What kind of riding shoes/boots do you wear?

WOLFCHIEF · 05-23-2007, 10:24 AM

I am curious about what kinds of shoes or boots you all ride with. My work boots are to damn big and bulky and hard to fit the toe in under the shifter and makes shifting very difficult, but they are best in cool/cold weather riding. Tennis/running shoes feel great for around town, but get out on the open road for 40 or more miles and it kills the arches on my feet. Now I am getting out of bed and its a pain to walk because the arches hurt so damn bad.
I've been seeing these new riding shoes, like Alpinestars advertised in magazines..........like hell I am going to fork out $150 or more for riding shoes.

What works best for under 50 bucks????

flblackbird · 05-23-2007, 10:32 AM

Chief, reposition your feet so you're riding w\the balls of your feet on the pegs, better control & your arches won't be bothering u.

WOLFCHIEF · 05-23-2007, 10:47 AM

I am always changing feet positions on the pegs, but have to shift and brake with arches on the pegs. Maybe this is only a problem with taller/long legged people. Having the arches on the pegs make it the most comfortable position for my long legs.

flblackbird · 05-23-2007, 11:00 AM

I'm 6' tall w\a 34" inseam, using the balls of your feet on the pegs & holding the tank w\your knees makes a world of difference over the arches on the pegs, for me anyway.

WOLFCHIEF · 05-23-2007, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flblackbird

I'm 6' tall w\a 34" inseam, using the balls of your feet on the pegs & holding the tank w\your knees makes a world of difference over the arches on the pegs, for me anyway.

We are the same height and inseam. Maybe since I am sitting on a Corbin seat, which does sit lower than a factory seat, has alot to do with leg comfort. Think I just need a running shoe with a work boot sole!!!

flblackbird · 05-23-2007, 11:12 AM

I actually wear leather Puma "racing" knockoffs. Just can't wear boots in Florida.

Toynut · 05-23-2007, 12:22 PM

Wolf, Don't trade comfort for safety.

Try a pair of Oxstar Matrix boots. You will be pleasantly surprised at how comfortable they are, on or off the bike.
Newenough.com has them as do other retailers. They are cut very nicely for wider feet and are also Gortex lined. They are also extremely popular with the FJR crowd (no razzing , please).

Oxtar Matrix 2 Gore-Tex Motorcycle Boots :: New Enough Motorcycle Apparel

testrider · 05-23-2007, 12:31 PM

Good riding boots take a while to break in before they become comfortable. I wear a pair of Alpinestar SMX boots everyday to/from work and the same pair go with me on 500 miles day, multi-day ride.

scottsxx · 05-23-2007, 12:34 PM

[quote=Toynut;20617]Wolf, Don't trade comfort for safety.

Try a pair of Oxstar Matrix boots. You will be pleasantly surprised at how comfortable they are, on or off the bike.
Newenough.com has them as do other retailers. They are cut very nicely for wider feet and are also Gortex lined. They are also extremely popular with the FJR crowd (no razzing , please).

Oxtar Matrix 2 Gore-Tex Motorcycle Boots :: New Enough Motorcycle Apparel[/quote

I'll second the recommendation on the Oxtar Goretex boots. My pair is approaching 4 years old and 100,000 miles of riding. Very comfortable and truely waterproof. When I'm touring, it's the only footwear that a need. I walked many a miles in these boots and never had a comfort ptoblem.
Bite the bullet and buy a good pair of boots.......they'll last you for years and probably cheaper in the long run.

Taetor · 05-23-2007, 12:53 PM

I'm a matrix guy too, don't skimp on your feet- get some good safe boots to wear on the road, your shins & ankles will thank you if the worst were to happen.

CanadianBird · 05-24-2007, 1:51 PM

Frank Thomas riding boots but mostly in my DAYTON BOOTS - Makers of the finest Motorcycle Boots and Casual Footwear in the World I like the added height but they tend to be heavy.

onefootdown · 05-24-2007, 10:00 PM

Prexport 539WP- the WP means waterproof, and they are.
Oxtar SS Performance-better protection than the Prexports, slightly more comfy for long trips, but not completely waterproof. Cooler in hot weather.

Got the Oxtars new on ebay for $60 US
Paid $120 CDN for the Prexports.
Both extremely comfortable well made boots, like the Italians always do.

Wolfchief, try your best not to ride in workboots, there are great boots on ebay for decent prices. Go to a shop and try some on and find one that fits.
Snug is good at first, good boots will stretch slightly. After they do, add top quality insoles or have orthotics made.

I won't even ride around the block without my boots on. Just doesn't feel right.

haWHYnXX · 05-25-2007, 2:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onefootdown

I won't even ride around the block without my boots on. Just doesn't feel right.

Haven't gone without boots since the late 80's - watched my brother go down after getting his laces all tangled up with the peg. We were in a cage behind him that my now sister-in-law was driving - she came within inches of running him over.

