In order to end up with the motorcycle boots best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.
Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of motorcycle boots are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in motorcycle boots.
Research the market: Motorcycle Boot essentials
The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the motorcycle boots market. The range of options can seem overwhelming, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:
Motorcycle Cop Boots: Law enforcement officers designed their own style of boot, which has since been dubbed the “Cop Boot.” These boots are knee-high, have very small heels, and are made of high-gloss, black leather. They are generally worn in a way that overlaps clothing.
Engineer Boots: These boots are highly durable and safe, although not everyone likes the look of them. Some styles of engineer boot can go nearly a dozen centimetres higher than your knee. The reason for this unusual height is simple safety - what better way to protect your legs than heavy leather? Most engineer boots have steel-reinforced, round toes and an adjustable strap across the heel.
Touring Boots: It's rare to find a touring boot in any colour other than black, but it's also rare to find a boot design that's as comfortable. This style of boot is made for long-distance cruises on solid surfaces, but doesn't protect well enough to use off-road. Touring boots may have Velcro fasteners as well as wide-mouthed openings, which helps a rider to get the boot on and off quickly and easily. These boots are generally below the knee in height.
Racing Boots: Designed exclusively for paved surfaces, racing boots are similar to touring boots in many respects. They do come in a wide variety of colours, however, which immediately sets them apart. They're constructed from a combination of plastic, metal, and leather (or faux-leather). Some racing boots are equipped with “quick-laces” for the inner shell, which allow optimal fit.
Harness Boots: These boots share a lot of the characteristics with engineer boots - they are rugged, protective, and long-lasting. Harness boots have square toes, rather than the round toes of the engineer boots, and a series of four non-adjustable straps that thread through two metal rings. If you're unlucky enough to get into an accident, this style of boot is what you'd want to have on - although they aren't very pretty or comfortable.
Motocross Boots: While a pair of motocross boots aren't as stiff as a pair of ski boots, they're close. Designed for off-road racing, exploration or just crazy fun, this style of boot is manufactured with safety in mind. Comfort has to take a back seat, which is why the boots are so surprisingly stiff. They are usually knee-high and no higher, with the shin, heel and toe reinforced with plastic, steel or any number of composite materials.
Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself
Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in motorcycle boots. For example, will you use the motorcycle boots only for occasional riding or do you hit the trails every weekend?
You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.
| Have I used motorcycle boots before? |
| | If you have used motorcycle boots, work out what you did or didn't like about the motorcycle boots. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient. |
| Are these boots designed for motorcycle use? |
| | The heel on regular boots may be too long to allow solid control of the motorcycle; motorcycle boots look nearly identical in all other regards. |
| Do I need waterproof boots? |
| | Most serious motorcyclists find themselves riding through rain at some point - wet socks will make you miserable, although that can also be viewed as a badge of honour to some. |
| What sort of material do I like? |
| | Leather is the classic choice, but real leather is high-maintenance. A form of faux-leather might offer you the qualities you're looking for. |
| Where do I intend to ride? |
| | If you're riding off road and concerned about safety your choices are much more limited. If you do more street riding you shouldn't fall very often and can look for a boot that's comfortable as well as safe. |
| How much can I spend? |
| | Price is always an issue - make sure you set realistic limits for your budget. |
Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.
Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of motorcycle boots and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.
Video Links
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