After some hard experience, I've decided that I need to find a good pair of over-the-ankle boots to wear while riding. But I don't like the style of most motorcycle-specific boots.

Can anyone recommend a boot that provides a fair amount of protection that is also comfortable for everyday wear?

I've always worn insulated steel toed work boots on the bike. Find a good comfortable pair and they will work just as good as motorcycle boots. You can use them to work in and they are cheaper in some cases.

I LOVE my Bates boots! I can wear them all day long and they feel like I'm wearing cozy house slippers.

http://www.batesfootwear.com/US/en-us/Home.mvc.aspx?002=2424101&004=1222952377&005=122008600&006=3834263947&007=Search&008=&s_kwcid=TC|6976|bates||S|p|3834263947

Any clothing that has Gortex is in waterproof. Period.

-Sloppy

I bought blackhawk ZW-7s and they are the best boots I have ever owned. You have to get over the fact that the zipper is not for getting them on and off without the laces. The zipper is part of the system to get a nice snug fit. I had virtually no break in and the souls are very grippy on slippery surfaces.

I wear Herman Survivors in the Commander style. As comfortable as tennis shoes with an oil resistant sole and composite toe (some folks like steel toe but others claim they can be a risk on a motorcycle). I actually found them on clearance at Wally World for $25.

Shift racing makes an ankle high motorcycle shoe,comfortable enough to wear all day for 99 bucks that looks like a high top sneaker ut have motorcycle specific safety features,The Icon Tarmac is supposed to be comfy also.

If you are like me and have a wide foot, Bates makes up to 4E widths. About the only manufacturer in my size and price range.

My son gave me Desert Storm combat boots last Christmas and I wear them everywhere - walking, to work, on the bike. Very comfortable, lace up, American made by Danner (http://www.danner.com/boots/?activity=50&gclid=CIXQupjR5qICFQMmawod6WCGCg) - I expect them to be the last pair of boots I'll ever need.

DT

I found a pair of these at "Famous Footwear" for about 40 bucks. Well made , comfy and good traction soles...all with not feeling "heavy" as many boots like this do:
http://www.skechers.com/shoes-and-clothing/styles/boots/product/cool_cat_-_bully_2/bol/


KM

If you would like a set of boots that are specifically designed for motorcycle duty (wet, or dry), and don't like the style of most motorcycle boots (too much of a "Star Wars" look)--then welcome to my world, Fellow Rider...:beerchug:

I have used Cruiserworks brand boots for quite a while, and you can wear them in the office or out and about, and blend right in with the rest of the world. But they will keep your feet warm & dry on a ride in an all-day driving rain. They also offer good protection for your feet/ankles in a crash. Their grip is excellent when you put your feet down off the bike in slippery conditions.

But they don't come cheap, either.

I wear their sidezip version:

http://www.cruiserworks.com/sidezip.php

Usually, they have a schedule for rallies and other events. Pay attention to this schedule on their website, and then you can try a pair on when they come to near your part of the world...:smiley_th

Let us know what your finally decide on, ok....:D....?

I wear the Black Lehigh steeltoe work boots with gortex and thinsulate. Very comfortable and plenty of cushion in the souls. For sneakers I wear the sketchers steeltoe sneaker, again very comfortable and both not a bad price.

Course when not on the bike I sport my mandles/jarusilum cruisers. lol

I been wearing Dr.Martens industrial boots with steel toe and non stick non slip non corrosive and non electrocute your butt soles. They seem ok. I still pick up vibrations on the floorboards though...might mod them with some cushion

I use Tour Master Solution Waterproof Road Boots and have to say they are very good. Very subdued styling and quite comfortable to walk around. They are a bit on the warm side but should be fine in all other conditions.

http://www.leatherup.com/c/Mens-Motorcycle-Boots/2/119.html

They're cheap and they last long. Take yer pick...

