Having an issue finding boots that "feel right".

[EWhiteIT]

Hi everyone,

I'm having an issue finding the right combination of protection for my Monster while still allowing good control of the shifter and rear brake.

My latest try was a pair of these from Alpinestar. Yes they were expensive, and they did feel very good and look to offer great protection. However I'm riding with a boot that goes slightly over my ankle now, and these felt like SKI BOOTS in comparison. And yes I did play with the settings/tightness with no change in this feeling.

Scary Moment #1 - First stoplight I came on I started to slide out the rear wheel from using too much pressure on the rear brake from loss of feel due to the "ski boot feel".

Scary Moments #2 - Later in the day I couldn't feel the shifting correctly and actually hit N multiple times from 1... super uncool in hectic midtown traffic.

Best "feel" on my bike ever has come from a pair of sneakers in a parking lot, which I know is super unsafe and not the answer. OK feel right now is from a pair of over the ankle boots I bought from Payless for my MSF earlier this year. Not ideal, but at least offering some protection under my leathers.

I've heard good things from SIDI, but looking for feedback here because I know someone has been in the same situation I'm in right now that found a solution.

Or maybe I am "doing it wrong" with using my feet on the pegs somehow?

[Vintagerider]

I use Icon Super Duty 4 boots for riding. I would say they're good but the lacing eyelets are fabric and have ripped. So the boot is comfortable, I can wear them to work and walk around all day. But the next pair of Icons I buy will be the chukka.

Most people are going to say buy what works for you. But that is why you're asking here. After taking a trip down to the local shop and trying several pair on, I decided to order the Alpinestar SMX. I watched a bunch of reviews on sportbiketrackgear.com and was able to make my decision from there.

What are you looking for? Track day protection? Grocery getting around town? Or something in between?

Sent from my Monster 696

[tripod]

I wear Sidi's, and find them comfortable. Anything takes getting used to, and new boots need time to break in. You might need to adjust your shifter down slighlty, and you really shouldn't be usign the rear brake, so you can drop the pedal there too. But basically, yes it is different than leather boots, you need to get used to them, and they need to break in.

[caferacermike]

I have multiple pairs of Sidi boots, Vertice and Fusion. I really like them both but they are similar to what you have. I wore Corcoran/Double HH flat bottom paratrooper boots for about 14 years before trying a "proper" motorcycle boot. I felt I went up a notch in abilities as soon as I put them on. Maybe it's like putting performance enhancing stickers on your bike or car, but honestly I just felt safer. Feeling safer put me at ease to try my corners a little faster. It was the same effect when I was racing BMX bikes years ago. When I'd ride with a helmet I was always slightly faster. I was willing to take more risks. When I put the Sidi boots on I could feel the added ankle supports and the hard sole made me feel that my ankles wouldn't break in an accident. It took a couple of rides for the shifting and braking to become natural, but now it feels the same as my old boots.

[philb]

a) Try giving your new boots a chance; you may just need to get used to them.

b) I've been happy with the Red Wing motorcycle boots. More of a traditional bike boot style, and also built for walking around in and better for general use than your usual power-ranger style bike boot.

c) DEFINITELY get a full length boot. I had a lowside in July, and the bike came down full on my left foot. It ripped my boot in half right across the ankle. I got a big bruise and a few stitches -- no broken bones or permanent injury. If I had been wearing sneakers or low boots, I would be missing my foot.

Originally Posted by tripod

I wear Sidi's, and find them comfortable. Anything takes getting used to, and new boots need time to break in. You might need to adjust your shifter down slighlty, and you really shouldn't be usign the rear brake, so you can drop the pedal there too. But basically, yes it is different than leather boots, you need to get used to them, and they need to break in.

Adjusting the pedals is good advice; the different physical size of the boots might affect your engagement point. Saying "you really shouldn't be using the rear brake" is bad advice; it's there for a reason, and it's a good tool if used properly.

PhilB

[CoolBDPhenom03]

I have the Puma 1000 v3 and I love them. As you'd expect, they're comfortable to walk around in. Still kind of bulky since they have ankle protection, but you wouldn't want boots without them.

+1 on adjusting your rearsets. Try wearing the boots around the house (provided they're clean of course) and see if that breaks them in better.

[garbo]

Combat Touring Lites made for Aerostitch by Sidi. Great in the rain and you can walk in them after they are broke in. I wear them on my XR 650, HD Dresser and S4Rs. B.G.

[EWhiteIT]

Thanks for the helpful suggestions everyone, a bit late in my reply but I figure better late than never.

I ended up picking up a pair of Sidi Cobra Air Boots that seemed more flexible in the lower ankle area w/my shifter. But I ordered them a size too small so I was not able to try them out on the bike before I put it into winter storage.

If anyone has these boots and can speak if they are good for mostly street and a few summer track days that would be appreciated.

[65218]

I just went through this same thing while getting my gear last month. I learned with skiing and cycling to shop around and get the gear that feels the best while using it for it's intended purpose, not while walking around the shop. I liked the Alpine stars supertech R and the Sidi Vortice, but they never fit quite right even when I put in my own insoles. I ended up getting the Dianese torque pro out boots because they fit my foot and ankle the best. I found the higher end boots had better protection while having great mobility and pedal feel. If the Sidi's or alpinestars would have fit me I would have gotten one of them because even the soles, toe skid and heel plates are replaceable

[EWhiteIT]

Originally Posted by eric9877

I just went through this same thing while getting my gear last month. I learned with skiing and cycling to shop around and get the gear that feels the best while using it for it's intended purpose, not while walking around the shop. I liked the Alpine stars supertech R and the Sidi Vortice, but they never fit quite right even when I put in my own insoles. I ended up getting the Dianese torque pro out boots because they fit my foot and ankle the best. I found the higher end boots had better protection while having great mobility and pedal feel. If the Sidi's or alpinestars would have fit me I would have gotten one of them because even the soles, toe skid and heel plates are replaceable

Is the "Out" version of this boot more armored vs the "In"? And did you buy the "Air" version?

Appreciate the recommendation as I had not come across Dianese before. At this point after trying on several brands, I have no issue paying a bit more in $$ for something that actually fits and works.