Motorcycle Boots

Hello and welcome to Alex's blog. With this glorious weather we are experiencing a lot of you will be getting out and about on your bike, most likely more than usual this year. With this in mind you will be getting more use out of your kit. This week I wanted to look at motorcycle boots and pass on some tips for buying the best boots for you and highlighting some great boot deals we have available at the moment for inspiration.

First of all, I realise the irony of this that I am writing this for an online blog, for a website that sells boots, but it really is worth trying a pair of boots on. Sizes and brands vary in fit, and its always worth trying on with the kit you would wear - boots aren't going to fit the same with a pair of chinos in as they would with a pair of leather trousers. We have 30 stores nationwide - open 7 days a week - with a great variety of boots in each store. This isn't to say you should never buy online! If you have ALWAYS bought a particular brand and are buying a replacement model (in similar styling) then you will most likely find that the size you already own would be the size to buy - in which case then go ahead and buy online!

Also when you buy motorcycle boots you should think about what you want from them. What height you would like, what protection you need, would you like them to be waterproof? What do you need them for? Do they tick all the boxes you require? Lots of people have different boots for different seasons, shorter more casual styles for summer to wear with Kevlar denim jeans, but others use one style all year round.

There is a LOT of choice on the market - we try to make it easier to shop online, or just to browse, by segregating in to Sports, Touring, Gore-Tex, Ankle boots, Motocross and Ladies. This makes it easier to filter through the styles, but really you want a style that suits you the best - which isn't always easy.

Waterproof vs non-waterproof - and what kind of waterproof? - It may seem like a no-brainer - you want waterproof. But do you? Are you someone who rides all year round? Or are you someone who only rides in sunny weather? Waterproof boots can offer a waterproof membrane, in which case they will be breathable aswell as waterproof which means a more comfortable ride but with this comes a higher price tag, otherwise other waterproof styles can mean a sweaty foot in hotter weather - is this worth it if you only ride in hot weather anyway? Gore-Tex boots are the best waterproof boots - they are extremely reliable (100%) and breathable yet do cost more.

Protection. Obviously you want to be protected otherwise you wouldn't be buying motorcycle boots. All boots offer some form of protection, most will offer heel box protection, shanks in the reinforced soles, sturdy material construction, ankle reinforcement etc. The scale of this protection differs from boot to boot. Racing boots, for example, will offer a lot more protection (to complicated levels) because these are designed for use at high speeds. Will you need a £350 race boot for riding a moped restricted to 30mph? Probably not.  A general rule to go by with protection is the more you pay for a boot the more comprehensive the protection will be. Read the descriptions online, look at the boots in store, read the tags on the boots, or speak to our staff to find out what protection the boots you are looking at give you.

Height - you may decide you want a taller boot as you consider these more protective. You may want a shorter boot as you find these more comfortable. This all depends on the individual. I will say that your ideal boots before you try them on may not be the most practical for you. If you have larger calves for example, you may be restricted to ankle boots. Similarly, you will find that ankle boots offer more comprehensive protection than you otherwise thought. You may find that the boots you have salivated over for weeks don't fit with the kit you wear....again, trying on is the best policy here.

Use. A sports racing boot may look great and exciting, but if you're commuting every day and wearing the boots all day at work you will probably find that these will be too uncomfortable to wear all day long. Motocross boots are definitely sturdy and offer a great level of protection but for sports bikes they are very heavy and don't really suit the bike. Touring boots are great for most styles of bikes but are they good enough for a track day? All of this is individual to you and is a reason why lots of bikers have a few different styles for different seasons and (if you're lucky enough!) different bikes.

Material - Leather is alwaysbest right? Well - not necessarily. This may have been the case in the past but with fantastic and highly durable (and lightweight) fabrics such as Lorica around you can get amazing protection with no leather in sight! If you're unsure have a read up about what material the boots you like are made of and you may find yourself surprised.

Here are some great boots we have available to you at the moment:

Alpinestars Fastback WP Boots Black White Gray -a waterproof summer ankle boot. Easily transition from street to bike in these Alpinestars boots.

Alpinestars S-MX 1.1 Boots Black. A racing style shorter boot with renowned Alpinestars protection.

Frank Thomas Shorty Boots MXW-010 Black Grey - ideal for commuters. These offer a high level of comfort with lace fastening and added protection.

IXS Fury Evo Boots Black - a sporty looking trainer style boot with Suede construction.

Alpinestars S-MX 5 Boots Black - reduced in price this sports boot offers a great level of protection for a reasonable price.

Frank Thomas Qualifier GP Boots - avaliable in four different colours, this sports boot provides added protection throughout.

Black Qualifier GP Boots	Blue Qualifier GP Boots
Red Qualifier GP Boots	White Qualifier GP Boots

Frank Thomas SEB100 Kinetik Sport Boots Black - These offer perforation as well as protection throughout.

RST Pro Series 1503 Race CE Boots - reduced in price and in a choice of colours these CE approved boots are a best seller with J&S customers.

RST Pro Series 1503 Race CE Boots in Black

RST Pro Series 1503 Race CE Boots in Neon Green

RST Pro Series 1503 Race CE Boots in Red

RST Pro Series 1503 Race CE Boots in Blue

RST Pro Series 1503 Race CE Boots in White

RST Tractech Evo CE WP 1523 Boots Black - a waterproof racing boot that is also CE certified for under £160. Amazing.

Alpinestars S-MX 6 WP Boots Black - Waterproof and comprehensively protective - these are a best seller.

BKS Evolution Pro WP Boots Black - waterproof, protective but also understated. A best seller here at J&S.

TCX SS Sport WP Boots Black - Not only are these a fantastic waterproof (and breathable) boot but these are EXCLUSIVE to J&S Accessories Ltd.

Alpinestars Web Goretex 2013 Boots Black - classic touring style with 100% waterproof and breathable membrane and premium Alpinestars protection.

Sidi B2 Goretex Boots Black - Sidi are an extremely popular brand of boot for a reason. These are a best seller. Fully waterproof and breathable with a versatile styling.

TCX S-Speed Goretex Boots Black - A best seller. Again, fully waterproof and breathable but also with a wider fitting foot and premium levels of protection.

Daytona Roadstar Goretex Boots Black - ultra-premium boots. These are handmade in Germany for outstanding levels of quality and protection. Fully waterproof and will last for years.

Until next time, stay safe.

Alex