What's new at the Dainese Store?

(photo courtesy of Chess Gambit, Motoperture)

Don't you wish you could find a sexy motorcycle jacket that's safe, stylish and fits real women? And on sale?

The Dainese Store San Francisco is having a huge clearance sale right now. Here's a really great jacket if you're looking. Their price is also lower than many websites.

SF Lady Leather Jacket

Sizes: 42-44, 48-50 (per their website)
Reg. $559.95, SALE $392

The photo above is my gorgeous friend, Mandy, wearing her SF Lady. As you can see, Mandy has real curves and is a real woman. The epitome of my tagline; Real Curves, Real Women, Real Gear. (She also knows how to tear up the twisties!).

You're probably wondering what size her jacket is and what size she normally wears in casual jackets. She is wearing a Euro 46 and typically wears a US 12. Hopefully that gives you a sense of how Dainese designs gear so that the proportions are right where they need to be, even if you're not a size 0!

I highly recommend the SF Lady if you're looking for a really great all around jacket for cool/mild weather. Note that it doesn't feature a removable thermal liner, but since it has no perforation or vents, it should be fairly warm.

Sadly the following items are not on sale, I just wanted to share them with you.

Dainese G. Zima GORE-TEX

$499.95 (buy at the Dainese store or online at Revzilla)

Full Specifications Here.
Sizes: Euro 38-50 (wow! they're offering this up to 50. That's about a US 16).
Colors: All black and black/gray option shown below. On Dainese's website they have other colors listed, but it appears that these are the only ones available to purchase right now. 

You may have read my earlier review about REV'IT discontinuing the only GTX outfit for women they've ever offered. :supersadface Thankfully, Dainese is still committed to this effort. By providing one of the few options for women's jackets that offer a fully integrated (meaning, it's non removable and attached to the outer shell so you don't need to insert the liner to stay dry) GTX liner, they continue to stay invested in the women's gear market. I for one, am very very happy to see this jacket in their lineup.

If there's one thing that Europeans do well, it's fitting a woman's body. And motorcycle gear is no different. They really understand proportions and fit. I'm not a pencil shape, so to speak. I have a short, wider torso for my height (5'3") and this fit so perfectly. The material they use on the outer shell for this is called Mugello fabric. It's very forgiving. I could see the fabric allowing for a little extra comfort in the shoulders and across the back.  Goofy photos of me wearing it:

The materials, fitment and overall functionality of the jacket contribute to why it's such a high pricepoint. If you put it on, you'll also notice just how well it fits. Comfortable, functional, safe and a nice design.

 

An added bonus for buying any D-Dry or GORE-TEX waterproof jacket from Dainese (at participating retailers) is that they will give you a FREE back protector! Now through November 17, 2013. Program Details: http://bit.ly/14zuRmT

Dainese Ixia Boots

$249.95 (buy at Dainese Store or online at Revzilla)

Sizes: Euro 36-42 (I seem to be shrinking, and ended up fitting into a Euro 36. I'm typically 7 in casual shoes)

Why is it so hard to find cute, stylish boots with protection? Well, it's a delicate balance of making them stylish but adding protection where you need it without changing the 'stylish' aspect. Even these cuties don't offer incredible protection, but more than anything you'd buy at your favorite department store.

I would totally wear these around town, going to the movies or running errands. They offer soft armor inserts on both sides of the ankle and reinforced toe shifters. I didn't spend a lot of time in them so I can't really say how reinforced they are in the heels/toebox. But it definitely felt like there was some reinforcement, just not as much as say the Dainese Siren. The leather felt really soft too, with lots of calf and ankle space.

These are the perfect boots for anyone looking for boots to wear on their scooter or motorcycle, around town (no freeway, city speeds <40-45mph).

Recommendations for Women's Motorcycle Boots

Updated 6/11/2013

Hopefully you've read my personal philosophy about riding boots. If not, I highly recommend taking a look before passing on the idea of investing a pair of boots that offer more protection than those cute, really stylish "motorcycle" boots that you saw at the mall.

The main difference between a protective riding boot and those cute, wedgy Cole Haan, Nine West or other boots you're thinking about wearing is protection. I'll say it again, PROTECTION. This time in bold. PROTECTION.

I don't know what it is, but many riders (including myself, back when I was a noob) forget about their feet. Our feet do almost everything on our motorcycles! Braking, stopping, shifting. It's so important to have this part of our body covered too.

