So how well do cowboy boots work with 2nd Gen Controls?

[Gregory Gill]

It's taking me a little bit of effort to get used to the heel-toe shifter. Plus, my current riding boots are worn out and it is time tor eplace. I am thinking about getting a set of cowboy boots, but I am wondering how well the work with the controls. My size 12 foot barely fits between the two shifter pegs as it is.

Anyone else ride with forward controls and cowboy boots?

[RoadKill]

Cowboy boots are about all I wear. I don't use the heel shifter only the toe. Just recently I instaaled the billet toe shifter. Never could get used to the heel

[CMIKE]

Where did you purchase the billet shifter...I hate that heal shifter...it is in the way. :bang head: I have been thinking bout geting rid of that thing since I got the bike.
I need one of those toe only shifters.

[MidlifeVenture]

You don't have to use the heal shifter just because its there. Use your toe it works.:thumbsup:
http://www.leatherup.com/p/Xelement-Biker-Boots/Classic-Motorcycle-Advanced-Engineer-Biker-Boot/41631.html
Just got these seemed to be good price here.

[Saddletramp]

Toe shifter only is in the Star accessory catalog, pg.71. Part #'s are as follows;STR-4NK38-00-01 smooth and STR-4NK38-00-02 milled. Both retail at $118.95. Star Touring discount is 10% or you can try Seattle Motorsports and I believe their discount is somewhere around 25%. "Cowboy" boots or western boots are all I wear on my feet when riding. I wear a size 11 and have plenty of room with the stock heel-toe shifter.

[slick97spirit]

I'm not crazy about riding with cowboy boots. I've always felt like the leather sole is too slick when I put my foot down.
I recently picked up a pair of the black boots that alot of EMT, police, & tactical people wear. I swear by them now. They are like wearing tennis shoes & get good traction. The best kind to get have the laces but also zip up the inside of the leg for ease of putting them on and off.

[V7Goose]

Cowboy boots are all I wear, and I have been riding with heel/toe shifters since the early 70s with ZERO problems.

I know the choice of shifter types is personal, but I would NEVER accept riding with floorboards and not having a heel & toe shifter. The floor boards position the foot high enough that it is difficult for me to use the ankle to raise the toe enough to up-shift, meaning I would have to use my thigh to raise the whole leg enough while keeping my ankle stiff. In contrast, raising my heel and just sliding my foot back a hair to let it down on the shifter is effortless and natural to me.

I have noticed that when downshifting through several gears I often unconsciously rest the inside of my heal on the shifting lever just above the pivot bolt. I guess this just makes it easier to keep my foot in place for the next down-shift without having to move it again.

Bottom line, for ME anyway, is that I would NEVER accept a touring bike without floorboards and a heel/toe shifter, and the only boots I wear are cowboy boots. And with size 13s, I still have lots of room to move my feet around on the floorboards for different positions during a 1,000 mile day on QuickSilver! :080402gudl_prv:
Goose

[Gregory Gill]

I'm not crazy about riding with cowboy boots. I've always felt like the leather sole is too slick when I put my foot down.
I recently picked up a pair of the black boots that alot of EMT, police, & tactical people wear. I swear by them now. They are like wearing tennis shoes & get good traction. The best kind to get have the laces but also zip up the inside of the leg for ease of putting them on and off.

Got a link or brand name?

[OutKast]

Bubba only wears cowboy boots, but only the kind with a square toe (Dingo style) and rubber soles. Check Milwaukee for lowest cost, Double H for better quality. Some have rear entry zippers for us old guys.

I prefer heel shifters.

[CMIKE]

I searched several sites including South Seatle with those part numbers and come up with nothing.

Anybody have any other ideas for a toe only shifter for the RSMV?

[Kregerdoodle]

All I wear are "Bates" brand, they have the zipper on the side and are sold at Acadamy Sports and other sports out lets, or uniform shops..around $70.00







Got a link or brand name?

