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April 17, 2005
Looking for a Good Motorcycle Boot Style?
What makes a good Motorcycle Boot?
What makes a good motorcycle boot for you? Buying boots are a lot of times as much about fashion as it is about function. Everyone is different on their boot needs, so thankfully, there are a lot of brands and styles out there for everyone. If you’ve looked at bikers on the road, you’ll likely to see many of them wear different footwear. We’ve seen riders wearing everything from tennis shoes to combat boots to MX Pro Racing boots. Yet, we’ll start off the discussion focusing on your typical good quality leather boots from brands like Harley Davidson, Chippewa and Durango and some cross over brands like work boots by Caterpillar and Justin Boots.
Below, we’ve listed a little about different motorcycle boot attributes and features.
Color
Black leather seems to be the color choice for most riders, especially men. Yet don’t forget about brown! On of my personal favorite motorcycle boots are chestnut reddish brown by Frye boots. Some of the top selling women’s styles nationwide are shades of brown or distressed brown, but many of these are usually worn as a fashion or walking boot. See the great Frye Women’s style 77300.
Height
Usually most riders prefer a style that is at least 6” tall. This way the style provides some ankle protection. You may want to look for 6-inchers that offer an added ankle pad.
For added layering against cold wind, taller styles 12”, 15” and 17” are sometimes preferred. The height of the boot often is a good indication on how heavy the boot will feel overall as well. Some riders prefer a lighter feel for riding short distances (6” or 8” tall), while other riders prefer a heavier boot, giving them a little more stability and weight when riding (10 to 17” tall).
If you’re likely to be walking long distances when out riding, many riders prefer a shorter style that adds to walking. A heavier soled short style many times is a good compromise between tall and shorter styles.
Another consideration for taller styles (10 inches or taller) may help protect you as well. For example, covering up to your calves will offer some protection against flying pebbles and stones, bugs, and exhaust pipes.
Outsole
Almost all motorcycle styles come with rubber, durable outsoles that give riders traction and slip resistance protection. This is to give the rider extra footing in oil or stand or when coming to a complete stop so they do not tip over. Logger or Lug styles giver extra protection and Justin’s new Harness Boot comes with Kevlar outsoles (which is the same material they use for bullet proofing).
Another attribute that you will probably consider when looking at the outsole is thickness. Sometimes a deep, thick outsole can help absorb some vibration.
Leather
Leather boots can provide much greater protection than fabric tennis shoes or sporting shoes. Leather uppers may also help deflect flying debris and prevent burns. In small or minor accidents, leather boots may offer some protection for your feet from impact and abrasion.
Construction & Toes
Usually motorcycle boots are either square toed or rounder toed. Both are a matter of individual preference, with rounder toes providing a small amount of more room at the toe. Some styles even offer steel-toe protection, just like work boots.
The actual construction on how the top portion of the boot is attached to the bottom (or outsole) of the boot gives the boot its form and flexibility. Welted construction gives a rider a boot that is a bit stiffer and more stable. This construction will require a little break-in before a long ride. Cemented construction will usually give the boot more flexibility, allowing it to easily bend and flex in the middle of the boot.
Putting the Boots On
Many motorcycle boots offer different features for actually putting the boot on. For example some boot styles offer zippers, laces, buckles and even Velcro attaching. Options such as these offer some venting for your feet, but also give the rider the flexibility in fit tightness. Slip-on or zippered boots without laces are preferable for some riders so they avoid snagging their feet on a motorcycle part. Yet, others prefer zipper or laces to give them the flexibility to get the boot on and off and adjust the tightness.
Some Examples of Unique or Top Selling Current Styles
Motorcycle Boot with Flames
Logger Lug Sole Style Boot
Western Looking Biker Boot
Top Selling Harness Boot
Top Selling Engineer Boot
Top Comfort Style Motorcycle Boot
Visit BootBarn.com for our full range of current styles
Men's Styles
Women's Style
Posted by BootBarn Moderator at April 17, 2005 12:18 PM
Comments
ALL I want is a Harness Boot in OX-BLOOD!!!! Does anyone make a Harness boot in OX-BLOOD???? If you know of a manufacturer that does please e-mail me the info. Much Thanks in advance!
Posted by: Katherine Arnault at June 16, 2005 09:18 PM
Where can I find a store close to me, my zip is
92657 CA. thank you,
Posted by: Mary Vogel at July 7, 2005 09:17 AM
Hi Mary,
I don't know what city your zip code is in, however, here is a link to a list of our stores.
http://www.bootbarn.com/indexflatfile/store_locator.html
Thank you for your interest in Boot Barn.
Posted by: Moderator at July 7, 2005 01:33 PM
All I want is a boot that is wide enough. Every
time I find a style I like it only comes in
D width. Do you think everyone has a D with foot?
Posted by: lee at August 22, 2005 04:18 PM
Hi Lee,
Thank you for your comment. Some boots do not come in wide sizes and the boots listed on our website are usually what is available to us from our vendors. You can search for wide width boots on our website at the following link:
http://www.bootbarn.com/search.
Please let us know if you have anymore questions. Thank you for your interest in Bootbarn.com.
Posted by: Moderator at August 23, 2005 01:45 PM
Man, I have had the western style motorcycle boots for the longest time and taken countless trips with these pups and still not even a scuff. Fairly impressive I must admit considering the craziness that goes on practically every time I ride.
Would love to get my mits on those mad max looking ones on the bottom though!:)
Posted by: Brian at September 9, 2005 06:08 PM
I brought a pair of harness boots and a pair of laredo boots(for the mrs).Great boots a great fit,true to size.I live in the uk and the shipping and delivery were great.Thanks Bootsbarn we will be back!
Posted by: Ade at March 13, 2006 01:57 PM