Boots/Shoes for riding and work?

[Promethean]

I try and ride to work all the time. My office attire is business casual.
Are there any shoes/boots available in the market that are fit for riding and for use in the the workplace?

[Dallara]

Once again, my vote goes to Kachmann boots...

I owe a pair of Kochmann Silverstones:


http://eclipseluggage.com/images/Silverstone.jpg


Which have a "Nubuck" suede finish and are hardly noticeable as riding boots when wearing jeans.

But if you really want *work stealthy* boots, I like my Kochmann Scouts:


http://eclipseluggage.com/images/Scout.jpg


They look more like hiking boots than a motorcycle boot, are also finished in "Nubuck" suede (which is super easy to take care of), and they rise up nearly as high as the Silverstones. Both the Silverstones and the Scouts are lined with Sympatex so they are completely waterproof, too. They also both have armor.

I have owned Sidi, Alpinestar, Prexport, and some other boot brands over the years but no other brand boots fit as comfortable right out of the box as the Kochmanns, and so far both pair have worn like iron.

I can't recommend them highly enough.

You can find them at http://eclipseluggage.com/boots.html

Hope this helps!

Allan (the unmighty duster Dallara - NACD)

[supermotoC]

This company makes the best boots in the world. Period.

http://www.daytona.de/english/boots_e/gore.html

these are comfortable & decent protection (waterproof too)
I wear then for commuting (8 miles) or quick trips.
(Journey XCR)
http://www.daytona.de/deutsch/stiefel/_pix/stiefel_bilder/gtx/3a_journeygtx.jpg

and if you ride an Orange KTM:
http://www.ktm-sommer.de/Bilder_zub_05/B_daytona_boot_2.jpg

You can order them through www.Helimot.com in the US.

That being said, you just don't need much foot protection walking around the office.

Compromises:
http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/Dainese_Honest-John_Air_Shoes--34-DA-14.html
http://dainese.com/img/1_Onest_jhon_668_rif_021900_m.jpg

or

Icon makes the "motorhead",
http://www.newenough.com/product_pictures/i/icon_motorhead_boots/buckle.jpg
and AXO (MX boot maker) just came out with the "Slammer"

http://www.motoworldracing.com/axo-slammer-boot.html
http://www.motoworldracing.com/media/axo/axo-slammer-boot.jpg

http://www.renegaderacing.com/store/media/axoslammerwhite1

Comfortable? Doubtful. Protective? Sort-of.

The best thing is to carry comfy shoes in a backpack/tankbag, and wear serious riding boots for protection. Loafers won't protect you much, and technical roadrace boots look/feel silly walking to the restroom.

[Bones]

My Sidi On Road Sympatex boots look like regular boots when wearing regular length pants and are very comfortable. Red Wing 10" steel toe engineer style MC boots look like engineer boots and are pretty comfortable and pretty heavy duty, too.

Jeff

[Promethean]

Thanks Guys. Looks like Bones's recommendation will work for my needs. I hate having to change the boots in the parking lot to dress shoes and back. I knew there were alternatives. Thanks again.

[R4R&R]

I wear Alpinestars to/from work and then change at work - I keep a pair of Timberland's at my desk that I can slip into - also business casual.

[BobFV1]

When riding to work requiring business casual, I wear a pair of black leather, square-toed "shorty" boots with elastic in the sides for easy slip on and off. They are the style with a little steel ring on the side - I forget what you call them. They neither are nor do they look like purpose-built motorcycle boots, but they have ankle support, oil-resistant non-slip soles, and they shine up nice.

[MidlifeMark]

I wear my Aerostitch Combat Touring Boots on the bike, then slip on the shoes that live under my desk at work.

[DJ Down Under]

I'm surprised no ones recommended these..

I think they're called BMW Sneakers...everyone I know that has them says they're the most comfy bike shoes they've ever worn..and I agree.

DJ

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic2329.JPG

[JCsman]

square-toed "shorty" boots with elastic in the sides for easy slip on and off. They are the style with a little steel ring on the side - I forget what you call them.

If it's what I remember, (way!) back in Kansas we called 'em Dingo boots. That's, as I recall, a boot company that makes other styles as well. But the name stuck to the boots with the metal ring.

DJ may wonder what Dingos had to do with Kansas, so do I.

By the way, I wear Cortex "Solution" boots to the office. I can wear 'em for eight hours and do a fair bit of walking without discomfort. They are "fairly" non-biker looking (except for the shift pad) at the office. No armor or other stiffeners for added safety, but I enjoy them. And, more importantly, I wear them.