[slick97spirit]

Yep, Bates are the ones I was speaking of earlier. This is all I'll ever use anymore. Really comfortable!

[ahoutzer]

I wear cowboy-style boots, but NOT with leather soles. They are comfortable for walking and wearing, not only on the bike. No problem operating the heel-toe shifter -- I out-shift some o my friends who have toe-only shifters on other kinds of bikes. Mine are size 11.

http://www.leatherup.com/p/Motorcycle-Boots/Mens-King-Harness-Boot/42215.html

[Lynx]

All I wear is Cowboy Boots for riding. I too found that the Leather sole was a little slick. I took my boots to a local shoe repair guy and had him add to the sole a rubber piece over the leather for $30 and no more slip. The piece he added is thin enough you don't even see it and it actually helps protect the leather sole adding years to the life of the boots.

[Squeeze]

All I wear is Cowboy Boots for riding. I too found that the Leather sole was a little slick. I took my boots to a local shoe repair guy and had him add to the sole a rubber piece over the leather for $30 and no more slip. The piece he added is thin enough you don't even see it and it actually helps protect the leather sole adding years to the life of the boots.


That's cheating !!!



but slick !!! :thumbsup2::thumbsup2::thumbsup2::thumbsup2:

[RoadKill]

I'm not crazy about riding with cowboy boots. I've always felt like the leather sole is too slick when I put my foot down.
I recently picked up a pair of the black boots that alot of EMT, police, & tactical people wear. I swear by them now. They are like wearing tennis shoes & get good traction. The best kind to get have the laces but also zip up the inside of the leg for ease of putting them on and off.
I should have said my riding cowboy boots have vibram lug soles

[pegscraper]

Anybody have any other ideas for a toe only shifter for the RSMV?

The poor boy option is to cut the rear part of the arm off, grind and file it smooth, and put a clear coat on the bare steel. This is what I did. This is the first bike I ever owned that had a heel shifter on it. I tried to get used to it and couldn't and gave it up. It's not needed, and it was really nothing but in my way anyhow. My left foot has a lot more room without it.

[cecdoo]

All it took was getting my shoe laces caught up on the shifter, one time!! All I wear is cowboy boots now. It took some getting use too, but I like the heel/toe shifter. Craig

[Sylvester]

Being originally from Nebraska, I wear nothing but "western boots" and they have rubber soles and heels. I prefer good brands...Justin, H/H, and any good quality boot manufacturer. I always buy at a store east of Kansas City (about 40 miles on I-70) called "Klienschmidts". My wife knows that whenever I head west and get close to this dealer that I will buy one or two pairs of boots. They have a huge inventory.

[BuckShot]

Justin cowboy boot,vibram rubber sole. Bought at a western store near home, $100.00. Great to ride and walk in and no slipping.

[Saddletramp]

Check with your local dealer or call Seattle on the phone. I am ready to buy the custom pass. back rest and it doesn't show in their system. When I spoke directly with them they pulled the part # up and it wasn't in their inventory but was on back order. Sounds as if they don't carry it in stock the part# isn't recognized by their system. That is the numbers in the '09 accessory catalog.:detective: The black boots that are mentioned are referred to as "duty boots" and there is a fairly large selection in Galls catalog. I have a pair of Bate that I wear at work and the biggest thing I have noticed about Bates boots is that they are slippery when wet on painted concrete floors. The other thing about some duty boots is that they are hot on my feet. I mean extremely warm to the point that I will thoroughly dampen a pair of socks with them on at 70 degrees. That is why I prefer the looser western boots or a wellington style with composite soles.

[ToRide1]

I have seen lot of people using cowboy boots while riding their motorcycle and the biggest complaint is the dress boots soles are slicker than snail snot. Milwaukee makes a cowboy style boot. My self I'll stick with Milwaukee's time proven Trooper boot.

[kenw]

Anybody know where you can get boots for wide feet?

[ahoutzer]

Anybody know where you can get boots for wide feet?

I wear boots full time, and the problem that I have is finding boots that are *not* for wide feet. Practically all boots are for width D and EE. Just try to find a B!

