Boots and Shoe wear
9. Rubber to the black stuff
Tyres, boots and sports shoes may seem like unrelated objects, but they all share similarities in their design and function, primarily centred around providing traction and stability.
The tread pattern on a motorcycle tyre is akin to the sole of a sports shoe. The grooves and patterns on a shoe's sole are designed to grip different surfaces and provide stability during movement, while the tread on a motorcycle tyre serves a similar purpose. It helps to maintain traction on different road conditions, including wet or slippery surfaces.
Moreover, the composition of motorcycle tyres, boots and sports shoe soles involve a careful selection of materials to balance durability, flexibility, and grip. High-performance motorcycle tyres often use specialized rubber compounds to maximise traction and optimise grip on the road, much like how sports shoes employ advanced materials to enhance grip during various physical activities. Tyres also provide some cushioning through the rubber and air over the wheel.
Choosing good rubber
A couple of points here. Firstly, too much grip in the shoe shifts the torsion of movement to the knee, so some level of ‘˜give’, in the shoes sole is beneficial, because it spreads the torsion between the ankle and the knee which reduces stress and wear at any joints involved. Obviously, in motocross and hard adventure motorcycle boots, the ankle is fixed firmly, so the knee joint will take all the stress in these situations.
Secondly, shoes that have a trainer-like sole are much better for the knee joint as they reduce stress by utilising the cushioning effect of air and rubber that make up the shoe's sole. This reduction in stress also passes onto the ankle and hip joints.
In short: wear trainer-like shoes with good cushioning (and arch support if required) to reduce wear in your joints, especially if you're planning to spend long periods of time on your feet. Protect your knees and ankles with quality footwear and boots. Motorcycle boots these days often come with ankle protection built in, which is an added benefit. Just like tyres, you get what you pay for, so choose the appropriate boot/shoe for the fun going to be had.