From Riding to Walking
Spending an excessive amount of time on my feet coaching MSF classes has resulted in many restless nights due to foot, leg, and back pain. The search for the perfect pair of riding footwear that is protective but also good for walking and standing on asphalt has become an obsession of sorts. I spend hours upon hours researching and scrolling through MSF coach social media feeds, reading reviews, and comparing specs.
Thankfully, motorcycle “sneakers” have really caught on and there are a ton of options for women and men who ride. After wearing through a half dozen different Harley-Davidson riding shoes, Dainese Street Biker Lady, and not finding enough width in Rev’It! G-Force, my feet are still screaming at the end of the day. So, the search continues.
Alpinestars Stella RT-7 Drystar Boots
When it’s cold and wet or when I want more protection while riding, I choose Alpinestars Stella RT-7 Drystar boots. The Stella series is a long-known women’s line from A-stars, and the Drystar products feature its 100-percent waterproof gear. The new RT-7s are built with touring riders in mind.
When the boots arrived, I was surprised at how “fat” the Stella RT-7s are. The puffy material in front of the shin is built for protection but does add girth overall to the boot. Fitting them under pant legs takes a little time and patience.
Part of what makes the RT-7s so comfortable for walking is well-positioned elasticized flex panels in the fore part of the ankle, and the rear Achilles area. Also, Alpinestars’ Transversal Protection Frame (TFP) midsole is the brand’s system for securing feet while riding but being flexible for walking.
Drystar Fit
The Stella RT-7 Drystar is offered in women’s sizes, but is on the wider side for fitment. Ordering a size 43 (U.S. women’s 11), which is a little bigger than I normally wear, gives my toes lots of room to move about. Ideally I would wish for a 42.5, but only full sizes are available. To take up the extra room, I use Dr. Scholl’s All Day Work gel insoles (I always insert these $12 inserts in the footwear I coach in.) The fit is now perfect, and I appreciate the extra cushion in the footbed.
Offered in women’s whole sizes 36–43 (5.5 to 11 U.S.), the Stella RT-7 Drystar boots cost $289.95. This is on par for a quality full featured motorcycle touring boot that is built to last for years.
For more info and to order Alpinestarts Stella RT-7 Drystar boots, visit Alpinestars.com.
BMW Knitrace Sneakers
For warm weather, I wear BMW’s Knitrace sneakers. Offered in unisex sizes 36–48, the Knitrace sneakers are a little wider than a regular woman’s fit. This actually works well for me, as I’ve found that going to a wider width is ideal when I am on my feet all day because my feet swell.
Knitrace Protection
While the Knitraces look and feel much more like sneakers than actual protective riding gear, they are certified as level 1 motorcycle shoes. They include an integrated ankle guard, reinforcement in the gear shift area, and 3D heel protectors.
BMW Knitrace sneakers retail for $249—a bit pricey for minimal protection, but I recently paid that much for high quality (HOKA) trail runners, so it’s not completely off the mark for sneakers.
You can find more info about the BMW Knitrace Sneakers at your local BMW dealership or order at Shopbmwmotorcycles.com.