These boots aren't made for walking - thats not what they do

New motorcycle boots on the left - old leathers on the right.

These boots aren't made for walking..... thats not what they do..... one of these days the boots are gonna scoot right over you.....Get ready boots.....Get Scootin'

Shoes Glorious Shoes!  All of my girlfriends know of my fondness for shoes.  I love them high & spikey, strappy, pumps or wedges, it doesn't matter I love them all!  My new favorite shoes are my new Teknik motorcycle boots.  Since getting my scooter I have been schlepping around in a pair of thick soled, hot leather zip up boots because they offered me a little more protection than my sneakers. When I wiped out one of my shoes popped off in the crash and this made me realize how vulnerable my feet were in a crash situation when wearing non-motorcycle footwear. Have you ever wondered where the lone shoe in the road comes from? Now you know.

Yesterday I was out on some errands and I popped into my fave motorcycle store to look for some mesh gloves. Unfortunately I didn't find any gloves, but I did happen to stumble across a pair of ladies Teknik PowerSkin boots in the clearance section and they were my size.  It seems that it was destiny. I bought these for $99 - I thought it was pretty a good deal. They are waterproof and have a breathable sock liner inside.  They offer full ankle support/protection and have good safety construction through the heel and are reinforced in the toe for my eventual need for shifting a motorcycle.  They are mid-calf, which is what I was looking for.  The new boots offer me the protection I was missing in my previous non-motorcycle leather boots.  Surprisingly the new boots are pretty comfortable for walking in and when we went riding yesterday in the heat, my feet weren't hot at all.  In fact I was pretty comfy with my jacket zipped down to mesh and light socks in the boots.  

Anyone who has bought a scooter or a motorcycle for the first time knows how expensive it is to outfit yourself with gear.  I decided right off the top that it was going to be all about wearing gear, due to the fall I took on my first run.  (It was a newb mistake and I learned real quick what not to do.)  To this point my gear consists of my HJC full face helmet, Joe Rocket 10.0 textile ballistic nylon armored jacket, Joe Rocket ballistic nylon waterproof/windproof gloves and Teknik PowerSkin riding boots.  I am going to be purchasing some textile riding pants in the very near future, I just haven't decided on which ones yet.  

As I stated in a previous post regarding ATGATT and shoes, I want all of my little piggies to come home and don't want a paramedic hunting in the middle of the street for my lost little piggy.  One of the gals who was new to ScooterDiva.com had just purchased a scooter and only a mere few weeks later she had a wipe-out that involved her skidding across the pavement.  She had some protective gear on, but not boots or riding pants.  Unfortunately the friction chewed through the top of her sneaker and she lost the flesh at the end of her big toe and portions of the bone as well.  She did a pretty good job at mangling her foot and hurt her knee.  This is just one example of why gear even when scootering is important. Pavement is indiscriminate, it doesn't care whether you are on a scooter, motorcycle or bicycle when you wipe out.  

Some may think this is overkill for a scooter, but I commute on my scooter to and from work every day, hot, cold, rain or shine.  I need to be comfortable, dry and warm when we start our rainy season which is all winter. Gear also gives me an edge in protecting myself when dealing with traffic - I will take any advantage I can in this regard. I have also learned from the fall that your legs take a beating when they hit the pavement.   I would rather look dorky on my scooter in full gear, and be intact after coming into contact with the pavement.  It doesn't matter what speed you are going, slow or fast, the pavement hurts when you hit.  

This little Piggy went for a scooter ride and didn't come home......

This little Piggy cried "Wee wee wee" all the way home!

Okay I know I am a newb to scootering, but I have been riding for 28 years 2-up on the back of motorcycle man's ride and we always wear gear.  Today was one of the most gorgeous days we have had for a long time in Victoria, its about 80 degrees, hot and stunningly sunny.  So what did I do?  I like  the many scooter obsessed and motorcycle addicted riders went for a ride along scenic Dallas Road.  It seems that EVERYONE had the same idea. I must have seen well over 40 motorcycles and scooters.  Most riders had gear on (the middle aged ones anyway - *the age with wisdom thing)  I saw every variety of rider from young to old, 2-up on motorcycle and scooter and then the subcategory TOURIST on a rental scooter.   (I guess I am a scooter snob)  

Don't get me wrong, I think it is great that the tourist on the rental scoot wants to see our fair island, but honestly PLEASE PUT ON GEAR, something that is going to protect your bits and parts!  If you are going to rent a scooter at least wear sneakers and NOT FLIP FLOPS!!  Scooters and motorcycles are FLIP FLOP FREE zones.   

OUCH!!!

I stopped at a look-out on King George Terrace and 3 TOURIST dudes pulled up beside me to take in the stunning vista and snap some pics.  2 of them had on somewhat appropriate riding clothes; long pants and sneaks, but the 3rd tourist dude who we will call Mr. Road Rash was wearing shorts and flip flops.  It makes me crazy when I see this.  We had a nice little chat and I casually mentioned to Mr. Road Rash his poor choice in footwear and he might want to consider getting a pair of sneaks on soon.  He said, "Yah, it was sort of a spur moment thing and we hadn't planned on doing this."  I wished them well and said, "I hope all of your little piggies make it home intact and not lying alone in the middle of the road somewhere."  He visibly shivered at that and I think I made my point.  I was geared up in my jacket, gloves, jeans and boots.  I was a little toasty, but honestly its better than having road rash from head to toe and having to watch  paramedics look for a lost little piggy in the middle of the road.  *SHIVER* At least my little piggies are saying "Wee wee wee" and are making it home.  Nuff said.

My preferred scooter shoe is the one on the right - good sturdy leather boots!

JUST SAY NO TO FLIP FLOPS ON                 SCOOTS YOUR PIGGIES WILL THANK YOU!