Boots

Motorcycle Racing Boots for Women

Motorcycle race boots women

Alpinestars S-MX Plus (The Supertech R is the next step up)
MSRP $349.95
Sizes Euro 36-48
Colors: Black, Black Vented, White, Black/Red, White/Black/Red/Yellow 

Unfortunately, no one is making a true motorcycle race boot for women. Although the Sidi Vertigo Leis are a strong street boot with great protection, they do not offer the one thing that stronger street/race boots offer: Torsion Control. 

One of the worst injuries a rider can have is twisting of the ankle, which can result in breaking any of the bones in your ankle/leg. Boots like the  S-MX Plus by Alpinestars offers an inner booty to keep the ankles protected on the inside (not removable) and reinforcement around the exterior of the ankles to ensure that they don't twist or bend from side to side in the case of an accident. 

These start at a size Euro 36, which would approximately be a woman's US 6. With the inner booty and the European fit, these would work well for a woman's foot as well, especially at the smaller sizes.

Mens motorcycle race boots that fit women

Dainese TRQ Out (the Torque Pro Out line is the next step up)
MSRP $299.95  
Sizes: Euro 39-47 

If you wear a women's 8.5-9, Dainese's TRQ Race Out (above) boots start in Euro 39.  Dainese boots tend to have a very narrow ankle and footbed. They are especially fitted above the arches and in the heel cups. I find that these two areas are the most important when fitting a woman's foot. Those two and the calves tend to be the hardest to fit. These do offer velcro adjusters at the calves.

Sidi Mens Motorcycle Boots for WomenSidi mens motorcycle boots for women

Sidi Vortice                              Sidi ST (based on the former Vertigo Corsa)
MSRP $495                             MSRP $395
Sizes: Euro 39-48                   Sizes: Euro 39-48 

The Sidi Vortice's and the Sidi ST's have large calf adjusters, (the ST offers the most calf space), but have more room in the heels. This can be resolved with a heel insert to allow for a more snug fit.  The Vortices do offer additional adjustment above the arches, to make for a more snug fit too. These also both offer torsion control on the outside of the boot (no removable booty), as this is the way Sidi designs their torsion control systems to work. Both have shock absorbing heel cups, sliders, and venting. These also both start in a Euro 39. A Sidi 39 is also approximate to a women's 8.5-9. 

Remember that you can always add insoles or heel cups to make your boots fit better, regardless of the manufacturer.

The above boots are all made for men, but I think given the fit adjusters and overall European fitment makes them great choices for women riders as well. 

New BMW Womens Motorcycle Boot

For those of you looking for a less expensive alternative to the Daytona Ladystars, BMW may have what you're looking for.

BMW Pro Touring 2 Unisex Motorcycle Boots for Women

Price:

$259.00 (some shops may be selling them at the higher price, when in fact they are supposed to be set at this price)

Sizes:

6.5 to 13, Unisex. My girlfriend tried these on (she's an 8/Euro 38) and they fit her perfectly.  

Where to Buy:

BMWMotorcycle.com or your local BMW Motorcycles Dealer

Features: 

  • Full-grain hydrophobic soft approx. 1.8-2.0-mm-mm cowhide
  • Highly breathable, wind and waterproof GORE-TEX® membrane
  • Large shin protector, with additional stiffening and foam padding
  • Reinforced in gear-shift area
  • Soft velour lining around opening
  • Washable, anatomically formed insole with antibacterial function
  • Flex zones at heel and instep
  • Abrasion-resistant heel protector
  • 1.5-2" insole (heel height)

These offer a substantial increase in height, noticeably in the heel. At $349, I know they aren't cheap. Then again, when is really good motorcycle gear "cheap"?

Since these offer a GORE-TEX membrane, they definitely add to the pricepoint. But BMW makes high quality gear, mean to last and ride for thousands of miles.  

I'm sure if you go home with these, you won't be disappointed.   

 

Reason #1,300,394 why motorcyclists should wear gear.

(Photo credit: HFL.com)

I love reader emails. I got this lovely note from a reader recently and had to share this article he mentioned. Thanks TH!

Hi Joanne,

Love your segments on Wheelnerds and Pace podcasts.  Please keep up the very informative + timely info. 

Anyways, thought you may like this article from HFL and maybe reference it next time on the Pace (perhaps even a link on your site)

I liked it 'cause you rarely see such a detailed review of gear and how it worked after rolling along the tarmac.

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2012/02/this-is-the-city-gear-that-saved-my-life/

(make sure you view their article in Full Site mode if you're on a mobile phone, as the article is blocked unless you view the full site)

This is indeed a very good article about how even basic street gear can save your body parts from serious injury.  Normally, HFL closes articles after a certain period of time (12 hours) unless you're a paid subscriber. But luckily, they decided to keep this one open permanently, given how important the message is. 

 

Motorcycle Gear and Body Armor for Kids

Looking for small body armor options for your kids? It's hard to find gear for them, let alone body armor (except dirt/offroad styles).

Forcefield makes some of the best body armor. They also make a fantastic back protector for women.  To see the full line of products offered by Forcefield, check their website. To order Forcefield products, go to Johnson Leathers' in San Francisco who are the distributors in North America.

Here are a few companies that make a variety of street gear for kids:

Alpinestars - Dirt body armor for kids (they also make a one piece leather suit for kids, but not many stores stock them.  Check out MotoLiberty.com who does.  

Bilt  - Street gear exclusively offered at CycleGear.com

Held - Winter gloves for kids

HJC - CL-Y Youth helmet

Scorpion- EXO-400 Youth helmet 

TaichiMoto.com - Leather and Textile options From RS Taichi 

Vanson Leathers - 2 piece leather suits for kids

I'm sure there are others and I'll update this post as I find more companies that offer street gear for kids.