My jeans ride up a little when I sit down, so my ankles would be exposed if I wore running shoes. I feel all the rocks that hit my feet in my boots and couldn't imagine what that would feel like on my ankle bone.

The roads here are littered with stones and just about everyone's windshield has 3 or 4 stone chips in them if not more.

That and they say 'Harley' on them and I like them.

 

I have been using Army desert boots. Basically a vented hardened combat boot. They are comfy and not much hotter than my sneakers. Lots of support and can be had very cheaply.

US Calvary has them from $25 a pair for old style:
http://www.uscav.com/productinfo.asp...d=548&catid=84

Or somewhat more for new/more comfy:
http://www.uscav.com/productinfo.asp...=548&catid=373

They work, are not hot, are pretty comfy for long rides and are cheap. Best of all worlds...

 

Try these. Lightweight and give you protection to your ankles. Cool in the Summer heat as well. You can wear them all day walking.

http://www.google.com/shopping/offer...ed=0CEYQwBMwAQ

 

Most GW riders I see are wearing sandles, knee high black socks, and shorts, so tennis shoes can't be all that bad...

 

.......

 

I always wear a FF Shoei, boots, and a jacket. I live in Florida and still enjoy the ride. Its hot, but bearable considering the alternative.

I went down 12 years ago in sneakers and had ankle surgery. Yep, wont do that again.

Plus, at 5'4" 90 lbs, the grip and added height help me out.

 

wait until you come up to a stop and try to put your feet down only to realize your laces have looped over the pegs lmao

 

It's your business what you wear riding, but I'll venture this opinion....your feet and ankles are in an especially precarious position, close to the road, and many a 'git-off' involves dragging that very complicated piece of human machinery down the road (or under the bike, or between some other impact object).

I know a few guys that basically now own an ankle that is now nothing more a bag of bone chunks and scar tissue mush because they were wearing regular street shoes in minor crashes (including one guy that had his footpeg driven completely through the ankle protected only by a sock...that ***** will never be right, and causes him constant agony). Wearing a pair of boots (or light pair of leather gloves) just ain't that uncomfortable in hot weather...and if you work for a living by being on your feet and using your hands, that little bit of leather can save you a ****-load of pain and doctor bills.

 

This is what happened to me and I had boots on. If not, I probably wouldn't have a foot right now. If you don't limp, you ain't ****!

 

I once came upon some gravel in a turn and had to put my foot down to keep the bike upright. I don't think I would have been able to if not for some sturdy boots.