Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge MSF course next week but I need boots?

Guys,

What kind of boots do I need to purchase? I have seen some that come just up over the ankles and I have seen others that are just above/below the calf. Which should I get and why? Also, what are some of the more decent brands with a great blend of quality and style? Thanks!

Scott

Workforce. $25 at Wal Mart mine have lasted 3 years so far.

Come on, seriously?

Just get something comfortable that goes above your ankles (so you don't let your leg rub against the pipes) and has a heel. If you can, avoid lace up boots. Most important thing is that you have to like them.

Good luck in class!

Soren

I was kidding but fact is those are what I wear and they have lasted 3 years. Souls are stitched on and everything. I always look for stitched souls they tend not to fall apart. They do lace but I can't stand slip on boots or zip up boots. Depends what ya like and what ya want. I see no reason to spend any more when these are good. They are black too. I think all the class requires is over the ankle. Wendy just took the class last year.

If you do get lace up boots, just be careful, tuck the laces in or something. I've seen a couple people have problems because of laces. Funniest one was a guy went to put his foot down and it got caugt on the foot peg and dumped his bike.

Soren

I've seen that. Funny as hell usually happens in kinda slow motion.

You want to cover your ankles. As far as style, that's a matter of personal taste, and brands depend on how much you're willing to spend. I consider boots like the rest of my protective gear and want quality, so I buy good quality stuff. I have Cruiserworks boots ($250) for riding, but you may not have time to get those. Find some good all leather boots that you like and are comfortable and buy them. I'm sure you'll get plenty of suggestions here over the next day .

Wear what ever you want... make sure your your laces are tucked in so you dont catch a peddle. most of the time I wear tennis shoes...If I worried about safety I'd sell my old ford with a steel dash and buy a volvo... I'm sure you'll get some folks that will tell you to wear full body armor on a 90 degree day but whats the fun in that

Sorry the drunk that I am did not read the header... you will need boots that cover your ankles for a safetyclass... I've been out in the shop for awhile sorry for my rant on safety. I'll try not to let it happen again

You need good ankle support and steel toes. Some people make fun of laceup boots, but they really work the best because engineer type boots don't provide the support that could save you from dropping the bike. Enough of a heel to keep your feet from slipping off the pegs is a must, but cowboy heels are not a good thing.

Any over the ankle leather boot will work for the class,They just dont want you out there in sneakers (oh pardon me tennis shoes).

For riding I wear steal toed Geogia work boots.Good cut resistant leather, sole is not too sliperry and not too tacky,a pair last me about 2 years (I wear them for work too) and they are US made and sell for about 100 bucks.

Ok not High Fashion and not much a "pose factor".

Jack,

Is today your birthday ? Happy birthday buddy I will will have my one a day drink in your honor tonight !!!!

Scott,

When you see a birthday cake next to a members nane it is their birthday. Wecome to the site, you will get ribbed a little but the info. you get here you can take to the bank.

Boots, I wear Timberland with steel toes, I know they are lace ups and I'm always looking for zippers, but I trim the laces (cut off the access). My wife took the course last year and the first thing they did was check everyones footwear. One guy had what we use to call (CHUCKA BOOTS) old miltary term for ankle high boots and they would not let him take the course luckly someone had a pair of work boots in his truck and they "ok'ed" those.

I think the most important thing to look for is oil restitant soles and heels, with some sort of pattern on the sole not(smooth). Remember you will be spending alot of time both on and off the bike so comfort is important to. That is why I buy Timberline the most comfortable boots I have every owned.

As everyone has said already, leather boots that come above the ankle. Also highly recommend rubber or composite soles. Smooth leather soles like most cowboy or roper type boots have can be very slick when stopping somewhere that is wet or oil soaked and will be more likely to slip of the pegs if they get wet.

Coupla suggestions


Andy Griffith style Wellingtons. I scored a pair of name brand models at JC Penney


And / Or





Carolina Logger boots.


Either style can be had for around $70 or $80 if you dig for them on http://froogle.google.com/

I like the ankle high, I have floorboards, and I find it's easier to flex my ankle to shift with them than with calf high boots. http://www.newenough.com has a good selection of styles to look at , might give you some ideas.

