Question:
I'm looking to get a pair of boots for cycling.
I've heard contrasting opinions regarding the added safety vs. added danger of
steel toe boots for cycling. Any real data on this subject? Real life
experiences?
I'm looking at Chippewa boots which specifically market cycling boots with and
without steel toes. Would also appreciate any good/bad experiences with this
brand of boots?
Answer:
...I have a pair of Chipewa riding boots (the ones with the double toe
patches and velcro closures) Chipewa is one of the finest boots made in the
world. They are made in USA.
Whether or not steel toes, is up to you. The only deterent I`ve ever
heard about steel toes is when working aroung VERY heavy equipment such as fork
lifts. they could pinch the steel toe thus cutting off ALL your toes rather
than losing just one or two as you pull your foot away.Other than that or the
odd electrical worker job, I can see no reason why they wouldn`t just be better
protection on a bike. Of course comfort can be an issue as steel toes can cause
blisters if you have a wide foot.
I cannot see any advantage in wearing steel toed boots. I
do know this. They are very hard to break in. They are
uncomfortable until they are broken in. Even after breaking in
they are not always comfortable. (Mine for work are three years
old now and they recently began to hurt my big toe all over
again!) The steel wears out socks at a fantastic rate. The
steel gets HOT in the sun! ! ! I would never wear them unless
I had to, such as at work.
I wear a pair of Red Wing black steel toes boots for riding. I find them
*very* comfortable. I keep them oiled for rain resistance. That water
proofing works great as I have had the opportunity to test it out several
times.
They broke in a lot faster than I would have thought.
Don't know if my opinion of my Red Wings would be any different if I had to
wear them everyday at work.
Over the years, I have worn steel-toed boots for work on more than one
occasion. Some were more comfortable than others. All of them were hot
when out in the sun, colder-than-cold in the winter and heavier than
non-steel-toed boots. I have heard stories of toes being cut off when
something very heavy was dropped on the foot, but never had mine even
pinched. I really don't see the need for steel toes while riding.
Currently, I'm wearing a pair of Georgia engineer's boots. I wear them
daily and they are very comfortable. The upper leather is a bit softer
than the Frye or Carolina boot. I looked at the Chippewa and did like
them, but had trouble getting the fit I needed.
