A good, quality pair of boots that cover (and support) the ankle, with a good rubber sole, and waterproof. Always.

 

I've been using Alpinestars Web Gore-tex boots for a few years.

 

 

This ^^^^^^^^

 

and shorts!

 

Stylmartin Marshall. Super comfortable on and off the bike, water proof, anti-slip sole, and CE approved armor. I also have the Stylmartin Chester, which is pretty much the same but grey.

 

I wear a pair of Bates boots. Boots and all materials made in the US. They have Poron soft armor built in and a Vibram sole for traction. Absolutely love them.

 

Always boots, and always steel toed. If I hadn't had the steel toes in my engineer boots when I wrecked, I probably would have lost half or more of my big toe. And I couldn't have been going more than 20-25 mph at the time it happened. I won't ride without them, now. Just picked up a pair of nice boots (cheap brand from K-Mart, due to liquidation closeout) for only $18!! Got my wife a better set of Craftsman steel toed boots for only $35 at the same closeout store for her work. So far, they're not bad for comfort, and look great! My previous boots were Brahmas I got from Walmart for only $33, and they're still good, too. Just couldn't pass up the deal at K-Mart.

 

These: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Joe-Rocket-...item4423c165fd
No laces to get tied to the pegs or shifter lever. Also, while not the most comfortable walking shoes, better then most boots IMO.

 

I always wear boots. It's gotten to the point where I'm not comfortable without them. Tried several over the years...Bates, Frye, Red Wing...I found all of them to be very good, but I always end up back to my go-to which are Corcoran old-school paratrooper boots. They have a side zipper and are super comfy from the get-go. The bonus is that they are inexpensive, relative to some of the more popular brands. I would gladly pay extra if I found something that I like better, but the Corcorans have good thick leather that will protect and the fit is perfect...so if it ain't broken...