Street riding boots

I run Alpine Stars SMX S. I like having some shin protection.

 

Well the nuclear option is custom fitted Daytonas.

 

A protective boot shouldnt be comfortable to be walking around in.

 

You might know this.
Alpine Stars has a great repair program/facility and can resole their boots.

I agree, the SMX S also not great for walking, but they are not walking boots. Trade off for the protection and moto focused design and construction.

 

Comfort shouldn't be the #1 priority, but it is important. ALL my gear needs to be comfy enough that I'll actually use it. I think I probably walk around in boots more at the track than on a street ride, and over the last few years have more often work my (more comfy) RST boots over ones with more protection. If boots are painful to walk in, they are probably also not great at being able to operate controls and move around on the bike.

 

Good to Know! I've got 2 pairs that are beyond wearable, but I haven't been able to pitch them yet. Glad I didn't

For the street, it would be nice to have something comfortable that I WANT to wear. I don't think the SMX S are uncomfortable as much as they're hard on my knees while walking. I normally wearing running shoes because they have super low impact.

 

I used that repair service with great results. Check out this thread...

https://forums.13x.com/index.php?threads/alpinestars-boot-repair-question.365005/#post-5660111

 

Of course fit & comfort is important... but it seems like a street boot can't be everything.
I used to carry a backpack with running shoes for walking around or other pedestrian chores.on a streetbike. If it was a high mileage ride day... I never had discomfort when in the saddle. Sometimes Id lay down on a bench with my legs elevated to recover some.
Im generally not walking much in the paddock when suited up... Im either on a scooter or pedal bike if I need to go somewhere or spectate.
After watching a healthy guy nearly loose his feet from a minor streetbike accident in cheap boots Id rather over protect my feet & hands. Some folks go that route from the gate... other go the progressive way.

 

I wear the same boots for everything- protection is important. more importanter on the street IMHO.

you didn't mention a budget, but if you find an older model or have the budget, the Dainese Axial In boots are great. They have a carbon fiber inner shell with a hinge system that is comfortable to wear all day on or off the bike, plus they fit under standard jeans or pants, so you don't look like a storm trooper/power ranger, but have the same level of protection literally that MotoGP racers have. Mine are my go to for any street riding, even running 15-20 miles across town for errands (in ATL traffic, that's like 4-5 hour ride). I've worn them plenty off the bike and haven't ever had any issues with discomfort.

I need to find a new pair of boots for the wife, her Daytonas are falling apart.