Ladies Icon Bombshell Boots

[Christieland]

Have any of you tried them? Thoughts, experiences? I'm skeptical about their safety and comfort, but willing to give them a try based on recommendations.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/photos/300/g26860.jpg

I'm looking for a pair of safe, not-heinously-manly-and-or-ugly riding boots that I could wear with jeans in a casual, somewhat fashion forward office. Bringing shoes with me is a pain in the patootie.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestions!

[Nick]

Kinda dominatrix looking to me and that 4" wedge can't be comfortable to ride in. But I'm a guy... what do I know?

[Christieland]

Originally posted by Nick
Kinda dominatrix looking to me and that 4" wedge can't be comfortable to ride in. But I'm a guy... what do I know?
Well they'd be under long jeans, so I don't think that dominatrix look would be an issue. All the other riding boots available for women have big, manly round toe boxes, this one at least seems narrow at the front. And for someone who's used to doing a variety of activities in heels, I'm not too worried about the wedge. :)

[Venomized]

I don't know, but those would look great with some tight black booty shorts:laughing :teeth

[HellFyre]

Aren't you tall enough as it is? j/k

[badjoojoo]

What's the point of high heels on a bike? Wouldn't they make it more difficult to ride? I'd go for some more functional riding boots.

[Christieland]

Originally posted by HellFyre

Aren't you tall enough as it is? j/k
Yes, but I love heels! They just create a much more feminine silhouette. And it's nice to be able to see over everyone else... :laughing

Originally posted by badjoojoo
What's the point of high heels on a bike? Wouldn't they make it more difficult to ride? I'd go for some more functional riding boots.
Well, they might be functional. I've ridden a bit in three inch wedge boots before and they didn't impact my ability to change gears. And when not shifting, the balls of my feet are on the pegs anyway.

[Hawaiirider]

Can't speak to those particular boots, or to high-heel issues, but I have purchased some ICON products, and while I'd bet that thier newer stuff is probably better than before, I have to say I have been generally dissapointed with the things I bought from them - it hasn't fallen apart ( like some Joe Rocket stuff has ) but it's just not very substantial - more fashion grade than technical gear, which I suppose should be expected at that price point : Quality of contruction, Quanity of design, Low $ / pick any 2.

Without actually seeing them I'd say check out the Euro brands more - I bet Dianese or someone makes a stylish boot that will be better on the bike, and while it probably WILL cost more, when you amortize it over a year + the difference is usually pretty insignificant. I know that's easier to say than to pay for, but real quality gear lasts & lasts ( I have some Diadoras that are nearly casual wear, super comfortable and yet are still real MC boots). Go see Lisa over at Scuderia West, she has been a great help to me and they stock lots of gear for las chicas. I go there whenever I get to your cool town.

[masameet]

How about some black Frye Harness boots?

I got a pair (slightly used) off of eBay last summer for $60. They're my favorite mc boots (the other pair being Daytona-Frey Lady Stars). They go great with street clothes, they look kinda cowgirly (without the pointy toes!), the leather above the big toe joint is thick enough that no pain is transmitted during upshifts, they are easy to upshift with (unlike the Lady Stars), and they're easy to walk in.

[Gixxergirl1000]

You can find some reasonably priced, nice-looking packer boots at most western outfitters... they've got a stacked, undercut heel, and are generally made from sturdy cow- or bullhide, lace up past the ankles, and make your feet look small as an added bonus.
I've ridden in heels in the past... stillettos hooked nicely over the rear footpegs of my old Nighthawk, and got a lot of attention from the guys, but I wouldn't reccommend it... not a whole lot in the way of ankle support or protection, and if your foot slipped at a stop sign, well, I'd hate to try to hold 350+ pounds of bike upright in high heels. But that's just me ;)
You're other option might be some of the stunt boots I've seen in the backs of the bike magazines... kind of cool, chunky looking short boot dealio that seems to offer some protection, but not make your foot look like it belongs at the end of an elephant's leg... good luck!

[Joebar4000]

Good god woman, like your legs aren't long enough? :wtf

[TCK!]