[miller47]

I've got cowboy boots without rubber on the bottom and about pulled a muscle from being slick on the bottom

[bull463]

If your looking for fire or ems boots go to firehouse.com they have stores in the site any boot you may need and wide ones also.
tom:225:

[Chiro]

Ya all need to try ARIET Boots! I'm telling you, their the most comfortable boot from day one you can get... And they work great with the shifters.

[05RSMVTEXAN]

I love boots. I have a collection that drives my wife crazy. But let me give some advice. Cowboy boots are like gloves, helmets, motorcycle seats, etc. etc. No one pair fit the same. I have 3 custom pair that were made off measurements of my feet. They pretty much fit like a glove. But they even had to stretch and mold to my feet. And then there are different leathers to consider. Probably elephant is the toughest. And shark and stingray are tough. Bullhide is tough. I wear cowboy boots as my primary riding boots. I don't have to worry about shoe strings, and they cover my calves. Easy on & easy off. I can shift better with the pointed toes. I had the leather soles replaced with neoprene, oil resistant soles and heels. This is a must!!!!! You'll slip all over the place in leather soles. My biggest advice is when buying boots is consider the fit the most. You can cripple yourself in a pair of bad fitting boots! And in a pair of cheap-john boots too. You'll have to spend $$$ to get a pair of quality boots. I'd be embarrassed to tell you what I spent on my custom boots. But to each his own.

[Biker44]

Go to sportsmansguide.com

[Mariner Fan]

I have three pairs of Justin cowboy boots. I don't wear them when I ride because the leather soles are slippery plus cowboy boots have a tall heal.

I'm really interested in some cop boots. I was an EMT for ten years in Deer Park Washington and Rocky boots were the bomb. So, what to the Medical / Police use these days? Yea, I still get the Galls catalog.

[Mariner Fan]

I love boots. I have a collection that drives my wife crazy. But let me give some advice. Cowboy boots are like gloves, helmets, motorcycle seats, etc. etc. No one pair fit the same. I have 3 custom pair that were made off measurements of my feet. They pretty much fit like a glove. But they even had to stretch and mold to my feet. And then there are different leathers to consider. Probably elephant is the toughest. And shark and stingray are tough. Bullhide is tough. I wear cowboy boots as my primary riding boots. I don't have to worry about shoe strings, and they cover my calves. Easy on & easy off. I can shift better with the pointed toes. I had the leather soles replaced with neoprene, oil resistant soles and heels. This is a must!!!!! You'll slip all over the place in leather soles. My biggest advice is when buying boots is consider the fit the most. You can cripple yourself in a pair of bad fitting boots! And in a pair of cheap-john boots too. You'll have to spend $$$ to get a pair of quality boots. I'd be embarrassed to tell you what I spent on my custom boots. But to each his own.

Dude, check out Mulehide boots. I have a pair that are 20 years old and are still nice. I bought another pair that hasn't been broken in yet. Takes awhile.

[latchkey]

i wear redwing steeltoe 1420 cowboy style rounded toe not pointie or choped off
size 12 no porblems shifting with heel / toe boots are brown and i dye them black
seem to hold up good for me

[Croissantwich]

if you're still looking for the toe shifter, here's the link. great company to deal with.

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/detail.cfm?Category_ID=58&manufacturer_ID=165&product_ID=3143&sblid_name=Star_Yamaha_Accessories_Billet_Single_A rm_Shift_Lever___Ball_Milled_for_Yamaha_Royal_Star _Tourer_Deluxe&sli=YamahaRoyal%20Star%20Venture&model_id=42

[OldBear]

I'm not crazy about riding with cowboy boots. I've always felt like the leather sole is too slick when I put my foot down.
I recently picked up a pair of the black boots that alot of EMT, police, & tactical people wear. I swear by them now. They are like wearing tennis shoes & get good traction. The best kind to get have the laces but also zip up the inside of the leg for ease of putting them on and off.

