Motorcycle Riding Boots
While you’ll probably want to hit the road as soon as you’ve got the right motorcycle, there’s more to riding than just the bike. It’s important to be wearing all the right gear, from your head down to your feet. Yes, you don’t want to wear regular old tennis shoes when you’re riding your motorcycle. You’ll want to wear special riding boots. Bartels’ Harley-Davidson has provided some tips on what you should be looking for, so check them out and stop by our location in Marina Del Rey, California, if you need any additional advice. We also serve Malibu and Santa Monica.
Why do You Need Motorcycle Boots?
Your feet play an active role in controlling your motorcycle. They help bring the bike to a complete stop, and of course, control everything connected to your foot pedals. Between this work, and the debris and engine heat they’re exposed to, your feet and shoes can take quite a beating. Tennis shoes aren’t necessarily designed to last under this stress, and certainly won’t help in the event of an accident. Even work boots--though better than sneakers--don’t provide the right kind of protection you need when you’re riding your motorcycle.
That’s where riding boots come in. Every aspect of these shoes are built with riding in mind, so they’re tougher and provide more grip. They can also provide more protection, even up to your knees, depending on what you get. With an intense pastime like riding, you’ll want the right gear when it counts the most, which is why motorcycle boots are the best option.
Consider Your Type of Bike
When you’re looking for the right riding boots, you’ll want to start by looking at your bike. Your motorcycle provides different performance benefits than other models, and your boots might need to complement that style. For example, those who go off-roading might need an off-road kind of boot. Those who ride a racing bike might need a racing kind of boat.
If you’re riding a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, you’ll probably want something that’s better suited for cruising or long-distance riding. In this case, you might want something comfortable that you’ll want to wear even if you’ve been riding for hours. You’ll also want something that protects you in the event of an accident, especially if you ride in high-traffic areas. Think about the kind of stress your feet will undergo while riding and choose a boot that’ll provide the right kind of coverage.
Features of Riding Boots
Riding boots have their own set of features you’ll want to look at when trying to pick a pair. For example, in areas of the country that see a lot of rain, you might want a boot made of waterproof material. Reflectivity makes you more visible to other commuters if you often ride at night. Also, consider your foot shape when looking at square- versus round-toe options. Oil and stain-resistant materials make your boot look nicer for longer periods of time, and, of course, you’ll want to choose a pair that you think looks cool.
Getting the Right Fit
When it’s time to start looking for the right size, go through all the same checks you’d make for any other pair of shoes:
- Can you wiggle your toes?
- Is there any spot where your foot feels cramped?
- Is there any slippage or excessive rubbing?
Take a lap around the store, even if you don’t intend to do a lot of walking around in your boots, and think about whether or not you could spend a longer period of time in them. If you’re not sure, try the next size up or down, just to test the waters.
Matching the right motorcycle riding boots to all the other important riding gear will get you ready for a better riding experience overall. If you need help finding this gear, or if you’re still looking for the right set of wheels, stop by Bartels’ Harley-Davidson and let us know how we can help you. We welcome all patrons from Marina Del Rey, Malibu, and Santa Monica, California.