As I mention in my boots overview, one of the main jobs your boots are supposed to do is to keep your feet from being crushed. Not by a car, not by a truck, but just by your own motorcycle!  The fact that you're small ankle bones are vulnerable to the weight of your 400-500lb beast is more than enough to brake, fracture or shatter bones in your feet/ankles.  I'm not saying boots will eliminate the possibility of injury, but just like the rest of our gear, they minimize the risk. I'll take a fracture or sprain over a break/shattering any day!

So I'm going to give you a few recommendations for real boots that offer real protection where you need them. These are all comfortable for walking, breathable, waterproof and will last you a good 3-5 years with almost daily wear and tear. They're all meant to be worn under your riding pants. Although there may be space to tuck your jeans in, if you're wearing actual motorcycle pants then you're going to wear them over the boots.

All of the sport touring style boots below (non track looking) would also be perfect on a scooter. Super comfortable and a clean look.

Keep in mind that none of these offer the protection that a track boot offers in terms of extra ankle support/bracing, shin protection and reinforcement in key impact points. But they offer way more protection than those hiking boots, doc martens, horseback riding or sneakers you're wearing, so save up some money and invest in a pair of Real riding boots!

Alpinestars Gran Torino GORE-TEX®

MSRP $299.95, RoadRider San Jose (local) Although these aren't on the Alpinestars website, they are the newest introduction for the women's line for Spring 2012.

Daytona Ladystar GORE-TEX®

I want to recommend these SO bad, but they're very difficult to get from Germany right now. Here's a link to my review and where you can call to find out about availability and how they saved my feet over and over again. They offer 2 inches of additional vertical height, the most of any women's (protective motorcycle) boot currently on the market (not including high heel boots, no) 

Dainese Siren

MSRP $229.00 Revzilla (online), DStore San Francisco (local) Euro sizes 36-42

The Siren I believe is an updated version of the previous Dainesella boot. I really like the styling on these.  These also feature a 3/4 length zipper to allow for ample calf space.  These also have a fairly narrow fit in the toebox as the toes are a little bit more tapered (not pointy, just not super round).

Dainese Luma GTX

MSRP $219.95 Revzilla (online), DStore San Francisco (local) Euro sizes  36-42 (~US 5.5 - 9.5)

The Luma is essentially the lower half of the Siren, which is fantastic if you have any issues finding boots to fit your calves! These are also fully waterproof with a GORE-TEX liner, which is a really great deal at this price point. I think these offer the most heel height next to the Daytonas.

Gaerne Rose

MSRP $209.95 Revzilla (online), Gaerne.com Euro sizes  35-42

Read my review here.

I had to go up a full size to fit into these, to a 38, because they were sooo narrow, especially at the entry. Order one full size up and you'll be much happier. They'll break in over time, as will any leather boot.  If you have narrowish feet, you'll like the fit especially around the ankles and the arch. I think the zippers are a little skinny, so I'd use a zipper pull on them to make on and off easier, and it won't wear out as quickly. You can really tell the quality of a good boot (motorcycling or otherwise) by the quality of the zipper. Out of all the riding boots I've tried on, these have the narrowest calf fitment since the zipper goes all the way to the top. I have a 14" calf measurement and they fit me perfectly.

Sidi Livia Rain

MSRP $220.00 www.motonation.com Revzilla (online), Roadrider (local)

The Livia is an update to the old Jasmine. In addition to the styling changes, they've added more reflective features and a reinforced toe shifter.  Very calf friendly, with a 3/4 zipper and velcro adjustment.  The fitment on Sidis is generally wider around the ankles, heels and calves. If you need more space in those areas, you'll appreciate the fit profile on these. Otherwise, consider the Dainese or Gaernes for a snugger overall fit.

TCX Aura

MSRP $219.99 Revzilla (online), TCXboots.com Euro sizes 38-42 (their website says they're offered starting at 35/US 5, but it doesn't look like that size is available through any retailers.) I'm usually a 7, and I wear a 37 in these.  Very calf friendly, with a 3/4 zipper and velcro adjustment. The toebox is tapered, (not pointy but not super round) so you may find them to be a little tight up there if you have a wider foot.

Want Even More Protection?

Maybe it's your first track day or you're looking for something for all around street riding. Here are some ideas. Keep in mind that these are designed a little more towards performance and more protection. They also have a very sporty, forward articulated riding position in the ankles. If you're riding an upright dual sport/ standard or cruiser, these will be far more uncomfortable than the sport touring styles above.