+1 on slick leather soles. Went into a gas station one time and put foot down in some spilled fuel. Zip, foot went out from under me and I durn near dropped my (much smaller than a Venture). Since then, I wear motorcycle specific boots with an antislip sole.

[saddlebum]

I wear black terra lite work boots that have a zipper on the side instead of laces. they work great. They have good traction soles a steel toe, And if you rub snow seal, dubbin ey keep you or bees wax in them every once in awhile they keep your feet dry. I put lots on then let them bake in the hot sun so the leaqther soaks it right up. Best of all they are affordable and available at any work boat outlet, but look like a biker boot.

[Nemo]

I really prefer my cowboy boots for riding. The pants leg never rises above the tops of the boots which offers a little more leg protection plus they look good on the rider. I've had my Justins for several years. I danced with them for over 10 years (country two step, polka and waltz) and re-soled the last time with rubber half soles and had a spacer added to the heels also. That even helps my short legs reach the ground! Owen.

[aspen60]

I wear a pair from leather-up also, and I couldn't live without a heel shifter. When you want to shift fast, I find I can do it faster and smoother with my heel.

http://www.leatherup.com/p/Mens-Motorcycle-Boots/Mens-Western-Style-Heavy-Top-Grain-Leather-Boots/42191.html

[LilBeaver]

I've worn both the cowboy boots and the law enforcement boots (not at the same time of course) :-P
My opinion of each.

Law Enforcement Boots:
I've worn Bates and Rockies with and without the zip up access but all with Gor-Tex (and 6" ankles -- whatever that measurement is called).
Pros:
Reasonable protection, excellent traction, good breathability, feet stay bone dry when walking through water that do not go above the top of the boot (and they stay just as dry when on the bike in heavy rain)
Cons:
In my size 14 the boots were quite wide at the toes that I found a little difficult to use on certain bikes (not so much the 2nd gen, but a big problem on my wing); Laces -- any one that has gotten a lace stuck on a shifter or brake lever knows why this is a bad thing (easy solution is to keep those things tied and tucked out of the way)

Cowboy Boots:
I am on my second pair of Double H 3283 Western Work Boots (my 1st pair lasted me just over 4 years of DAILY wear). After I bought these boots (I had intentions of wearing them just for riding, but they were comfortable enough these are the only shoes I will wear unless I am working out or something).
These have a thick rubber sole (but does not look obnoxiously thick when you are standing in them) and a pointed toe. My feet stretch the leather out quite a bit around the toes, but that is no big deal to me.

Pros:
Comfort, slimmer toe than the Bates boots -- allows for much easier manipulation of the controls on different bikes; Protection -- 10" boots cover ankle very well and up the leg a bit, my jeans never even get close to exposing the tops of the boots so there is plenty of bug/rock/weather protection thanks to those. Great traction, etc.
And of course, with a good looking pair of boots you never need to slide on a pair of 'dress shoes' again! :-P

Cons:
Do not breathe quite as well as the Law enforcement boots; weather protection is not quite as good as the gor-tex boots that I wore BUT my feet still stay quite dry; It was very difficult for me to find a boot that fit my foot well and had the rubber sole - in my opinoin this is a big downside.

After wearing both types I will be continuing to stick with the cowboy boots and have no plans to switch that up.

To answer the other question you had, with my cowboy boots the heel-toe shifter is LESS in the way, but it still bothers me and my big feet a little.

Hope that is helpful.

Rick

[ridgway1]

I always wear Ariat boots for riding and everyday use. And rubber soles are a must for a solid footing on the pavement. Plus its feels alot better as far as heat from engine goes. I bought mine local for about 120.00$. And they are also great in the cattle pens,if you get my drift.:thumbsup: Chris

[Condor]

I recently picked up a pair of the black boots that alot of EMT, police, & tactical people wear. I swear by them now. They are like wearing tennis shoes & get good traction. The best kind to get have the laces but also zip up the inside of the leg for ease of putting them on and off.

