Do you have to wear boots when you ride a motoercycle? ( harley davidson ) ?

[Joshua]

Ive seen some harleys around town and most of the people were wearing boots but one guy wears vans shoes. So my question is does not wearing boots and wearing vans affect the ride? I am thinking about getting a Harley for when I go to college in the fall. Thanks.

[Adam Stein]

boots will protect you more than other footwear.

[Brad A.]

You don't have to, but you should. If you fall, your shoes can fly off, ankles can snap and your toes will break or get shaved down by the rough pavement.. Wearing a riding boot will prevent this.

[kj7gs]

The Harleys I ride have forward controls and shifters that are larger and have somewhat more resistance than the metrics. Thus they affect the amount of surface area affecting the foot. Heavy leather has its own advantages as far as safety goes, but I just find it more comfortable to have some thicker material between my foot and the shifter. Also, at freeway speeds, heavy boots that don't move with lots of wind, also increases the comfort level.

Oh yeah. It looks cool, too.

[Chris]

No it's personal preffrence on what to wear. I ride a ultra classic and I prefer wearing whatever I think is more comfortable

[Dan]

No, in most states they are not required, but they are a good idea. The ER nurses claim that the zip ups are best and easiest to remove.
As long as you don't crash it won't matter, but there is very little time to change shoes on you way down.
The same for a tweed blazer/ leather jacket debate.
In the mid 80's there was a small group of idiots that carried their full face helmets slid up on their elbows, they were Wearing them, after all. That group got smaller.