Motorcycle boots impact the way you ride your motorcycle. They make it safer and more comfortable for you to navigate the streets while you are on your bike.
Motorcycle riding is dangerous enough as it is which is why the proper footwear must be worn. Motorcycle boots have ankle protection, increased torsional stiffness, and oil-resistant soles that prevent slippage while walking. Normal boots don’t possess such qualities that are designed to make your motorcycle riding experience more comfortable and safer.
It’s important to wear the proper shoes that cater to your needs as a motorcycle rider. To know more about the differences between the two types of boots, read below to find out more.
Motorcycle Boots Features
As aforementioned, there are specific features that are exclusive to motorcycle boots that normal riding shoes don’t possess. These features make them efficient as protective riding footwear so as to minimize the occurrence of injuries or wounds when you get into a vehicular accident.
Oil-Resistant Soles
The soles are often thick to protect your feet from getting bent out of shape. The thickness also makes the bottom of the shoes very hard to puncture so that your feet will be protected from shards and other sharp objects.
The primary feature of motorcycle boots’ soles is the resistance to oil. Motorcycles often leak oil from the engine to the ground. This poses risks to you because you might accidentally slip and fall. The soles of motorcycle boots have grooves that improve the traction of the shoes against the ground so as to prevent slippage.
Ordinary boots don’t have this feature. At best , they have grooves soles that may help you walk better across slippery surfaces. Most boots are heeled with smooth soles which can be dangerous too.
Ankle Protection
One primary difference of motorcycle boots compared to normal boots is the molded ankle protection. This means that the ankle area is made of hard and molded material that is designed to encase your ankles in a sturdy manner.
The molded cast will keep your ankle joint protected. This prevents any joint dislocation. The tough mold will also minimize the chances of getting fractured so that your ankle will survive any vehicular accident.
Ordinary boots don’t provide ankle protection because they are usually just at ankle’s length. At best, they can only provide protection for your toes. That is going to be insufficient since a lot of motorcycle accidents lead to tipping over the rider’s foot and then crushing the said area.
Torsional Stiffness
This refers to the stiffness of the boots. The extra hardness and tension will protect your calves from getting fractured during a motorcycle accident. This is a very important feature because motorcycle tend to crush your leg region during an accident.
The torsional stiffness is achieved through the plastic stiffeners located inside the motorcycle boots. Some boots also have metal sliders to boost the stiffness. These structural accessories, coupled with good quality leather, will protect your legs and feet during a motorcycle accident.
The only downside to the presence of torsional stiffness is how uncomfortable and challenging it is to walk around. But that discomfort is such a small price to pay for you to keep your legs intact during a motorcycle injury.
Torsional stiffness isn’t really present in normal boots. Ordinary boots usually only reach up to your ankles so they do not provide a lot of protection. The only protection you get is from the leather itself, and that doesn’t really provide much against accidents.
Motorcycle Boots Buying Guide
There are certain motorcycle boots features that you should consider before you purchase a pair. The specific features are listed below.
Height
The height of the boot matters in protecting your ankles and shin. The height should go above your ankles. This protects the joint when you accidentally trip and fall. It is also up to you if you want a taller pair of boots that can cover up to your calves and shin. The extra coverage will protect your skin from getting grazed or wounded during accidents.
Material
Motorcycle boots can be made of different materials. The safest material is cowhide leather. Its thickness is the perfect balance between comfort and protection. It’s thick enough to protect your feet and legs against wounds, scratches, and abrasions. It also softens over time so it’ll become comfortable once broken in.
Ventilation And Water Resistance
It’s no secret that boots aren’t the most comfortable footwear option there is. Motorcycle boots cover a lot of skin and are usually very thick which means that your feet will definitely feel warm. That is why ventilation is key. Go for a pair with proper ventilation so that you can wear it all day long and feel little to no discomforts.
Ventilation is important because it prevents the accumulation of sweat in your boots. There are also numerous problems that arise from the lack of ventilation. The accumulated sweat can cause the growth of so many odor-causing bacteria. The moisture can also damage the boots and shorten its lifespan.
A waterproof option is a great pick. Riding a motorcycle will expose you to so many terrains and that includes wet or muddy trails. The moisture will damage your boots over time so it is best to go for something that is waterproof or water-resistant. Now, you can brave any season without worrying much.
The Fit
Since you will be wearing the motorcycle boots a lot, make sure to go for a pair that fits well. Wear the boots inside the equipment store and walk around in it. It should neither be too tight nor too loose. The shoes should hug your feet, especially your ankles.
Check to see if your feet’s movements are constricted. Riding a motorcycle is heavily dependent on your feet’s agility which is why you should be able to move your feet freely and comfortably.
Extra Features
There are extra features that make some motorcycle boots better than the others. Some of these features include the weight, the thickness of the sole, construction, price, and many more.
Make sure to take your time in assessing which pair you are going to purchase. Motorcycle boots are often expensive but they are necessary investment pieces that are designed to protect the most vulnerable areas of the human body.