What about just leaving shoes at the office? I've devoted the bottom drawer of my file cabinet to just clothes to change into. Like slacks, jeans, underwear, socks, belts, shoes, dress shirts, polo shirts, t-shirts, so no matter what or who I have to meet at the office through out the day I always have appropriate attire... seems to work for me, but I don't ride everyday to work though.

[stan23]

Bringing shoes with me is a pain in the patootie.

Why not leave a pair of shoes at the office?

Or do you work with Lizard?

[CeruleanSkye]

I wanted them VERY badly when I first saw them in the Icon catalog... Until I checked them out.

They're super cute, but look like they would offer very little real protection. Imagine wearing similar fashion boots, only with slightly extra "padding" (probably light foam) at the ankles and shins, and the leather isn't any more durable than fashion boots. I wasn't terribly impressed.

Definitely better than fashion boots or sneakers, but nothing compared to something like A* or Sidi, which can be had for not much more $$.

I would say they *might* be ok if you are just riding around town, but I would rather my $170 go towards something that will protect me with more certainty.

If I found them for well under $100, I would consider them for days when I am going to the mall or Starbucks, or similar. But more than likely I would wear them when I wasn't riding.

[CeruleanSkye]

Originally posted by TCK!
What about just leaving shoes at the office? I've devoted the bottom drawer of my file cabinet to just clothes to change into. Like slacks, jeans, underwear, socks, belts, shoes, dress shirts, polo shirts, t-shirts, so no matter what or who I have to meet at the office through out the day I always have appropriate attire... seems to work for me, but I don't ride everyday to work though.

That's what I try to do (bring my change of clothes or shoes a day ahead when I drive)... Or just pile everything into my giant A* backpack.

I usually find myself lugging two pairs of shoes when I don't plan ahead (work & gym), as well as work clothes and gym clothes, and my makeup and hair stuff to fix my situation when I arrive to work. It's a pain, but worth it!

[tzrider]

A taller sole (or heel in this case) could significantly increase the leverage on your ankle in a fall. I've never been in the market for platform soles or heels myself, but every time someone asks about boots like these it reminds me of a consideration I do have as an ice climber.

Ice climbers wear crampons on their boots, which have one or two front-facing points and about ten down-facing points. The downpoints are one and a half or two inches long. They add a phenominal amount of leverage to your ankle and if you catch a point on the ice during a fall, you can suffer grievous damage to the anlke or lower leg bones. A five foot fall is enough to spiral fracture both lower leg bones if you catch a point.

Motorcycle boot soles aren't going to catch on the ground as tenaciously as a crampon bites into ice, but if they do grip the asphalt, catch the leading edge of a pothole or catch in the dirt if you slid off the road, that extra leverage could be trouble. One of my personal criteria in riding boots are soles that are not very thick. They must be well attached, but they shouldn't be too tall.

Also, the slender toe box on the boots you're asking about make me wonder how much protection the forefoot has.

[Cyclesuzy]

I love the look and can imagine how hot you'd look riding in them but they look dangerous to me. I wouldn't want to have to come to a stop on a patch where I had to hold the bike up more than normal, slip and drop the bike.

If you do end up getting them, pics please. :drool

[monstermonster]

Though the following have the somewhat rounded toe you were complaining about, you still might want to take a look at the Sidi Rose

http://www.mxdirtrider.com/i-products/apparel-boots-st-sidi-women-rose.jpg

and Violet.

http://www.mxdirtrider.com/i-products/apparel-boots-st-sidi-women-violet.jpg

I'm not sure if they still make 'em, but you can still find 'em online.

[slydrite]

I swear I read the thread title as "Ladies Icon Bombshell Boobs" :laughing

[Christieland]

Kelly, did you ever try them on? Just curious.

Andy, that's valuable information about ankle breaks and heels, and I know everyone says to wear all gear all the time.