I have the Milwaukee harness boots and I HATE them. Just bought them last year and they are already wearing smooth. Granted I've riden about 1600 miles in that time, but I would expect them to last longer. Not very good traction on wet surfaces, etc. Will never buy them again.

http://www.mmccleather.com/motorcycle-boots/milwaukee-classic-harness-boots.html

Probably going to retire these to my Mad Max costume soon and replace them with something with heavier, lug soles. I have a dirt alley leading to my garage and I need to be able to put my foot down w/ a little mud involved now and again. Also I want something w/ a sole that's going to last better than these have. Shouldn't need a new pair of boots every 6 months!

I use Tour Master Solution Waterproof Road Boots and have to say they are very good. Very subdued styling and quite comfortable to walk around. They are a bit on the warm side but should be fine in all other conditions.

I just got a pair of Solution boots after reading a lot of reviews. I agree, very comfortable, and the soles are tremendously sticky, or "grippy" or however you want to say it. But the real test is whether or not they are truly waterproof. I haven't been able to confirm that yet. The Bates "waterproof" boots that I had before are definitely NOT. Have you ridden in the rain with them yet? I'm tempted to step into the bathtub with a few inches of water just to find out.....

When not in Uniform, I wear http://www.justinboots.com/boots/Waterproof_Workboots.html?424fccf8=64027" boots... they are very comfortable to walk in all day... comfortable to ride in all day... A little spendy but well worth their weight in gold... I have had mine for 7 years now... and just took them in took get resold this past spring... first boot that I have ever resoled to include military boots.

http://s7ondemand7.scene7.com/is/image/JustinBrands/JOW_WK870_L?layer=comp&wid=275&resMode=sharp&crop=300,-550,2000,3200

I have a pair of low top Bates that were issued to me about a year before I retired from the Army Guard... love those boots...Gortex.. bad ass tuff.. will have them resoled next year.

I wear these I have had them for 12 years now they are great (http://www.harley-davidson.com/mcm/mcm_product.jsp?WebLogicSession=M8s3wYlJecZH4f2OX2 4S7sx05oaRDSeR305Y11e3LDSvVfyFXGbS!-1857614665!hiwpbmsp03.ihd.hd!7005!8005&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524448769147&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302284009&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302284009&bmUID=1279061048313&bmLocale=en_US)

I'm cheap when it comes to my boots. I just buy the Brama steeltoe work boots from Wal-Mart. For $30-40 I've got a pair of work boots and riding boots all in one.

What color does everyone use?

I haven't worn black for many years because it makes my feet too hot in the summer and like I said in a earlier post, use Danner Military boots in light tan color.

DT

I have the Milwaukee harness boots and I HATE them. Just bought them last year and they are already wearing smooth. Granted I've riden about 1600 miles in that time, but I would expect them to last longer. Not very good traction on wet surfaces, etc. Will never buy them again.

http://www.mmccleather.com/motorcycle-boots/milwaukee-classic-harness-boots.html

Probably going to retire these to my Mad Max costume soon and replace them with something with heavier, lug soles. I have a dirt alley leading to my garage and I need to be able to put my foot down w/ a little mud involved now and again. Also I want something w/ a sole that's going to last better than these have. Shouldn't need a new pair of boots every 6 months!

Master Blaster runs Bartertown.

Hahaha this is something everyone can chime in on! Personally, I rock Georgia Giants (http://www.georgiabootstore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=G6382&Category_Code=05steeltoes), but that's because I like playing with molten metal. They are a very good boot that I wear daily, going on two years now. On my second pair of laces, still plenty of tread.

