Bike Ankle Boots - Thoughts Please

[Frosties]

As per title fellas, does anyone wear purpose built motorbike ankle boots as per linky below.


http://getgearedforbikers.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/AS-Fastback-Riding-Shoes-GetGearedGoodies.html?leadsource=ggd1404&utm_campaign=ggd1404&utm_medium=VDFB&utm_topic=ASFASTBACK


How do you all find them?


Do you feel safe or vulnerable?


Itching for a pair similar to link, not sure which ones but I suppose I need some feedback before splashing out!


Cheers in advance 

[keithfzs1000]

have a pair of hand made leather alt-bergs ankle boots ride all the time in them i feel a lot more comfy on and especially off the bike but then the acid test is if i take a tumble or a stone etc  hits my shin lol as also ride in dragging jeans

[noggythenog]

You know what frosties i had the very same thought about an hour ago as i need some new boots.


Part of me says that the need for massive boots is mainly hype....although i personally feel that obviously boots will protect more of the body.....biking is a compromise between comfort & protection.


I think boots also have allot to do with my discomfort with lots of bikes and pegs as i dont have enough flex to comfortably change gear & it becomes a forced effort instead of a natural movement.


All that being said...i think i'll only consider leather bootlets...those ones look a bit too much fabric for my liking.

[darrsi]

I used to, but only ever wear boots all the time now anyway, so why not buy a pair of boots that can be worn for general use off the bike as well?


My favourite boots so far have been 5.11 A.T.A.C.
The most comfortable boots i've ever worn, no breaking in, always look smart and great on the bike, plus they are ultra light in weight.
I just bought a new pair but haven't even opened the box yet as my old ones i've had for years still have life left in them!
They do a waterproof "A.T.A.C. Storm" version as well.


http://www.polimil.co.uk/511-atac-8-inch-side-zip-boot.html

[Mattsplat]

I wear HG stunt boots for just blasting around my local roads and if there's no sign of rain.

Tough mofo boots!

[noggythenog]

They look good Mattsplat


Oh ye

[Frosties]

You've both got the same similar thoughts/reservations as me. I've always worn proper bike boots (TCX Infinity) and worry about the reduced protection in an off!! Hadn't thought about stones flying about as Keith mentioned.


Agree that the link i put up is not the best choice and would also go for full leather if i decide to go for it. Maybe these or better....


http://www.infinitymotorcycles.com/product/spada-icon-waterproof-boots/2453


Just can't decide!!


Like those Matt, but as you say for just local blasting. I don't need new boots, my TCX's were new at Christmas..........I just fancy a slightly more casual boot.

[mickvp]

I have a set of Hein Gericke ankle boots (I struggle to find boots which fit my calf size). Fully waterproof goretex, and very comfy.

Ive never had to test their abilities though, but I dont feel unsafe in them as what small piece there is on the ankle is still fairly rigid.

[noggythenog]

Ok just a pic as a n example but who knows what the sticky out bits on the back of boots are for?????


Full length plus some of these stunt boots have them.


Here's my theory .....they protrude out the back creating a high spot so that if you're sliding on your back then the high spot wears down instead of your calf muscle?????




But could they also not catch on the road & try to rip your foot off????

[noggythenog]

Those spadas look good frosties....nice price too.

[ChristoT]

Ok just a pic as a n example but who knows what the sticky out bits on the back of boots are for?????

Full length plus some of these stunt boots have them.

Here's my theory .....they protrude out the back creating a high spot so that if you're sliding on your back then the high spot wears down instead of your calf muscle?????

But could they also not catch on the road & try to rip your foot off????

If you're going down the road on your back, your legs tend to ragdoll, and lightly bounce after you.

I'm guessing it's more for looks, and maybe a minute aerodynamic advantage on super sports. It could also be impact resistant (as if you're ever going to hit the deck calf first...).

[mickvp]

I think its just a looks/aerodynamics thing mostly. My RST Tractech full length boots had exactly the same thing.

[noggythenog]

I think its just a looks/aerodynamics thing mostly. My RST Tractech full length boots had exactly the same thing.

Ue they're the same boots i've got.....i wasnt wearing them when i crashed but i have had a couple close calls in them & it always tends to be the toe area that gets damaged.


As seen i need new ones, the sole is coming off from where it hit the tarmac but im glad i wasnt wearing trainers.


I've got no damage on any of the upper parts of my boots...hence i reckon i could get by without them.

[bigralphie]

i have oxtar jupiter boots ,I tend to wear them with jeans if I take the bike to work
they are also good as a general casual boot at bike meets , very comfortable
I wear proper race boots most of the time though

[Frosties]

Ok then, so apart from Keith and stumpy leg Mick    everyone seems to be in the same boat as me...........happy to wear them local (or the idea of) buuuuuuuuut still revert to (or feel safer with) full on boots for normal riding.


Darrsi - what made you switch from shorties to full on boots?? Accident or the security feeling?

