Boot Suggestions...

jay1227 · 03-22-2007, 12:14 AM

I need some boots, currently I'm using Sketcher type shoes as they meet my workplace's dress code.

I'm looking for some conservative looking boots that will protect my ankle in the event I go down and that will meet dress code.

This rules out the track boots, obviously.

Ive looked at the following:
A* Black Label Recon
Icon SuperDuty2
JR Mercury

And considered a few others that are similar...

What does everyone suggest I get? Ive heard iffy opinions on ICON, but am unsure of the quality and actual protection Ill get from the others.

Thanks for the advice in advance

TS80 · 03-22-2007, 12:28 AM

What is your workplace dress code?

jay1227 · 03-22-2007, 12:32 AM

Its officially Black Dress Shoes - but I work behind a counter at a retail store so its quite flexible but I cant get away with a raceboot stye... for instance, Timberland boots would work, but I would prefer motorcycle oriented footwear

GUTTERbOY · 03-22-2007, 12:37 AM

I bought a pair of these today at Cycle Gear. Only riddin in them a few miles, but they're first and foremost more comfortable for riding than the combat boots I'd been cruising in. I also wanted a boot that I could wear while riding to and from various stuff and it still look fairly "normal" under jeans. I had originally planned to check out something like the mid-height Doc Marten-looking things, but these were really comfortable and looked nice. Under jeans, the only visible "odd" part is the reinforced gear shift patch on either boot.

TS80 · 03-22-2007, 12:39 AM

What about something like the Sidi Way or Champion air.

Setup Pegaso is also very similar looking.

mtre23 · 03-22-2007, 10:47 AM

Here is a photo of both pairs ic Icon boots.. I am not sure what the big knock on Icon is, because I really like their products. These boots are awesome and I think I paid around $100 for the front pair, the heavy duty ones in back were about $150. I am pleased with the quality and fit.

MattR302 · 03-22-2007, 11:11 AM

if you're standing behind a counter for 8 hours straight, chances are you wont want to be wearing motorcycle boots anyways for that long. better off getting a decent pair of race-style boots, and either leaving a pair of "black dress shoes" at work to change in to when you get there, or take em with you in your backpack/tankbag/saddlebag. this way if you do ever take your bike out somewhere other than to work, you will have the extra protection.

i'm considering the Alpinestars SMX-R, Sidi B2, and Oxtar TCS Evo. Theyre all around $220, more than the others you were looking at, but in the event you do crash, they'll more than pay for themselves. Plus, since you wont be wearing them at work daily, they should last you a few years. Work a few extra hours and get the better boots.

NeekTav · 03-22-2007, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattR302

if you're standing behind a counter for 8 hours straight, chances are you wont want to be wearing motorcycle boots anyways for that long. better off getting a decent pair of race-style boots, and either leaving a pair of "black dress shoes" at work to change in to when you get there, or take em with you in your backpack/tankbag/saddlebag. this way if you do ever take your bike out somewhere other than to work, you will have the extra protection.

^^ I second that

RayOSV · 03-22-2007, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattR302

if you're standing behind a counter for 8 hours straight, chances are you wont want to be wearing motorcycle boots anyways for that long. better off getting a decent pair of race-style boots, and either leaving a pair of "black dress shoes" at work to change in to when you get there, or take em with you in your backpack/tankbag/saddlebag. this way if you do ever take your bike out somewhere other than to work, you will have the extra protection.

i'm considering the Alpinestars SMX-R, Sidi B2, and Oxtar TCS Evo. Theyre all around $220, more than the others you were looking at, but in the event you do crash, they'll more than pay for themselves. Plus, since you wont be wearing them at work daily, they should last you a few years. Work a few extra hours and get the better boots.

I third that.

The "low-top boots" just don't offer the protection. Bring shoes to change into.

olds_cool · 03-22-2007, 09:16 PM

These are not "race" or "sport" type boots, but it's what I wear:

http://www.leatherup.com/product.asp...DBiker%2DBoots

Plus they are comfortable as hell (in a good way).

oscarcolumbo · 03-22-2007, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattR302

if you're standing behind a counter for 8 hours straight, chances are you wont want to be wearing motorcycle boots anyways for that long. better off getting a decent pair of race-style boots, and either leaving a pair of "black dress shoes" at work to change in to when you get there, or take em with you in your backpack/tankbag/saddlebag. this way if you do ever take your bike out somewhere other than to work, you will have the extra protection.

i'm considering the Alpinestars SMX-R, Sidi B2, and Oxtar TCS Evo. Theyre all around $220, more than the others you were looking at, but in the event you do crash, they'll more than pay for themselves. Plus, since you wont be wearing them at work daily, they should last you a few years. Work a few extra hours and get the better boots.

i forth and fifth that

Shanling · 03-22-2007, 11:00 PM

SIDI boots are super comfortable!

TS80 · 03-23-2007, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtre23

I am not sure what the big knock on Icon is, because I really like their products.

The issue with Icon is that they focus more on fashion than comfort and protection.

I will personally never buy Icon unless they change. Their jackets do not fit snug, they're designed to be "loose", which is contradictory to good protection. They do not make a protective boot (little bits of plastic armor on a work boot is not protective). They do not make protective pants. They do not make jackets with zipper attachments for pants. They do not make any good gauntlet gloves. I've seen numerous Merc gloves ripped up from tame spills.

I don't have an issue with a particular product they make. But I do not like the direction the company takes. When the primary objective is rider protection instead of fashion I will gladly buy Icon.

Their products are good quality. They are good looking, nice colors, comfortable, just do not meet the needs of a serious rider.

The moment Icon makes a race boot, properly fitted clothing, and a quality gauntlet glove (none of that "bling edition" stuff), they will have my respect.

robert_s_hunter · 03-23-2007, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TS80

Until the primary objective is rider protection instead of fashion I will gladly buy Icon.

Uh, I think ya' meant WHEN, right? But, I agree completely.....

If your interest is in posing, Icon's got the gear. If you'd rather keep your body intact, go for something else.

Personally, I like these TourMaster WP Solution boots.....

Jtpaintball70 · 03-23-2007, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattR302

if you're standing behind a counter for 8 hours straight, chances are you wont want to be wearing motorcycle boots anyways for that long. better off getting a decent pair of race-style boots, and either leaving a pair of "black dress shoes" at work to change in to when you get there, or take em with you in your backpack/tankbag/saddlebag. this way if you do ever take your bike out somewhere other than to work, you will have the extra protection.

i'm considering the Alpinestars SMX-R, Sidi B2, and Oxtar TCS Evo. Theyre all around $220, more than the others you were looking at, but in the event you do crash, they'll more than pay for themselves. Plus, since you wont be wearing them at work daily, they should last you a few years. Work a few extra hours and get the better boots.

I'll agree to that. I used to ride my old 500R to work (I was working as a waiter at the time) and even with well broken in Icon boots, my feet were killing me by the end of my shift.