When people think about the image of a biker, one of the first things they think about besides the tattoos is the stereotypical black riding boots. In years past you would never see a biker out for a cruise without his boots. These days with the popularity of sport bikes and what we call "rice rockets" you see people riding them with tennis shoes on and you will see business people riding their motorcycle to work with dress loafers on. For hardcore bikers, this may seem to be sacrilegious but it is happening more and more. So, are riding boots really a functional necessity or just for looks?
If you have the nerve to walk up to a biker and ask him if his boots are functional or just for looks and whether they would ride their bike without them you will find that they would not get on their bike without their boots. Though you may be hard pressed to get an in depth explanation from them if you push a little they will tell you that while they like the look of their boots, the main reason they wear them is for protection.
There are inherent risks that we take when participating in biking but wearing motorcycle boots eliminates many of them. One of the first injuries that many bikers get is a burned leg from their own exhaust. This is a horrible injury that can take several weeks to heal and will still result in a large scar. By wearing the tall riding boots you are much less likely to be burned.
Of course there are many other reasons for wearing protective footwear, leathers, and helmets not the least of which is the risk of injury from being involved in an accident. Wearing thick leather pants and jackets can save your skin if you lay your bike down in an accident and the boots will save your feet. A helmet should always be worn, even if you don't think it is cool. I have seen several people who have died in minor accidents because of head injuries that would have been avoided if they had worn a helmet.
Even though bikers will say that their reason for wearing the boots is mostly for protection, the classic biker look is a reason as well. I have friends who wear their biker gear even if they are driving their trucks. If you were to bring up the example of a sport bike rider wearing tennis shoes, they will tell you that observation makes their point that those people aren't real bikers. Let's face it some guy with a flashy windbreaker and tennis shoes riding a little rice rocket doesn't make you want to lock your doors when he rides by, now does he?
Picture a biker in your mind. What is he wearing? Chances are that one of the first things you may imagine is their big old black boots, followed by a black leather vest and a white t-shirt. This is the stereotype that most people identify with and is considered "traditional" biker apparel. Today's bikers, however, are no longer so easily stereotype. Modern bikers are driving new sportier bikes and wearing athletic shoes while they ride. Business professionals are riding cruisers while sporting a pair of loafers. The question is whether biker boots are a necessity or just part of the traditional biker image?
If you were to ask an old-school biker whether he would ride without his boots, you would usually get a resounding "no". They may be reluctant to give their reasoning at first, but with a little prodding you will usually hear that their boots are worn for the image as well as for protection. Riding a motorcycle involves certain risks. One of those risks is burning your leg on the exhaust. Getting a burn is one of the most common biker injuries. The exhaust pipe gets extremely hot while riding and even the slightest touch o skin on it will cause a burn. The burn may be very serious, taking weeks to heal and often leaving a scar behind. Wearing a boot that covers the calf can eliminate the possibility of burns and making riding more comfortable. Even passengers riding on the back of the bike often wear boots for the same reason.
Another risk is severe scrapes from "dumping the bike". To avoid a more serious accident a biker will sometimes have to turn the bike on its side letting it skid, and he will slide across the road. The skin abrasions can be quite painful and serious. Bikers often wear leather jackets, pants and boots to lessen the injury should this occur. Little can be done to avoid injuries or death in the event of a serious accident, but the leather apparel can dramatically reduce or eliminate the exhaust burns and skin abrasions from skids.
The safety concerns are a legitimate rationale for the leather apparel including their boots, but most bikers will admit the image matters as well. When asked about today's sport bikers wearing athletic shoes to bike, you may hear a big chuckle. They don't see that sporty weekend motorcycle driver as a biker at all. The stereotype most people have of the biker look is one that they are plenty comfortable with. They enjoy their tough, mean image, although they aren't necessarily so tough and mean in real life. The look is also something that is just comfortable to them and if they wouldn't wear loafers in everyday life, why would they wear them to ride their bike? These guys wear their boots daily, on or off the bike. They are not concerned with their stereotype and will don their biker apparel even on the hottest summer days.
So a good pair of leather boots is a practical choice for any biker. Even if you are just a sporty weekend biker you might want to find a sturdy pair of leather boots (they don't have to be clunky or black) to prevent burns and protect your calves if you slide on the bike. If you are not a biker, but want to look like one, choose the clunky black leather boots, a hard rock t-shirt and awesome leather jacket or vest. Who knows, you might get invited for a ride and find a new hobby.
Gregg Hall has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lingerie, Desserts and Mortgage. Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as at http://www.westernandworkboots.com. Gregg Hall's top article generates over 3350000 views. to your Favourites.