Summer is right around the corner so it’s about time to hit the road with the top motorbike sport accessories. Remember, your gear should help ensure your safety but also be comfortable so your road trip is enjoyable. One of the most important and often overlooked motorbike gear items is a pair of boots. Many people mistakenly believe that they can wear a pair of tennis shoes or some other footwear but nothing could be further from the truth. Motorcycle boots should be one of your most important must-haves.

Importance of Motorcycle Boots

Motorcycle boots protect not only your feet and ankles but also your calves. Interestingly, they are often the most overlooked gear that a rider purchases. However, statistics show that more riders suffer from foot, ankle, and leg injuries than any other part of the body. When an accident or a tip over occurs your feet are often the first to hit the ground. Also, if you start to fishtail on your bike, you will need to put your foot down to stabilize yourself and your ride so you will want to make sure that the boots you choose are non-slip and can withstand the road’s surface. Burns are also a reality if you wear conventional shoes while riding because your calves and ankles are near the hot exhaust pipes. Overall, motorcycle boots are one of the most important motorbike essentials that you can purchase.

Things to Consider When Buying Motorcycle Boots

Here are a few things to consider when picking out a pair of motorcycle boots:

• Comfort: Whatever boots you choose should be comfortable enough that you can wear them for an extended time period. Remember that the boots should fit snugly but not be too tight that they rub on any pressure points.
• Soles: The soles of the boots should be not only slip-resistant but also oil-resistant. During the summertime heat or after a heavy rain the oil on the road rises and makes a treacherous surface. The soles of the boots should effectively grip the surface of the road. Many people mistakenly believe that motorbike boots should have heels but this is a misnomer. The best motorcycle boots have no heel so the rider can have full foot grip.
• Avoid Laces: Motorcycle boots must never have laces because they can easily get caught up in the motorcycle’s many parts which could cause bodily injury or a serious accident. The boots you choose should have buckles, zippers, or velcro.
• Leather: A leather boot, especially a leather lined boot, will last far longer than other materials. Although leather boots may cost more it is a long-term investment. Leather also has the ability to breath so your feet won’t get too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter.
• Height: Height is a matter of preference but your ankle should be covered. Most boots are considered perfect if the top of the boot comes right below the back of the knee. Avoid crotch high boots which do not allow you the freedom of movement that you need to safely ride. They can also cause rubbing and blisters.
• Ventilation: The boots should breathe. Leather is well ventilated and so are other types of material.
• Water Resistance: Even if you are a fair weather rider, you must still plan for the occasional rain shower or possibly hitting the pooled water on the roadway by buying boots that are waterproof.
• Plating: Some motorcycle boot manufacturers include curved plating to protect the rider’s shin bones. Racing boots feature an armored interior which provides even greater protection to the foot and shin.

Never underestimate the importance of a good pair of boots when picking out your motorbike sport accessories.