Thanks for the suggestions to keep some shoes at work. That would at least free up some closet space. ;)

I have the Sidi Violets. They're pretty good boots but under jeans are about as sexy as Britney's shaved head. I'm willing to give the Icons a try, but they probably won't even fit me; the largest size is a ladies ten. :(

[Hooli]

:wow

Where is the rest of the outfit? :p

http://extremecostumes.com/dominatrix44.jpg

[Christieland]

Originally posted by Hooli
:wow

Where is the rest of the outfit? :p

Oh jeez Jeff! I'm not going to be riding around in those boots and a mini skirt for god's sake! It'll definitely be something boring and uncreative like designer jeans, sweater sets and pearls! This is for the work commute, people, not the second job! :rolleyes

[racercutie]

I commute in my Sidi Corsas and have two pairs of shoes at my office when I get to work (dressy heels and a casual pair). I can pretty much wear anything under an Aerostitch (except a skirt/dress) so that doesn't matter. If I need to, I'll bring a pair of shoes with me.

Spending a work day in a pair of motorcycle boots is a PITA. They are really meant for walking or standing, just riding.

Though I have commuted in wedge-heeled boots before and it wasn't so bad, actually. :teeth

[CeruleanSkye]

Originally posted by karayzieho
Kelly, did you ever try them on? Just curious.



Nope. I was totally disenchanted after seeing them in person.
Besides, $170 for something that I would wear on very rare occasion, offering substandard protection, didn't seem worth it.

For the money, I expected much more.

Save the money and keep a pair of shoes at work.

[Christieland]

Originally posted by racercutie
Spending a work day in a pair of motorcycle boots is a PITA. They are really meant for walking or standing, just riding.
I actually spent the first half of today in my Alpinestars SM-X boots and it was pretty nice. They're a hell of a lot more comfortable than the shoes I usually wear, I just felt a little funny walking into the weekly meeting in them, like I was wearing slippers or something that was just office inappropriate.

[Christieland]

Originally posted by CeruleanSkye
Save the money and keep a pair of shoes at work. Werd. Thanks Kells!

I'm a stubborn bitch though so I'm still gonna go try them on! :shhh

[racercutie]

Originally posted by karayzieho
I actually spent the first half of today in my Alpinestars SM-X boots and it was pretty nice. They're a hell of a lot more comfortable than the shoes I usually wear, I just felt a little funny walking into the weekly meeting in them, like I was wearing slippers or something that was just office inappropriate.

Are they men's boots? They're generally made wider and discovered that they're way roomier. I need to wear thick socks with mine.
But, yea, my boots are as comfy as slippers too, but I stand most of the day so my back starts to ache if I don't wear some sort of heel.

[elbacalao]

Originally posted by karayzieho
I actually spent the first half of today in my Alpinestars SM-X boots and it was pretty nice. They're a hell of a lot more comfortable than the shoes I usually wear, I just felt a little funny walking into the weekly meeting in them, like I was wearing slippers or something that was just office inappropriate.

Any man who looks at you, and then looks at your feet...is obviously gay. You could be wearing astronaut shoes and I wouldnt know it....or care.

[Christieland]

Originally posted by racercutie
Are they men's boots? They're generally made wider and discovered that they're way roomier. I need to wear thick socks with mine.
I have a version of the SM-X that is made for women, they're narrower.

[Christieland]

Originally posted by elbacalao
Any man who looks at you, and then looks at your feet...is obviously gay. You could be wearing astronaut shoes and I wouldnt know it....or care.
That's sweet, Brian. But I work with 90% hot, stylish women and they're cattier than sorority sisters all having their periods at the same time. Not that I should care, but I am a woman. And I am competitive. And everyone knows that women dress to make other women envy them, not to make men want them! Trust me, I would dress to make men want me, if I worked with any real men like you! ;)

[stan23]

Originally posted by elbacalao
Any man who looks at you, and then looks at your feet...is obviously gay. You could be wearing astronaut shoes and I wouldnt know it....or care.

hmm.. I look at women's shoes all the time. A person's style can be easily summed up by the shoes she wears with her outfits.

Here's another hint:

A woman appreciates it when a man can see all the little details she throws in her outfits. She may even appreciate it more, if you were to point it out.. And i'm not talking about pointing out the obvious like her chest/butt. :p

[tzrider]

Originally posted by karayzieho
Andy, that's valuable information about ankle breaks and heels, and I know everyone says to wear all gear all the time.
"All gear, all the time" is the safest policy, though I think we should all be free to make our own choices. Sometimes I ride with no gear, but I'd like to think it's an informed choice. If you're thinking of these boots for their protection value, you've got a little more to gnaw on. If you're considering commuting in less than full gear, I assume that's an informed choice too, knowing you're a smart person. Sometimes the convenience of just hopping on the bike is hard to pass up.

