How To Position and Protect Your Feet for Adventure Motorcycling - Avoid Injury with the Proper Gear

Learn correct foot positioning techniques for different riding conditions, and the pro's and con's of proper adventure motorcycle footwear. Avoid lower leg and foot injury which are the most common injuries for adventure motorcyclists.
Bret Tkacs @ bit.ly/2INkHvk
Lots more to learn @ MOTOTREK.net/
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MOTOTREK is made by Timothy Tyler @ inventivepictures.com/
MOTOTREK's music is by Matt Jorgensen @ mattjorgensen.com/
#footpegs #boots #safety

[@dandersonjr]

Not only do I respect your knowledge and riding ability but anyone that stands on off road pegs in bare feet even if it's for educational purposes has got to be dedicated to improve people's riding skills. Good work.

[@MOTOTREK]

Appreciate the feedback!

[@diferacos]

It's amazing how all the cycling principles on a 15 pounds bike.... like position, body movements, etc fits perfectly with a 600 pounds machine

[@olenilsen4660]

That´s because it´s physics... Only the magnitude of the forces are different ;) Someone who is good with a bicycle will probably catch on to motorcycle riding really fast :)

[@rfk76]

It's your fault - I have just bought a f650gs to practice everything you are sharing here! My wife sends best regards to you :) Cheers!

[@MOTOTREK]

Excellent, Rafal!

[@flaky1324]

Bret, your videos are keeping my stoke alive during the quarantine! Only rewatched them all twice at this point, can't wait to get back out on the trails!

[@jcrawford068]

I can't believe this is free. Great resource! Thanks a lot!

[@GRequinBlanc]

I just love my Sidi Adv 2. Stiff, but not so much that you can’t work around. Ultimate control and protection Plus great grip

[@debroyprasenjit]

Very informative video. Thank you Brett for taking the time, effort & energy to showcase the challenges encountered by the riding boots across different riding categories.

[@JONSMITHYOUTUBE]

Great video, it takes a good bit of time to find the right boot for yourself and the riding you do.

[@darlikchronicles]

Top notch production quality and explanation. Love your music, coloring and cut to the point editing. Respect!

[@tpv59]

Just G8!! Thank you. I learnt a LOT. You are SPOT ON. Thanks again.

[@kennethweldon5153]

Brad...yours are the best moto vids on the cyber trail. Thanks.

[@robbessell5704]

Great video. As a noob my first boots were cheap adventure boots. Then I went and bought very expensive motorcross boots. They have an articulated ankle so walking isnt too bad, but the amount of control they gave me as a noob was just incredible. I dont have the muscles deveopled that seasoned offroad rider's do so they made it so much easier to stand up for longer periods and still operate the controls etc.

[@timothyjohnston7281]

I will be buying a full offroad style boot !Thank you for this video I didn't even think about foot protection!

[@CasalGSA]

Another great video! Thanks for all your tips... 👏🏻

Thanks again for these crucial tips...and as usual very nice video. Congrats. keep riding safe. BTW: I was training on a loose pine needle surface. It was a slow full lock turn on my BMW GSA. I did loose the traction somehow, and the rear tyre broke free. I was on the center of my feet to have control of the rear brake and drag the bike in standing position. My bike just hauled me down on the ground and we together did a 270 degree spin on the ground with my left foot just under the boxer...could not retrieve my foot. I had the SIDI Speedfire Crossboots on...but the energy of the bike transferred to my foot ended up in a broken heel. So I was luck to have those boots on. I really can not imagine what would happen to my foot having only a touring boot on. These ADV bikes are heavy you will not want have your foot under them with anything else then a Cross Boot. Wear the gear... Best Regards.

[@jackpoell1673]

As usually, very very clear and informative. Thanks.

[@Bbanker1974]

As always great video Bret!

[@VipinMishraProject]

Great video. Actually your videos are getting even better than they already were, and on point when it comes to the information. Thanks. :-)

[@georgejaltgelt]

Just taking a minute here to thank you once more for sharing your passion with the world - it has made the difference in my riding and risk mitigation in my venturing forth to feel the wind, thermoclines, and experience the pine in the air and the surfing of the Earth. God’s speed to Bret Taks and Mototrek!

