different/ higher and does it really matter? I know the more gear the better, but is that area something to be concerned about? I wear a 14, so boots that are mid calf to higher can start to be really heavy  and cumbersome,  sort of Frankenseinian:)

Thanks for any input

[not-fishing]

I always figured protection for my shin came from my leathers with the high boots being an off-road thing.

[Guzzistajohn]

I'm on my 2nd season with these boots by Forma. Really not bad for walking, easy on and off. And surprisingly light weight


image upload

[Chuck in Indiana]

FWIW, I got hit in the ankle/calf with a rubber gator on the interstate. Naturally, my first thought was, "Wish I was wearing flip flops.." 

[Guzzistajohn]

I like to ware tenies, that way I'm much faster if I have to bale and run!

:-)

I like chuck Taylor's in case I have to go in for a layup

[jbell]

Stating the obvious, higher boots will be hotter with summer approaching and less comfortable.  I just switched from high boots (think almost CHP) to just a tad lower than midcalf and they are soooo much easier to wear.  Try on before purchase if at all possible for comfortableness.  I've also started wearing chukka style "boots" made for biking and they are very comfortable but also give up a lot of protection should the need arise.  You have to decide where your sacrifices lie.

[Dilliw]

Stating the obvious, higher boots will be hotter with summer approaching and less comfortable.  I just switched from high boots (think almost CHP) to just a tad lower than midcalf and they are soooo much easier to wear.  Try on before purchase if at all possible for comfortableness.  I've also started wearing chukka style "boots" made for biking and they are very comfortable but also give up a lot of protection should the need arise.  You have to decide where your sacrifices lie.

Yeh it's all a compromise.  I always go with a mid height waterproof as that seems to be the most versatile in all seasons.  If I were doing track days they would feel inadequate but for the kind of riding I do that's the best way for me. 

I have TCX X-Miles(X-Ride)  now and before the Alpinestars Ridge.  Both are the same concept.

[pressureangle]

I sucked up the price and finally bought a pair of Gasolina Typhoons.

I was not just pleased, but surprised, at the quality and fit, as well as the comfort. The very first time I wore them was at the Abacoa (Jupiter, FL) vintage bike meet, and walked around the streets in them for like 7 hours with no discomfort or break-in noticed. Magnificent!
http://gasolinaboots.com/

[cookiemech]

I've worn Aerostitch Combat Touring boots since around 2001 and love them. Easy on/off, water repellent so long as they are treated with a proper product, extremely comfortable after broken in (which takes a while). I have a "new" pair that I bought several years ago, thinking I would need to replace the originals, which now have well over 200K miles on them. Well, the originals are just about shot, but I still wear them every time I ride unless it's REALLY going to rain, in which case I wear the new ones that don't have cracks in the leather (from my neglect).

Can't say enough good about them.

http://www.aerostich.com/clothing/footwear/combat-touring-boots/aerostich-combat-touring-boots.html

[slopokes]

Buy the best protection you can and just carry sneakers to walk around in

[Mr Pootle]

I'm happy with my Altberg Hoggs, on and off the bike.

[not-fishing]

I sucked up the price and finally bought a pair of Gasolina Typhoons.

I was not just pleased, but surprised, at the quality and fit, as well as the comfort. The very first time I wore them was at the Abacoa (Jupiter, FL) vintage bike meet, and walked around the streets in them for like 7 hours with no discomfort or break-in noticed.

Many decades ago I used to wear Chippewa Troopers           it was before Chips was on - the TV series



I figured if they were good enough for the CHP........

I can attest that they work great during high speed dismounts.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I can attest that they work great during high speed dismounts.

Let's face it. The only reason we wear boots, gloves, jackets, helmets, etc. is to crash in. I've had one unexpected get off in.. er.. 50 some years of riding, and I'm glad I was wearing *good* gear (except for the Aerostitch Elkskin Ropers)  and was unhurt.
For boots, Sidi On Roads are hard to beat.

[cloudbase]

Like Guzzistajohn, I've got a pair of the Forma boots.  He forgot to mention that they're waterproof as well as light and easy to walk in.
I've also got two pairs of Puma boots, one with the "ghost doctor" bracing.
I'm happy with them all.

[ITSec]

Stating the obvious, higher boots will be hotter with summer approaching and less comfortable.  I just switched from high boots (think almost CHP) to just a tad lower than midcalf and they are soooo much easier to wear.  Try on before purchase if at all possible for comfortableness.  I've also started wearing chukka style "boots" made for biking and they are very comfortable but also give up a lot of protection should the need arise.  You have to decide where your sacrifices lie.

Not completely true.

I wear either Sidi OnRoad Touring or similar Alpinestars for anything outside the city. In this case, the city is Las Vegas, and it does get a bit warm here some days  . Both boot styles are tall (14"+) waterproof touring boots with Gore-Tex or similar materials and a strong shinguard. Neither becomes uncomfortably warm even on the hottest days (around 120 or so); in fact, the shinguard and taller boot design tends to keep more of the cylinder-head heat off my legs.

