I've got an old pair of white Oneal boots I've had for about 20 years, I can't remember what model they are but they were considered unbearably cool back in 1999 and they're still in surprisingly good nick. Because of peer pressure I got a pair of red/yellow Alpine Star Tec 8's a few years ago to match my red Maico riding pants and they've also survived the years in good usable nick but despite much less use they're showing the wear more than the Oneals. Last year I bought a pair of grey Fly boots at the Stony Creek Motorcycles fire auction for no other reason than nobody was bidding on them and they were my size (11). I got 'em for $80....a great deal I thought. The quality appears to be excellent with plenty of ankle support and good, double and triple stitching. I've only worn them once but unfortunately I doubt it'll be wearing them any time soon because of my bad ankle. Due to a long term injury my right ankle is in pretty poor condition and I'm unable to straighten it enough to get a stiff new boot on and off without a lot of pain. It took three people half an hour and a lot of pain to get my boot off at HBBB so the Fly's have been relegated to the closet and the Oneals will be modified with a stanley knife to enable easy boot fitting and removal. I can't bring myself to cut the Alpines or the new Flys yet. This is the main reason (along with my crap knee) that I rarely ride these days.
Does anyone know of a boot that can be fitted without me having to straighten my foot?
Hi Firko, there are varying levels of suitable protection for you. Keep in mind when riding on top of the giant cheese grater(world), that any level of protection is better than none.
I have been in a similar boat. From a motorcycle accident(not my fault, alcohol was the problem), I broke my right ankle. Also keep in mind when we were kids some of us were in thongs, only the rich kids could afford the protection of a canvas "Jim Boot", and only Kiwis had Gum boots.
At our age we are not there for the fashion parade or trophies or the need to be in a full roll cage because we aspire to shatter the speed of light. It's just about comfort and fun.
When I bought the M-840, it was a conclusion based on what suited me.
1) compliance.
2) Unlike most boots I tried that are actually full of sinkers, the M-840 is relatively light.
3) Given I have survived a broken neck and a broken back as well as the ankle. They must be easy to get on and off by barely just being able to reach, then buckle and unbuckle. Again, the M-840 with out the sinkers, ticked those boxes.
Below are my preferred boots.
Black= Doc Martins. Brown=Army dissposal.
Fisrtly good socks, then those slip on ankle protector pad things, piece of cake to get on and off, as long as all the laces backed right off. I am sure you have plenty of freinds that would be happy to help you on and off with them.
For extra protection, I slip soccer chin guards into the tops as well. Best comfort and feel ever.
I feel I had to go this way because of comfort, I hate wearing boots at the best of times.
PS; you wear the same size, so I will bring them with me to the show and shine for a try out.