[@NishanthNow]

Foot positions were helpful! I realized i follow the same method unknowingly!

[@PaulRichter75]

Fantastic presentation. Thank you. I learned a lot. I appreciate the time and effort you took to speak about your passion.

[@alejandromeneses7735]

Invaluable tips like always. Your channel is a prime destination for the majority of us. I ride with the Sidi Adventure Gore-Tex; full protection almost to the level of motocross boots but significantly more flexible (after about 1000km break-in) decently comfortable to walk in and breathable to the point boots like these allow. For city/commuting I wear more of touring type boots from Reusch, flexible but with a couple of zippers going upward that helps keep them a bit more rigid than others.

[@ricardocox2411]

Yesterday went to buy some boots but there were so many options I couldn't decide. Now I know what to look for in a boot. Thanks!

[@scottkessler186]

I ride with Sidi Adventure II’s. Not as rigid as motocross boots but very comfortable, just the right amount of compromise for on and off road and able to walk in them short distances. Problem with the large tow box forced me to change my shifter and it turned out to be the best piece of kit I have ever fitted to a bike. So much more feel and control the confidence boost was a game changer. Once adjusted correctly the gear lever now takes little thought to acquire and shift gears.

[@MOTOTREK]

Great feedback, Scott. Thx.

[@richardnacim5417]

Thank you , this is the exact answer to the question that I asked you the other day. I appreciate the time you take passing on this knowledge.

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome, Richard!

[@user-vf8sn4yg1l]

Coool!, and as usual very informative! I think man you are actually the best on youtube about big Adventure motocyckle Enduro riding!!! Thank you for your job!!!!

[@BretTkacs]

I'm glad you enjoy them

[@jorgea.ossaduque6105]

I Agree

[@lecler9984]

Brett, you never fail to produce. I always learn something from you videos and continue to steer others to your media. I hope to be able to ride with you internationally some day and sooner than later. Again, thanks for the lessons learned.

[@BretTkacs]

Me too... I hope to keep traveling

[@beaunaro]

Awesome info. I love your videos!!

[@philgoogle1535]

Another well made & informative video. Thanks Brett👍

[@ajayk2204]

Was waiting for a detailed video on foot position. You r the BEST. Thank you so much.

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome.

[@flaviof7146]

Awesome tips, thanks

[@Davmm96]

MX Boots when on the bike and running shoes in the saddlebags. Really the best thing. Anyway if you take something like Alpine stars Tech series, you'll feel great.

[@ridewyoming]

Another useful video. You're great. Thanks

[@dmosier]

BMW Gravel Boot. Perfect balance between protection and flexibility and comfort on the pegs and walkability. They hold up great too.

[@curty85]

I have them as well. I really like them. When i was buying boots, a dirtbike rider told me that the dedicated dirt bike boots have a more forward ankle angle to them and are stiffer in that ankle flexibility due to the different riding position of at dirt bike rider. It made sense so I decided on the Gravel Boot.

[@guirip5349]

Excellent video ! quality content, editing and music !

[@luismanuelfernandez-arenas3741]

Tremendous and valuable information!!! Thanks a lot!!

[@javiervillarcespedes9331]

Muy buenos vídeos!! Muchas Gracias por hacerlos.

[@wowoped]

4 years ago and just a new learner here, than k you!!!

[@antiR3ality]

Great, i was looking for video like this for some time. Nicely explained !

[@RevelatorAlf]

Great video again fella. Really decent info and advice again. Nice to see we're on the same wavelength. Cheers

[@MOTOTREK]

Right-on!

[@uragovea5473]

Another great one

[@jocman7339]

Great tips from knowledge man with a lot of experience. Keep on sending useful tips.

