Best boots
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 211
Likes: 4
From: Florida
Best boots
Need some new riding boots and wanted some suggestions. I've been using my hiking boots and the main problem is wet surfaces. When it rains they can be very slippery and it's a bit scary at times. Would appreciate what kind of boots have been best.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 25
From: Texas
Harley Davidson boots last a long time, but they're expensive. However, they're made by Wolverine/Bates, and can be purchased as non HD brand for cheap.
For my money, Bates make the best boots I've ever worn, their tactical "ultra lites" are the most comfortable workboot I've ever owned.
For my money, Bates make the best boots I've ever worn, their tactical "ultra lites" are the most comfortable workboot I've ever owned.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
Agree. My Danner's are the most comfortable set I own...and that's right out of the box...I would say that the Bates boot is also a good choice and is nearly as comfortable.
Regardless of the brand you choose, get a good ribbed or vibram sole. You certainly don't want anything smooth (like the bottom of cowboy boots). Sooner or later you will put your foot down on a stick, a pile of sand, a clump of pine straw, an acorn, a pebble, etc., and if you don't regain traction when your foot moves laterally that inch or so, you may drop the bike.
FWIW, I buy my riding boots from vendors that specialize in quality foot wear...not the manufacture of motorcycles. That also goes for riding gear. Buy it from riding gear specialists. That way you know you are getting the latest state of the art in ride clothing/gear and not the low-bid Chinese **** you see at the Harley shops. I don't own a single pair of boots or a single piece of serious gear with the HD brand.
Regardless of the brand you choose, get a good ribbed or vibram sole. You certainly don't want anything smooth (like the bottom of cowboy boots). Sooner or later you will put your foot down on a stick, a pile of sand, a clump of pine straw, an acorn, a pebble, etc., and if you don't regain traction when your foot moves laterally that inch or so, you may drop the bike.
FWIW, I buy my riding boots from vendors that specialize in quality foot wear...not the manufacture of motorcycles. That also goes for riding gear. Buy it from riding gear specialists. That way you know you are getting the latest state of the art in ride clothing/gear and not the low-bid Chinese **** you see at the Harley shops. I don't own a single pair of boots or a single piece of serious gear with the HD brand.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 491
Likes: 10
From: ATX
hate having to agree, but they seem to last forever and still have good grip
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 117
From: Southeast NC
ill second that. Most comfortable ive had hands down
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,478
Likes: 64
From: West Liberty, Ohio
Harley Davidson boots last a long time, but they're expensive. However, they're made by Wolverine/Bates, and can be purchased as non HD brand for cheap.
For my money, Bates make the best boots I've ever worn, their tactical "ultra lites" are the most comfortable workboot I've ever owned.
For my money, Bates make the best boots I've ever worn, their tactical "ultra lites" are the most comfortable workboot I've ever owned.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 7
From: Wall,NJ
Bates Zero Mass. A buddy of mine was the VP for HD Footwear (a Wolverine company)... Sent me this pair to try out at work. Liked them so much that they never saw the inside of a patrol car. Still wear them regularly. Very light, feels like I'm wearing sneakers