I'm a new rider as of this summer, and I've invested in most of the recommended safety gear. Full-face helmet, armored jacket, gloves, etc. These products all have an obvious value in protecting me.

Over-the-ankle boots show up on most safety equipment lists, but I don't understand the basic value. When I wear these, what is it I'm protecting? Is there a reason to use riding boots vs. over-the-ankle hiking boots? I'm pretty sure that if my Dyna were to start to tip, it wouldn't be my ankle that gave out first. It isn't an experiment I want to try, though.

 

Your ankle will give out quicker than you think.

 

laced up tall boots are basically to keep your foot attached to your leg if you ever go down and get your foot caught under the bike.

 

Bingo, and keeps your boot on where low shoes and sneakers are pealed off immediately.

 

 

First, glad you're wearing good gear. Good decision.

I started out with a typical pair of lace-up "work boots". Solid, warm, comfy. Won't get ripped off your foot if/when you slide down the road.

The reason you wear over the ankle boots is to help protect (nothing is perfect) your ankles from impact and sliding on pavement. Trust me, you don't want to grind off your ankle bone.

Now I wear actual motorcycle boots: internal cap protection for toe and heel, internal protection for ankle bone, internal protection for shin impact, waterproof, breathable liner, and a little ventilation for warm weather.

 

Have you ever seen how quickly tennis shoes or other low shoes fly off a person's feet when they're in an accident? In addition to protecting your ankles, over the ankle boots help keep the boots on your feet.

 

My wife was an ER nurse. Even after car accidents, the victims would come in with their shoes off.
Impacts make shoes come off. You can see it in this video:
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I knew I should have not watched that!!!

 

Motorcycle boots are also designed to hold up in an accident. But I still wear heavy duty leather work boots. Tall ones. 8 inches tall.