Motorcycle Riding Boots

Your feet and ankles are in for a pretty rough time when you step over a motorcycle. Whether it’s heat from the exhaust pipe, dragging your toe on the pavement, or road debris that’s gone aerial, there are plenty of things out there just waiting to tear up unprotected feet. Just like you guard your head with a quality helmet and save your hands and fingers with some good gloves, you’ll also need strong boots to keep your feet and ankles from getting hurt while you ride. But there are many options out there, so picking a “good” set of boots might be a tricky job. Thankfully, with this guide from Indian Motorcycle of Orange County, you can learn how to select a pair based on the type of riding you do, how much protection you’ll need, and the boot’s overall construction. No matter what you choose, footgear will make you feel much safer everytime you hit the road.

If you would like any more information, or if you just need parts or service for your bike, come visit us at our dealership in Orange County, serving the areas of Santa Ana, Long Beach, and Los Angeles, Califor

Type of Bike

There are many different boots for many different applications, so your first step in selecting a pair is figuring out which type will suit your riding style best. If you’re more into dirt bikes, you’ll want something like a motocross boot, which is better for protecting from all the different types of terrain and debris you’ll be exposed to on a rough trail. At the other end of the spectrum, touring enthusiasts should opt for touring boots, which don’t protect quite as well but are more comfortable. Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to figure out what type of riding you do simply based on the model of motorcycle you ride. The sportier and more intense your riding style gets, the more protection you need, while you’ll want improved comfort if you spend hours at a time on the road.

Protection

After narrowing down your choices based on your type of bike, you’ll have to consider how much protection you’ll need from your boots. Certain riding styles demand maximum protection, so if you do a lot of motocross or track days type riding, look for a boot that has added support in all the important areas, which you can get from motocross or dual sport boots. Cruiser boots are even more specialized, as they’re designed to withstand an accident from aggressive riding, but they also protect your feet and ankles from hazardous elements that you encounter on the road. By contrast, a touring boot emphasises comfort, waterproof abilities, and protection without feeling as stiff as more sporty boots. They typically feature breathable liners, temperature regulation material, and removable footbeds. No matter what type of boot you get, make sure you find one that actually covers your ankles. Motorcycle shoes might protect your feet, but in the case of an accident, both your feet and lower legs are at risk for injury. This calls for a boot that covers more of your leg, so factor that into your choice when looking for a pair.

Construction

Once you know how much protection you need, it should be pretty easy to figure out the specific type of boot that will fit your style. However, you’ll also need to consider one more important aspect of motorcycle boots: construction. You might find two different brands of motocross boots that have completely different materials, so it’s important to understand which construction will make for safer, more comfortable footwear. Ultimately, the pros and cons of different materials depends on your personal preferences. For instance, would you like a heel shock absorber from your boot? What kinds of added protection does the particular type have, such as toe armor or a reinforced heel? If something doesn’t work for your preferences or needs, you shouldn’t settle for something that’s uncomfortable. Do some research, and you’ll have a much easier time finding the pair that gives you everything you need.

Every part of your body needs to be protected when you ride a motorcycle, and your feet are no exception. By finding the right boots, you’ll feel much more confident in the safety of your ride, and you might even avoid serious injury in the case of an accident. At Indian Motorcycle of Orange County, we want you to stay safe while riding, and another key way to do that is by keeping your bike in top shape. Stop by our service department anytime for parts and repairs, right here in Orange COunty. We proudly serve riders from Santa Ana, Long Beach, and Los Angeles, California.