Shoe blog

Riding Boots

I love the look of equestrian boots, but that is not the type of riding I am referring to here.  Yes, there is a horse in my back pasture, but he actually belongs to and is cared for by our neighbor.  The closest we currently have is the ‘Iron Horse’ that belongs to my husband; the same motorcycle which, I am told, is anxious to come out and play for the current late-summer to fall season.

Honestly, I had already started turn my attention to this Fall’s boot offerings; both to keep an eye on trends as well at to possibly find off-season clearance deals on 2007 styles (despite temperatures in the 80′s). But, today I am specifically focusing on styles that will be functional in the role of motorcycle boots. 

So, what is an appropriate boot for me as a motorcycle passenger? Here are some basic considerations to take into account:  Our back seat has foot rest ‘pegs’, so a slight heel is advised to reduce slippage and leg strain (For the driver, this bike has flat ‘boards’ rather than pegs up front, so even a flat heel would be okay there.).

• Comfort is important.
• So is Safety: Leather and Kevlar are two products which offer extra layers of protection compared to most other materials.
•  A little bit of a heel is okay, but not necessarily practical depending on the destination (Riding is not what I consider to be stiletto-appropriate conditions!).
• I prefer styles that are not top-stitched cowboy-boots; most boots of this style simply don’t call to me.
• It should work well with boot-cut jeans or leathers and it should offer a layer of protection to the lower leg; ankle boots may be in fashion - but for riding, I prefer calf or knee-high lengths for maximum coverage without affecting the full range of motion of the leg (You won’t find me on the back of a bike in sandals, shorts,  T-shirt and no jacket. Ever. Road Rash?  - No thank you.). 
• It should also be practical, attractive, and hopefully, feminine.
• Finally, an under $200 price tag would be nice.

So, first, from Harley Davidson (As if I could write about motorcycle boots and not mention these?):

• The ‘Christina’ ($104.40 Zappos.com) has nice color and shape, but it’s still too much of an ankle boot for my taste.

• The ‘Strut’ ($129.45 Shoebuy.com) has a bit of that cowboy silhouette. However, the studs give it just a little bit of edgy appeal.

• How about the ‘Darla’ ($128.00 Zappos.com); still a bit of the western silhouette but with classic biker hardware.

• But wait, the ‘Carina’ ($139.95 Onlineshoes.com /$144.00 Zappos.com) is a higher calf-boot with a solid but attractive heel and a little bit of buckle detail that is not too overdone :

OK, now for some non-Harley Davidson options:

First, a few styles by Seychelles (One of my favorite brands & very friendly to the higher-arched foot):

• The ‘Shotgun Wedding’ ($101.25 6pm.com); aside from the saucy little name, this is a bit of a wing-tipped granny boot with attitude.  However, I would hate to see those laces come undone at the wrong time. Sigh.

• The ‘Overtime’ in distressed brown or black leather ($101.25 6pm.com/$127.99 Shoes.com). I love the extra pockets that fit a cell phone and any other small personal items.

• The ‘Do It Yourself’ in brown or black ($101.25 6pm.com/$135.99 Shoes.com) is a lower, engineer-style boot that also appeals to me. Again, maybe it’s that darned useful attached pocket.

Next, how about these styles by Report?

• The ‘Nymph’ buckle boot ($124.95 Solestruck.com). A decent brown-leather buckled style.

• There’s also the ‘Victory’ in tan ($77.63 6pm.com / $109.95 Solestruck.com); Yes, that is another cargo pocket attached at the calf (Believe me, the last thing I want to worry about on a motorcycle is a purse).

Last, here are some miscellaneous options from Ecco, Born, Timberland, and Red Wing:

• The ‘Esmeraldas’ buckle boot by Ecco ($219.95 Onlineshoes.com); an attractive combination of leather and suede.

• The Born ‘Kale’ ($179.95 Onlineshoes.com / $184.95 Nordstrom.com / $189 Zappos.com) an understated leather boot with subtle but attractive buckle detail.

• Timberland’s ‘Charles Street’ ($130.90 Endless.com / $159.95 Onlineshoes.com / $164 Zappos.com) is another lace-up style with a low functional heel; waterproofing is a nice bonus.

• Red Wing’s ‘Loretto’ ($219.95 Onlineshoes.com / $224 Zappos.com); yet another buckle and lace-up style.

Of course I could just throw all caution to the winds an use this as a justification to pick up my first pair of Doc’s:

• Dr. Martens ‘Vonda’ 14-eyelet boot ($127.46 Onlineshoes.com/Shoebuy $149.95/$149.99 Journeys.com/$150 Shoes.com/$154 Zappos.com). How’s that for an attention-getting boot?