Evaluate how well Motorcycle Boots meets your needs and compare to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in motorcycle boots and you've learned about the different features of motorcycle boots. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of motorcycle boots - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the motorcycle boots available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare these short-listed motorcycle boots to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well Motorcycle Boots meet your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available motorcycle boots in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any motorcycle boots that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any motorcycle boots that clearly exceed your price limit.
Tip:
Just as you will find motorcycle riders who prefer jeans and muscle shirts to riding pants and jackets while on the road, you will also find riders who use sneakers or regular shoes instead of boots. This is a mistake, as motorcycle boots are made to protect the rider from the heat given off by the engine as well as to provide extra support in the event of a spill.
The safety factor dictates that there are certain types of boots that are more suited to specific types of riding than others. The real stand outs here are motocross boots and racing boots. Both types of boots are designed not only to protect against the injuries common to all types of motorcycle riding, but also to the specific needs of the two different sports.
Both motocross and racing boots are more rigidly constructed than other types of motorcycle boots. This stiffness is obtained either through the use of plastic or the use of double sewn leather. Motocross boots have this protection at the shin to protect against flying debris. The shaft opening of the boot is typically located vertically in order to provide easy step in for the rider.
Tip:
Racing boots and touring boots are very similar, the big differences being in style (specifically the colours available) and in the amount of protection.
The sole of the boot is one of the most critical areas, as it offers a level of security to the novice rider especially. Novice bike riders may experience some justified cases of nerves when they make stops in traffic or even out of traffic, especially in bad weather conditions. The sole of the shoe needs to be constructed of sticky rubber, which will allow for more traction when the feet are placed on the ground. In addition, an aggressive grip pattern in the sole will also minimize the chance of slipping.
It's a good idea to understand the water resistance of a boot. A boot that is “water repellent” is coated on the outside shell, which causes the water to bead up and roll off. A boot that is “water resistant” tries to lock water out with increased density (or a tighter weave). Any boot that incorporates both strategies will have a good chance of keeping your feet warm and dry.
After protection, style and comfort will be the primary concerns of most motorcycle riders. Leather is the material of choice for biking clothes for two reasons; it looks good and it is flexible, which is particularly important in longer types of boot such as engineer and harness style. The main difference between these two styles of boot is the securing system. Engineering boots use a set of four metal straps that are adjustable to lock the foot into place, while harness boots use only two straps which are not adjustable.
Tip:
The longer styles of boots can prove uncomfortable around the knee area when the leg is bent. In order to overcome this, a boot with a V cut at the top can be used, as long as you feel this is an appropriate style in your area.
Another comfort consideration is in the usefulness of the boot when off the bike. While bikers may have a reputation as doing nothing but riding machines around all day, many motorcycle riders use their machines for vacations and sightseeing as well as every day use around town. In these cases, a standard boot might not provide the best experience as they can be difficult to walk in. Lower cut boots, which resemble hiking boots, are becoming more popular as they are much easier to walk around in than traditional types. The problem with this type of boot is that it does not offer the back calf protection from the heat of the engine, nor the shin support in the event of a spill.
Tip:
Motorbike boots based on hiking boot models are not the best choice for distance traveling on a bike. The greater speeds used in distance traveling mean that a spill will be more severe and the rider will need the extra protection offered by a longer boot. In addition, the extended time on the bike means there is a greater chance for heat burn.
As far as lacing systems go, bikers have a variety of choices between boots with buckles, laces, straps, or a combination of these. The main difference is convenience and style; laces will make you feel more secure all the way up the leg, but they take a long time to do up. If you do decide to go with laces, pay attention to the ring configuration. Hooks and long motorcycle pants are a bad combination, so even if a few hooks at the top save you some time you might want to pass them by because they could easily catch the bottoms of your pants.
When you were considering your requirements in motorcycle boots it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as style, comfort, construction materials, fastening system and cost as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various motorcycle boots meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Types
- Harness
- Engineer - 10 to 38 inches in height
- Motocross - stiffer than other types
- Touring - 10 to 14 inches in height
- Racing
- Street shoe - casual, looks and feels like a hiking boot
Style
- Colour - brown, black, red, yellow, green
- Logo
- Embossing - emblem
- Studs - metal, leather
- Cut - low, V, high straight
- Height - 4 to 38 inches
Support
- Height - over ankle, over calf
- Securing - lacing to ankle, lacing to top, buckle over ankle, buckle around top, 2 to 6 straps, inner lacing system
- Materials - buckle, laces, velcro
- Lace holders - “D” rings, hooks
Protection and safety
- Materials - leather, steel, alloy, nylon mesh, rubber, plastic, composites
- Securing system - buckles, laces, combination
- Toe - hard rubber, steel toe
- Outsole - thick rubber
- Heel - steel shank, to 2 inches
- Shin - plates
- Waterproof/water resistant
- Oil proof
- Slip proof - grips on sole, sticky rubber
- Reflective piping
Comfort and ease of use
- Insole - fabric lining, wool lining, leather lining, texon
- Pull on straps
- Heel - walking
- Toe - J, square
- Shaft opening - lengthways, step in
- Sizes - 6 to 16 (men), 4 to 12 (women), varying sizes for kids
- Sole - moulded centre
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your motorcycle boots needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require in motorcycle boots.
Once you have finished evaluating the motorcycle boots available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the motorcycle boots one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well Motorcycle Boots compare with competing Motorcycle Boots
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of motorcycle boots that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of motorcycle boots that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which motorcycle boots on my short-list offers the best value for money?
Which of these motorcycle boots best meet my needs?
Which of my short-listed motorcycle boots has the best warranty?
Which motorcycle boots are the most comfortable to wear?
Which of the motorcycle boots seem of the highest quality?
Which motorcycle boots do I like best?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating motorcycle boots that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short-listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the motorcycle boots, you need to find an opportunity to examine the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well the motorcycle boots is put together. Check the assembly - are the motorcycle boots solidly constructed? It's also important to examine the motorcycle boots from the perspective of ease of wear. How easy are the motorcycle boots to clean? Are they comfortable? Make sure the motorcycle boots fit you physically, and that they are uncomplicated to get on and off - some motorcycle boots look great in the store, but unexpected problems will show up when you finally get your hands on them.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Fittings - visible, easy to use, accessible
- Size - appropriate for surroundings and purpose - fits user correctly
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy and comfortable to wear
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Parts and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one model compared to that offered with the next model up. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty, such as damage from an motorcycling accident.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Parts, Labour
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories and Extras
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what accessories are necessary to run the product to its full capacity, and whether these are included with the purchase. What other extras are required - do you need good quality socks, for instance?
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost?
- Compatibility issues - will it work with your existing products?
- What else will you need to fully utilize this product?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of motorcycle boots that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
Video Links
Buyz123.com Research Links:ReviewsReviews of motorcycle street bootsReviews of motorcycle sports/racing bootsReview of waterproof motorcycle boots