What's up with boots?
#41
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...
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...
#42
The next time you put your foot down, coming to a stop, and "something", be it a small rock, a crack in the pavement, uneven pavement or even a gremlin, makes your ankle twist or otherwise collapse, you'll understand one very good reason to wear supportive boots.
#43
I always wear boots and my passenger (my wife) does too. At first my wife didn't think she needed boots but after I bought them she says they are more comfortable riding in than tennis shoes, I think a rock to her toe at 75 mph helped her decide. lol
#46
I usually ride with boots,jeans, t shirt and my old leather shirt (nice and light/no liner). I have been riding for 40 years and just crashed for the first time 3 years ago...glad I had my gear on...especially my little shorty helmet...or I wouldn't be riding anywhere...Like some others said, wear what feels comfortable, but it's nice to have stuff on that will keep all the parts together on the way to the hospital...LOL
#48
I know I'll get hammered for this but I don't get why boots are such a big deal......especially when it's 90+ degrees outside. I see guys wearing boots and jeans, but then just have a sleeveless T-shirt on. I understand boots are suppose to protect your feet and ankles if you crash, but why wear boots along with a T-shirt? Myself, I don't wear boots on hot days. Don't like sweaty feet and wet socks. I don't mind wearing boots in the Spring and Fall, but thick, breathing tennis shoes are much better on hot days. What say you guys?
#49
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.
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.
So please do your self, wife, kids and friends a favour and gear proper up even for a short "slow" speed trip - you never know what idiot you will meet.