Alright, let’s talk about tall motorcycle boots. I decided I needed a proper pair a while back. My old ankle boots just weren’t cutting it, felt a bit exposed, you know? Especially after seeing a buddy’s scraped shin. Not pretty. So, the mission began: find some decent tall boots.
Where I Started
First thing, I hit the internet. Looked at a ton of pictures, read what felt like hundreds of reviews. Some guys swear by racing boots, others like the adventure-touring style. It’s a rabbit hole, really. I wasn’t looking for flashy race stuff, just solid protection that I could actually walk in for more than five minutes without cursing.
My main checklist was simple:
- Protection: Had to cover the shin, good ankle support, tough material. That was non-negotiable.
- Comfort: Stiff is okay, expected even, but not like wearing concrete blocks. Needed some flex for shifting and walking.
- Fit: Heard lots about sizing being weird, so trying them on was a must.
- Price: Didn’t want the cheapest, but wasn’t gonna splash out a fortune either. Found a budget I was comfortable with.
Trying Them On – The Fun Part?
So, after narrowing it down online, I went to a couple of local gear shops. Man, that was an experience. First pair I tried felt like ski boots, seriously. Super stiff, couldn’t feel my toes, let alone imagine shifting gears smoothly. Walked around the shop like Frankenstein’s monster. Sales guy said they’d ‘break in’. Yeah, maybe after a year.
Tried another pair, more of an adventure style. Better flex, felt sturdy. But the buckle system was fiddly. Spent ages trying to get it just right. Then another pair, full leather touring boots. These felt pretty good right away. Snug, secure around the ankle and calf, and I could actually bend my ankle.
Making the Call
I stood there for a while, wearing one of each on my feet, probably looking like an idiot. But you gotta feel them out, right? I kept going back to the leather touring ones. They just felt like the right balance of protection and usability for the kind of riding I do. Not too extreme, but definitely a big step up in coverage from my old boots. Pulled the trigger on those.
Breaking Them In
Got them home. First thing, wore them around the house for a few evenings. Still stiff, yeah. Clomped around, sat watching TV with them on. Felt a bit silly, but heard it helps. First few rides were… interesting. Finding the shifter felt different, braking took a bit of adjustment. My left ankle was a bit sore after the first long ride from the stiffness during shifting.
How They Are Now
Been using them for a good while now. They definitely broke in. Still stiff compared to regular shoes, obviously, but comfortable on the bike. Walking is fine for short distances, like getting gas or grabbing a coffee, but I wouldn’t want to hike in them. That’s not what they’re for.
The good stuff? Feel way more secure. That shin protection gives real peace of mind. Ankle support is solid. They’ve held up well in different weather too, though they do get warm in peak summer. No surprises there.
Any downsides? They take longer to put on than my old boots. Zippers, velcro, sometimes buckles – it’s a process. And yeah, they’re bulky off the bike. Can’t just slip them off easily if you’re stopping somewhere for a while.
Final Thoughts
So, yeah. Tall boots. Bit of a pain sometimes? Sure. Worth it? Absolutely, for me anyway. The extra protection feels significant. Took some searching, trying on, and breaking in, but now they’re just part of my riding routine. If you’re thinking about it, my advice is go try a bunch on. Feel the difference. Protection matters out there.
