Okay, this might be a dumb question but so far no one has been able to give me a satisfactory explanation.
Why cant I wear a pair of mx boots for road riding?
I ask because I am considering another pair of boots, and while 20 years of horseriding has done wonders for my calf muscles it means that I have terrible trouble finding boots to fit foot AND leg. (Anyone who's seen me out riding will notice the electrical tape holding the boot closed).
They are stiffer, wider, taller in the sole with big chunky buckles mostly, which can destroy plastic fairings, as well as giving you diminshed feel for the bike on the road.
Also over long rides sitting in one position, they become very uncomfortable!
"I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me" Hunter S. Thompson.
There are really only two questions in life. 1.Which way do i go? 2.What is the lap record?
Thats about it, different road boats have different soles as well so touring boots usually have a T boot sole and race boots smooth.
The only thing I could think of is if it has external buckles so that it grips on the road surface at speed and creates a twisting force.
Most road boats have smooth outers...
Just because you CAN ride, doesn't mean you SHOULD
suggestion (usefull one too)....
look at sum of the new alpy & sidi's...i kno they are a bit pricey $400 ish or more..but they have adjustable calf/opening things thru these fancy new twisty things...
not only that, SIDI boots are bloody comfy ....
I have some Alpinestars boots that have velcro fasteners above the ankle that give me plenty of space for my calves which are oversize. They are good because you can also get leathers/jeans inside the boots without a hassle - not sure of the model but they are current and cost about 350 bucks RRP, got them for 250. they are all leather outer.
Mark
CBR1000RR 2009 roadie, ZX10R 2008 track
GSXR600 K7 road sold 12/09 (as a wreck)
GSXR600K7 racebike sold 10/11
ZZR 250 sold 2/2007
You'll also find that road boots are typically designed to protect against abrasion, because that's the major issue in the typical road prang ie a drop/slide. MX boots are more designed for impact type injuries and so are big heavy and clunky. You also stick your feet out in the breeze on dirt so you are forever bashing your feet on stuff that would cause them to get smashed in road boots. They offer superior overall protection but pretty well no feel and pretty average comfort.
The soles are different also and will be more difficult to move your feet around on the pegs. On MX bikes you don't want your feet moving around on the pegs. Have a look at any MX bike and you'll notice the paints rubbed off where the boots make contact also because you use the inside to hang on. Most of the boots will have grippy/abrasive stuff on the inside of the leg to help this.
It's really all about standing around drinking Dave's beer.
2008 ZRX1200 Greeeeen Roadie
2016 KTM Superduke 1290 Oraaaaange
2016 Seadoo RXTX300
Too many toys.......work is getting in the way!!!!