Discussion
Can someone help me out, what are the point of low/casual look boots? They appear to offer absolutely no ankle protection at all, and certainly don't offer any protection on the shin or from twisting of the foot. Are they any better than simply riding in trainers, if so how? Maybe it's a mental thing from always riding with sports boots on, but they just look very exposed in the event of an accident.
(I ask this because my trusting A* boots are about done, and are looking for something new. Most likely another pair of A* SMX somethings.)
(I ask this because my trusting A* boots are about done, and are looking for something new. Most likely another pair of A* SMX somethings.)
I wear them due to previous (unrelated to biking) injuries.
Proper race boots are great at protecting you but come at a price on movement.
These boots allow a little more, and critically for me, it’s lateral movement that I just can’t get otherwise.
I have a pair of Alpinestars Supertech boots that I can’t use as I can’t change gear anymore.
Seems to be getting worse with age too..
Proper race boots are great at protecting you but come at a price on movement.
These boots allow a little more, and critically for me, it’s lateral movement that I just can’t get otherwise.
I have a pair of Alpinestars Supertech boots that I can’t use as I can’t change gear anymore.
Seems to be getting worse with age too..
I have some short TCX boots for warmest of days ....any other time of year I find them too draughty around the ankles 
For me Its a case of being better than trainers or casual shoes and much easier to walk about in than full height race or MX boots.
The CE approved boots have ankle and toe box reinforcements, stiffer sole, some way of securing laces and/or zip fastener etc. The downside against a taller boot is obviously shin protection.
Not all short boots are the same, as with other kit there is a range from basic protection upwards, CE marking explanation here
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/articles/advice-a...
example these boots https://www.tcxboots.com/gb/en/dartwood-wp-mens-wa...
rated CE pass level 1/2/2/1 = L1 ankle height, L2 Abrasion, L2 impact cut, L1 for transverse rigidity
pretty much as good as it gets in short boots, obviously L2 for height (shin protection) is a high boot and L2 for transverse rigidity is as stiff as a full race boot
For me Its a case of being better than trainers or casual shoes and much easier to walk about in than full height race or MX boots.
The CE approved boots have ankle and toe box reinforcements, stiffer sole, some way of securing laces and/or zip fastener etc. The downside against a taller boot is obviously shin protection.
Not all short boots are the same, as with other kit there is a range from basic protection upwards, CE marking explanation here
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/articles/advice-a...
example these boots https://www.tcxboots.com/gb/en/dartwood-wp-mens-wa...
rated CE pass level 1/2/2/1 = L1 ankle height, L2 Abrasion, L2 impact cut, L1 for transverse rigidity
pretty much as good as it gets in short boots, obviously L2 for height (shin protection) is a high boot and L2 for transverse rigidity is as stiff as a full race boot
Edited by bogie on Saturday 29th March 11:43
As I don't really need the same level of protection as Mark Marquez and Sam Sutherland, during the summer months I only wear my Alpinestars J-6 boots which are great, warm, dry and very comfortable on & off the bike. Although I will add that now that the soles have worn they are getting quite slippery when the pegs are wet.
Maybe time for a new pair
Maybe time for a new pair
I use these and they do cover my ankle. They give great feel of controls which is what i wanted.
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...
I tend to wear ankles when its warm, they're much cooler which helps me concentrate on the ride. The other time i'll tend to wear them is if I'm going somewhere I know i'll be walking off the bike for a while so I dont have to wear long socks and have them slop around.
They're pretty much the default for me making my full heights for cold/wet days or if I'm going out just for a ride. I don't do that much and when i do I'm not going quickly
They're pretty much the default for me making my full heights for cold/wet days or if I'm going out just for a ride. I don't do that much and when i do I'm not going quickly
Obviously not as protective as race boots but I use mine for short journeys / commuting or generally knocking around the doors. They are more comfortable and my Alpinestars have the toughened layer on the top of the foot for gear changing so you don't get blisters like you do with trainers.
As already said, they offer less protection than a full race boot so I tend to bear this in mind and ride accordingly when wearing them i.e. Im not going to be on a hoon in my jeans and short boots.
As already said, they offer less protection than a full race boot so I tend to bear this in mind and ride accordingly when wearing them i.e. Im not going to be on a hoon in my jeans and short boots.
I have pair of TCX ankle boots that I use for shorter or more casual rides. Much more comfortable and easier to get on and off. Usually wear them with my kevlar jeans instead of the full power ranger suit or Textiles lot. They are loads more comfortable and dont get anywhere near as hot when you're off the bike. I always cringe when I see someone riding in trainers and think these kind of boots give you no excuse. They're generally cheaper than a pair of trainers nowadays, just as comfortable off the bike but actually provide some protection if you were to come off
jonindorset said:
Isn't the issue with trainers / hiking boots that they don't slide well and tend to dig into the road breaking ankles, legs etc?
I'm tempted by something like this for days when I'm riding somewhere a short distance away but then mainly walking for the rest of the day...
Statistically most accidents are low speed drops where you'll stick a leg out and not quite make it so what you really want is a bit of angle protection for when you end up stuck under the bike or tweaking it on the way down. Trainers or even non-bike boots just don't offer that padding around the ankle.I'm tempted by something like this for days when I'm riding somewhere a short distance away but then mainly walking for the rest of the day...
It's why the instructors i know, generally say spend your money on decent boots / gloves / helmet.
Alpinestars and TCX both make some good mid level boots with really decent ankle protection. I sometimes wear the SMX3's, which aren't made any more, I used to wear them all day at work too.
Of their current line up, the V2's looks quite good, as do the Superfaster Shoes.
From TCX I have the Hero 2 WP, which are very comfy indeed, again, I can wear these all day on and off the bike.
What I like about all of these is that with jeans on, you can barely tell you are wearing motorcycle shoes at work. Plus they are infinitely better than Doc Martens for protection.
Of their current line up, the V2's looks quite good, as do the Superfaster Shoes.
From TCX I have the Hero 2 WP, which are very comfy indeed, again, I can wear these all day on and off the bike.
What I like about all of these is that with jeans on, you can barely tell you are wearing motorcycle shoes at work. Plus they are infinitely better than Doc Martens for protection.
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