Is there such a thing as crush protection for ankles?

[taro]

I'm trying to figure out just what is meant by ankle protection in some motorcycle boots. It seems like most protection is some armor on the sides of the boots. Is there a boot that encloses the ankle area in a shell that can withstand a certain number of pounds? Thanks.

[hot_shoe_cv]

I'm trying to figure out just what is meant by ankle protection in some motorcycle boots. It seems like most protection is some armor on the sides of the boots. Is there a boot that encloses the ankle area in a shell that can withstand a certain number of pounds? Thanks.

Sure there is. Most any good MX boot will have ankle protection to varying degrees. Having broken both ankles in separate getoffs on dirt bikes, I can tell you that the protection is not 100% efective but can minimize damage.

[taro]

Thanks for the info. Next question: Are there any touring boots with this type of protection or are there any mx boots that are waterproof/breathable? Thanks.

[RichLockyer]

Waterproof, yes... the non-vented Tech-8's and Fox Trackers have served me well in shin-deep mud and water.
Breathability is NOT their strong point, as they were not designed to be street boots. You have to work to develop a feel for the rear brake and shifter, and you will look like Darth Vader wearing the things, not to mention they are about as comfortable as Darth Vader looks.

I would not consider MX boots for daily street use.

[taro]

Thanks for the info. It looks like Sidi makes a race boot with some type of frame around the ankle in a waterproof version, but they don't look very comfortable either. Plus, they cost a lot more than I'm wanting to spend. The search continues...

[kickshift]

Check out newenough.com they have lots of boots there of all different makes and pics of how they look. It's tough to find a boot out there that has all the protection and all the comfort, you have to make a trade off somewhere, or pack spare shoes in a tail bag or backpack or something and change when you get there.

[taro]

Thanks for the link. The Sidi Vertigo Tepor boots are what I was talking about. In the pictures on the New Enough site, there appears to be a brace connecting both sides of the ankle from the back. At $295, though, it's too rich for me.

[neebelung]

A good race boot will provide you with greater impact and crush protection than a casual/street boot. SIDI's are excellent, as are Alpinestars.

Thanks for the info. Next question: Are there any touring boots with this type of protection or are there any mx boots that are waterproof/breathable? Thanks.

The Alpinestars SMX-plus comes in regular versions, as well as a fully perf'd version.

http://www.alpinestars.com/moto/boots_smxplus.html

[taro]

Thanks for the tip. Those look very nice and seem more reasonable, pricewise. It looks like Alpinestars make you choose between waterproof and increased ankle protection. Doesn't seem like others are worried about their ankles. Am I worrying too much?

[jukief]

I have BMW boots that have ankle protection and are Gortex and waterproof leather. They're really comfortable, too. Pricey, though...

[neebelung]

Thanks for the tip. Those look very nice and seem more reasonable, pricewise. It looks like Alpinestars make you choose between waterproof and increased ankle protection. Doesn't seem like others are worried about their ankles. Am I worrying too much?

No, you're not worrying too much at all. Broken ankles are a VERY common (and painful) injury suffered in motorcycle crashes.

Our friend who crashed on July 30th broke not one but BOTH ankles...

[taro]

Well, when you put it that way, suddenly $300 doesn't sound as expensive as I thought it was. Julie, do you have the Transition Boot? Can you offer a product eval? Thanks.