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Four Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Motorcycle Boots

Last Update: 12 January 2022

Four Signs It's Time to Replace Your Motorcycle Boots - MOTORESS
Four Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Motorcycle Boots

It’s not always obvious that the time has come to trade in your motorcycle boots for a new pair. Even when your boots are falling apart at the seams- it can be difficult to part with your favourite moto kicks! But being sentimental can compromise your safety, cause ride stability problems and even discomfort – down the road.  If you’re not sure, these four signs it’s time to replace your motorcycle boots will help!

Motorcycle boots are a vital piece of security, comfort and safety offering defence against mishap – should your foot or ankle contact the ground. Their grip is important too because your feet are all that’s holding up your motorcycle when stopped. And if you enjoy endless hours of riding, they need to be comfortable.

When key areas of the boot seem worn such as the toe area for shifting, soles and grip and sturdy foot placement and even the protection areas around ankles – you’ve really lost the safety value of your boots. In fact, it’s very much the same as with your motorcycle tires. Tires don’t necessarily wear down evenly, but when you get down to an area of the tire where it’s really low on tread, it’s time to replace it before trouble happens.

TIME FOR NEW MOTORCYCLE BOOTS

To take the guesswork out of when it’s time for a new pair of motorcycle boots, follow these tips:

1.) Excessive Wear On The Soles.  Every so often, turn your boots over to check how the soles are wearing. If treads seem smooth or close to it, it’s time for new boots or a resole. Sometimes a boot’s sole will also de-laminate, peeling away from the other layers. Periodic sole checks help you catch this before it gets too bad and you lose footing either off your motorcycle- foot-peg or from the ground. Depending on the sole and the boot’s history you might fix minor de-lamination yourself. Better yet is to take it to a professional for repair or just trash the boots and opt for a better pair.
2) The Ankle Cuff is Worn. If the inside ankle padding is worn through but you still may feel comfortable – this is still a sign the safety reinforcing this area is compromised. This also means the boots have loosened, which will affect their sturdiness and support to your foot. You might think about wearing extra socks to tighten the fit, but in a crash, like your helmet, you want the materials to do their task and stay in place. Wearing extra socks will cause your foot to move inside the boot – so not really a good option.
3.) They Don’t Fit / Velcro Fasteners Won’t Stick.  If you wear lightweight sporty motorcycle boots, one day you might notice that the formerly glove-like uppers are now loose, and won’t remain fastened. If the uppers are becoming baggy or shapeless, the structural elements in the upper boot may be giving way.
4.) They leak.  Soaked feet and socks are uncomfortable! Plus the feeling is distracting to your focus on the road. Water is a sign something’s not sealing out the moisture such as cuts, cracks or punctures. A waterproofing treatment could help and of course repair by a professional. However, if your waterproof or water-resistant motorcycle footwear – usually made with rubber or PVC materials – starts leaking they need to be replaced. Separation of the rubber or PVC parts, including the out-sole, foxing (the piece of material that protects the joint between the out-sole and the upper) or toe cover are problem zones.

THERE’S GOOD NEWS!

If you have a pair of worn-out motorcycle boots – ones that you simply adore – a good shoe repair expert may be able to patch the uppers and repair (or completely resole) the soles. (Damaged waterproof boots, not so much.) It never hurts to stop in for an estimate before you go boot shopping again.

TIP!

“Heavier- duty” footwear is a great indicator of the efficacy of your new motorcycle boot. This also usually means they will be safer and much more protective in a mishap. And  boots made specifically for motorcycling are the best. The quality will also be indicated in the price. You know, you get what you pay for! Good quality boots will last longer (as long as the manufacturer has done their job right). And don’t worry about scuffing or marks (i.e. toe shifter area). Good boots will usually have reinforcements in these areas or be designed to tolerate the shifts.

 


2024 Kawasaki Ninja e-1

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2 comments

Tegan 22 April 2016 at 07:39

I love my boots and after ordering and return 3 pairs. I had my resolved and healed best money ever spent like new all over again.

Reply
Cath Milton 15 January 2015 at 14:27

My icon elsinores have just gone in for a new zip, not quite a year old. Too good to chuck, lucky I’ve got a saddlers nearby to sort them out. Brilliant boots,just getting worn in. Never had cold feet all last winter and so comfy to walk in.

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