:sign yeah that: :thumbsup2:

[RandyR]

I've worn square (clip) toe ring harness boots for riding for many years. My last pair of Georgia boots lasted me 17 years and 3 or 4 resoles/heels. When looking for replacements discovered Georgia boots aren't as well made as they used to be. I shopped around a lot for new boots this past spring and discovered Chippewa Boots. They are extremely well made, have the Vibram soles. I bought a pair made of lined bison leather which are extremely pliable and suppposed to be very long lasting. As luck would have it, I found a pair of Chippewa black engineer boots with steel toe on sale recently at a give-away price I couldn't pass up, so now have 2 good pair of riding boots. I wear my harness boots as my normal footwear in the cooler months.

I have avoided pointy toe cowboy boots, as I've been leary of the toe getting in the way, or not being firm enough, for shifting and braking.

[curtismiller]

I ride a RSV with heal and toe shifter.I can ride it with sandals,bare footed,tennis shoes.boots.moccasins.I shift both ways.If shifting a bike is a problem to you ,get an automatic.Dont be a pinhead.LOL Curtis

[Condor]

I used to work in the western industry during the big western craze of the '80's. and wore 'riding boots'...., because it was fashionable. Everyone who wore them raved at how comfortable they were. Basically I think they were afraid to admit that they sucked... sorta like mass hysteria. They were the most unconfortable footwear I'd ever worn, and since the company I worked for owned a boot factory I could have anything I wanted for next to nothin'. They pinched your toes, hurt the arches, and rolled ankles,.... but they looked good!!!! Riding boot were designed for riding a horse, not doing the two-step at your local saloon. The pointed tow for getting into a stirrup, the underslung heel in order to not catch the hell when dismounting, and the steel arch for support while in the stirrup. Now remember I said western riding boots. On the other hand they also make a 'roper' style boot with a walking heel, and about an 8" top. Comfortable as all get out. After trying a few riding styles I switched to the roper and never looked back. There used to be jokes in the industry. How can you tell a real cowboy? He's wearing Adidas.... Or.. How do you tell a fake cowboy. He's got two quarters to rub together in his pocket... :) :whistling: :stirthepot:

[GAWildKat]

I just found this thread...
My medical issues notwithstanding....

What do you bikers recommend for someone who rides as footwear?

I occasionally ride with friends, but hubby is getting his first bike soon. Thus far I've worn MY cowboy boots I'm supposed to wear an AFO brace that corrects the foot drop when not in my boots. I prefer my western boots for the comfort and support they offer when on my feet, even my steeltoed work boots aren't comfy for long.

[Sylvester]

A tightly laced boot up beyond the ankle is the best protection. This gives ankle protection and firm control. That being said, I always wear western boots. Probably since I come from Nebraska originally and they give a higher lift on the pavement when flat footing the bike.

:farmer:

[CalhounWV]

Find what is comfortable and will protect your ankles. Many bike shops have foot wear designed for bikers, try some on until you find what you like.

[wes0778]

Yep, Bates are the ones I was speaking of earlier. This is all I'll ever use anymore. Really comfortable!

Which model/style? I "Googled" Bates Boots and they make a BUNCH of styles. I need something better than my New Balance Velcro "quick starts".

[Condor]

Which model/style? I "Googled" Bates Boots and they make a BUNCH of styles. I need something better than my New Balance Velcro "quick starts".

I picked up a pair of EMT lace-up ankle-top boots off Ebay with the zipper side. Tie 'm once and that's it. From then on it's a zip up affair... Very comfortable.

[slick97spirit]

Which model/style? I "Googled" Bates Boots and they make a BUNCH of styles. I need something better than my New Balance Velcro "quick starts".


All of the EMT, Police type boots they offer are great as long as it has the zipper. There was some discussion regarding the laces getting caught on the shifter. I tuck the laces (after tying the boot of course) down into the criss crossed laces, then use the zipper from then on out. They're really comfortable, non-slip, and I like the looks of em too.