If I'm going to opt for partial protection, my gear priorities (FWIW) are:

1) Helmet
2) Gloves
3) Jacket
4) Boots
5) Pants

That my triage list, if you will, based on my own estimation of which body parts would be most problematic to injure or lose. And actually, jacket and boots are a toss-up, with the jacket winning out if it protects my arms. I figure I can do without the use of my feet more easily than without the use of my arms.

Of course, layered on top of all this is my confidence that I'm not going to road test my gear on any given ride. No, we can't control all variables, but riding a mile down the road for a sandwich is going to be a lower risk proposition than going hot-shoeing with my friends.

Glad to hear you'll be commuting by bike; it's a nice way to go.

[The_Phantom]

Hey karayzieho I agree with CeruleanSkye. I saw a pair of them at Cycle Gear in SF (thanks Mel) and they are totally not safe. The "leather" is very thin...payless shoes style thin. The the so-called protective padding is just an air bubble...or if there is stuffing in the padding it's like cotton or something because it didn't really feel very sturdy when I pressed down on it! I posted a thread about them when they first came out and got similar responses. They are way hawt though...why can't we have functional hawt shoes :rant

I think CeruleanSkye is right they are way to expensive to take the risk.

Lord knows this has been my endless search... I actually started searching under riding boots.... like horseback riding boots because they are nicer looking than yur typical sidi/a* boots and they also serve a function. The ankle support on most of them is not up to par with the ankle support you get from motorcycle riding boots but it's better than the non-functional fashionable boots.

Look at these.... these were pretty thick but to rich for my blood (http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/19762006/c/103.html)
http://www.zappos.com/images/728/7283950/5007-341493-d.jpg

or these but they're Harley boots (http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/19538736/c/3.html)
http://www.zappos.com/images/729/7293016/3832-362504-d.jpg

[elbacalao]

Originally posted by stan23
hmm.. I look at women's shoes all the time. A person's style can be easily summed up by the shoes she wears with her outfits.

Here's another hint:

A woman appreciates it when a man can see all the little details she throws in her outfits. She may even appreciate it more, if you were to point it out.. And i'm not talking about pointing out the obvious like her chest/butt. :p

I always point out how nice a womans shoes are...when they're next to her earrings...but hey....whatever works for you Stan, whatever works for you. :p

[DogBoy]

Go to a large Harley Davidson dealer. They have a dizzying collection of women's boots in, curiously, two categories; riding and walking. My wife has a nice pair of HD riding boots with genuine ankle protection that look like slightly-less-clunky Doc Martens. There were several other styles available. She's very happy with her boots, and for $100, so am I.

[Eisernkreuz]

Those Icon boots will increase your fuckability rating by a factor of 9

[mrspeebles]

Originally posted by CeruleanSkye
Nope. I was totally disenchanted after seeing them in person.
Besides, $170 for something that I would wear on very rare occasion, offering substandard protection, didn't seem worth it.

For the money, I expected much more.

Save the money and keep a pair of shoes at work.

I agree. They're cute and all, but no way in hell would I wear those over my daytona ladystars. Honestly, I think they're a little cuter than the Bombshells, especially with a sexy pair of jeans tucked in!

I love wearing high heels, just not on the bike!

[Christieland]

Originally posted by The_Phantom
I think CeruleanSkye is right they are way to expensive to take the risk.

Look at these.... these were pretty thick but to rich for my blood

or these but they're Harley boots

Thanks for the advice and great suggestions! :thumbup

[weak_link]

I wish I knew how to make boots. There is clearly a market for 'cute' and 'hawt' womens boots that provide the same levels of safety as quality mens boots.

Good luck in your search barf-hotties. ;)

[SuperSixFour]

I agree with general consensus here. Bombshell boots = crap. In fact I'd probably say they're the worst boots for the price that we sell. Or that I've seen for that matter.

