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Boot question - with a twist

BrianK

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Hi folks,
I know the "work boot versus motorcycle boot" question has been hashed out ad nauseam. I'm well aware of the deficiencies of a work boot in comparison to a dedicated motorcycle boot, especially when it comes to an off road boot. This is primarily a question of ankle protection, from impact, abrasion and sprain/fracture (but also regards the level of protection from forefoot (toes, metatarsals fracture/dislocations) and rearfoot (calcaneus, talus, ankle mortis) injuries).

Due to strokes, I have to wear an articulated semi rigid ankle brace (Active Ankle T2, about $30 on Amazon) on my left ankle, because weakness in my left leg causes me to chronically roll over and sprain it otherwise. This weakness is also why I ride a NC750X dct.
t2.jpg

It will not fit in a dedicated motorcycle boot so I wear it with a good Redwing boot, with GoreTex, a good Eva midsole and an oil and slip resistant outsole. This combination makes for very good protection from ankle injuries, and also provides impact and abrasion resistance at the ankle malleoli:
IMG_6007.jpg

Since I'm already wearing the left ankle brace, I've decided to get a second brace to wear on the right ankle to provide better ankle protection there too. I already wear the left brace all day, and its the most comfortable light weight rigid ankle brace I've ever worn.

For those that choose to wear a work boot, adding this type of ankle brace on both sides seems to be an affordable and comfortable way of addressing some of the deficiencies of a work boot when it comes to protecting the ankle. I think it would provide ankle protection approaching that of an average road motorcycle boot (not an off road boot).

Thoughts?
 
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In looking at the photo of the brace (no shoe) it looks like there is a pivot point with a bolt right on the ankle bone. If you want t know if your brace is good enough, (and I am really not trying to sound sarcastic) have someone lay your 400#+ motorcycle on your ankle and see if you have a hot spot on the ankle bone. That's the thing about the ankle support and protection of motorcycle boots - they are meant to spread the impact and abrasion out, and not have a focal point. Looking at that, I would almost put money on the brace doing more damage if the bike were to land on it, just because you have all that force focused on a tiny area

Get a good pair of ADV or off-road boots - there is a LOT of support in them. And as you said, there are plenty of posts going over boot choices.
 
Get a good pair of ADV or off-road boots - there is a LOT of support in them. And as you said, there are plenty of posts going over boot choices.
I'm a foot and ankle surgeon, and I broke an ankle in college so have a lot of experience with ankle braces, and I understand ankle bracing pretty well. Unfortunately a pair of adv boots won't provide the level of custom high ankle support I get from this brace, and off road boots aren't an option for the type of riding and activities I do.

The metal in the brace is fairly well recessed:
ankle brace 1.jpgankle brace 2.jpg

Plus its completely covered by the leather of the Redwing on the outside and an additional cushion on the inside.
 
Why isn't a dirt boot an option?
I need the custom support my current ankle brace gives me. Even a dirt boot wouldn’t provide the rigid/tight support I need on the left ankle and my brace will not fit in a dirt boot. Plus I need to be able to get off and walk around routinely for circulation.
 
Hey BrianK, many of the cycle shops do have some really nice motorcycle boots. If you did find one or a couple that you liked, then catch them on sale or grab a 10%-20% coupon! I too suffer from Arthritis/Gout attacks and often times have to get my shoes/boots one size larger to accommodate the times i am having an attack/flare-up. Mine really weakens/attacks my ankles and left hand/wrist. It won't be too much longer that i will be selling my manual NC and getting a DCT due to not always being able to pull and hold the clutch lever. It is amazing to me that during those times that a good brace or shoe/boot with some serious ankle support reallys does help! I recently scored a really nice pair of Bilt ADV boots from CycleGear that were marked way down on clearance.. and just happened to be the size i needed. !!!..SCORE..!!
:{)
 
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I just ordered the FirstGear Kilimanjaro hi viz coat and pants, excellent motorcycle specific gloves, and a Reevu helmet with periscopic rear view built in.

I’m not trying to skimp on safety gear, or wimping out on mc boots because of expense, or my other boots are more comfortable or more stylish. If average road mc boots provided the level of custom high ankle support of these ankle braces, to prevent rolling over my ankle while walking, I’d simply buy a pair.

They don’t. (I’m a foot and ankle surgeon so I know a bit about this subject.)

So this is the best possible compromise I can make.
 
I need the custom support my current ankle brace gives me. Even a dirt boot wouldn’t provide the rigid/tight support I need on the left ankle and my brace will not fit in a dirt boot. Plus I need to be able to get off and walk around routinely for circulation.
I can't imagine being able to roll my ankle in my Sidi Crossfire SRS2. Maybe if I landed on it, VERY hard, or something... but it's incredibly rigid side to side, with a hinge so you can move in the direction that's needed.

I won't claim that it's the best for walking, but that's largely due to the supermoto soles I have on (with sliders on the outside). With MX or Enduro soles it isn't too bad.