Whatever your preference, I strongly believe in paying for quality in this department. I used to get cheap boots and replace them every year or less and not enjoy wearing them as much. Just think of the price divided between the months you'll get out of them. Good boots or crappy boots both equal a couple bucks a month, might as well like wearing them in the mean time.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m300/freakin_biggs/G6382.jpg

I wear these I have had them for 12 years now they are great (http://www.harley-davidson.com/mcm/mcm_product.jsp?WebLogicSession=M8s3wYlJecZH4f2OX2 4S7sx05oaRDSeR305Y11e3LDSvVfyFXGbS!-1857614665!hiwpbmsp03.ihd.hd!7005!8005&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524448769147&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302284009&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302284009&bmUID=1279061048313&bmLocale=en_US)

I also have a pair of those. I'm already tall, that heel made me tower above people! Wore good for a few years. Stopped wearing them because I lost a heel one day! Was gonna get em fixed but never did.

I also have a pair of those. I'm already tall, that heel made me tower above people! Wore good for a few years. Stopped wearing them because I lost a heel one day! Was gonna get em fixed but never did.

I have worn the soles smooth thinking about fixing them or buying new boots

Corcoran jump boots, because I don't need to waste precious seconds tying my boots.

I love my Harley Davidson harness boots. They are stylin. Can be re-soled. Bitch to get off though. Now I know why cowboys died with their boots on. LOL

after having several pairs of expensive bike specific boots, i now wear "cop style" boots i picked up from the local sports/outdoors shop. they are kinda like combat boots but much softer synthetic material. the soles are super tacky and have great traction. they are cool in 100* temps. they are flexible like no other, and very light in weight, but still fairly thick with much padding. i think i paid about $80, much less than some of the other boots i have! best part... lace them up once, then use the long zipper that runs up the side, even has a keeper snap so the wind won't unzip them! best damned bike boots i have ever worn! maybe you could try to google "police equipment" for local results. you gotta figure a cop boot will be made to work under so many conditions, and still be comfortable. great stuff! even if my buddies make fun of my cop boots!

I have a pair of Nike black leather hi-tops that i picked up at Marshals for about $25 and can wear them all day.

but these look awesome!
http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?l=shop,sfb&cp=USNS_KW_0611081618

I have a pair of Nike black leather hi-tops that i picked up at Marshals for about $25 and can wear them all day.

but these look awesome!
http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?l=shop,sfb&cp=USNS_KW_0611081618

yeah that looks close to the "cop boots" except these are probably $350 at footlocker and likely made by malaysian child slave labor :BLAM:

I love my Harley Davidson harness boots. They are stylin. Can be re-soled. Bitch to get off though. Now I know why cowboys died with their boots on. LOL

i am tellin' ya! if y'all try the cop boots you won't go back! they have side zippers! i can whip my boots off at a riding break in 10 seconds without a grunt! and they go back on as easy! my "other" pair is $200 sidi's and these are way more comfortable, and likely have more protection in a crash! and they should be easy to find... i mean there are cops everywhere, right? hehe

I use a pair of old black combat/jump boots that I've had for the past 15 years. Gonna suck when they finally wear out as I have no clue who made them and can't seem to find the same exact ones anywhere.

Hey Sparking.....

Abit off topic here but noticed you have a whole slew of posts, a few on threads that were a year or two old. Not trying to offend you my brother, but looks like you need to find yourself a woman to spend time with instead of this crazy forum.......;)



(Just joking man)

Knifemaker

I LOVE my Bates boots! I can wear them all day long and they feel like I'm wearing cozy house slippers.

http://www.batesfootwear.com/US/en-us/Home.mvc.aspx?002=2424101&004=1222952377&005=122008600&006=3834263947&007=Search&008=&s_kwcid=TC|6976|bates||S|p|3834263947

Any clothing that has Gortex is in waterproof. Period.

-Sloppy
Woah, those are nice looking boots!!!! Which ones do you have??

I wear these and my dockers on the bike. I have to dress fancy for work. Not a lot of protectons, but comfy and keeps my ankles warm in the morning.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NIB-120-NEWNEW-CHAPS-RALPH-LAUREN-WESTERN-BOWER-ANKLE-BOOTS-RED-BROWN-MENS-/350534231322