[DucatiHoney]

I just have to say that my first pair of m/c boots was high heeled and they worked great. I like to keep my bike as high as I can for clearance purposes, so I'm already on my tip-toes. A heel in back gives a gal a bit more sole on the ground for added traction. Prefer the safer feeling of a nice armored pair of boots most of the time, but I'll take a quick spin around the block in flip flops or slippers, so don't listen to me about safety. :blush

[slydrite]

:squidette


:twofinger

[Christieland]

Yeah, for all the haters out there... I can't stand to pass another bike on my commute, look down and see wing tips or whatever they call mens' office shoes these days, and not be able to wear my own fashionable footwear. And I'm even trying to figure out a way to wear actual riding boots, made out of leather, hello, people! :laughing Like Andy (tzrider) said in his invaluable list of "what's important," helmet, gloves and jacket are, like, way more important in the grand scheme of things. Thank you for that list Andy, I think that's helpful information for a lot of people out there.

If boots were the only thing protecting my body, I'd be making a much more careful decision.

To the guy who said he wished he knew how to make sexy, sturdy womens' riding boots, you're so right!

Heather, we'll have to have a march of the squidettes ride around the block in peep toe pumps and tank tops one of these warm days! ;)

[AbsolutEnduser]

Originally posted by Joebar4000
Good god woman, like your legs aren't long enough? :wtf

Hey K.H. , just take those three comments like that as the fact that They do not want you to buy these shoes.. :laughing :leghump

I just had these summer Icon gloves that wore out after 20 times of using. But heavy duty Icon asphalt shoes haven't worn out in 2 years.. (mens)

[DucatiHoney]

Originally posted by karayzieho
Heather, we'll have to have a march of the squidettes ride around the block in peep toe pumps and tank tops one of these warm days! ;)

My avatar is a chick in a skirt on a motorcycle... you sure you want me as a playmate? :laughing

[mrc]

Originally posted by DucatiHoney
My avatar is a chick in a skirt on a motorcycle... you sure you want me as a playmate? :laughing

Quoted for the "why wouldn't anyone" factor, but also as a nod to DH's interesting observation that what I'd though was pure bling (women's high-wedge/heel boots) has a practical angle for the inseam challenged. Inseminally challenged?

Helimot has women's sizes all the way down to tiny pinay, if you're willing to shell out. FWIW.

[Hooli]

Originally posted by karayzieho
I am a woman.


"Hear me roar!"

:p

[kiltwearinfool]

Originally posted by karayzieho
I have the Sidi Violets. They're pretty good boots but under jeans are about as sexy as Britney's shaved head.

Oddly enough, I didn't give a crap about her until she shaved her head. :shrug

KH, have you tried Stompers up in SF? They've got a pretty good selection of boot styles and sizes. I think they have a website (http://www.stompersboots.com/) (just browsed, they offer police officer jackboots that might fit your needs?)

I've seen plenty of people ride in a simple pair of black cowboy boots. While not as in-style as they used to be, they still have a non-moto look and fit halfway decent at the office.

My first reaction to the Icons when I saw them in sport rider was "that's a good start, but..." there's really not enough preotection in the wear areas like the top of the left foot, where the shifter lever contacts. I've got a pair of Doc Martens that have significant wear on the left and right toe tops (right side is from the old britbike) and it's hard to polish out. I think I'd be pissed if I spent $170 on a pair of riding boots to only have them wear quickly in that area.

IMO, the Icon boots are designed more for female passengers than for female riders.

[Hooli]

Originally posted by kiltwearinfool
I've seen plenty of people ride in a simple pair of black cowboy boots. While not as in-style as they used to be, they still have a non-moto look and fit halfway decent at the office.


Please keep in mind that the typical cowboy boot has a non-grip sole and you may risk dropping the bike if you put your foot down at an intersection (that typically has an accumulation of cager fluids on the surface).

Ain't hatin', just statin'...

[Brown81]

I personally find it sexy when women wear proper riding gear. If I saw some chick riding with those goofy ass Icon boots, I'd think she was a dipshit!

If I saw a girl wearing some Sidi's under her jeans at the office I'd think "cool, this chick is a rider, fucking hot".