I currently ride with a very comfortable pair of Cortech boots.

rockpaperscisso · 05-25-2007, 3:18 AM

My vote is for Gaurne. Very comfortable and great protection. Not the best for wearing around walking but feel wonderful on the bike.

a little pricey though

WOLFCHIEF · 05-25-2007, 10:00 AM

[quote=scottsxx;20619]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toynut

Wolf, Don't trade comfort for safety.

Try a pair of Oxstar Matrix boots. You will be pleasantly surprised at how comfortable they are, on or off the bike.
Newenough.com has them as do other retailers. I'll second the recommendation on the Oxtar Goretex boots. My pair is approaching 4 years old and 100,000 miles of riding. Very comfortable and truely waterproof. When I'm touring, it's the only footwear that a need. I walked many a miles in these boots and never had a comfort ptoblem.
Bite the bullet and buy a good pair of boots.......they'll last you for years and probably cheaper in the long run.

That is one high dollar bullet that I am not about to bite nor can afford to bite. I have been checking out all of your recomendations, especially on ebay to save a few bucks. Go figure....been riding for 27 years now and last year I started feeling discomfort in my arches. Must be a sign that I'm getting old......LOL!!!

r2t2 · 07-03-2007, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WOLFCHIEF

That is one high dollar bullet that I am not about to bite nor can afford to bite. I have been checking out all of your recomendations, especially on ebay to save a few bucks. Go figure....been riding for 27 years now and last year I started feeling discomfort in my arches. Must be a sign that I'm getting old......LOL!!!

Yeah getting older sucks... What size shoe/boot do you wear??? I just got the Oxtar Matrix 2s and really luv 'em a lot. I do have an old pair of Alpinestar street boots (I forget the model name) and a pair of Gaerne ST Dry Riders, both in Euro size 45 (US 10 1/2) . They're worn , but still quite serviceable and I'd let either of them go for a pittance...

One other thing I found that helps immensely is a good insole. I just picked up a pair of Sole heat moldable footbeds. They're kinda pricey compared to Dr. Scholls, but far less expensive than Surefeet customs andthe work like a charm. SOLE Custom Footbeds // Products // yoursole.com

ConqSoft · 07-03-2007, 11:31 AM

I finally replaced my 4 year old Sidi's with a new pair of Sidi Typhoons. The old ones still had some life in them, but it was time for a new pair. Love the Sidi quality and value. They're the most comfortable boots I've ever owned.

WOLFCHIEF · 07-03-2007, 11:35 AM

If only my 11 to 11.5 feet were a tad bit smaller. Thanx for the generous offer. I'll try these footbeds.....My feet were hurtin' bad last night, standing room only at a Smashing Pumpkins concert. Thanx for the tip!!!

slyxdevil · 07-05-2007, 1:25 PM

i gott same problem cheif. my arches kill me im 6 foot 6 tall 34 inseam.
after an hour forget it. im always changing foot posistion. what helped alot is buell pegs as i have corbin seat too. now 2 hours before feet hurt bad. i have oxstar boots cant wear hurt my feet im sure if i can get past break in point they will be fine they look like wrestling shoe/boot as of now cant wear for more then half hour anyone have a boot strecther?

Birdman · 07-06-2007, 10:44 PM

sidi Vertigo Corsa Boots

doctors said if i wasnt wearing similar boots when i crashed in 1999 i wouldnt have a left foot now

bry641 · 08-14-2007, 4:43 PM

i ride with sidi corsa aswell really are soooooo comfortable. i am lookin for a good pair of paddock shoes for nipping down to shops and stuff

trkracer · 10-31-2007, 5:16 PM

Yes good gear costs dough, but you just have to be persistent and keep checking sites. I got a pair of new Joe Rocket Hard Drive boots (msrp $270) for $75 at newenough in the bargain bin. Dennis Kirk offers some heavy discounts as well. Trouble is they're usually only for certain sizes, etc. You just have to keep checking and checking and then if your number comes up, snag 'em while you can. They do make a lot of difference but I can feel ya' on the spending hundreds.

cbr1100xxflame · 10-31-2007, 8:08 PM

Big 5 has steel toe work boots that zip up on the inside. 29.95 best pair I have ever owned.

hayseed20 · 10-31-2007, 8:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by testrider

Good riding boots take a while to break in before they become comfortable. I wear a pair of Alpinestar SMX boots everyday to/from work and the same pair go with me on 500 miles day, multi-day ride.

amen to the SMX i love em they were kinda pricey at about 167$ but well worth it. cortech makes some good boots too

monsieurnet · 10-31-2007, 11:15 PM

WC for general riding I have a pair of alpinestar ridge boots.
they are waterproof, comfortable and are on sale/ closeout everywhere.
you can pick up a pair for 109 at ridegear, or check on ebay, you can probably pick up a pair cheaper.
I wear a size 11 nike running shoe, and I wear 10.5 alpinestar boots.

I do think based on 2 friends who went down in running shoes, (read busted ankles and pi