boots...how do you do it??

[perseverance]

My friend gave me his old pair of cheap frank thomas boots to try out. Honestly either they dont fit me right or its really hard to ride with boots. It was hard to get my foot under the shifter to upshift, and at a stop my right foot was stuck on the peg and i nearly lost it. I immediately went home and put the riding SHOES back on. Question is, is that how good quality boots are, or is it just that those were cheap ones?

[Sytrept]

You just have to get use to it.
I personally hate boots, but i wore them when I started riding.

[Papa Jon]

Just a FYI. You can adjust your shifter.

And I feel completely lost when not wearing boots when riding.

[HammieL]

When I first got riding shoes they felt really weird to shift with. I just got used to them and I really like em now.

[Twolaneblacktop]

Subscribing for some sage advice.

[ShortyR6]

much like anything else, you get what you pay for.

[MikeThorne09]

I have a set of Sidi Vertigo boots and the feel even better than my shift riding shoes just my .02

[armytim9760]

I have been riding for many years, and i finally made the purchase of Alpinestars SMX3 riding boots, and it is worlds better. Definitely weird at first, but now I feel like I have a ton more feel of the shifter. Definitely should check out different brands, shouldnt be bulkier in a true race-style boot.

[Crashin]

Once you get a quality boot and get used to the feel, it'll feel different riding with anything else on

[DaytonaBlue]

Bottom line Nikki is that every shoe and boot maker will have a diferent design and thickness to their last and sole design. The last on my touring boots is thicker (and the sole is definitely thicker) than on my Sidi track boots. When I ride with my touring boots, I have to remember to tuck my toes down a bit further. It's just a new position for my foot. If you are used to wearing sneakers, then boots will definitely seem more awkward. It will take some time to get used to the new feeling, but once you do, the muscle memory and foot position will become a natural thing.

[hottiebiscotti]

Only smart people rock boots, I however prefer my sandals............jk

[09r6girl]

I used to feel the same way when I got my boots....I swore they were made too thick and would never fit under my shifter!! Lo and behold, 2 years later and they not only DO fit under my shifter, but I feel almost naked without them on when I'm riding!! You'll get used to yours in time.

[aranselmi]

I have Puma V3, expensive but feel so much better. Definitely have to get used to riding with boots. But once you do you'll feel "naked" without them. Same thing with full gauntlet race gloves vs. short street gloves. Take some time and get used to the boots.

[vfrsam]

I have allways rode with boots on. A couple of months ago I got some bigger boots for the track and they are a whole new ballgame. I find myself missing shifts and I cant throw my kickstand down with my heel now. I think they are going to take time to get use to.

[Perma Grin]

Protection aside, I LOVE riding w/boots. Like skiing, when I'm buckled up tight the movements of my entire leg are much more effectively channeled to shift and push down/back on the outside peg when getting my lean on. The stiff soles, especially, give me good lever action w/the up-shifts. I think you just have to get the fit right and get used to them. Not something to cheap-out on. Learn the Manx dialect and flirt w/ Mo 'till she does you a solid deal.

[dsonik1]

Just a FYI. You can adjust your shifter.

Yep! That's a good indicator that you've needed to do this for awhile. I bet even in riding shoes, you will notice a major difference and more confidence.

[DJ929RR]

+1 on riding shoes...i have a pair of taichi riding shoes, i like them more than skating shoes, and my track tcx boots....they are light and comfy..go to manx and try on a pair, you will love them.

[ApogeeNow]

Once you get a quality boot and get used to the feel, it'll feel different riding with anything else on

So true!

[perseverance]

I cant wear sneakers too squishy int he shifts..i have Shift Riding shoes , im just trying to get into boots. They look cool and well, will protect my ankle...ill look for a good pair and practice..

[Mustang Man]

For the first couple days I had my bike I wore my work boots when riding, then when I got my riding boots I felt like I couldn't feel the shifter and I was missing shifts. After a few days of riding with the boots I can feel every thing with them. It all is just getting used to a new feeling.