I do have a pair of Sidi short riding boots that have an armored ankle protector and that come up to where short hiking boots usually do; I sometimes wear these for day riding in the area.

[zedXmick]

Sidi.....

 

[CTYANKEE]

Thanks everyone,
    I think I will send the bates back and get something a bit more protective. Great idea about carrying a pair of sneaks also, didn't even think of that one.

CTYankee

[harry h]

I just got a package from Wesco to trace my feet for a custom pair of Boss boots.https://www.wescoboots.com/builder/MensCustomBoot.aspx?id=Boss   I am adding a composite toe and lowering the heel a bit.  Also having them not sand the heel to a "logger heal".  These are very thick leather with Vibram soles and think they will be perfect for my type of riding (cruiser).  I like that the boots are all hand made in Oregon by real craftsman.

There is also a new Sidi boot coming out that would fit the bill but not available yet...
 

[Darren Williams]

One thing to consider when looking for protection. Top motorcycle racing boots are protective and very light. If you have a get off and tumble, the last thing your knees and hips are going to want is a heavy pair of boot twisting them in directions there weren't designed to go.

[sturgeon]

12" boots (measured at the front from the ground) with a shin protector. With enough adjustment to leave some room open at the top. Winter, summer, rain, shine.

[Socalrob]

I just got a package from Wesco to trace my feet for a custom pair of Boss boots.https://www.wescoboots.com/builder/MensCustomBoot.aspx?id=Boss   I am adding a composite toe and lowering the heel a bit.  Also having them not sand the heel to a "logger heal".  These are very thick leather with Vibram soles and think they will be perfect for my type of riding (cruiser).  I like that the boots are all hand made in Oregon by real craftsman.

There is also a new Sidi boot coming out that would fit the bill but not available yet...

As a Land Surveyor I have been wearing Wesco boots for 20 years.  I'm on my second pair.  Exceptional well made.

I ride my commute and am too lazy to change boots at work (office these days), and had a pair of Sidi Rains I wore for about two years.  They do not flex much, and I think that is what gave me planter fasciitis.  I am now wearing less protective boots that allow more flex.

[Edo]

Warm weather, I use Sidi mesh (vented) boots. Really makes a difference in comfort while maintaining protection. Check them out.

[jdgretz]

I have been thinking about the Gasolina boots as a couple of my riding buddies have them and like them.  But... I just bought another pair of Alpinstars SMX-3 (sort of a cut-down SMX-6 and currently on close out) boots.  A CE certified boot, taller than riding shoes, but shorter than full height boots.  My Motorport pants have shin armor that comes almost to the top of these boots, so I don't feel like I've compromised too much (not like the TCX Sport Shoes that I used in 2009).  I can and do wear them all day, both on and off the bike. Being shorter, they don't stand out as much when I'm off the bike.

Of course YMMV.

jdg

[leafman60]

I saw a motorcyclist's leg wearing a low-height work boot get completely cut off last week when he side-swiped a parked vehicle at low speed.

I am not sure a high boot would have helped but it may have.

Sidi On Road boots are my regular riding boots.  Unfortunately, they have discontinued them and are now making a hybrid fabric/leather replacement.

A high full length boots is best protection. 

I admit that in hot southern weather I sometimes wear a pair of lower boots but they are still way above the ankle.

[Rough Edge racing]

I was a construction worker before retiring so wearing boots is what I still wear everyday..In fact I don't own any shoes or "sneakers"...I have four pair of leather boots...  for work ,pleasure, or dress up... made in USA....

[rocker59]

Buy the best protection you can and just carry sneakers to walk around in

Yep. I wear SIDI boots and carry hiking boots if I know I'll be doing a lot of walking.

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[LowRyter]

I wish Rockport made motorcycle boots.   

[ITSec]

I wish Rockport made motorcycle boots.   

I would have agreed with you when Rockports were made in Portugal and Hungary. Since they moved production to China and changed the lasts, I'm no longer as much of a fan (I've worn them since the early 80s if I recall properly). They're still better than average for the price, but the quality and workmanship has suffered. I've yet to see how the new owners are managing things.

[rocker59]

Vasque hiking boots for me, right now. Have a couple pair.

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[LowRyter]

I would have agreed with you when Rockports were made in Portugal and Hungary. Since they moved production to China and changed the lasts, I'm no longer as much of a fan (I've worn them since the early 80s if I recall properly). They're still better than average for the price, but the quality and workmanship has suffered. I've yet to see how the new owners are managing things.

I have three pair of Rockports, newest for dress up, 2nd for kicking around. 

I use the oldest pair in the gym and garage.  I jog about 7 blocks in them before I do weights and rowing.  I guess when I get a 4th pair, I relegate them to yard work.

I am disheartened to hear that might have cheapened the product- like so many things.