Motorcycle Boots

During my first year of college I took a class with an older woman (who was probably 35 at the time) who was an emergency room nurse, and one day the topic of motorcycles came up. I had probably ridden my 1968 R60 to class and I was wearing my motorcycle jacket. Anyway, she proceeded to tell me how many motorcycle casualties she had seen, and that so many of the injuries were foot related. Stories about people wearing tennis shoes on motorcycles and almost losing their feet in an accident. Feet that had to be reconnected because the riders were wearing street shoes or rubber slippers. Well those stories stuck with me and I'll barely ride out of the driveway without my motorcycle boots on.

So what do you look for in a motorcycle boot? Like most other apparel items, look for safety and comfort. Safety features include steel toes, shin plates and non-skid soles. Comfort features to consider are warmth, waterproof, and can you walk in them. Remember, once you get to your destination, you may want to walk around and see more than the parking lot.

BMW makes a number of great boots. While you may get sticker shock from the price tag, they are worth the extra bucks. They're safe, waterproof, and you'll feel like you're wearing a pair of house slippers when you're walking on the street.

Racing boots are another story altogether. Racing boots are super rigid and and are not made for walking except for very short distances. They have a higher design that is wrapped around the foot and calf. If you doing any racing or off-road riding, consider getting a pair of racing motorcycle boots.