Question:
Off course it's ok, as long as they are comfortable and allow you to shift.
They're far safer than reg. mtcl boots.
Answer:
I roadraced between 1985 and 1995. It's possible that roadracing boots
have gotten better in the last 5 years but I don't think so.
Roadracing boots tend to be little more than thin leather ballet
slippers. I dinged up both feet in minor crashes in the '80s. On one
occaision the zipper up the back of my boot blew out and my foot came
completely out of the boot! Only the strap at the top kept the boot
attached to my leg, flopping around totally usless. Around 1990 I
switched to SIDI motcross boots. The foot and ankle injuries stopped.
It took about half a season for the stiff-heavy boots to break in and
soften, but in time they became flexable and really comfortable.
MX boots aren't stylish and their pretty stiff at first.
Roadracing boots offer inadequate protection.
Wear whatever works for you. It's always been the people who try
something different that make the world evolve. It's always the
average breaking it down.
I'm agreeing with Mr. Willie... My Sidi Vertebra's surprised the
crap out of me when I got them. I think my work boots are made
out of thicker leather. (well, the Sidi's aren't leather, but still)
If I haven't heard a lot of good things about them, I'd probably
have returned them. They *seem* way too fragile and lightweight
to protect my feet in a highside or trapped under the bike.
Some low top work boot with "thick" leather?
Or a purposely designed boot for racing?
I don't pretend to know the answer. I can only go by what I have
experienced. I have used a pair of Alpinstars for many years, christ, I
think they are 10 years old now. I will be replacing them with some Sidi's
before my next track day. Mostly because my 'Stars are too small, and
always have been. Plus they are a bit tired.
I have crashed 3 times in the 'Stars. The last time my foot tucked
underneath my left leg and I could feel the heat building up through the
leather as my right foot dragged along the pavement. Oy.
It was not a good feeling. "Thankfully" I hit the hay bales soon after. :P
I don't know how much protection a boot can really provide in a severe
crash. You have so damn many small bones in your foot that I would think it
difficult for even the best boot to protect them.
I know of a few people who use the $750 boots from Daytona. I dunno, I have
yet to see proof that they are better than other $250 race boots.