Alpinestars Stella SMX-5

 

MSRP $239.95 Euro 36-44 Alpinestars.com, RoadRider (local)

These are based on the men's SMX-5, offering the same features/function. Everyone I know who has these boots love the way they fit and feel. I'm told that in general, Alpinestars are more comfortable, but I think that's going to depend on your feet and what fits you the best. These fit generally snug all the way around (ankles, heels/arches).

Dainese ST Avant Race Lady

MSRP $299.95 www.dainese.com, Dstore San Francisco (local) Something that's a little different from other boots is the rear zipper, making it easier to step in and out.  This one is also vegan friendly, made of Lorica instead of cowhide. These fit generally snug all the way around (ankles, heels/arches).

Sidi Fusion Lei

MSRP $215.00

www.motonation.com, RoadRider (local) Read my review here.

Sidi Vertigo Lei

MSRP $300.00 www.motonation.com, RoadRider (local)

Read my review here.

If you're a fan of pink, you can still find last year's patent leather black and pink style in local dealerships, online or on MotoNation's website.   The Vertigo offers more protection than the Fusion and would be a great track boot with the extra heel and calf protection, as well as additional calf space adjustment to accommodate leathers.

Gaerne Black Rose Motorcycle Boots

Finally, I've posted my review of these fantastic waterproof boots! 

http://gearchic.com/reviews/boots/gaerne-black-rose/

How I took off my training wheels.

6 years ago I discovered these amazing boots, said to add 2+ inches of height to your inseam! 

And that they did. At the time I was riding my Ninja 250 and I was at the balls of my feet while wearing Oxtars (discontinued but now known as TCX Auras). I heard these magical boots would add lift, extra comfort and a GORE-TEX (GT) membrane. 

If you read my full review, you'll see how much I relied upon and loved them. I still love them, they're one of the most comfortable boots I've ever worn and the GT liner is fantastic. I still long for a pair of boots with GT liners, so I will keep searching for something that will fit my tiny Euro 36-37, US 6.5-7 feet. There are a few men's boots that are offered in this size, so that may be my next option. 

Last year I reviewed Sidi's Vertigo Lei and started wearing them daily. I liked having the extra protection and I had never worn a sport boot with that kind of fit. They worked really well on my SV and I added an insole to make them even more comfortable. Unfortunately I lost all the height that I had gained with the Daytonas. I was now almost on my tiptoes and one flat left with a noticeable butt shift to the left off my seat. (vs. a slight lean left). I really had to be careful and more cautious about where I could put my feet down, the pavement grade and more interesting, parking with one foot (since the 2 tiptoes weren't helping). I had to acclimate to wear and review these boots. I knew I could manage, it just took a little time to get used to things. I admit, I didn't like losing all the height but I was also really happy that I didn't really Need the extra height to navigate on my bike. Yes, it was really nice to have it but it wasn't the end of the world!

I remember someone telling me last summer that they liked their Daytonas overall but didn't like how clunky they felt and wanted something lighter. That stuck with me so and I didn't notice until I started wearing the Vertigos how true that was. As a sport boot, they're super lightweight and really lean, making it easier to get your toes under the shifter. Fantastic. 

I definitely couldn't manage a taller, heavier bike with these just yet, but we'll see. I have ridden with these on the Brammo plenty of times since it's a taller but lighter bike (by about ~150 lbs and 2 inches). Sometimes it's all about weight, not height!

However, not long after I started riding the Brammo last summer, I started to break in a pair of Gaerne Black Rose Boots, which were sitting on my  shelf. I got them for the Yamaha Ride Review but never wore them after that. They were still stiff and not broken in so I just reverted to my Daytonas at that time. 

   

So a few months back I decided to wear these again and break them in. I hadn't worn them so why not break them in and do a review. I only wear them around town since I always try to wear my Vertigos for highway riding. (I did wear my Daytonas a couple times last summer for a couple of trips where I thought the GT would come in handy.)

They are now my every day boots around the city. They're much lighter than the Daytonas and less clunky. I also was surprised at how comfortable they were. I only lost an inch and it hasn't really mattered. I've ridden two even taller, heavier bikes since then with them and I managed just fine: 2012 Aprilia Shiver and 2013 KTM 690 Duke (YES!).

Don't let the "2 flat feet rule" (which isn't a rule, more of a guideline) change your perceptions of what you can or can't ride. It may take you a little longer than you'd hoped but motorcycles aren't a 'quick and easy' thing to learn. If you think it is, you may not be ready to ride....