Need some boots

The MSF course is coming up, and I am still bootless. I've been looking at Icon Super Duty 2 and Shift Fuel Street Shoes. All I know about these two is what I read online, and that they both look like decent (somewhat reasonably priced) shoes. I'm mostly going to spend my time riding back and forth to school, and would like something that won't be a pain to walk around campus in. Does anybody have any input on either? Any other recommendations are appreciated.

Thanks  

We've had experience with the Shift Fuel shoe, and can vouch for its comfort, good quality, and decent protective features for a "riding shoe." They break in easily, and can be worn all day. A good buy.  

I do not know the Shift boot, but I have a pair of the older version of the ICON Super Duty.  I have used them as my "commuter" boots and have no complaints.  I also used them as my work boots at the Ducati shop, and day to day, comfort was OK, they felt like a heavy hiking boot. It have had them about 5 years, for bike boots or any boot that is an eternity.  As for wear and tear, the laces are still original.  One of the eyelets is loose, but given their age that seems like reasonable wear to me.  The sole is also replaceable, so I have a feeling they will be with me for a long time to come.  I would love to try a pair of the Shift boots, but until the Icon boots give up, my feet have a home.

P.S. Yes I have "fallen off" in them, some scuffs but no "real" damage.  

I just have a normal leather boot that I bought at DSW (normal shoe store) for $35.  They're comfortable, cover the ankles, are made of leather and are good for more than just riding.  There's no need to buy an overpriced boot that is designed for riding.  Just get a boot that is well made and covers the ankle.  

......vans    
2007 cbr 600rr, black

Swiggs21:
I just have a normal leather boot that I bought at DSW (normal shoe store) for $35.  They're comfortable, cover the ankles, are made of leather and are good for more than just riding.  There's no need to buy an overpriced boot that is designed for riding.  Just get a boot that is well made and covers the ankle.

Actually, the Fuel shoe is more comfortable than any leather boot. Once it's broken in, the sole and surrounding padding is literally as comfy as a sneaker...with ankle padding of course.

But is this and the styling worth an additional $60? That is up to you.

Although I'm not a big fan of "riding shoes", they're surely better than Vans or sandals. And just to clarify, IMO there is definitely a need for boots designed for riding...if you'll be doing anything more than just a short hop everyday to and from school.  

"IMO there is definitely a need for boots designed for riding"

Kento 1, that is the best answer on this thread.  After 40+ years of riding I have to agree completely with the part of your reply quoted above.

 

Kento and Robi....

I'm newish to riding (4500 miles) so I've been perfectly happy with the boots I have.  However, I'm always looking for advice from veterans, so I'll take your advice under consideration.  Just out of curiosity, in your experience, why do you feel boots that are designed for riding are so necessary?  Thanks in advance, guys.  

The scar on the top of my right foot from wearing a cowboy boot on a bike is my reason.  Boots designed for riding would have prevented that scar, and have prevented many scars since.  Boots that are not designed for riding will not have a protective heel cup, toe cap and ankle protection. They will not have stitching with reinforcement, so if (fate willing not "when") they hit the tarmac fail. (That reminds me of the scar on my ankle)  The sole will not be reinforced so if you have to use them to stabilize your self, they could come off the boot/shoe.
 
I know Kento can point you to articles in this and other publications that will support the argument for getting and using a true riding boot/shoe that covers the ankle and offers the kind of protection that "work" or Hiking boots and especially "vans" or any type of "sneakers" just do not have to offer.  

IMO - Good riding boots are just as important as having a good helmet that fits properly, along with gloves, leathers/riding gear with armour and padding ANYTIME you get on your bike to ride.  I also feel and from experience these are more important on the "quick trip" as it is during the "short ride" to the store, or wherever,  that statistics show most accidents happen.  

I lost a friend who's helmet flew off.  He would have survived, if he had just used his chin strap.  It was just a two block  trip to the store, so he told me it was not important, he'd "ride safe".  

Shame the car driver that clipped him didn't know that.

OK, sorry for the ranting and rattling on the subject, but I would have fewer broken bones and scars in the places I do, if I had listened to the scared-n-broken old fart who told me all this years ago.  

Well said, Robi. Sorry to hear about your friend.

Robi:
They will not have stitching with reinforcement, so if (fate willing not "when") they hit the tarmac [they will] fail.


Besides the vastly superior protection that boots designed for riding have to offer, this is just one of the major difference between shoes bought at DSW and actual motorcycle riding gear. The reason the DSW shoes only cost $35 is because they use the bare minimum standard for shoe leather, soles, and stitching. The manufacturing costs are kept to a minimum as well, which includes quality control that is vague and haphazard at best.

It's easy to simply look at an "overpriced" riding boot at $200+ and wonder where all that extra asking price comes from. Besides the additional protection, what you don't see is the quality and structural integrity of the products used to construct a brand name riding boot. I've seen thick leather that you'd normally think would provide more than ample protection actually tear apart in a 35 mph crash, and stitching that looks adequate come apart just from the rider squatting down to check his bike's oil level.

There's plenty of people out there who will crow, "I've worn my (insert brand here) work boots for (insert number here) years and have never had a problem." For them, that's great. But it's the same protection concept as using and wearing top quality SCUBA diving gear, or using top quality navigation components on boats or private aircraft- sure, the cheaper stuff has worked OK, but would you really trust your own safety on them if/when the time came to really put them to the test?  

Thanks for the input guys.  I might just have to get myself a pair when the riding seasons starts back up around here.  We're now in the dead of winter in Iowa, so I might as well wait until the spring.  Thanks again and ride safe!  And just for the record, I do have full armored gear that I ALWAYS wear.  I haven't been able to swing leather yet because of the expense, but at some point in the future, I will be ditching the armored textile jacket that I have and replace it with a leather jacket.

And to rant a little more, I consider myself lucky to have found this forum.  The advice I have found has helped me to become a better, safer rider.  

Thank you Guys,

Kemosavi, Thank you for asking a question.

Swiggs21, Thank you for your comments, questions and interest.

Kento1, Thank you for both the comment and moderating this from along with your other duties at Sport Rider.  


I wish we could all meet for a ride and a chat face to face.  Until we can, keep your skulls up and the rubber parts down.

Robi  

I am looking for some advice regarding riding boots.  I currently wear my Shift Fuel Street shoes and love them.  My wonderful girlfriend just bought me a very nice set of full leathers and now I need the boots.  Any advice or recommendations on brands, models, etc?  I am looking to spend no more than $250 if possible.  Thanks alot for the forum.  

Alpinestars SMX Plus racing boots. I bought a pair for my son, and he loves them.

Here is a link: http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=1359

Don't be scared by the price, they have to show the retail price. I paid $259 with tax back in October. Plus they ship for free. Also, check out the video review, nice touch by this company. I should say these are not the only boots available, check through the site and you will find several brand of boots at different price points. Good luck..  

I went to Chaparral Motorsports since it is right by where I live and tried the Alpinestars SMX Plus boots and loved them.  However, the price has jumoed to $349.99.  That same price is listed on several online company's website.  I wonder why they went up so much so quick.  Those are the ones I am getting though. Thanks for the advice.