Have you ever wondered why you are paying so much for motorcycle boots when a pair of steel toe cap boots offer excellent protection to your foot and ankle?
Steel toe cap boots are designed to protect your toes from objects falling on your foot. But they are not ideal for riding a motorcycle. They provide very little ankle and shin protection.
Changing gear in steel toe caps can be challenging, and when selecting first or neutral, you could find gear on the thin edge of the boot sole.
Is it safe to wear work boots on a motorcycle?
Steel toe cap work boots are not suitable for riding a motorcycle because they are designed for a very different job.
Steel toe cap boots are perfect if you work in an engineering shop where the potential to drop a heavy item from height onto your foot is a real possibility.
Steel toe cap boots will save you from serious injury.
Work boots are not made for bike riding, and they offer little in the way of ankle and shin protection. The leather on work boots is not designed to withstand the kind of abrasion experienced when you come off your motorcycle.
The soles are perfect for the shop but not for the motorcycle rider. Motorcycle boots are designed to flex just enough; this is why motorcycle boots don’t make great hiking boots.
The lack of flex and extension is designed into the motorcycle boot to do exactly what its purpose is. Stop your foot from flexing or extending and prevent a severe injury.
The problem is work boot designers have recognised the potential to increase sales by making the steel toe cap work boot look like a leisure boot or a biker boot. Don’t be fooled. They have one purpose and one purpose alone, to prevent injuries from falling objects.
Can you wear steel toe caps on a motorbike?
The truth is, yes you can wear steel toe cap work boots on a motorcycle. They will not give you the protection you need, but you can wear them as you could wear tennis shoes if you are foolish enough.
Motorcycle boots are all about protecting your foot, ankle, and shin. If they look good, that’s a bonus. That’s the primary function of the boot.
Do motorcycle boots have a steel toe?
Off-road motorcycle boots can have a steel toe protector and a steel plate on the outside of the boot to try and protect where you may put your foot down.
Motorcycle boots have reinforced toe protection which is entirely different from steel toe cap boots.
Although they may look cumbersome, they are not going to rub the skin of your toes while riding.
Motorcycle boots are more form-fitting, trying to wrap around your leg and ankle while giving foot protection.
Motorcycle boots are made from heavy-duty leather and synthetic performance products with impact absorbing properties. Motorcycle boots to utilise metal for support and strength where needed.
What’s the difference between motorcycle boots and regular boots?
There is no comparison apart from appearance, and that can be subjective. Regular boots are fashion items and offer the wearer protection from grit on the road and pavements. Of course, they offer the foot some limited protection but, not enough.
Regular boots are made from leather or synthetic materials designed mainly for appearance, comfort and flexibility so you can walk long distances and even run.
Motorcycle boots have two primary objectives, comfort when riding and protection in an accident.
Some motorcycle boots look fantastic and trendy, but the fashion element stops there.
Motorcycle boots incorporate materials that will save your lower leg in the event of an accident. They have extra support where needed.
Try walking any distance in a motorcycle boot. It’s not pleasant, and you walk flat-footed. This is because the soles are reinforced to prevent your foot from flexing or extending in an accident.
Abrasion-resistant materials are used to ensure your foot is protected, and you cannot burn through the support with friction.
Are any boots good for motorcycle riding?
Riding boots designed for the job are the best choice, and it is recommended you only use motorcycle boots. They come in various styles and are priced even to fit a small budget but offer exceptional protection when needed.
Are hiking boots good for motorcycle riding? Hiking boots are comfortable; they have to be if you will wear them for hours on end and walk uphill and down dale.
Hiking boots are tremendously rugged for walking on uneven surfaces, and they protect your foot and ankle.
However, compared to a motorcycle boot, they are like chalk and cheese, designed for two very different purposes.
A motorcycle boot would almost gripple you if you tried hiking across the country. Still, conversely, a hiking boot would offer almost no protection in a scenario where your feet and lower legs on a motorcycle are vulnerable.
The manufacturing techniques and materials used are opposites from each other.
The only boot you should use for riding your motorcycle is a boot designed for the job, which will stand up to the rigours a motorcycle boot offers.
What kind of shoes should you wear on a motorcycle?
Don’t wear shoes on a motorcycle. You are asking for trouble. Even if you arrive at your destination unflustered and safe shoes don’t offer any weather protection, step in a puddle and find out.
If you need to wear shoes at your destination, take a change of shoes, to that point a change of clothing, no one will frown at you carrying a backpack even if you have a hot date.
Motorcycle boots are essential to your safety and comfort when riding your motorcycle. A compromise is never an option over safety, so invest in good motorcycle boots.