Flip-flops might be fine for the beach. On a bike, they could cost you a lot more than your dignity.
IAM RoadSmart recently warned that a third of car and van drivers admit to driving in flip-flops, sliders or other open-backed footwear during the summer – footwear that can slip from the pedals and affect vehicle control.
Fair point.
But it got us thinking about something we see far too often on two wheels.
Scooter, moped and motorcycle riders heading out in flip-flops, sandals, flimsy trainers – and once even bare feet!
When the weather is hot, proper riding boots can feel like the last thing you want to put on. But your feet and ankles are among the first parts of your body likely to meet the ground if something goes wrong.
And it doesn’t have to be a major collision.
Lose your balance.
Put a foot down awkwardly.
Drop the bike.
Slide on gravel.
Come off at relatively low speed.
Suddenly there is very little between your skin, bones and ankles – and the road.
Dress for the slide, not just the ride
Good motorcycle footwear is designed to do far more than look the part.
Look for:
- Proper protection around the toes
- Strong, sturdy soles
- Support around the ankle and instep
- Reinforced or layered panels
- Good grip and pedal control
- Enough flexibility to move comfortably
And you don’t necessarily need huge, knee-high motorcycle boots. There are now plenty of protective riding shoes and ankle boots that look much more like everyday footwear while still providing the support and protection riders need.
Too hot for boots?
Take another pair of shoes with you.
Seriously.
Put lightweight shoes in your backpack, ride in proper protective footwear and change when you arrive.
A couple of minutes changing your shoes is a small inconvenience compared with weeks or months recovering from a badly injured foot or ankle.
Your helmet protects your head.
Your jacket protects your body.
Your gloves protect your hands.
Don’t forget the bits keeping you – and your bike – upright.
Boots on. Then ride.