[@douglasmacy220]

Another great video, I thank you

[@silviazencich6862]

Awesome video!! lesson learned I already go out to buy Enduro boots Thank you

[@masonsruggedroads]

Great video, always learning something new, superb...

[@PeterVred]

Thanks for the tips and awesome drumming!

[@leoxand]

Brilliant! Thanks a lot for your tips!

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome, Leonardo!

[@oiseasy5145]

This season I switched from an adventure boot to a dedicated off-road boot and man, what a difference. Well, it need some adjustment on the controls and the way how I shift gears, but the safety they gave and the feeling of being connected to the bike is outstanding. Yes, they are like skiing gear, yes, they are squeaky like a skiing boot but that's the price to pay. And they are comfy like the other ones after a short break-in time. Forma Competition 2.0 with inner shoe, a clear recommendation for on and off-road, not for long sneaky-peaky walks 😉

[@MOTOTREK]

That's good to hear!

[@BikingAdventuresandRoutesNI]

Brilliant got to share this, thanks.

[@rtwolfrt]

I like the way you present all options with positives and negatives. Not just one way.. you must do this... Nice

[@MTL_Rider]

Thanks for making the time to educate us. I look forward to your vid especial during the winters months. Watching them makes me remember the basics we normally forget, and get ready for the spring.We Canadians are already counting down the days to spring. Thanks again!

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Robert!

[@BretTkacs]

This winter will be a little light in new videos from me since I'm training in India but we do have some guest lined up.

[@oxman1834]

I use tech7 alpinestars when I ride my Super Tenere! Super comfortable! And extremely protective! Have great feel of the controls once broken in!!

[@LucyFire7]

8:39 YOU WON!!!! For flipping that shoe =))))

[@slavaksenofontov3597]

Thx for this lesons and drums, it's amazing!

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome!

[@mikeblackford994]

Another great one Bret.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Mike.

[@reto-carloshunziker7544]

Great Video!

[@RobFomenko]

I like the way you teach. Subscribed !

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Bob.

[@MrPaulo1400]

I started with Sidi Gore Adventure and they are great. I even did enduro with them. I crashed with them as well and lucky me nothing happened. But they are not made for enduro and they have some lateral flexibility. Then I bought the Sidi Crossfire 2 and put the enduro sole. It's another world, I felt so safe in them that I didn't worry about my feet during my trip off road in the Alps. Plus they are quite comfy for motocross boots. But bare in mind that the motocross boots aren't waterproof. I bought some waterproof socks. For everyday commuting I take the Sidi Adventure and for trips the Crossfire 2.

[@charliefarlie6469]

Full adventure boot every time, safety has got to be paramount. Good vid , thanks for uploading. C .

[@tolga1cool]

If you want maximum protection a proper mx boot will be way better then a toucan or SIDI adventure for example

[@IamthePMofAustralia]

You mean a full motoX boot. Adv boots have critical parts softened or removed. Don't fool yourself. The day you come off your bike is the day before you'll ask yourself why your wearing those things and go buy some real boots. AMHIK

[@cschueren]

well put and said. liked it.

[@markkulyas2418]

I purchased the Forma Terra EVO low boots, the build quality of these boots are exceptional. Designed in Italy made in Romania. They have good rigid protection.

[@byrdt6528]

Great video. I’ve wondered a lot about this.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Tim.

[@MarcelBeers]

I have both styles of boots. I mostly wear the 'touring onces' from Daytona, since I hardly go off road on my adventure trips in the Alps.

[@TravelsWithATwist]

Love the videos, love the beard

[@georgeplumlee4398]

When considering off road boots look at the enduro boots instead of the MX. The enduro boots typically pivot at the ankle more which makes walking easier, but still maintains lateral stiffness.

[@dsimon9s29]

Great video. Thanks you for posting. I come from the world of pavement road riding, and have been looking into doing some dirt road ridding. The issues I am having are foot placement and shifting. Your video is the first one I have found which discusses foot placement (I have been looking for quite a while). How about a shifting tutorial? I find it so awkward when I try to shift while in the standing position. More often than not, I sit down, shift and stand up again. Obviously not the best way.

