Steel Toe or not to Steel Toe?

R

Represto

Over 1,000 Posts
I'm shopping around for a new pair of riding boots. I've been leaning towards a pair of Chippewa or Red Wing engineer boots. There are some pairs for a good price on the ol' eBay...but they're steel toe. I've never had steel toe boots for riding and I'm not too sure if I would want to. I like to feel the shift.

My question is, what are your experiences with steel toe boots? Will I just get the hang of them or are they complete shit for riding?
 
The military parade boots I use, ($50 at any army surplus), has steel toe and Ive never had any problem feeling the shift click...
 
I've ridden with a pair of HB steel toe engineers. Comfortable with not shifting problems.
 
Represto said:
If given the option between this...

http://accessoriesharleydavidson.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/motorcycle-boots.jpg

and this...

http://hukurokuju.com/blog-mt/02010106.PICT5954.JPG

I'll take the latter. It's a question of personal preference.

I've never really considered modern riding boots as an option. Do they ever come with steel toes?
Click to expand...

Well, when you consider that their idea of proper riding gear is a do-rag and a t-shirt, Harley's accessory catalog is probably the last place I'd shop for protective gear.

Wear what you like, steel toe workbooks arent the worst thing you could ride in. At least their not sneakers! It just struck me as odd that if you're shopping for boots to ride in, you weren't looking at riding designed for that purpose such as SIDI, Alpinestars, etc. None of my riding boots have actual steel toes, but all have reenforced toes of some sort (composite, etc. ).

:)
 
Wingspan said:
Well, when you consider that their idea of proper riding gear is a do-rag and a t-shirt, Harley's accessory catalog is probably the last place I'd shop for protective gear.

Wear what you like, steel toe workbooks arent the worst thing you could ride in. At least their not sneakers! It just struck me as odd that if you're shopping for boots to ride in, you weren't looking at riding designed for that purpose such as SIDI, Alpinestars, etc. None of my riding boots have actual steel toes, but all have reenforced toes of some sort (composite, etc. ).

:)
Click to expand...

the link he posted shows a pair of sidis, dont let the harley tag fool ya ;)


I have a pair of alpinestar sx-5 (i think) that I wear with my zip together track suit for when im going out to the track or for hard riding. for everything else I choose between the 6 or so pairs of vintage to modern leather boots. race boots are great when your on the bike but walking around in them loses its luster pretty quick.

to answer the OPs actual question; unless it was meant to be ridden in the feel wont change much. steel toe or not you arent going have that great of movement until the ankle breaks in. personally, if the only difference in two boots is steel toe or not ill just get the cheaper one. the feel doesnt change much.
 
personally, i like something that's fairly smooth on the bottom & doesn't have a sharp step up to the heel... i bought a pair of work type doc's last year that have a fairly agressive tread & a step up heel... i only rode in them once... i didn't realize how much i adjust & slide my feet around on the pegs, until i couldn't... the treads & heel just constantly hung up on the pegs... i still need a pair of boots for riding... in the meantime, it's chucks or vans(i know, i know).
 
xcaptainxbloodx said:
the link he posted shows a pair of sidis, dont let the harley tag fool ya ;)
Click to expand...

LOL!!!! That's a bit embarrassing. :) I couldn't get the link to open the first time I tried and assumed the worst. You're right, they are SIDI's...and would be my choice of boot over just about anything else and certainly over the second boot linked. I'm a bit partial to SIDI's though, as my first pair saved my left foot from what would surely have been significant injury in a crash ~10 years ago. I still have that pair as well as a few others. Race boots take some getting used to, but so do crutches...
 
Well, my bike is my daily driver for everything I do. Whether it be going to work at my office or bootin' around town (Toronto). I can't ride into work wearing a neon full piece leather suit with space boots. That's more of a weekend thing ;)

The Red Wing's were made as motorcycle boots according to their site. They just aren't a pair of technical bike boots.

I think I'll order a pair now and wear them inside until riding season.
 
Represto said:
I can't ride into work wearing a neon full piece leather suit with space boots.
Click to expand...

Why not?... I do it all the time...




...forget about steel toe or no steel toe... its all about Camel Toe.... Chicks totally dig it
 
Wow! I was going to say that my last boots were steel toe engineer boots and I had no trouble at all. You just have to make sure you dont get a pair with a really big toe box. But nevermind .....that last picture was just disturbing. I keep asking myself .....WHY would he do that?????
 
Ouch! Noel, that hurts my eyes and it is not the bright lights!
Just my 2 cents, I have had my boots http://www.rodeobeach.com/Ariat-Alloy-H20-Motorcycle/Ariat/Motorcycle-Boots/Mens-p5680252.html for about 3 years now and they are holding up quiet well. Think I ordered them from Renton Weston Wear http://www.rentonww.com/Ariatreg-Alloy-H2O-Waterproof-Motorcycle-Boot-P68589.aspx#. (The first site has better pictures). Renton people were very nice to deal with. They are not steel toe but to have an extra layer of leather on the shifting foot.
 
I've worn Timberlans Pro's (steel toe) for the past 4 years. The left foot has wear from the shifter and the right one is colored black from the oil leak out my bike's points cover (marred the gasket surface and haven't gotten around to getting it sealed properly)
 
I have a pair of Danner Rainforests. Nice boots, no steel toe but holy crap I cant ride with any comfort with them on. What bike do you ride? I have a cb750 and I have to raise the shifter waaay up to get my toe under it(with these boots). Then when I downshift, I have to do a total foot lift to get on it. Get motorcycle boots....
 
I ride with either Justin ranch boots (which I wear for work anyway) or surplus combat boots with steel toes. At first I had trouble getting my toe under the shift lever with the combat boots because of the thick sole, but never had a problem feeling it click. I like the steel toes myself, it's a little extra protection when you drag your boot in a corner.
 
Red Wings are made up the river from me and Chippewas are made an hour away and I have owned both brands.They are the only boots I would ever wear. My Red Wings are non steel motorcycle boots, worn year round, had them 5 years and are in great shape. Real leather, made in USA, can be resoled and are all function, not a fashion statement. I prefer non steel toe boots and know a local guy who lost half his foot during a tree cutting accident where the steel in his boot severed part of his foot.
 
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