Vega Touring Boots |
What I got from riding smooth with touring boots was scraped soles and a feeling that my feet were not adequately protected. My Stanley Steel Toe Work Boots felt safer than the Vegas in those circumstances. They have a taller sole than the touring boots yet I never scraped a boot until I started wearing the Vegas. The first time was after lunch during the Therapy Ride on Hwy 28 and Warwoman Road.
After that, it became a regular occurrence all the while I was riding smoother and feeling more comfortable with my riding style but my boots left me wanting. So the search began for an economical pair of Sport Boots. This time, I am willing to spend more money since I'm sure I want and need them.
From reading opinions and the results of motorcycle crashes on the forums (I don't know why motorcyclists are so preoccupied with crashing), I knew that ankle protection was just as important as the foot. That means I need a full size boot or at the very least 3/4 length. I decided on full size then shopped boots and quickly learned a women's size 7 (men's 6) shoe size and sport boots are not a common combination. I had to look for women's specific sport boots.
Frankly, women's motorcycle gear has come a long way since I started riding over 10 (has it been that long?) years ago. Back then, if there was any protective gear for women it was just different color options of men's stuff. It's only been recently that I bought a jacket that was made for women. It was the first time I ever tried on one that had protection and was comfortable. Everything has always been fashion first then function. To that end, I only found three or four sport boots made for women. Alpinestars (A*) and Sidi seem to be the only brands that offered a sport boot line for women in the US.
Sidi Fusion |
Sidi Vertigo Lei |
I get emails from several online stores about their weekly specials. One week, Competition Accessories had a boot email and I discovered Sidi Fusion and Sidi Vertigo boots. The least expensive was $200 the one I wanted was $300. If I get boots, I won't be able to afford to use them for a month or so. Hmmm what to do? I started putting pennies aside, hoping for a sale but Sidis don't go on sale. They must be good boots!
A* Stella S-MX |
Frank Thomas Venus Sport Boot |
So the Venus Sport Boot is my new boot, despite finding the AXO Primato in my size on motorcycle closeouts for $45 less. If you look closely at the video from Feeding theWolf, you'll see Cruzman sporting the same boot. In fact he says that he wanted the Frank Thomas Fury but they didn't have it in his size. The Fury is the male version of the Venus. It wouldn't be the first time we've inadvertanly matched gear but since I already know he has the Primatos, I won't get them. Of course a more practical reason is the Venus has more support for both the ankle and the achilles.
In fact, of all the boots I've looked at, the Sidis and the Frank Thomas boots appear to offer the most protection. Frank Thomas does it at half the price which makes it even better for me. Maybe I can ride again this month after all. Frank Thomas stuff usually gets good reviews and Cycle Gear is the best place to deal with hands down. Right now I feel good about this decision, I'll let you know if I still do after the first ride with them.
Yep, I'll admit it, my goal is to be as well equipped as theWolfTamer and perhaps be twins. So do I need to get size 11 in the girl boots since I wear a size 10 in mens? :)
ReplyDeleteHa! You're funny. Just get the Fury boots. Besides, I don't think the "subtle embroidery" would be appropriate for you.
ReplyDeleteI had the Puma Desmo GTX boots, loved them. My Sidi Vertigo GTX are so stiff and lack feel (and confort) ..
ReplyDeleteAdrian, that's a good lookin' boot. No one seems to stock them in my size though. I like the Frank Thomas Venus/Fury so far. I haven't taken a long ride with them yet (this Saturday) but they felt really good on the short one I got in the other day.
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