[@SD-co5sv]

Boot selection is right on. I wish we could test ride our bikes before purchasing them. I have both MX and ADV boots. My ADV boots are Goretex which I found out are quite hot in temps above 65 degrees. My foot slips off the gearshift quite often when upshifting. The toe is quite tall and rounded. I bought a toe guard for the boot and the problem was worse because it made the toe even higher. One thing that bothers me with all boots is that you can't feel the controls, especially the rear brake when you want to feather it. My MX boots are Oneals and the toe is tall and rounded as well. Next time around I will check out the SIDI boots. Thanks for the vid. BTW, foot placement tips are right on. Most of us tend to get lazy, ride with our toes out, sit when we should be standing, etc.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks for the comment, SD.

[@michaelhayward7572]

Great vid. Thanx. So, Converse All Stars not recommended then? I like my Forma trials boots.

[@ecalzo]

super video .. wow

[@wonderfulwino4265]

I prefer a Manolo Blahnik pump they accentuate my calves and look great in a cocktail dress. My fallback are Wesco Timbers with full calks.

[@banzaiipipe]

These videos are very clear, easy to understand, and helpful!! Don't understand how you don't have way more subscribers!!

[@MOTOTREK]

Spread the word, Gustavo! Thanks!

[@banzaiipipe]

@@MOTOTREK We'll do!

[@Rhunyen]

Years of off-road in my alpinestars scout boots - and plenty of offs - with no issue.

[@harrisonjacobsen173]

Great video! I am curious, do you ever lead group rides/rallies or is it mostly training classes?

[@motorbikemadnesspattaya2747]

Another great video, I wish I had watched it a few days back. I saw a bargain, less than half price set on new moto cross boots and of-course took them home with me. Realised as I was on the bike the toe box was quite large and I was making some strange shifts on the bike and its taking some getting used too. How do you feel about a set of pivot pegs on the bike?

[@johnsandlin7474]

I have been using the Icon Field Armor boot for a couple of seasons now and I really like them. However...they do not come up as high as the off road style. Maybe two thirds of the distance. Every time I watch your channel I have to go shopping! Great stuff on the positioning on the pegs... I learned a bit here.

[@BretTkacs]

Helping you with your christmas list ;-)

[@Coldgecko]

Excellent produced video as usual. Pretty basic stuff and not sure I learned anything, but for an adventure rider who travels the world, its the hardest decision; what boot to wear? I have bought a Sidi but like you said, it's not practical to walk around at the end of the day in a town after a long ride -- in fact, its a one trick pony -- only for off-roading realistically. On the other hand, I generally wear Daytona Road Star GTX boots which are the balance you discuss but I did mess up my toe in Argentina in an accident -- that said, it mended fast and would have been much worse with a lesser choice.

[@jacqalas]

Very informative video thank you very much. Combined with the pivot piegs I think you will have the ultimate movement capability.

[@BretTkacs]

Some people love pivot pegs... i'm not a fan. Mine are in a box now

[@orangelion03]

Thanks Bret! Good stuff. A-stars Toucan user here...toe box is enormous! I have issues with using the shifter from the standing position =/. Related story: a friend of mine broke his ankle when he dropped his 2007 GS at low speed. He had chosen to tuck his pants into his boot (normally wore them over the boot), which allowed the top of the boot to momentarily hang up on that low point in the stock seat as he was attempting to put his foot down. You can see how that can happen @1:55

[@BretTkacs]

I know EXACTLY how that happens. I only tuck in when riding my dirt bikes

[@barbopanda4819]

Great

[@mcgam2000]

Great discussions of motorcycling skills... too bad I'm 73 and after 40 some years of riding I am interested in this type of riding...

[@davidalcantara7589]

The best !!

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, David.

[@COOLCABMAN]

Hey pal.. Nice video.. Can u guide us or make a video for street riding boots.. Ur opinion.. Also guide on street riding.. I have learned a lot from your videos.