[noggythenog]

Aha mr frosties........but statistically you are more likely to have an off close to home whilst stoogying about....id agree with that.......all the times I've been on a decent, long rideout i haven't felt in the slightest danger....after 50 miles i feel nice & relaxed & more capable..,the tyres are warm & the brakes are working a treat......i am concentrating harder too whilst pushing on.




The local bimble argument is worthy in the sense of it is easy to just chuck stuff on like jeans but not on the protection stakes....unless you only do 20mph

[midden]

Ok just a pic as a n example but who knows what the sticky out bits on the back of boots are for?????

Full length plus some of these stunt boots have them.

Here's my theory .....they protrude out the back creating a high spot so that if you're sliding on your back then the high spot wears down instead of your calf muscle?????

But could they also not catch on the road & try to rip your foot off????

If you're going down the road on your back, your legs tend to ragdoll, and lightly bounce after you.

I'm guessing it's more for looks, and maybe a minute aerodynamic advantage on super sports. It could also be impact resistant (as if you're ever going to hit the deck calf first...).

Can't imagine anything of mine bouncing lightly
   I'd see ankle boots as for short easy going journeys like  to the shops

[darrsi]

Ok then, so apart from Keith and stumpy leg Mick    everyone seems to be in the same boat as me...........happy to wear them local (or the idea of) buuuuuuuuut still revert to (or feel safer with) full on boots for normal riding.


Darrsi - what made you switch from shorties to full on boots?? Accident or the security feeling?

Combination of being on the bike and doing a lot of lifting at work so i'm s'posed to wear safety boots anyway.
I only tend to buy what are primarily special forces boots which are usually hard wearing but mega lightweight and are ridiculously comfortable straight out of the box.
You pay a bit more than normal but they're worth every penny.
I've got about 6 pairs of boots at the moment which all seem to have their own special purpose, ie: one pair is good in icy conditions, another is exceptional in hot weather, another is particularly waterproof, etc.
But the main thing is that they're all lightweight and extremely comfortable which is paramount to me as i'm legging it about all day lifting film equipment, and i'd rather just ride in and then get on with my work rather than messing about with changing footwear.
I do have full height bike boots as well which i'll use when i know it's gonna be pissing down, so they did get used a lot in the recent monsoon weather.

[bigralphie]

+1
Comfort off the bike
My Oxtars are as comfy as a pair of trainers but hopefully better than trainers in a tumble

[His Dudeness]

I came off and my leg got pinned between the swingarm and a wall. I was at a weird angle so I couldn't lift the bike off my leg and had to wait for someone to come along and lift it off me. The weight of the bike was on my leg above my ankle so I was glad I was wearing full length boots! Personally I wouldn't wear the short ones. All they're protecting is your feet

[darrsi]

I came off and my leg got pinned between the swingarm and a wall. I was at a weird angle so I couldn't lift the bike off my leg and had to wait for someone to come along and lift it off me. The weight of the bike was on my leg above my ankle so I was glad I was wearing full length boots! Personally I wouldn't wear the short ones. All they're protecting is your feet

You are right of course, but if you read into every possible bad scenario then nobody would even ride a bike, as it's a dangerous thing to do.
It often makes me wonder when i see police forces in hotter climates (America for instance) wearing just a short sleeved shirt on their bikes and an open faced helmet, it kind of throws the unwritten rule book out of the window as far as safety is concerned.

[Kosmic Kartman]

IMPO they look the mutts nuts and I've often thought about buying a pair. Then I think back to most of the offs I've had and I've been glad I've always had a on strong bike boots the protect my shins. A knock on the shin fockin hurts even with calf length bike boots on. That area of the body is pretty vulnerable if you have an accident so it's an area I'd want to protect. Footwear with laces wouldn't be a choice I'd go with either unless I knew the the laces wouldn't get caught on foot pegs or foot operated levers.

I've ridden around in t-shirt, jeans and trainers before but I've been aware of what I'm wearing and ridden at a speed that's appropriate with the PPE I'm wearing... ie I wouldn't wear trainers on a LoFo ride out.

With regard to coppers in the states and others that ride around wearing shorts or t-shirts the choice is theirs.

[mickvp]

the tongue on my ankle length boots is twice the length than normal kosmic, and it folds back over the laces and velcroes down to stop the laces being shown/getting caught

[Kosmic Kartman]

the tongue on my ankle length boots is twice the length than normal kosmic, and it folds back over the laces and velcroes down to stop the laces being shown/getting caught

"Footwear with laces wouldn't be a choice I'd go with either unless I knew the the laces wouldn't get caught on foot pegs or foot operated levers."

Well done that man 

[Frosties]

IMPO they look the mutts nuts and I've often thought about buying a pair. Then I think back to most of the offs I've had and I've been glad I've always had a on strong bike boots the protect my shins. A knock on the shin fockin hurts even with calf length bike boots on. That area of the body is pretty vulnerable if you have an accident so it's an area I'd want to protect.

Think Kosmic has sealed it for me.........look great, idea great, probably dead comfy - but "what if". All my other gear is built around the "what if" / "damage limitation" scenario so going to stick with me TCX's.


Cheers for the advice fellas, been interesting & good feedback again