Last Update: 28 October 2021
The other day while driving my Jeep, rushing from one meeting to another through downtown Toronto, I noticed a stylish looking young woman on her Vespa. She was riding her scooter amidst city traffic. But what I noticed the most about her was her footwear. She was wearing black stiletto pumps.
We were both stopped at a traffic light and while awaiting for the light to change. A man in his automobile in the lane parallel to her called out – questioning her choice of shoes. He asked how she managed to ride the scooter in high heels? She quickly replied stating that for her “it was not a problem at all”.
Women Capable of Doing Most Anything in Heels
True enough, we women are capable in doing most anything – in heels. In fact the successful fundraiser called the “Stiletto Stampede” is a race where women run it in – stilettos. And it occurs in many countries.
Much controversy exists over what appropriate riding gear is and even more for those riding scooters. Scooters are often seen as not really a motorcycle. Oh but they are. And these day’s go up to 700cc’s. These two wheeler’s are superbly, safe, light weight and easy to maneuver. They’re a popular choice for urban commuting and transport. And it’s because of these features they’re being used more and more to go to work and enjoy our urban social lives.
Part of the draw to riding an automatic step through motorcycle – a scooter, is indeed the belief in not having to wear extensive, heavier, motorcycling gear. Take the Italy’s scooter culture for one. Women commonly ride around on scooters in the same stylish clothing riding or not. There’s no motorcycle tank to swing your leg over, so even a skirt can be worn. But then again, one ride’s midst a conscientious culture unlike that of the North American one. In many European countries the scooter (motorcycle) is a respected, welcomed part of transport life.
Hopefully soon, we’ll catch up with the admirable scenarios of other lands where we’ll ride midst an environment we need worry little about.
3 comments
Not sure if this is good advice. Bad gear is bad gear, even if you look nice. If the rider in the stiletto heels needs to drop her foot down because of an emergency, or trouble she’ll regret her choice in footwear.
I’ve never understood why foot wear is such a problem on a scooter. You have room under the seat for a change of shoes. Take advantage of it.
Currently and for years the internet and hospitals have been filled with footage and stories of MC and scooter riders who have had toes, and feet amputated because their skin was peeled away to the bone in a crash or slide. The prevalence of a scooter culture in Europe doesn’t protect anyone from the laws of physics. I’m far from a ATGATT rider, but I’d never ride in fop-flops, boat shoes, or a pair of canvas sneakers.
The road doesn’t care what you wear. The road is always there. Dress accordingly.
Hi Lowell B. Thanks for weighing in. (We also updated the article to read a little better). You made some very valuable points- yes the road is always there! Our team is for the all the gear all the time rule as well. In fact sturdy footwear is essential in our eyes. And I personally ride to be ready for not only ultimate confidence in performance but in case that unforeseen happens. Yes, and lessons learned the hard way – still seem to practised.
Thanks Vicki. Love this site, and have suggested it to a friend and former student who is considering getting her MC license and a scooter for a move to San Diego in a year. I want to make sure she’s a smart rider.