New to riding only a couple months now and have been told I should get a pair of riding boots. These are from guys that either have dirt bikes or sports. I really don't see a need on a utility with full floor boards but any insight would be helpfull. If i should invest in a pair what is a good pair for say $150. and under? Or will my timberland work boots be just as good? Thanks for any imput.

 

I'm fairly new to riding also, and last year while riding my wife's
4x4 prairie 400 utility I turned my ankle pretty good.. ended up
hopping around the rest of the day... I just bought myself and
my wife a pair of boots for riding this year since she twisted her
ankle last year a few months after I did... They are probably not
real necessary when riding a utility but I thought for us with the
steel toe and the ankle support its worth it..

 

I have two Utes and I made the decision to go with riding boots right from the get go. I have taken some heat from a few for it but I see it as sort of an insurance policy for my shins, ankles, and feet...maybe not foolproof but better able to withstand the possibilities of injury while riding. I don't think anyone really "plans" a departure into uncontrolled, unintended flight, but it can happen so why not be prepared for it?

You can get pretty decent boots for under $150. I bought the wife and myself each a set of Thor T30 boots with their new "ATV" sole which is like a Vibram hunting boot sole. I paid less than $120 for them with my discount at the dealer where I bought my first Ute. I have seen them for $99 on ebaY but they want $20 bucks in shipping on those that I considered bidding on.

If you are comfortable with wearing them then who gives a Rat's Pitoot what others think! Go for it!

 

I wear snake boots from Bass Pro...about $100. They are knee high, and 100% waterproof.

 

I understand that Bass Pro Shops offers an ATV boot designed for the utility market. It has a riding boot style but a hunting boot sole. Comes in camo so it it low-key. I think retail is about $130.

 

I suppose it depends on where and how you ride. I will probably get some flack from some of the guys, but I have worn tennnis shoes, hiking boots, and my knee High rubber hunting boots. I dont do a lot of crazy stuff and the only complaint I have is heat from the engine on my leg some times. (and that is not unbearable) If you are the type who likes to push the envelope definatly invest in all the Protection you can get. If you just put around and watch the birdies like me, then you can probaly get by less.

 

I'm a sport quad kinda guy. I won't ride without the boots. They offer added protection and make a huge difference in rider stability.
The harder you ride, the more effective they will be. They are equally important as wearing gloves in my opinion. For riding, a helmet, gloves and boots are the necessities.

 

Hey Learning2fly....are you "learning to fly?" Just curious, I'm a Cessna Jockey.

 

Thanks for all the replys I just ordered a pair of alpinestars tech 4 boots and a pair of gloves. I would rather have them and not need them than the other way around. Already cracked a few ribs and have only had it about 2 mo. Just the x-rays would have paid for most of the saftey gear.

 

rosebud-The Tech-4's are a great choice!! That is what I wear riding the utes (and Tech-6 riding the sport bikes). Be sure you get the ATV SOLE, not the slick motorcycle sole!!!