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RB: So what’s up with all the riding shoes on the market thesedays, Phil?PD: There’s a fine line between what one person calls a bootand another calls a shoe. Now make that person a motorcyclistand the answer may change. In Icon’s opinion, all of our footwearis boots.

RB: Okay, fine. You say tomato, yada yada. But you’ve got toadmit, this lightweight riding footwear is everywhere these days.PD: Thanks. The recent market trend toward casual-looking,street-riding boots was started by Icon in 2002. Our intent was not to get part of the street-boot market, because thosenumbers were too small to chase. Our intent was to put thesenew types of footwear on riders who did not buy traditionalmotorcycle riding boots — which in our research was about

98 percent of street riders.We wanted more comfort on and off the bike, and styling that

allowed you to wear [the boots] to work and no one [would think]you were from NASA. We did not intend riders to remove their GPboots or touring boots to put ours on, but to remove theirTimberlands, Nikes, Vans, etc. Proof that this conceptworked is in the tens of thousands of pairs ofIcon footwear sold each year and increasedsales on traditional footwear over the sametime period.

I can tell you that our research showsthat what you’re calling shoes definitelyoutsell what you’re calling boots, but Ican’t go into depth. Inside info andall that rot, ya know.

STEP INTO THE FUTUREWith today’s technological advancements in materials and design, there’s no reason

to risk your feet wearing footwear not designed for motorcycle riding.Hobie Burgnon, Harley-Davidson Footwear vice-president of sales, concurs. “I really

do think there’s a right tool for the right job, so to speak. While some hiking or steel-toework boots could be appropriate for riding, some hikers have canvas or Cordura incorpo-rated in the boot’s upper, which won’t protect the foot as well on gravel in an accident.Having an all-leather boot provides increased safety and protection for the feet andankles. Sneakers do not offer enough stability and protection around the bike or the road.

“It is also important to select footwear with a proper outsole,” Burgnon continues.“Look for boots that have rubber soles that are oil-, abrasion-, and slip-resistant. This willprovide increased durability and stability. Choosing a boot with a welt construction willalso add flexibility.”

So there’s no need to compromise. Today, many footwear brands are adding productswith even more riding-appropriate features, such as shift lever pads, screw-secured heels,and reflective materials.

Let the buyer beware. Most popular shoe and boot makers will classify products suited for motorcycle riding right on thebox. Keep in mind, however, that many also make streetwearproducts that sport the look you want or proudly tout the brand name you desire, but aren’t built for riding. Make sure the footwear you purchase is motorcycle-specific.

SHOES VS. BOOTS

A lthough reluctant to refer to them as shoes, many manufacturers are now producing lightweight riding footwear distinguished bylower shanks and less heavy materials, such as mesh, suede, and Cordura, lowering the poundage and increasing breathability.Although the comfort level provided by this type of riding shoe is, obviously, purely subjective, it’s undeniable that the popularity

of this type of footwear is skyrocketing. Footwear-maker Icon is a pioneer in this field, and Product Brand Manager Phil Davey talked to usabout the recent trend.

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BMW RIDERS’GEAR 866/4-BMW-GEAR www.BMW-Riders-Gear.com

Here’s a breathable, waterproof boot that’s comfort-able when walking despite its full scope of safety fea-tures. The shaft has openings on both sides and anadditional Velcro strap at the outer ankle. A zipper onthe inside makes getting in and out easy, and there’sa shift-lever reinforcement on the left boot. The permanently antibacterial insole is made of fleece,and is removable for washing.

Pro Touring$359

AURI 949/793-4045 www.AuriFootwear.com

Not your traditional riding boot, but Editor Steveswears by them. The lightweight Fallen Angel is madeof premium Italian leather, nylon, and suede, withOutlast quarter and vamp linings for temperature regulation, moisture wicking, and antimicrobial prop-erties. It has a removable footbed, TPU heel stabilizer,gel pads in the forefoot and heel, compression-moldedEVA chassis, and high-abrasion rubber outsole.

Fallen Angel$215

ARIAT 800/899-8141 www.Ariat.com

A comprehensive weather collection for wet andcold conditions, Ariat boots feature traditionalEnglish styling with the comforts typically expectedin all-weather footwear. Sporty, athletic styling com-bines with a fully integrated, waterproofed, insulat-ed system, including waterproof leather, waterproofinternal membrane, 200g Thinsulate insulation, amoisture-wicking lining, and Duratread outsole.

Ariat Iceberg Zip H2O Insulated $124.95

ALPINESTARS 310/891-0222 www.Alpinestars.com

This lightweight, flexible, and durable ridingshoe features Velcro pull-tabs for a customizedfit. It also provides a water-repellent, zippedinterior; injection-molded heel and ankle sup-port, and abrasion-resistant toe shifter. Thesoft, PU-coated, leather-wrapped upper andsuede collar maximize comfort. Available inblack, black/red, or white in sizes 6 to 13.

Octane$139.95

AEROSTICH 800/222-1994 www.Aerostich.com

Shorter and lighter, but otherwise identical tothe original Combat touring boot, CombatLites are ideal for general touring, everydayurban riding, and all-day street and generalpurpose wear. Top grain leather that’s alsofully leather lined, the inner speed laces andinstep buckle provide a better and moresecure fit than any other slip-on boot.

Combat Lite$267

HELIMOT 408/298-9608 www.Helimot.com

The waterproof Daytona Roadstar GTX boot has an adjustable calf andreinforced shin and ankle. It alsosports 3M-Scotchlite reflectors on theheel, a plastic gearshift reinforce-ment, and a removable, replaceablepre-formed insole.

