Motorcycle boots... - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

brk_05 · 06-08-2007, 01:39 PM

So I finally got a good pair of boots to ride with. Couldn't find any in stores/dealerships around here so finally ordered a pair of Joe Rocket Orbit's from Newenough.com. Not smart, I know, but I was previously just wearing sneakers when I was riding. My first impressions after going for a decent ride yesterday with the boots on.... I HATE THEM! I'm sure it will just take some getting used to but I hate the numb feeling. I just don't feel as connected with the bike (shifting and braking). It also seems difficult to get the boot under the shifter to upshift.

Anyone else have similar issues or suggestions for me. I will continue to wear the boots to be safe even though I am not crazy about them. I guess I gotta just get them broken in and get use to the different feel. This probably would not have been as big of a deal if I did things right in the first place and got the boots before the bike. Oh well, hindsight is 20/20 as they say.

wookie · 06-08-2007, 01:49 PM

It just takes a little getting used to it.

I hated the SIDI Vertigo boots when I first bought them. Now I don't ride without them. I even bought another identical pair because I've worn through the first pair.

Barbarian · 06-08-2007, 03:14 PM

I've got a pair of Daytons myself... Five years old and they still look like new.

SNAFU · 06-08-2007, 04:09 PM

Adjust your shift and brake levers if you can.

You'll adjust to them and you'll be glad you had them on if ever you need them.

**Clint** · 06-08-2007, 06:32 PM

Just like wearing a helmet, and a seatbelt, and a jacket, and pants, boots are necessary for my mental comfort now that I'm used to wearing them. If I ride in athletic shoes I can't stop thinking about how much of my ankles will be ground off in a crash.

Your choice was good. As long as they fit well, you're much more protected.

peter-reebok · 06-08-2007, 06:50 PM

Because I have always worn decent boots - I still have one and a half feet.

Would have one foot only without the good quality boots I was wearing when I was hit by an 18 wheeler.

The boots will get more supple as they wear.

allan4169 · 06-08-2007, 10:42 PM

I wear a pair of boots that I bought where I buy my safety boots for work from. They are like a SWAT boot. They are made by Bates. Same people who made the Durashock boots. Eight inch high boot, laces as well as a zipper, Gore-tex lining, extra padding on the outside of the boot around the ankle. A wide base on the heel to keep your ankle away from the deck if you go down. It's slightly soft on the top of the toe as I like to feel the gear shift and you can feel how hard you are pushing down on the brake pedal. An aggressive bottom on the boot with a good amount of lugs. Not too heavy and comfortable to spend the day in. Stck # 02601 if that helps.Great boot.

kbsnow · 06-08-2007, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

Just like wearing a helmet, and a seatbelt

Didn't know the Bandit came with seatbelts now.

**inspiron** · 06-09-2007, 08:55 AM

I just picked up a new pair of "Daytona Touring Star GTX" boots - Daytona boots are hand-made in Germany, and therefore not the least expensive you can get...

(Okay, I paid EUR 219 for them, but I'll get about EUR 20 back from the VAT refund).

The boots have a GoreTex GTX liner, so they are waterproof and able to "breathe". They are remarkably comfortable - I bought them on Saturday, and wore them for a 2-hour ride later that day, then all day for a rider-training course (8 hours course plus 2 hours ride home), and am totally happy with them.

blackie1491 · 06-09-2007, 11:21 PM

Clint has a seatbelt on his bike!!
Next it will be an airbag!!!!!

kay · 06-10-2007, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackie1491

Clint has a seatbelt on his bike!!
Next it will be an airbag!!!!!

And then, a roll bar cage!!!!

BTW, I've been saved from crashing my ankle on several occasions too. These boots are a must for me.

**inspiron** · 06-10-2007, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackie1491

Clint has a seatbelt on his bike!!
Next it will be an airbag!!!!!

That's not a nice way to talk about Jolene...

brk_05 · 06-11-2007, 10:19 AM

Thanks for all the replies everyone. As I figured, I just needed to get used to them. Did about 220 miles this weekend and the feel great now. I think I also had them a little too tight the first time. It was difficult to move my ankle. I still have them plenty tight enough that they are not going to come off if I dump the bike, but have a little more play in my ankle to shift/brake. The only other boots I'm used to wearing are ski boots so I used the mentality of get them tight as humanly possible, haha. Wrong on my part.

Wuby The Wabbit · 06-12-2007, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wookie

It just takes a little getting used to it.

