High rise boots vs low rise footwear

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conundrum said:
Like others have said, companies will make whatever they feel they can sell/people will buy, hence the 'shoe' style riding 'boots'. I normally go by the fact that if the pros at MotoGP wouldn't be caught dead wearing something, then it's likely made more for image than actual protection from a crash/slide (with the exception of various armour products more suited to an impact on the road vs a slide on a track).

Also to add I just picked up a pair of Alpinestar Supertech Rs from GP Bikes and love them, although I haven't had a chance to try them on the bike yet. I almost bought the SMX+ instead, however I wanted the additional ankle protection of the Supertechs, plus I didn't like the closure system on the SMX+ at all as the zipper felt like it could rip over time.
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Those guys ride 100+mph consistently. I'm sure you do not need protection they need doing the speed limit. But hey I'd rather be over protected then under.

I bought shoes for when I have jeans on with my knee guards. If I have my boots on my knee guards won't fit. I only really use my boots for when I have me 2 piece leathers.
 
http://www.600rr.net/vb/showthread.php?t=96269

While it doesn't go in to more specific detail about boots, it's up to you. Whatever the case, if your leg gets "trapped" and dragged in an accident, it will shave your ankle down to the bone and far beyond, without ankle protection. I own various Sidi boots but any boot is better than a sneaker boot and a sneaker boot is better than a running shoe. I hope no one ever crashes but if you do, you'll want as much covered as possible.
 
PLau said:
So what are boots the used for? Short cold rides? (Serious question, not trying to be an ***)
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Cold rides or wet rides.
 
One thing I would never ride without is boots. Example, friend learning on a 250 had a slight mishap with a corner. Her ankle swelled etc. Would have broken for sure if she wasn't wearing boots. I don't see the difference from regular shoes to motorcycle shoes personally. I like walking though.
 
They need to make a boot that goes 1-2" above the ankle, but doesn't completely cover the shin, for those of us that wear knee & shin guards.
 
OliverK said:
I have both boots and shoes. Shoes are for long, hot rides. The important thing is that they must cover the malleolus.
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Vented boots good sir

Kri$han said:
They need to make a boot that goes 1-2" above the ankle, but doesn't completely cover the shin, for those of us that wear knee & shin guards.
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Pretty sure the SMX5 is like that.
 
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After being on crutches for months after bailing while wearing boots that went just above the ankle, I only wear full boots with great ankle protection now (Currently BMW Transition). Some boots look like they will protect you, but when you start twisting them, you realize there is not much support. My personal test for boots is lay on the ground and have a friend jump on your ankle, good boots pass with flying colours.

As nikiter brought up shorty gloves, I personally avoid them like the plague. I've seen too many people with terrible rash on their wrist/forearm. They aren't any more comfortable than vented gauntlets and they provide so much less protection. Again, just my personal opinion and everyone else is free to wear what they think is best.
 
Kri$han said:
They need to make a boot that goes 1-2" above the ankle, but doesn't completely cover the shin, for those of us that wear knee & shin guards.
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The boots that my ankle got destroyed in were that length. They can protect against impact, but are absolutely no protection against twisting. Now if they could attach the short boots to the shin guards, you'd be in business.
 
bboySushi said:
low rise 'shoes' are also more prone to coming off your foot in an accident. Boots = not a chance.
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You are so correct. Unfortunately, in the past I have attended many a trauma accident, with the person being lifted our of their shoes. Not a pretty sight.
 
I'm pro-boot, but prefer, if i the I could afford, the ones that still let u rotate ur ankle like a shoe. I just imagine if I'm in a roll with boots I'm more likely to blow my knee whereas with shoes I'd twist my ankle or at least have the flexibility so it puts less stress on my knee
 
Like all the others say... More boot equals more protection. Depends on how much you like your ankles
 
TrainingWheels said:
I'm pro-boot, but prefer, if i the I could afford, the ones that still let u rotate ur ankle like a shoe. I just imagine if I'm in a roll with boots I'm more likely to blow my knee whereas with shoes I'd twist my ankle or at least have the flexibility so it puts less stress on my knee
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This is why I went with the A* Supertech Rs over Sidis -- The Supertechs allow for 'some' flex, but not past the normal range of motion. At least according to the Revzilla review, the design is much less likely to blow out a knee than stiffer boots in the Sidi line-up (or the Dainese TRQ I tried on as well).

Granted, I do need to find a better knee guard solution as I find myself using my old crappy boots over the new Supertechs due to fitment -- Will have to try to fix that next week (and unfortunately GP Bikes doesn't seem to stock the Dainese Soft Six to try on before buying).
 
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I have a pair of A* Web gore tex boots. Full protection, 110 percent waterproof, and walk around the mall comfortable. 5 years old & still waterproof!

When I took the safety course years ago, a lot of years ago... Someone asked a question similar to this one. He showed us a pic of an ankle after a lowside. That was enough for me, it's been Boots ever since.
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