I recently bought my first pair of riding boots. I got AXO RC-4 Boots (about $180). I'm kinda new at this, but they seem AWFULY stiff...

I know they say that they will be stiff for a while until they break in (I have not given enough time yet), but these things are so stiff and tall that it makes it almost impossible to get my foot under the shift level. These things will have to REALLY "break in" to actually be useful. Heck, it is even a little hard to walk!

Also, the boots are so "thick" (with the plastic and rubber protection pieces) that it is really difficult to "feel" where your foot is, like for instance whether it is positioned on the brake or not, and when trying to "find" the shift lever. It also makes it difficult to tell when you shift gears, since you can no longer feel the little "click" as it pops into the next gear.

The boots feel fine (not wrong size or anything). It is just that my foot is so well protected now that it makes it difficult to ride!

Anyone that wears riding boots care to comment on their experiance? Do they get better as you wear them for a while? Did you have the same issues that I did?

 

I know how it feels, I got my Fox boots ($250) last year and they are still stiff. Kinda hard to ride with them, but I got used to it.

 

their made to be stiff they will always be stiff but not like when you just get them. they will loosen some but their made so you don't brake your ankle

 

I recently bought a pair of AlpineStars M4's. What I did was took my shifting lever off and moved it so I could shift with the boots on. Getting used to riding boots is a minor inconvienence compared to a broken ankle. Most boots are designed for motocross and not atv's. Some manufacturers are now making boots for atv's. Softer materials and lug soles. Good luck

 

Mike has the right idea. I also had to take the shift lever off and move it up a few notches, to make it much easier to shift until you boots break in, and they will break in. Jeff