If you ask any avid rider, he will tell you that footwear can make or break your riding adventure. With the right riding footwear, you can ride safely and comfortably. That is why riding shoes companies are striving to come up with biking footwear that meets the rider’s expectations. Motorcycle riding shoes vs boots, this is one thing that disturbs most people’s minds when thinking of investing in efficient riding footwear. While motorcycle riding footwear’s primary purpose is to protect your foot and leg from any form of injury, you also need to make sure you are comfortable enough.
Read on to know which of the two types of riding footwear is better!
Protection
Riding boots are a form of riding footwear that covers both the feet and the ankles as well. At times, depending on the height of the boot, it can cover the lower leg as well. On the other hand, shoes cover and protect your feet, but they stay below the ankles. However, some dress shoes may cover the ankle and are commonly known as high-topped riding shoes.
Bottom-line
When it comes to foot protection, boots offer better protection since they cover the most significant part of the foot. Riding shoes need to come with a flexible upper and a heavier material in the sole to protect and comfort the foot as you ride.
Versatility
The best riding shoe is the one that offers enough flexibility. When we think of boots, they are footwear that you can ride on and still walk on them all day. They protect your foot from accidents but are still comfortable enough to walk around. They are also versatile since you can go to them when you wish, from office to campus.
On the other hand, bike shoes, especially road bike shoes are not ideal for an extended walking since they lack traction on the sole and their inability to flex. While they are great for riding, you may not feel comfortable walking in for a long time.
Bottom-line
Boots offer enough flexibility, but there other biking shoes with enough traction and are comfortable to walk on as well.
Materials
When it comes to construction, motorcycle boots are made of thicker leather to get a high scratch resistance. However, in recent years, boot manufacturers are producing boots with materials that are both breathable and scratch resistant. On the other hand, riding shoes are usually made from leather, canvas, or wood, but are now coming in plastic, rubber, and other materials.
Bottom-line
When it comes to breathability, rubber shoes are better than boots since they come in breathable materials. However, some boots also come with breathable materials.
Riding-friendly features
It is not always marketing when we say that motorcycle boots come with rider-specific features in mind. Some of these features are not visible, like increased tensional stiffness to avoid flexing, molded ankle protection, and oil-resistant soles that prevent slip when alighting from the bike on the road. While riding boots share most of the features with work boots, it is invisible features like these that make it unique for any rider.
On the other hand, biking shoes also come with rubber soles that offer excellent traction when riding. They are also very light and flexible, making it easy to ride for long without getting tired.
Bottom-line
Whether using a boot or a shoe, they both offer enough traction to make sure your feet never slide when on the go.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, riding boots are excellent. They offer enough fit, comfort, and the flexibility you need when riding. However, considering that boots are made to protect the foot, they come with durable materials and so in most cases, they are not as lightweight compared to riding shoes.
On the other hand, riding shoes are usually lightweight as they often feature mesh panel. Sweaty feet are uncomfortable on long rides, and so with these shoes, comfort is a guarantee.
Bottom-line
When considering comfort, I think riding shoes are the best, but there are also boots that are light and comfortable as well.
Regardless of the footwear you choose, whether riding boots or shoes, always make sure your feet are comfortable as they are the best judge!
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