I hated the SIDI Vertigo boots when I first bought them. Now I don't ride without them. I even bought another identical pair because I've worn through the first pair.

I love my SIDI's I have the SCS I think thats what its called, (sole changin system) I have my dirt bik soles on now, but when I get a bike Ill prolly put the slicker street bike soles on.

MOTOHOLIC! · 06-13-2007, 02:21 PM

I guess it does take time to get used to them.

JmalB · 06-14-2007, 04:36 AM

I just use my work boots. Steel toe, over the ankle. My newest pair, which are ESD rated and flat soled, don't like my bike as much. Cost me nothing every 2yrs thru work.

Apertureguy · 06-14-2007, 06:23 AM

I wear nice comfortable, over the ankle, cheap as they come workboot which I got at some department store I don't even know how many years ago.

They're great, waterproof and warm as I need them to be. I think they cost me about twenty bucks.

RebelFlag · 06-15-2007, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNAFU

Adjust your shift and brake levers if you can.

You'll adjust to them and you'll be glad you had them on if ever you need them.

Is there a way to adjust the stock shift lever on the 07 M50? I looked and did not see a way. I could use some extra room between the peg and the shifter. I think I am going to have to go to the floorboards and heel/toe shifter which I am used to from other bikes, or find a set of peg that are smaller. Any suggestions?

raycogxxx · 06-15-2007, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RebelFlag

Is there a way to adjust the stock shift lever on the 07 M50? I looked and did not see a way. I could use some extra room between the peg and the shifter. I think I am going to have to go to the floorboards and heel/toe shifter which I am used to from other bikes, or find a set of peg that are smaller. Any suggestions?

I had same prob. installed a set of Küryakyn Dually ISO-Pegs, the way they are set up it gives me about an inch of extra room. Around $50-$60 for the pegs and $10 -$20 for tha adapters.

devilboy26 · 06-16-2007, 10:59 PM

I am been using HD Boots with Zippers up both sides so you nver have to untie them. These are steel toe ,heel and fantastic support. They are warm in winter down to 40 F with gym socks and cool in 90 florida heat.
They wear like iron and are a must wear like any other safety equipment.
You can raise the shift lever by undoing nut, sliding shift lever off and moving it up one notch or so...
I bought them at Shoebuy.com, no shipping, no tax and often have 15-20% off coupons on line. They also let you return them at their expense.
Try em on at a Hardley dealer and buy them from Shoe Buy. mine were about $80 delivered vs 149 in harley store.
Harley-Davidson Havoc - Black - Free Shipping & Return Shipping
also waterproof!!
coupons here:
Shoebuy.com Discount Coupon Codes, Shoebuy.com Discount Codes
Ride safe!!!

06-08-2007, 01:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
brk_05 Newbie Joined: May 2007 Bike: '06 Suzuki GS500F Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 15	Motorcycle boots... So I finally got a good pair of boots to ride with. Couldn't find any in stores/dealerships around here so finally ordered a pair of Joe Rocket Orbit's from Newenough.com. Not smart, I know, but I was previously just wearing sneakers when I was riding. My first impressions after going for a decent ride yesterday with the boots on.... I HATE THEM! I'm sure it will just take some getting used to but I hate the numb feeling. I just don't feel as connected with the bike (shifting and braking). It also seems difficult to get the boot under the shifter to upshift. Anyone else have similar issues or suggestions for me. I will continue to wear the boots to be safe even though I am not crazy about them. I guess I gotta just get them broken in and get use to the different feel. This probably would not have been as big of a deal if I did things right in the first place and got the boots before the bike. Oh well, hindsight is 20/20 as they say.

06-08-2007, 01:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
wookie U.B's LoveChild Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: '05 SV650S; '05 GSX-R600;'04 749S Location: 20 Miles East of LA Posts: 1,235	It just takes a little getting used to it. I hated the SIDI Vertigo boots when I first bought them. Now I don't ride without them. I even bought another identical pair because I've worn through the first pair. __________________ "Don't wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty and the pigs love it." "Don't argue with idiots. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience." "The Universe is a contest between engineers making things idiot-proof and God making bigger idiots. So far, God is winning by a wide margin."

