Trying to get my new site working. Bear with me!
The Dainese Women's Torque D1 Boots Don't Fit Me
2017 UPDATE! I purchased these boots earlier this year and made them work. Click here to find out how.
Last month I posted about these amazing boots that Dainese created just for women. Race level boots with full lateral, ankle support. Something my Sidis just don't offer. :-(
I tried on the Dainese boots in 37 (my size when shoes run tight) and they're just TOO NARROW! *Cry* I couldn't get my amazing insoles to fit either, even a size up. The good news is, if you do have a slimmer instep, you will LOVE these. They also have a speedlace system, which allows you to cinch the ankles down even more! (Oh how I already envy you!)
This photo is from the back of the boot, all Dainese Race style boots are rear-entry. They also have velcro adjustments on either side of the boots (red circles) so you can adjust your calf fit, depending on what kind of pants/race suit you're wearing, or general calf size.
I wasn't trying to put the entire thing in side (all three pieces together). I could barely get my foot in as is. I have a high instep, so a lot of shoes in my size (6.5 US) are small at the opening so I can't get my foot in.
Maybe that's why I love my Sidis so much, they fit me so well and are so damn comfortable. I can add my magic insoles and I'm good to go.
But I really wanted more protection, in the form of full lateral support. Meaning, the boots make it almost impossible for your ankles to move sideways in case of an accident.
I also tried sizing up again (to 38), which helped so I could get my foot in. But then there was almost 2 inches of toe space :-( Looks like I'll be keeping my Sidis for awhile longer.... *sigh*
The good news is, if you have pretty, feminine narrowish feet you will be fine!
#firstworldproblems
Taller Motorcycle Boots for Women
daytona_ladystar_gtx, prev version
NOV 2019: PLEASE READ MY UPDATED POST HERE.
If you're looking for boots that offer a little extra height (and traction) to give you more leverage and confidence while riding, as well as protection, here are some ideas.
Options 1-3 are fully lined with Gore-Tex, considered to be the most breathable, waterproof membrane you will find in footwear.
1/ Daytona Ladystar GTX
$449. My favorite recommendation (and most expensive, unfortunately) are the Daytona Ladystar GTX's above. Yep, you get *that* much extra vertical height. Definitely the tallest women's motorcycle boots on the market that I've seen so far that also provide plenty of protection for street riding. You can read my review here. Two places to buy these online; Helimot or Revzilla. Pick your poison! Daytona also makes the same boot for those of you over a size 40, called the MStar (typically marketed towards men, even though its the same exact boot).
2/ Dainese Siren WP
$249. Although the Siren doesn't feature Gore-Tex, it's waterproof and breathable per Dainese. Also, the Siren has a very generous calf space, so this is a great boot if you need a little more room. Remember that Dainese's fit profile is a little narrower everywhere (except the calf). I've included a photo showing where your foot will be once inside the boot (0" mark). So that's almost 2.5" of extra height. You will get the same height on the Svelta (#2) and Luma (#3) as well.
dainese_siren
Dainese Siren GTX
dainese_luma_gtx
$249. The Luma isn't a full height boot, but falls just below your calves. The height on these and the Siren will be the same.
3/ Dainese Svelta GTX
dainese_svelta_gtx
$269. I love the Svelta because it actually doesn't have a large calf space since it zips all the way to the top. I don't need extra room there, so for me, it's the perfect boot. If you have a slender leg then you'll like the streamline fit on the Svelta. Another fabulous Gore-Tex lined boot!
4/ Alpinestars Stella Gran Torino GTX
Alpinestars Stella Gran Torino GTX
alpinestars_gran_torino_gtx_ladies
$299. The Alpinestars should have a slightly wider footbed and slightly larger ankle space. A good amount of calf space is provided as well.
5/ Sidi Livia Rain
sidi_livia
sidi_livia_rain
$230. Sidis have a more generous fit all around than options #1-4, especially the ankles / heels and arches (better for high arches). They're incredibly comfortable as well, and also have a very generous calf space. As generous as the Sirens (#2), maybe even a tad more.
For those of you that can't afford a new pair of boots, here are two ideas:
Try new insoles to add height and / or comfort. Dr Scholls, Superfeet, etc. I also wear Sidi Vertigo Leis but they took away from my vertical heiaght so I couldn't get my heel down at all. So I added another insole, and a heel cup to give me an extra inch. It also made working all day in them far more comfortable.
Try checking eBay. I found a barely used pair of Daytonas on eBay for less than $100 because I set up an alert to let me know if someone posted a pair in my size. It took a year, but a year later I found them!
Advanced Riding Skills with Reg Pridmore
I know what you're thinking. But I don't need a track day. And you're right, you don't. Instead, you need Reg Pridmore.
I loved the track day that my husband and I did last September. But as a 'Training' environment, for street specific skills and riding, I didn't feel like it was the best option.
That's why I really want to do Reg Pridmore's Class School. I feel like his homepage says it all:
"The friendliest and safest place to learn the riding skills we all need."
"At CLASS, Reg Pridmore focuses on teaching you how to become a smoother safer and more confident rider with instruction on more effective braking, shifting, cornering and how to avoid some pitfalls that often occur as a result of bad habits (even those you might not know you have)."
These two things are what make this kind of class totally different from a track day in my opinion. If you read through the FAQs, you'll see what the format is and how the class is set up.
My husband and I will probably shoot for the October class and by then we hop to have a different car that we can tow our bikes down to. Although, I'm still trying to convince him to ride down but, it's generally safer to drive your vehicle to a track class.. Hmmmm.
Whatever you do to increase your skills, just make sure it's a safe learning environment and not designed to outspeed eachother. There are quite a few different advanced courses out there if this is too far away for you. I've collected a few on my resources page for you.