Of course, I'll readily admit that I'm talking about a $600 pair of boots (well, the current SRS3 goes for that much). Go buy a cheap pair of boots and they don't provide anywhere near the same level of support/protection.

Then again, maybe there's something I'm missing given that you're a foot and ankle surgeon.
 
The first time you put your foot down in an emergency and catch the laces on a peg (preventing the foot from reaching the ground) will be the last time you ever wear laced motorcycle boots ;-)
 
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Yea, a little scary. I have no choice but to wear laced shoes when I ride. My right foot doesn't bend enough to put into a regular boot. I can't even wear a hiking boot because the heel is too high. The shoes I wear are high top basketball shoes and on my right foot is an ankle-foot orthotic brace (AFO). I always make sure that my shoes are tied but it is a worry.
 
I’ll be quite honest, after reading several threads on other forums about foot and ankle injuries and their x rays, I just placed an order for a pair of low Forma Adventures.

I’ll save the spare ankle brace for when the first one I wear daily on my left ankle wears out, and hope these mc boots alone are sufficient to keep my ankle from chronically rolling over. And I hope these mc boots in general are everything the ATGATT folks say they are.
 
I was just about to say I thought you'd made a thoughtful compromise, but clearly something has you more concerned now.
As to laces, I've also had laces get caught on a peg with nearly-disastrous consequences, so I either don't wear lace-ups, or I tuck them _well_ in.
 
Thanks for posting. Now I know how much 'extra' those MC boot manufacturers spend on theirs :)
It seems the 'Active Ankle' is a minimalist brace for a more specific protection than overall protection that MC boots has to provide.
A similar device is the neck brace that some riders add to their version of ATG/ATT
Your solution looks more comfortable and easier to deal with than MC boots.
.
I wear work boots for short errands in the n'hood on my bike and yes it's not ATG/ATT
but I just can't see myself walking the aisles of Publix in MC boots.
Hi folks,
I know the "work boot versus motorcycle boot" question has been hashed out ad nauseam. I'm well aware of the deficiencies of a work boot in comparison to a dedicated motorcycle boot, especially when it comes to an off road boot. This is primarily a question of ankle protection, from impact, abrasion and sprain/fracture (but also regards the level of protection from forefoot (toes, metatarsals fracture/dislocations) and rearfoot (calcaneus, talus, ankle mortis) injuries).

Due to strokes, I have to wear an articulated semi rigid ankle brace (Active Ankle T2, about $30 on Amazon) on my left ankle, because weakness in my left leg causes me to chronically roll over and sprain it otherwise. This weakness is also why I ride a NC750X dct.
View attachment 38002

It will not fit in a dedicated motorcycle boot so I wear it with a good Redwing boot, with GoreTex, a good Eva midsole and an oil and slip resistant outsole. This combination makes for very good protection from ankle injuries, and also provides impact and abrasion resistance at the ankle malleoli:
View attachment 38003

Since I'm already wearing the left ankle brace, I've decided to get a second brace to wear on the right ankle to provide better ankle protection there too. I already wear the left brace all day, and its the most comfortable light weight rigid ankle brace I've ever worn.

For those that choose to wear a work boot, adding this type of ankle brace on both sides seems to be an affordable and comfortable way of addressing some of the deficiencies of a work boot when it comes to protecting the ankle. I think it would provide ankle protection approaching that of an average road motorcycle boot (not an off road boot).

Thoughts?
 
The first time you put your foot down in an emergency and catch the laces on a peg (preventing the foot from reaching the ground) will be the last time you ever wear laced motorcycle boots ;-)

And if it’s never happened to you, everything’s fine - until the day it happens. It’s almost funny how a tiny little loop of a lace on the top of your foot can find and lasso the end of a peg as you’re lowering your foot to the ground. :(

Almost
 
the Forma Adventure touts the "flexibility of a road boot", and I don't see a hinge there. I doubt it will provide the same degree of roll protection as a high end MX boot.
 
the Forma Adventure touts the "flexibility of a road boot", and I don't see a hinge there. I doubt it will provide the same degree of roll protection as a high end MX boot.

That's my primary concern. I ordered from RevZilla so they'll be here soon enough, and I'll know for sure. If they're insufficient I'll exchange them for something with better ankle support. However, I have wide feet so I hope these will work.
 
I have the low version. It took a while for them to break-in, so they start stiffer and then soften a little. I take the stairs to my office, first few weeks I knew what I was wearing. About month #2 they felt more like stiff but comfortable hiking boots. I can wear them all day if need be. I'm very happy with mine, have ridden in all weather (heat, rain, snow) without any issues. 2 buckles and velcro top make donning/doffing very quick.
 
I have the low version. It took a while for them to break-in, so they start stiffer and then soften a little. I take the stairs to my office, first few weeks I knew what I was wearing. About month #2 they felt more like stiff but comfortable hiking boots. I can wear them all day if need be. I'm very happy with mine, have ridden in all weather (heat, rain, snow) without any issues. 2 buckles and velcro top make donning/doffing very quick.

How do you feel about the level of protection in these?
 
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