As some already mentioned, for the safety class they just want you to wear something that's over the ankle. I wore a pair of old Doc Martens and they didn't have a problem. Depending on your class/instructor, you could probably show up in hi-top sneakers and be OK.

I have two pair (different colors) of Durango DB594 motorcycle boots that I just alternate almost every day for the last couple of years...if you don't wear highwaters then they look good enough to wear in a "business casual" work environment. Just had one pair resoled for $24, so very economical in my opinion. They're really comfortable, IMO.

A quick google search found them for $79 at footlocker: FootLocker - Durango DB594. I think I paid about $100 at Cavendars for each pair and would do it again.

If you want comfort and functionality then get a pair of motorcycle specific boots. Most generic boots are ok, but for one reason or another not the best for riding. I have a pair of Triumph Cruiser boots (which they don't make anymore). They are extremely comfortable, waterproof, and designed for riding.

Tom

I still like my $25 Workforce boots. They are comfortable and tough and less than half the price of every other suggestion. They are even black so they look good too unless you are me, mine are all beat up from working in them too. I like that look though all the new stuff usually shows a newbie.

I purchased the following boots so will they work for both the MSF class, as well as weekend rides?

http://www.leatherup.com/product.asp?pf_id=1485%2DShort%2DHarness%2DElastic

I have a pair of Hermans Survivors Commander boots High on the ankle, Water Proof, black, comfortable enough (I wear them every day) Short $$ (39.00) at Wally World....these are NOT the Hermans boots of old but for the $$$ they work....

Not that you have had any ankle problems lately Rob.

I believe they will be OK. It's ultimately up to the instructor.

nope...thats why I got these...Dr. said something HIGH ...plus these fit the orthotic's I have (now) to put inside the boots...

What does a Dr. have to do with it? You don't think those will be allowable for the course? P.S. Small Fart carries Hermans? Those were always good boots and used to be expensive.

No Dr comment was RE: Dills comment about My ankle...those boots he choose will most likely be fine...(unless the instructor is a real dick...) Yeah Wally World now carries Hermans...they are definatly NOT the hermans of old...If you go there check out the packaging...IDENTICAL to the Wally brand...but for the $$$ not bad...just not what they once were...and that includes the price...

Oh LOL

I broke it in September on Thursday, Rode to Pats (dinquas) for the rally on Fri...cast it the following Wed...uncast it 5 weeks later...Hiked 3 mountains...found out it was STILL Broken in Jan just got the cast off for the second time...2 weeks ago!...been kindof a running joke particularly by those who saw the "pretty colors" at the NE Rally

Post deleted by Grump

should have won the "dumb Mthr Fker" award

I just talked to Wendy and found out we are vendors for that company. Our price on those same boots is $35

Her business is childrens toys but we sell doo rags and bandanas and a few knives and such too. So we get wholesale at quite a few of those kind of places. The catch is there is a $300 minimum order.

Ian, you got a web site?

Soren

Make sure they have some type of good tread on the sole. They don't cancel the class on account of rain.

Have fun!
Mark

Oh the doo rags other people sell for $10 to $15 we sell for $3

Scott,
I agree with just about everyone here, especially the Dogman. You are bound to have some boots at home that will fit the bill. I wouldn't buy anything expensive right now just for the course. The best "motorcyle boots" I've had since I've had my TBA were black ankle high Nike cross trainers that I had in my closet. They were light, over the ankle, and had good tread. I'd still be wearing them if my dog hadn't eaten them Even though I have never taken the MSF course, you need something comfortable that you won't have to think about, already broken in. You can get more expensive ones later after you buy your bike. And good luck! Thats.. Thats all I have to say about that.

I bought a pair of these boots from Sears three years ago. All leather, $29. They even have a steel-toed pair for $40. So far, they've been very comfortable and wear like iron. Hard to beat this price.

Sears Boot - $25

[image]http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/067B0021000?rgn=0,0,1152,1038&scl=4.608&fmt=jpeg[/image]