Leather Motorcycle Boots Are a Must

If you were asked to picture a biker in your head, chances are you would picture someone garbed in black leather from head to toe. It’s tough, it’s durable, it’s classic, it can go from one end of the country to another, and every wear just gives it that much more character. Leather does all these things, as well as cement a picture of bikers in our heads, but really, the reason why bikers rely on leather motorcycle boots, is because they are quite simply the most practical.

Just as denim was first produced to be a rugged, durable pair of pants for mine workers, leather has been used by bikers for generations because it provides protection and support. It is easy to weatherproof, it is resistant to ripping and tearing, wind can’t cut through it. If you do fall, it offers more protection than denim or other materials and it doesn’t grab the road. You slide instead of getting road rash. The reasons go on and on.

Footwear is overlooked by many bikers, but it should be one of the most important pieces of your riding equipment. If you think any pair of shoes or boots will do, consider this: sixteen percent of bikers who crash have injuries to the feet, and another twenty-three percent have injuries to the ankle. Good boots can reduce your risk of injuring yourself, which is possible even at low speeds.

If you want boots that you will wear for long rides, taller uppers are a great choice. These will keep your legs and feet comfortable, and a leather insert in the shaft will provide yet more protection and support. The instep, heels, and ankles should also have added protection as these are often the first points of impact in a crash or spill.

One of the most important parts of the boot is the sole. This adds to the overall safety of your rides. Look for soles that are sewn on instead of glued. Most Harley Davidson boots, for instance, are sewn on. Why is this important? Glued soles can tear off in an instant, leaving you with a useless boot. They also provide less protection in a crash. Stitched soles are stronger and more durable – and they can be repaired instead of thrown away if they come loose. If you see a boot that says it has welt protection, or more specifically, Goodyear Welt protection, that indicates that the soles are sewn and that there is air flow through the shoe. This is great for ventilation.

Soles should also be oil-resistant, providing good traction and grip for roads, dirt, gravel, and other surfaces. Non-slippage is crucial, especially on ice or rain slick roads. This is why old style cowboy boots are not ideal for riding. Their soles are flat and smooth, which could cause slipping and loss of control.

There are other options to consider when choosing boots, such as the type of insole, the presence of a shifter pad, steel toes, non-tarnishing hardware, and the type of closure used in the boot. Also, men’s and women’s biker boots are constructed differently, so make sure you get the right fit for you. Besides the protection and support provided by leather boots, comfort is a priority. You may also want to consider whether or not you want a well known brand like Harley-Davidson motorcycle boots. Find what works for you, but keep in mind that we have that picture of bikers in leather for a reason: it works, and it protects you. It also has the benefit of lasting a lifetime, so choose your boots carefully.

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