[DarthRider]

Four years ago I bought a pair of Oxtar Gore Matrix boots 'cause we carried them and they fit well...and I got a deal on them.
I have literally worn them almost every day and really love them. Enough to have just bought my 2nd pair and we don't carry them any more (not one of our better business decisions...too late now, Helmet House picked them up after Fairchild Motor Sports screwed the pooch and lost them.)
They are very well made and comfortable, are completely waterproof, all black leather and look nice enough for office wear...not "Ricky Racers".
They have hardened toe & heel boxes, formed rigid ankle armor, shin armor and are made of top quality leather, easy on & easy off.
The Gore Tex is waterproof but lets water vapor (sweat) pass out of the boot. They are the only boots I've ever worn that my feet did not sweat.
Dean-O just bought a pair, maybe he will report after the Texas weekend ride.
The only retailer I am aware of is MotorcycleCloseouts.com. The boot's MSRP is around $230 but they have them discounted to $170...a real bargain. Rusty "buys right"...I know, I used to sell to him.

Anytime anyone buys anything from Rusty at MotorcycleCloseouts.com be sure and mention you are a Cafe member...I'm sneaking up on him for a group discount.

Dave

[Promethean]

Thanks all for the recommendations and thoughts. :)

[fganger]

Sissies, all of you. A real man doesn't even need shoes. Just put a little boot black on your feet and you’re good to go. That’s the way I do it.

Frank

[Deans BMW]

TheOxtar Gore Matrix boots from MotorcycleCloseouts.com are great, I could wear them all day, comfortable to walk in, highly reccomended. Thanks for the tip Dave.

[Tipstall]

Tag Sport has these, meaning you can try them on. The Freestyle Boot offers ankle protection and looks nice.

78

Ken

[Tipstall]

Sorry that picture is pretty bad.

http://www.revit.net/

Ken

[arkline]

I use Ariat Ropers. Whatsa roper? Why its a working man's cowboy boot. Don't laugh now. If they fit correctly, there are no more comfortable boots in the universe than a well broken in roper. Plain toed, but not pointy. They can be shined up for dress if necessary. They can be waterproofed with Nikwax. They give you protection up to your calf, keep your lower legs warm in cold weather, believe me. They are amazingly cheap for what you get. And they come with a non-skid sole and heel, 'cause your supposed to wear them where the animals have been, well, nevermind...

They do not have the built-in ankle protection/bracing of purpose-built motorcycle boots, but you can walk around in them for all day long.

See them here:

http://www.ariat.com/products_detail.aspx?pcid=9&cid=2&scid=16&pid=19

Then search for good pricing on the web or at a local western store. I've never paid more than $100 for a pair of ropers. And they'll usually wear for a couple of years. All the time.

[BobFV1]

Sissies, all of you. A real man doesn't even need shoes. Just put a little boot black on your feet and you’re good to go. That’s the way I do it.

Frank

Frank - The problem is that if you have ABS - the pulsing feedback through the brake pedal can actually cause foot spasms. Non-ABS riders need not be concerned and may ride barefoot.

:037: :104: :eusa_drool: :eusa_drool: :eusa_drool:

[fganger]

Bob,
I hate to disagree with you, I know how it makes you feel,:104: but… What is this brake stuff, brakes are for pussies.

I know you are going to ask what if one has to make an emergency stop, perhaps at a bar. I'm sure you're going to assume I would advise one to drag their feet to slow down and then jump off as the bike is even with the entrance. Normally I might suggest exactly that, however, this is a site with many experienced riders. My advice is for one to rub their feet against the tires to burn off some speed. I always rub the rear tire first, and then I slowly apply the front rub.

At least that's how I do it,
Frank

Oh this? It's nothing at all dear. You may be correct, I don't recall taking my medication for the past couple of days - how did you know?:icon_redface:

[Dallara]

Fastest way to stop?

Stick your foot in the front wheel spokes - alloy or laced...

Stops ya' right NOW!

Best way to stop at a bar? When ya' run out'a money.

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara - NAABSCD)

[wayno]

Bill and Bob those boots are called Harness Boots...think Dingo was kind
of a Brand name that they were also called
Just my 1.5 cents

[BobFV1]

Bill and Bob those boots are called Harness Boots...think Dingo was kind
of a Brand name that they were also called
Just my 1.5 cents

Wayno - right you are! And while searching that term, I found perhaps one of the more creepy web sites I have ever seen:

http://www.hotboots.com/index.html

[fganger]

“Fastest way to stop? Stick your foot in the front wheel spokes - alloy or laced... Stops ya' right NOW!

Best way to stop at a bar? When ya' run out'a money.”

Now Allan, a gentleman and a rider of the first degree, knows what I'm talking about.:eusa_clap:

“Wayno - right you are! And while searching that term, I found perhaps one of the more creepy web sites I have ever seen:”

Bob, when you're right YOU ARE RIGHT. :104: Where do these guys hide during the night? I want to be sure I'm not there.