Daytona Roadstar GTX$399.95

HARLEY-DAVIDSON 866/699-7379 www.StepIntoALegend.com

Designed with riding in mind and atti-tude at heart, the men’s Condor featuresscrew-secured heel, heel rest, peg bar, 3M reflective material on each heel, andorange bars on the outsole. It bends andflexes with each step, increasing comfort,and Goodyear welt construction providesadditional durability.

Condor$150

DOUBLE-H BOOTS 800/438-7026 www.DoubleHBoots.com

This company has a reputation for finehandcrafted Western footwear, but itsmotorcycle boots are great, too. Thewomen’s 7" Side-Zipper Boot is made offull-grain, natural, waxy black leatherwith heavy-duty side zippers. It also features a cushioned insole, Double-H lug outsole, and sexy 2" heels.

7" Side Zipper Boot $87

CRUISERWORKS 800/955-1187 www.Cruiserworks.com

This company makes men’s and women’sboots in a number of distinctive styles.The waterproof Tour for men is armoredaround the ankle, heel counter, and in thetoe box. No straps or buckles, butexpandable gussets ensure a snug fit.Slipperlike in comfort, it’s available inalmost any size and width.

Men’s Tour$229

CAROLINA 800/441-4319 www.CarolinaShoe.com

A rugged, versatile boot that’s also com-fortable, this 12" engineer boot is great for riding the bike or walking the rally. Its shifter-friendly steel shank and tough rubber sole provide all-day support while a Poron Permafresh footbed and a softCambrelle lining provide a healthy environment for your foot.

Saddleback$107

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ROCKY 740/753-1951 www.RockyBoots.com

Rocky’s heavy-duty Portland bootcomes in four styles. The non-insulat-ed, waterproof boot is made of full-grain leather and offers lace-to-toestyling for added support and anultra-durable, rubber Vibram outsole.

PortlandFrom $144.99

RED WING 800/733-9464 www.RedWingShoes.com/Motorcycle

The classic shoe manufacturer makes aheckuva motorcycle boot, to boot. It fea-tures a 10" shank made of premium, full-grain water-resistant leather; Goodyearwelt construction; a removable, nylon-covered, polyurethane footbed; and anoil/slip-resistant Vibram sole, and it’savailable in extra-wide widths.

Red Wing #968 $151

JOE ROCKET 800/635-6103 www.JoeRocket.com

The waterproof-yet-breathable Meteor boot fea-tures leather construction; reinforced, padded shinwith hook-and-loop closure; padded ankle area;Dry-Tech moisture-wicking interior; molded-plas-tic, side-impact protection; adjustable ankle strapwith metal buckle, reinforced gear shift area, anda reflective area on the heel for visibility. Availablein black, sizes 7-13.

Meteor $124.99

IXS 800/628-4040 www.IXS-USA.com

Distributed exclusively by Motorace, IXSboots come in men’s and women’s styles.The imported Brenda boot for women hasa cowhide outer, a breathable VeraTexinner membrane with fabric lining, light-reflecting cushioned inserts on the back,and shifter toe patches. The contour-molded soles are oil- and gas-resistant.

Brenda$129

ICON www.RideIcon.com

As light and comfortable as a sneaker with aleather upper, steel shank, hardened toe, andheel and ankle plates, the Accelerant’s featuresinclude aluminum, positive-lock buckle system;EVA comfort outsole, and anti-slip rubber-compound sole. Made of 100-percent waterproofmaterial — not a coating. Available in sizes 6-14at Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited dealers.

Accelerant $140

WESCO 800/326-2711 www.WestCoastShoe.com

Wesco offers several styles of hand-crafted motorcycle boots. The Harnessboot is built to withstand the rigorsof the open road, boasting a steelshank, full-grain leather construction,pull straps, and nickel-plated rings.There are various height and soleoptions to choose from.

HarnessFrom $365

TRIUMPH 678/854-2010 www.Triumph.co.UK

Triumph offers a line of cruiser andtouring boots for men and women.The Team boots have leather upperconstruction, heel and gearshift rein-forcements, nonslip rubber soles,ankle and shin-guard protectors, 3Mnight reflective panels, and chromedetail buckles.

Team $109.99

TOUR MASTER 800/455-2552 www.TourMaster.com

Tour Master’s Cortech line includes a water-proof street model, the Cortech Solution WProad boot. Made of waterproof leather, theboot has a breathable membrane, sealedseams and gussets, and waterproof threadin the stitching. Articulated front and rearpanels offer flexibility, and soft liners pro-vide comfort throughout.

Solution WP $129.99

SIDI 877/789-4940 www.Motonation.com

Equipped to add a water-resistant yet breathablebarrier, the Sidi Way Mega Rain boots feature inter-nal heel, ankle, and toe protection; Lorica/Corduraouter construction, Teflon-treated nylon linings, com-posite inner soles, removable arch supports, combozipper and Velcro closures, full-length inner gaiters,internally padded shin plates, non-slip soles, double-stitched toe shift pads, and reflective heel panels.

Sidi Way Mega Rain$225

SHIFT RACING 888/SHIFT-IT www.ShiftRacing.com

Featuring a split-grain chassis for exceptionalstability and protection, a bonded sole for acomfortable fit, plastic ankle protection forimpact and abrasion resistance, molded out-sole for durability and comfort, padding onthe shifter area, and a Velcro lace cover, themen’s Fuel shoe also features breathable,moisture-wicking interior materials.

Fuel $99.95