Just my opinion!:teeth

[jenn868]

I have these boots....they are comfortable to ride in, not too comfy to stand around in or be in all day....the balls of my feet hurt after awhile...as for protection they certainly dont have the racing mindset but they are made for riding with ankle protection and they are thick and tall, probably being less protective on the foot......my suggestion would be to try them on somewhere first then decide....:)

[DucatiHoney]

Originally posted by Brown81
I personally find it sexy when women wear proper riding gear. If I saw some chick riding with those goofy ass Icon boots, I'd think she was a dipshit!

If I saw a girl wearing some Sidi's under her jeans at the office I'd think "cool, this chick is a rider, fucking hot".


Just my opinion!:teeth

Yeah, well, my bosses aren't as cool as you. I come in to the office a full 30 minutes early to get out of my full leathers and hide it all before they see me. I hear about it if I wear flip flops to work, let alone my Sidis. Trust me--there are days when I'd be totally cool working in my two-piece and boots.

[Brown81]

Originally posted by DucatiHoney
Yeah, well, my bosses aren't as cool as you. I come in to the office a full 30 minutes early to get out of my full leathers and hide it all before they see me. I hear about it if I wear flip flops to work, let alone my Sidis. Trust me--there are days when I'd be totally cool working in my two-piece and boots.

Would they be cool if you wore those stripper/dominatrix boots??:confused

Personally, I'd encourage any female employees to dress like that!! Just not when riding motorcycles!!:cool

[Nemo Brinker]

I have this vision of a woman walking into her office wearing a clunky Aerostich, and whipping it off to reveal tight domme gear underneath... but that's just me!

I took a look at those boots for kicks, and the leather (as well as the construction) looked substandard to me. And that, to me, detracts too much from the sexy factor of shoes!

[motorcyclegrin]

I have these boots. I would only recommend them for city riding though, which is all I do down here in Mex. Since my bike is a bit tall for me, the heel gives me great stability. The area for the toe shifter is great so that there is no damage and they are comfortable for regular wear as well. The only thing that I don't like is that the calf area is a bit tight for me. If you work out at all, there is not a lot of room for muscle. Other than that, I would give them a thumbs up for city riding. If you are going with highway/freeway traffic, I would recommend something a bit thicker.

[PushHands]

sexy! :thumbup

[Christieland]

Originally posted by motorcyclegrin
I have these boots. I would only recommend them for city riding though, which is all I do down here in Mex. Since my bike is a bit tall for me, the heel gives me great stability. The area for the toe shifter is great so that there is no damage and they are comfortable for regular wear as well. The only thing that I don't like is that the calf area is a bit tight for me. If you work out at all, there is not a lot of room for muscle. Other than that, I would give them a thumbs up for city riding. If you are going with highway/freeway traffic, I would recommend something a bit thicker.
That's awesome. Would love to see pics! ;)

I actually tried them on two weeks ago, they special ordered the biggest size available, and they still didn't fit. :cry

[Roadstergal]

I want those Bombshell boots - for wearing off the bike. I wear Sidi Vertebra boots when on the bike and keep a pair of shoes at the office. I'm inseam-challenged, as well - 5'1" - and I learned to look where I was stopping and shift a cheek off.

I took a look at those Sidi Rose when Newenough put them on sale, and they just don't look protective.

(BTW, kudos to Sidi for making race boots in size EU36.)

[Chim Chim]

Bombshell = poo

Check out the Oxtar (http://www.oxtar.com/eng/index.html) Sunray. Remember your feet will look cuter in heels if they aren't mangled.

[Roadstergal]

I have the Sunray (http://www.motoemporium.com/oxtar/sunray/sunray.html) for when it's pouring out. Nicely waterproof and the sole is good and grippy, but I'd still feel better about having the Sidis on in a crash. I want to get the Vertigo Tepor, but I can't find them in my size.

[Ninjette]

Huh...I have a pair of Sidi Jasmine boots and it never occurred to me to give a crap what they looked like.

Hooray for working in a vet clinic where the only thing that matters about your clothes is how easy it is to wash off the shit/piss/vomit. ;)

[xgambit]

Originally posted by cathybogart
Huh...I have a pair of Sidi Jasmine boots and it never occurred to me to give a crap what they looked like.

Hooray for working in a vet clinic where the only thing that matters about your clothes is how easy it is to wash off the shit/piss/vomit. ;)

if i hadnt read the part about the vet clinic, i wouldve guessed that you work at the power exchange.