FIT AND COMFORT Shoes must be comfortable as you could be wearing them for hours at a time. Don’t wear regular shoes, however comfy, as they won’t offer enough protection.
BOOTS
There’s a huge variety of bike boots on offer, and the type of riding you do will dictate which is best. Off-road boots are brilliant in the mud, but not so good for the daily commute in summer. Regardless of which type appeals to you, choose boots that are comfortable both on and off the bike. Make sure they cover your ankles and have extra protection around this area. Modern materials mean boots don’t have to be heavy and cumbersome to walk in. Women’s boots will be made to suit the different shape of female feet. Always try on several pairs to find the ones that fit the best.
“CHOOSE BOOTS THAT ARE COMFORTABLE ON AND OFF THE BIKE. MAKE SURE THEY COVER YOUR ANKLES“
GLOVES
A glove that fits perfectly in the shop can quickly become a pain when you’re holding the handlebars, so go for gloves that are a close fit but not tight. Look for double or triple stitching on areas that will suffer the most stress in a crash.
Racing or touring gloves are the most common types for road riding and should offer lots of protection along the knuckles and wrist. Leather is the best choice for wear resistance, but you may want a pair of fabric gloves for better protection from the cold or rain.
GLOVES BUYING TIPS
PROTECTION Your hands are vulnerable in a crash and you can easily lose a finger, so always wear specialist motorcycling gloves – a strong protective layer is essential.
48 firstcar.co.uk
Fit like a… gloves should feel tailored to your hands, but not tight. Make sure you can curl your fingers, while a wrist strap helps secure the glove. Protection – look for gloves and boots with extra protection around knuckles and ankles to take care of these vulnerable areas.
Type of use – choose the right boots and gloves for the riding you do. Racing kit is great on track, but can be uncomfortable on a long trip. Sew good – check any gloves or boots for good quality double or triple stitching as it makes the kit strong in a crash.
