Here’s a good test of how your footgear will protect you from a sprained ankle: Take the heel in one hand and the toe in the other and twist. Hard. Harder. Still not the force of foot against pavement in a crunch, is it? Now imagine your foot is in there. Would the twenty-six little bones in your foot be broken? Would your bare-naked ankle be scraping the pavement? You now have a good idea about whether or not you’re feet and ankles will be okay in a crash.
If you’ve been wearing sneakers or work shoes or dressy boots, you might want to think about getting a pair of serious motorcycling boots. If you plan to take on a new aspect of the sport—such as off-roading—you might need a new style of boot. We’re going to do a blog post on the various kinds of boots from which you can choose, but don’t wait for that. The professionals at Eagle Leather will help you choose the best boots for your needs.
Okay, so your boots were right last year, and your riding habits won’t be changing. Here are some areas you should check before you ride this spring and frequently during the season:
Worn soles won’t keep you from slip-sliding away at a stoplight. If the sole is nearly smooth or is de-laminating (coming off in strips), you can get the sole fixed or get a new pair.
If the uppers on your lightweight boots now feel loose and/or the Velcro won’t stay fastened, the structural elements might be weak. A good repair shop might be able to fix that, or you can buy new boots.
If your boots leak and they aren’t waterproof, you probably have a crack or hole that’s letting in water. Wet feet are a dangerous distraction. You can try waterproofing your own boots, or take them to a professional for repair—or get new ones.
If you have waterproof boots and they begin to leak, they need to be replaced.
If the inside ankle padding is worn through, the safety reinforcement at the ankle is compromised. Further, the boots have grown loose, so they can’t give you the sturdy support you expect from them. Time for a new pair.
One thing you don’t have to worry about is plain old scuffs. They might not be pretty, but they don’t affect your safety.
Yet, there’s no denying it: Unless you plan to ride exclusively around the Southern United States, you’ll face some chilly winters. And even before it...
