7 Super Tips for Choosing Motorcycle Boots
Friday, March 6th, 2009Would you ride a motorcycle barefoot? In all probably, you would not. However, we must never estimate the importance of safeguarding ourselves whenever we hit the road. Thus, wearing the proper gear becomes a top priority. That includes a helmet, motorcycle jacket, riding pants, and gloves. All of these items are vital to ensure that whether you are cruising on a huge interstate highway or a tiny country road, your safety will take precedence. Motorcycle safety should begin with the proper gear.
Similarly, motorcycle boots can also provide outstanding safety for motorcyclists. This footwear does not only provide warmth and comfort, but could also help to prevent injury. In fact, motorcycle boots are the second most vital bit of protective motorcycle gear, aside from helmets. This is because the boots protect not only your feet and ankles, but also your shins and lower legs. Here are some tips for choosing the right motorcycle boots for you:
1. Understand the importance of motorcycle boots
Motorcycle boots (such as harley davidson boots) are vital when cruising down a road, as your feet and lower legs can become vulnerable to sitting and flying objects, such as sticks, stones, and even other bikes! Furthermore, motorcycle boots help to safeguard the foot and ankle from unnatural twists and turns that riders may experience while on the road. In fact, motorcycle boots can help to minimize crashes with other objects, and can even prevent broken bones!
2. Determine which boot features and styles you need
Motorcycle boots contain a wide variety of features and styles from which to select. When choosing motorcycle boots, consider which features and styles best accommodate your cycling needs. There are many different factors to consider.
For example, you may want a hybrid boot-shoe, if you also need a boot for walking and working.
Next, for heavy-duty protection, consider boots with special "armor shells" that will provide added protection for areas that will experience more frequent or heavier impact. These armor shells wrap around portions of the calf and foot.
Thirdly, consider dual-sport and off-road boots if you want a quality boot with a little less protection than "standard" motorcycle boots have. While these boots have features such as shin padding and steel toes, are less bulky, more comfy, and easier on your wallet.
3. Consider waterproof boots
In the world of motorcycle boots, including harley davidson motorcycle boots, waterproofing is available on both the exterior and interior of the boot. Most motorcycle boots are leather, and thus naturally waterproof. Have you ever seen a cow sporting a raincoat? Manufacturers also add special treatments to the exterior of motorcycle boots, to waterproof further the material from which the boots are comprised.
Additionally, many motorcycle boots contain a waterproof lining on the interior of the boots. This lining keeps moisture out, while allowing your feet to breathe properly. How is that possible? The pores in the lining are 20,000 times smaller than a single droplet of water, yet 700 times larger than molecules of water vapor. Therefore, the rain stays outside the boot, while the steam from perspiration can exit it. Yes, this feature adds to the boot’s cost. However, it also furthermore adds to its value.
4. Choose a boot that fits like a glove
When selecting motorcycle boots, it is important that the boots fit comfortably, but not tightly. Your goal should be to find a balance of protection and comfort. The boot should provide excellent protection at the ankle and heel. Another important step is to refer to the boot manufacturer’s fitting guide, when selecting your boots. Here are some various features that you may want to have, when selecting motorcycle boots:
• additional padding
• ankle grip and protection
• ankle protection
• anti-slip sole
• easy step-in
• flexibility
• heel grip and protection
• sturdy zipper sand closers
• toe protection
• waterproof material
How can you determine if boots fit properly? It is particularly important that they are not too tight or too loose fitting. If the fit of the boots is too tight, your feet could become numb and particularly if you are riding in cold weather. Perform certain basic actions such as walking, mounting your motorcycle, operating the controls, and riding it. How well you are able to perform these actions will indicate how well the boots fit.
5. Break in your motorcycle boots
After choosing the "perfect" pair of motorcycle boots, you may be disappointed in how stiff the boots feel, after trying them on. Do not worry, because that is normal! However, you can take some easy steps to help wear-in your motorcycle boots before you hit the road. As with other types of shoes, you can break in the boots by simply walking around in them. Another practical way of breaking in boots, such as biker boots, is simply taking them on one lengthy ride.
You can also take other steps to help break in the motorcycle boots. Try applying a thick coat of milk oil on the boots, and then "bake" them in the oven at 150° Fahrenheit, for roughly one hour. The leather will soak up the oil, causing the boots to require minimum breaking-in. Of course, you may have some explaining to do.
6. Consider purchasing your boots online
As with many other types of purchases, the Internet has made it much easier for you to purchase boots.
7. Choose sturdy boots
Verify that the boots are at least 160 millimeters (6.3 inches) high, from the boot’s inner sole upwards. The boots should also provide enough protection from impact, at the instep, shins, and ankles. Finally, choose soles that are sewn on and not bonded.
It is undeniable that one needs motorcycle boots prior to hitting the road. However, choosing the right boots requires some serious reflection and decisions. Taking these steps will help to choose the right boots for you. Find the right harley boots and then give a boot to being unprotected and uncomfortable while riding!
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