Protecting your legs is essential for a safe ride, follow these tips in order to choose the right boots, depending on the type of motorcycle and use that you will have. And especially if you are planning a tour in South America. (How to choose your motorcycle boots?) Motorcyclists are always at the forefront of the best equipment; this is something in which no expense should be spared.
Especially considering that your life depends on it, in the event of an accident. Choosing the right boots to ride your motorcycle is just as important as wearing a helmet, jacket, gloves, and other protective gear. In addition, ensuring good care of these elements is as necessary as the maintenance of your motorcycle. There are many different kinds of boots you can purchase. These should be chosen depending on the purpose. Riding a small scooter in the city is not the same as riding a big trail motorcycle off-road. This is specific for each situation, so Ecuador Bike Rental by Sleipner will do its best to help you.
Urban boots
For touring on a motorcycle around a city, is necessary to use light and comfortable footwear, besides the ride, you will need to walk around for a while. Anyhow it is better to use comfortable boots that protect the ankles, not too tall, up to your knees. We recommend leather ones similar to those used in motor racing, but with laces, which will also match better with the urban outfits. We can also find completely smooth models without laces, which go unnoticed while performing tasks away from the motorcycle.
Touring boots
For touring and road riding, you will need more protection, should wear leather boots with a medium length that protect the ankle and shin areas well. They must be comfortable, bearing in mind that we may spend many hours wearing them and that we may be walking when we get off the motorcycle. Likewise, they must have some kind of membrane that makes them waterproof and thus keep our feet dry in case we ride in the rain, cross a river, etc. Also protection for the gearshift on the left foot.
Additionally, they’re typically black to camouflage stains like grease or road marks, maintaining a clean appearance. Some of them help to keep you warm in cold weather. Depending on preference, they may feature side zippers and Velcro fasteners on the upper part to ensure proper calf adjustment.
Sport boots
Designed for fast sporty driving, mainly on asphalt roads or tracks. They are usually of medium height and have a variety of strong plastic materials for protection. Additionally, they feature interchangeable sliders near the toecaps to enhance durability during fast cornering and potential asphalt friction.
Usually, look and feel very rigid against lateral movements to offer higher protection, allowing slight movement, up and down to the ankles for gear change and rear brake, they are not particularly comfortable or suitable for walking but adequate once you get off the bike. In addition, their leather is usually brightly colored to match the decoration of the motorcycle and/or the rider’s other equipment. The top-of-the-range ones may include inside a boot with rigid elements made of fiber to increase even more the protection against possible falls. Donning and doffing them takes time due to secure fasteners, ensuring the boots stay put during high-speed falls. Some boots combine zippers with laces, Velcro, and ratchet straps.
Off-road boots
There is a difference between off-road and motocross, enduro, and supermotard boots, but nowadays, manufacturers have managed to use the same kinds for all these specialties. Even so, there are still some old-fashioned models, with smooth soles for motocross and supermotard, and soles with a marked pattern in the case of enduro.
However, modern designs use striped soles that provide the grip required to place your feet on the ground, and the necessary sliding in motocross and supermotard for “resting” your feet on the curves. At the same time, the central part of the soles is interchangeable, as it is an area that degrades more frequently than the rest due to its friction with the foot pegs (especially in motocross). Named “super high cane,” field boots are the most robust, heavy, and offer superior protection for feet and lower legs.
While their upper part’s diameter may appear excessive, once worn, they blend well with the equipment, particularly orthopedic knee pads. In addition to Velcro, they are fastened with four hooks. This boot type is utilized on dirt tracks, featuring a metal sole on the left foot for consistent ground friction. Some manufacturers have developed specific models for this specialty, enabling users to replace just the boot sole.
Trail boots
The trail is a booming segment and various manufacturers have devoted special attention to developing specific boots for this segment. It can be said that they are a combination of touring and off-road boots.
Made of thick leather and durable plastics, with two or three hooks for quick closure, available in low or high styles. Both provide solid off-road protection, less bulky than field boots, prioritizing comfort for prolonged road use.
Custom boots
These boots feature a traditional design, resembling country boots, commonly worn for horseback riding and other outdoor activities. Some of them look very similar to “street” boots and others have high heels. It is also common to find them with eye-catching buckles with ribbons and other decorative elements. Also some with military-inspired designs. You can find a wide variety of colors, shades, and heights.
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