| Motorbike boots are one of the most expensive | | | | caps and heel caps to keep your toes on your feet. |
| investments a rider has to make, commonly costing | | | | Otherwise you might as well ride bare-foot. |
| between 50 and 400 pounds. So why bother? | | | | Motorcycle sports boot |
| Normal shoes, builders' boots and walking boots can | | | | This footwear is ideal for bikers who feel the need |
| be dangerous when riding on powerful motor vehicles. | | | | for speed and also want to look the part while |
| They wear quickly and become flimsy, boot laces can | | | | they're cruising. Like designer trainers, this style of |
| get caught in chain, they can easily be pulled off | | | | footwear often comes in a wide variety of colours |
| leaving your foot exposed and they can make it hard | | | | or styles and is intended to look great and fit like a |
| to shift your weight properly. | | | | glove. The price ranges from between 70--170 |
| In stark contrast -- a pair of good motorcycle boots | | | | pounds. |
| will be comfortable even at the 300 mile mark. They | | | | • They should still have all the protective |
| will protect your toes, ankle, calf and shin and save | | | | features of a touring boot. |
| your feet from turning to hamburgers in a crash. And | | | | • They should be comfortable. A good boot |
| sometimes they look pretty good too. Good biking | | | | doesn't put too much pressure on your feet but |
| boots offer superb protection and with a wide range | | | | should grip you well enough to stay on even if you |
| to choose from there is no excuse for riding in | | | | tug them hard. |
| sandals. Here are the three main types: | | | | Motorcycle racing boot |
| Motorcycle touring boot | | | | Racing boots are for serious riders who push their kit |
| These are usually the least expensive biking boots | | | | to the limit and demand all the latest technology and |
| and are perfect for the everyday commuter who | | | | protection to keep them safe and improve their |
| goes out in all weather and wants his boots to be | | | | track performance. Unsurprisingly they are often the |
| comfortable and safe. You can expect to pay | | | | most expensive and can cost over 300 pounds, |
| 50--100 pounds for a good pair and they should last | | | | although good quality ones can be found for under |
| you a long time unless you have a crash. | | | | 100 pounds. |
| • Check they are waterproof -- there's nothing | | | | • Don't believe the hype surrounding a designer |
| worse than wet feet. A professionally made pair | | | | brand boot. Check out what protection it offers and, |
| should have a HIPORA or Goretex lining which | | | | if you can, try the boot for size and fit. |
| guarantees they will keep water out. | | | | • Shop around. Motorcycle clothing retailers have |
| • Just because touring boots are lower in price | | | | a whole range of prices - make sure you get the |
| doesn't mean they all skimp on protection. Look for | | | | best deal. |
| boots that have a solid shin, ankle guards, with toe | | | | |