Are these shoes okay for MSF Basic RiderCourse? (with pictures!)

UME · 08-19-2008, 07:11 AM

Hi all. I'm brand new to the motorcycle world (and to this forum; this is my 1st post!

) and will be taking the MSF Basic RiderCourse in October. I live in Isla Vista, California.

...but I was wondering if you could help me.

I know that I'm required to wear "over-the-ankle leather boots."

I don't want to buy good motorcycle gears til when I get my bike (don't know when that'll be); so instead, I bought these basketball shoes today that cover my ankles for the riding sessions during the course.

I've searched online, but most of the information do not show exactly how high the shoes must be. (It especially becomes ambiguous for shoes like mine, that cover at least the bulky parts of the ankles.)
Please let me know whether or not they'll be okay for the course.

Black shoes are the ones I bought for riding, and white shoes are for comparison (just regular sneakers; not for riding).

#1: These are the shoes I bought for the riding sessions (made of synthetic leather material):
http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/1579/96937281pe9.jpg

#2: Just a little comparison of shoe heights between the two kinds:
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/7735/37585285qe2.jpg

#3: This photo is just to give you an idea of where exactly my ankles are:
http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/6599/66983546sb0.jpg

#4: Shoes for the course, worn by me:
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/6839/30416645zh3.jpg

#5: Ankle exposure compared with regular sneakers (not for riding):
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/8783/12192686ag6.jpg

#6: Overall view of riding shoes worn:
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/7382/64250760ti5.jpg

#7: From a higher angle (close to a person's perspective).
http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/7739/62199636cz4.jpg

I know it depends on each instructor, but what do you think?
Any feedback is appreciated.

Thanks!

P.S. I've read people recommending hiking shoes but I just bought these shoes today for $20... but if you all think these won't cut it, I'll try to return them and go find hiking shoes with higher-top. But my concern is that, are there hiking shoes appropriate for the course and still be as cheap? (Well, please ignore this part if you think my current black shoes are fine.)

leopwr · 08-19-2008, 07:58 AM

you should be ok, but like you said, it all depends on the instructor.
I took my Timberland's with me, and the were barely over my ankle.

Jim Moore · 08-19-2008, 08:05 AM

Those are probably OK for the course, but they would suck in a crash. Go buy some boots.

Dr. D Gas · 08-19-2008, 08:51 AM

They probably wouldnt kick you out but I would try and buy some different shoes just to be safe.

stevo_x · 08-19-2008, 09:22 AM

they dont care what type of shoe is worn as long as it covers the ankle.

RayOSV · 08-19-2008, 11:24 AM

I'd say they're marginal as they really don't cover your ankles.

fadlan12 · 08-19-2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevo_x

they dont care what type of shoe is worn as long as it covers the ankle.

+1
Glasses for eye protection, pants and long sleeve shirt. Enjoy the course, best $$ I've spent in a couple years.

edited to add gloves and helmet too (but they provided if you didn't have any)

Electrical_Tech · 08-19-2008, 11:47 AM

Requirements for our riding course was boots (not specifically riding boots) minimum 6" upper. High-top sneakers / shoes were not acceptable and they would not let you participate in the practical with them. They also did not recommend work boots (steel toe) either because of the bulkiness and lack of "feel" for the gear shift. I would guess that a hiking boot or similar would be minimum, but, regulations differ in each area. If you have signed up for the course, I would call the instructors and talk to them about minimum requirements.

mssdrider · 08-19-2008, 11:49 AM

um...as you say, depending on the instructor. i would return it and get something where it's not "marginal". You don't want to wait months for the MSF course and then get kicked out because the instructor doesn't think you shoes cover your ankles do you?

try Ross or Marshalls or something. They usually have fairly inexpensive high top boots...

Mandic1234 · 08-19-2008, 01:42 PM

thats weird because im from PA and ive been reading about our msf course and they provide the helmet, gloves, and a jacket, but im not sure about the boots. i'll probably just wear my hiking boots

acalliste · 08-19-2008, 02:30 PM

They don't look like they cover enough of your ankles to qualify. Get some work boots or something that comes up above your ankles if you aren't ready to invest money in any riding gear yet.

But when you start riding for real, get some riding boots.

bomma · 08-19-2008, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UME

.......

...but I was wondering if you could help me.

I know that I'm required to wear "over-the-ankle leather boots."

...They don't cover your ankles !

Just buy some 'high' jean boots that you can wear easily off the bike, and then buy proper bike boots when you get your bike and start riding regularly.

UME · 08-20-2008, 02:15 AM

Thanks everyone for your feedbacks.

I think I will return these basketball shoes to get some boots to be safe.

...but here's another question.

Rather than spending money to buy cheap boots just to get by the course and not wear them again because they don't offer as good of protection as riding boots, I'm thinking about just investing in inexpensive riding boots right now.

Do you think that's better? Or do you recommend waiting? If I wait, do you think the moto boots prices will come down later?

Like I said, I don't know when I'll get my bike, but it is most likely that I will get a fairly-new used sport bike of 250cc (probably an older Ninja) within this year or so.

I have a car, so riding is going to be more of a hobby (for the first few months, at least) and a skill I wish to gain, rather than everyday commute transportation and probably won't be riding in the rain or bad weather either.

Having that in mind, if you think I should go ahead and get riding boots now instead of cheaper hiking boots, which one of these pairs do you recommend for good protection and comfort (walking, etc), and also value? I'm more focusing on their protection because I know I will go down at least once in my first year. (I hope not, but it's most likely, right?)

I'm planning to just go with black boots, since I think they can't go wrong with any color of a bike I choose to get... right?

(I found this great online store from a sticky thread for new members; really informative!)

Alpinestars One-O-One Riding Shoes - $109.95

Shift Fuel Street Shoes - $99.95, but they don't have my size at this moment...

Joe Rocket Super Streetbike Boots - $161.99, a little expensive for me but they do have higher ankle coverage.

TCX SS Performance 2 Racing Boots - $179.99, expensive but good protection I assume?

The racing boots I put on here are the cheapest ones I found there.
I really don't know much about boots. I think the lower-top boots are okay but if you think it's worth the money to go with higher-top ones for the protection, please say so. But as mentioned, it's a little expensive considering how much I'll ride in the future... but hey, what do I know.

I appreciate your time reading this! Thanks a lot!!!

johnny_boy02 · 08-20-2008, 05:59 AM

I have the one-o-ones. After 2000 miles and tons of off the bike walking around they still look good and are showing no wear on the soles, the inside heals are a bit scuffed but no real damage. They are comfortable riding and walking. I got them for $69 at cycle gear. I just picked up a pair of A* SMX-4's($149) for longer rides and will keep the one-o-ones for around town and work.

I really like them and will buy a new pair when these wear out.