Anybody have suggestions for shoes/boots that look dressy enough to ride to work in?
Work has been getting the best of me recently, and I've had to forego too much riding time for my tastes. I figure if I start riding to work more often, that's a start. (even though its beginning to get kind of chilly here in the mornings/evenings. I work in a professional/business environment. I need to remotely look the part as I walk in, even if I immediately change to dress shoes in my office. My Alpinestars SMX line riding boots ain't going to cut it.
I also thought, heck, if I'm riding the relatively tame looking Ducati (GT1000), and if I can pull of a pretty smart look with gear, then I should have no problems with coworkers/management/clients, etc. The other idea is where regular gear and have clothes to change into at the office, but that leaves me with the dreaded "get to work before everyone else and leave after everyone else" timing problem.
I've been looking at the BMW City Boots, but they are a bit spendy and I haven't seen a pair in person yet.
What does the other gear you'll be wearing look like? Office pants/jeans/....?
looking to get some type of overpants, that way I can quickly drop trou' and be looking relatively normal in slacks on the bottom half. haven't figured out how to do jacket yet - my normal stuff is either leather upper of 2-piece track suit, a perf version of same, or a mesh/textile summer version. nothin' very businessy about any of that.
I was quite happy with my A* Ridge
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/boots/waterproof_sport_street_touring_boots/alpinestars/2011_ridge_waterproof_motorcycle_boots.html (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/boots/waterproof_sport_street_touring_boots/alpinestars/2011_ridge_waterproof_motorcycle_boots.html)
ahh. part of me wants to go with the SIDI lux boots out of spite, but that's not going to do me any favors in the long run.
Depends on what kind of clients you want 8)
probably not those.
i really dont understand why its unacceptable to walk in and then change in the bathroom.
Its not like you are dressing distastefully, its just proper riding attire for operating a motorcycle. Sort of like walking into your contracting job as a field engineer and (if you are so lucky to ) walk in with a hard hat ,dirty clothes and a safety vest.
eitherway, i think a monotone and built in armor (as in molded to the shoe and non replacable) is the way to go.
check out the A* SMX-2 or sidi street. i really like the SMX-2, the sidi is too conservative for my taste.
WHy cant you throw shoes on when you park and swap boots ( i have a hardcase pack to swap clothes out if i really need to and just lock it in.
something like this?
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/alpinestars-monaco-shoes (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/alpinestars-monaco-shoes)
with normal length pants they should look pretty discrete... not a full boot though.
Do you mean the BMW All Purpose boots?
I wear mine everywhere. I keep them polished and they always look great. They have a reinforced area on top where the shifter hits but otherwise they look like normal boots.
I got them 4 years ago on sale for $199. They're a good value even when not on sale. Comfy, too.
Check out this thread for a good discussion of "work appropriate" riding gear:
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=56097.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=56097.0)
Is there a gym nearby your office where you could change before and after work? Just a shot in the dark...
not a bad plan.
we are actually moving offices in the near future. my new office is slightly bigger. perhaps bigger enough to accommodate a wardrobe.
The BMW City Boots I was looking at look like this:
(http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/b/0/0/bf/e/AAAAC3lZL1AAAAAAAL_mbg.jpg?v=1270670810000)
Product Description
-A lightweight leather boot designed for urban wear
-Leather lining and insole
-Rubber outsole with leather insert
-Elasticated area around shaft and zip fastening
-Lightweight ankle protection
-Lightweight reinforcements to shaft
-2 Year Warranty
These would seem to have better protection with a similar look. Those BMW boots don't sound like they have very much protection.
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/boots/sport_street_touring_boots/sidi/street_boots.html (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/boots/sport_street_touring_boots/sidi/street_boots.html)
Personally, I'd get an Aerostitch Roadcrafter suit, and a pair of understated, but proper motorcycle boots, and wear that. Accidents don't just happen when you're on your bike having fun, so protection is key. If that isn't acceptable for whatever weird reason, then I wouldn't ride.
I commuted daily for 2.5 years, rain or shine in Seattle, and I think commuting is even more dangerous than weekend rides, as the people in the cages around you are generally more distracted than usual (tired, not awake yet, bummed to be going to work, pissed to be sitting in traffic on way home, whatever).
I'll look into the roadcrafter suit.
I'm looking into the at-work/in-office warddrobe for having my wrinkle-free shirts and suits stored there, and change when I get to work.
Have you looked at Vendramini New York boots?
I have these boots, and when I wear them I do not bother to change shoes at the office, cause they look just like ordinary shoes.
That's not bad, for sure. I'm thinking I will look at a less Power Ranger looking boot to wear that's still mostly a real moto boot and keep dress shoes at the office to change into.
I'm commuting on the GT1000, I'm apparently late to the game though since most DP acccessories are discontinued for it and they are the best looking options for luggage (like the rear rack and small bag).
When I commuted on a Monster I used a 40L SealLine bag and RokStraps. Worked great and I used the bag for all kinds of stuff. I also left a pair of shoes at the office and rode in wearing proper boots.
+1 on the Roadcrafter. Call Aerostich and they'll be able to suggest alterations to make it work more like an oversuit. Failing that, I highly recommend Motoport's overpants. Great piece of gear. (I lost a bunch of weight and mine are too big. If you're a 36" waist w/ a 32-34" inseam, they might work for you.)
those pants may work for me...
I just pulled the trigger on a Teiz "Lombard" www.teizms.com (//http://) for a suit. The trial fit over my work clothes astoundingly easily despite my initial impressions on pulling it out of the box. Way cheaper than a Roadcrafter plus a crash warranty? sold.
I've been wearing the tourmaster Solution 2.0 WP Airs... They look a bit crazy, but the stores were all out of the non-Airs that look more normal. http://www.compacc.com/p/Tourmaster-Solution-2-0-WP-Road-Boots-Mens (http://www.compacc.com/p/Tourmaster-Solution-2-0-WP-Road-Boots-Mens)
Based on how long the soles are lasting due to the amount of walking I've been doing, I'll probably go back to regular leather boots for the commute.
Quote from: Dirty Duc on November 14, 2012, 09:19:27 PM
I just pulled the trigger on a Teiz "Lombard" www.teizms.com (//http://) (//http://) (//http://) (//http://) (//http://) for a suit. The trial fit over my work clothes astoundingly easily despite my initial impressions on pulling it out of the box. Way cheaper than a Roadcrafter plus a crash warranty? sold.
Those look cool. Too bad they're manufactured in Pakistan...that's a deal breaker for me.
Quote from: junior varsity on October 19, 2012, 10:14:20 AM
I'll look into the roadcrafter suit.
I'm looking into the at-work/in-office warddrobe for having my wrinkle-free shirts and suits stored there, and change when I get to work.
This is really the ultimate solution, you don't have to compromise your gear.