Are work boots good for motorcycle riding? This is a question that many people have, and the answer may surprise you. While work boots are not specifically designed for motorcycle riding, there are some benefits to using them.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of using work boots while riding a motorcycle, and we’ll help you decide if they’re right for you. Stay safe on the road!
Can you Wear Work Boots To Ride Motorcycles?
It is true that many motorcycle riders wear work boots on their bikes. However, this may reduce the safety and comfort of riding due to reduced protection for your feet in comparison with suitable footwear like biker shoes or leather boots which provide more cushioning against hard surfaces such as pavement.
On the other hand, normal work boots are much more durable than riding boots and designed to provide sufficient protection.
Whether you’re a pro or novice biker, it is imperative that your legs stay protected. A lack of leg coverage can result in serious injury and fatal endings. That’s why we recommend wearing the best riding boots designed specifically for bikers.
Nonetheless, work boots designed for riders and bikers can offer adequate protection while traveling, but you will have to sacrifice safety and comfort.
Below we have listed some properties that your work boots should possess. If your shoes have these qualities only then you can wear them for riding.
Advantages Of Riding In Work Boots
1. Water Resistance
Most waterproof work boots are made for tough environments, and, as such, they are water-resistant. These boots can protect and guard your feet from getting wet, which can come in handy if you ride through muddy puddles or cross muddy paths.
Besides, even if your work boots are completely water-resistant, we recommend you to check them for cracks and holes as they can cause various issues.
2. Slip-Resistance
Many work boots work well on wet surfaces. Hence work boots are more stable than riding boots and provide a firm grip when putting your feet on the brake pedals or on the ground.
This enhanced stability gives you confidence, and you will feel safer. Above all, this also decreases the likelihood of slipping. So if your work boots are slip-resistant, you can use them for motorcycle riding.
However, you need to stay away from the cheap non-slip shoes as they don’t have reliable outsole. So, use only high-quality work boots before hitting the road.
3. Protect you from Sharp Objects
Some work boots provide adequate protection from sharp objects and guard your feet from cuts and other damages. Most work boots come with a solid steel toe that protects your feet from sharp and falling objects.
The steel toe is extended from the front of the boot and guards your toes and feet from cuts. This also comes in handy when you are moving on serrated surfaces, such as mountains and rocks.
Even though work boots provide adequate foot protection and you can use them for off-road riding, you still need to wear the safety gear as boots are not a replacement for your safety equipment.
4. Comfort
We agree that most work boots are highly comfortable, but not all work boots are the same. Hence you need to ensure that your work boots offer ample ankle support and distribute the pressure evenly around your foot and ankle area.
When riding a motorcycle, you can use almost all boots as long as they are comfortable and keep you stable. Most work boots offer reliable support and optimum comfort.
In this way, your feet will remain in place even if you are riding a motorcycle on rough roads or dirty tracks.
5. Provide protection
As mentioned above, work boots are designed to withstand the toughest environments. This also means they reduce foot fatigue when riding your bike.
Most work boots are designed with leather or a unique combination of nylon and leather. If you walk a lot, they should offer enough support and bounce with every step you take.
Lastly, check that your working shoes are breathable so that you can ride or walk for longer periods.
Drawbacks Of using Work Boots For Riding
1. Long Shoelaces
Not all of you will agree that your loose shoelaces can increase the chances of crashing. This is because when your shoelaces get tangled in the brake pedals, they can cause various damages. This is especially true if your work boots have long laces.
Similarly, if you have a pair with a small heel, this can be deadly as well. Both these things are minor, but anything can happen when riding on the roads.
2. Inner Boot Lining
When you’re riding, your legs and feet are prone to various injuries. This is why it is advised to use a pair with a thick inner lining while riding a motorcycle, as they can absorb the shocks of a crash.
Fortunately, there are many manufacturers that offer this handy feature. Moreover, you will get an additional layer of protection from sharp and pointing objects with this inner boot lining. Overall you will feel more comfortable while riding a motorcycle.
3. Weight
Some work boots are quite heavy and bulky. If used for riding that, these heavy work boots make you unstable. With these boots, you will not feel your feet, which might affect your riding.
Similarly, walking in heavy work boots is not comfortable, especially on uneven surfaces. So we recommend using moderate work boots while riding. Remember, too-heavy work boots are not the ideal choice for riding.
Conclusion
So, are work boots good for motorcycle riding? The answer is yes – with a few caveats. Work boots provide some benefits that are specific to the needs of a motorcyclist.
They can help protect your feet and ankles in the event of a fall, they’re sturdy and durable, and they offer better ankle support than other types of shoes.
However, it’s important to choose the right type of work boot for motorcycle riding and to make sure that it fits properly. If you have any questions about choosing or wearing work boots while riding, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to help.
FAQs
Can I wear my everyday work boots instead of riding boots?
Yes, you can use your work boots instead of riding boots if they comply with the above-mentioned points. Similarly, you need to ensure that your work boots fit correctly and are comfortable while riding.
Are work boots comfortable for riding a motorcycle?
Not all work boots are comfortable for riding a motorbike. Work boots with flexible soles are advised while riding. Furthermore, consider the boot’s weight. Too heavy or bulky boots are not the best choice to use as motorcycle boots.
What is the best size of work boots for motorcycles?
There is no defined rule here. Generally speaking, your work boots should fit you perfectly. They should not be too tight nor too loose. If your shoes are too big or too small, they will make you uncomfortable, and it is not safe when you are riding a motorbike.
Can you use work boots for riding bikes in the rain?
Yes, you can wear your work boots as a motorcycle even in the rain. If your work boots are safe to use in wet conditions, you can comfortably use them in the rain as well as rainy conditions. Work boots offer reliable protection even in rainy conditions.