06-08-2007, 04:09 PM	#4 (permalink)
SNAFU Leaned over, knee down Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: '06 M50 Black Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 4,876	Adjust your shift and brake levers if you can. You'll adjust to them and you'll be glad you had them on if ever you need them. __________________

06-09-2007, 08:55 AM	#9 (permalink)
inspiron Muscle Biker Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Blue Suzuki GSX 1400 (2003) Location: Canton Basel-Land, Switzerland (47.4493, 7.76536) Posts: 11,947	I just picked up a new pair of "Daytona Touring Star GTX" boots - Daytona boots are hand-made in Germany, and therefore not the least expensive you can get... (Okay, I paid EUR 219 for them, but I'll get about EUR 20 back from the VAT refund). The boots have a GoreTex GTX liner, so they are waterproof and able to "breathe". They are remarkably comfortable - I bought them on Saturday, and wore them for a 2-hour ride later that day, then all day for a rider-training course (8 hours course plus 2 hours ride home), and am totally happy with them. __________________ There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe blog: gsx1400

06-13-2007, 02:21 PM	#15 (permalink)
MOTOHOLIC! Sit speling cheker Joined: Sep 2006 Bike: don't have one Location: Eastern Kentucky Posts: 1,747	I guess it does take time to get used to them. __________________ One person with commitment is worth a hundred who have only an interest.

06-08-2007, 03:14 PM	#3 (permalink)
Barbarian Kickstand Operator Joined: Jun 2007 Bike: 2006 Suzuki Bandit 650S w/ABS Location: Montreal Posts: 299	I've got a pair of Daytons myself... Five years old and they still look like new.

06-08-2007, 06:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
peter-reebok Wants Better Weather Joined: Oct 2006 Bike: was Suzuki M50 - Now M109 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 672	Because I have always worn decent boots - I still have one and a half feet. Would have one foot only without the good quality boots I was wearing when I was hit by an 18 wheeler. The boots will get more supple as they wear.

06-08-2007, 10:42 PM	#7 (permalink)
allan4169 Seat Tester Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 2001 Suzuki 1200 BanditS Location: Los Angeles (ex Aussie) Posts: 57	I wear a pair of boots that I bought where I buy my safety boots for work from. They are like a SWAT boot. They are made by Bates. Same people who made the Durashock boots. Eight inch high boot, laces as well as a zipper, Gore-tex lining, extra padding on the outside of the boot around the ankle. A wide base on the heel to keep your ankle away from the deck if you go down. It's slightly soft on the top of the toe as I like to feel the gear shift and you can feel how hard you are pushing down on the brake pedal. An aggressive bottom on the boot with a good amount of lugs. Not too heavy and comfortable to spend the day in. Stck # 02601 if that helps.Great boot.

06-09-2007, 11:21 PM	#10 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,247	Clint has a seatbelt on his bike!! Next it will be an airbag!!!!!

06-11-2007, 10:19 AM	#13 (permalink)
brk_05 Newbie Joined: May 2007 Bike: '06 Suzuki GS500F Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 15	Thanks for all the replies everyone. As I figured, I just needed to get used to them. Did about 220 miles this weekend and the feel great now. I think I also had them a little too tight the first time. It was difficult to move my ankle. I still have them plenty tight enough that they are not going to come off if I dump the bike, but have a little more play in my ankle to shift/brake. The only other boots I'm used to wearing are ski boots so I used the mentality of get them tight as humanly possible, haha. Wrong on my part.

06-14-2007, 06:23 AM	#17 (permalink)
Apertureguy Throttle Jockey Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 Location: New York Posts: 3,185	I wear nice comfortable, over the ankle, cheap as they come workboot which I got at some department store I don't even know how many years ago. They're great, waterproof and warm as I need them to be. I think they cost me about twenty bucks.

06-16-2007, 10:59 PM	#20 (permalink)
devilboy26 In Training Joined: Oct 2006 Bike: 2008 Victory Vision Tour Premium Steel Grey Location: Central Florida Posts: 147	I am been using HD Boots with Zippers up both sides so you nver have to untie them. These are steel toe ,heel and fantastic support. They are warm in winter down to 40 F with gym socks and cool in 90 florida heat. They wear like iron and are a must wear like any other safety equipment. You can raise the shift lever by undoing nut, sliding shift lever off and moving it up one notch or so... I bought them at Shoebuy.com, no shipping, no tax and often have 15-20% off coupons on line. They also let you return them at their expense. Try em on at a Hardley dealer and buy them from Shoe Buy. mine were about $80 delivered vs 149 in harley store. Harley-Davidson Havoc - Black - Free Shipping & Return Shipping also waterproof!! coupons here: Shoebuy.com Discount Coupon Codes, Shoebuy.com Discount Codes Ride safe!!!

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