[@shaunsartin788]

Which pegs do you have mounted on your bike in this video? Thanks for these videos!

[@SilentObserveDetach]

8:10 I thought you would say YESSSS!

[@curty85]

Hey Brett, thanks for the primer. My concern is when going over. I run hard panniers and have had my ankle under there a time or two and I always worry about breaking a leg. I've watched your video on dabbing, and keeping your foot on the pegs. is there something I should keep in mind when a get off is inevitable?

[@nygelblondin7890]

And here I am riding with Nike hightops. Proper boots are on my list of bike gear to be bought soon

[@MOTOTREK]

Yeah - don't use sneakers, Nygel.

[@billkipper3264]

I've ridden in both my Sidi Adventure Rain boots which offer lots of support and protection and my Salomon Quest 4d hiking boots which are way more comfortable. Give me support and protection.

[@thetessellater9163]

Some of these skills are the same as for competitive mountain biking, except the foot controls, obviously. The different positioning of the foot on the pedals, techniques to avoid fatigue, the necessity for proper ankle protection, etc, all come into play for this unpowered sport. Not quite as much fun as off-road motorcycling, but more exercising of the body!

[@lanceharrison6073]

I wore Alpinestars Tech 3’s during my Black Swan Moto off-road training, went down a couple times with my F650GS, no broken bones; same during some dirt fire-road riding a couple months later. Last year I went down in the super soft (powdery) dirt on the side of a road wearing Forma ADV (tall) boots, made the mistake of putting down one leg as the little GS fell, got it wedged and twisted under the hard pannier, resulted in a tib-fib fracture plus torn tendons. Not sure if my boot choice would have made a difference. I think keeping that foot on the peg might have been a better choice. LOVE YOUR VIDEOS, BRET!!

[@BretTkacs]

Keep watching... I am a BIG fan of "keep your feet up" . I hope most people understand that most best only prevents minor injuries. When shot goes really bad... It goes Really bad

[@luvnotvideos]

As an adventure bike newbie, I am soaking up the great advice your videos provide. The problem I've experienced with finding good ADV boots is calf circumference is never adequate for my legs. I have very muscular calves and, at 18" circumference, I've yet to find an adventure boot that will fit. The hard shell moto-cross styles are right out. I've tried O'Neals, several Forma, Fox, and Thor, and none fit. This is truly frustrating. Any advice for people like myself who want to be safe but are outside the standard size norm?

[@mynameisshinee]

motocross boots always!!!

[@olenilsen4660]

Yeah, those will get really painful if you want to park your bike every now and then to walk 150 yards to a vantage point off the trail. But that´s why he says each to his own...

[@RageRover69]

Alpinestars Tech 7, combined with Pivot Pegz work great for me! Thank you for all your vids, learned a lot from you! 👍👍✌

[@jordesign]

You still liking the Pivot Pegs? I was thinking about trying them out. On the surface, they seem like they would be great for maneuverability. Thx

[@RageRover69]

@@jordesign yes, still love them, very happy with this setup!

[@rob46thedoctor]

Awesome vid as always.... also i just realized that you look alot like fix- it felix 😆

[@jmoscosop]

Great video thank you. By the way. What kind of saddle bags you were using on your bike.

[@jjustj]

Mosko moto, soft bags may reduce injuries in a crash!

[@ronanrogers4127]

The good old Gaerne Balanced Oiled...adequate protection for me (although by no means the best protection), and just so super comfortable both while riding and walking. Beautiful boots. A little Trials style, but I find full on Adventure and MX boots just too inflexible for my aged bones..I actually returned my Sidi Adventure for the Gaerne. Sidi has amazing protection, but zero feel

[@BretTkacs]

Sidi Adventures are a touring boot as well.

[@WayawayAdventures]

I picked up a pair of the TCX Drifter boots. Super comfortable the minute I put them on. The only downside is that the toe-box is really tall. I'm having some challenges shifting, even after raising the shift lever one or 2 teeth.

[@WayawayAdventures]

@@rytc safe in a crash.. caused a crash

[@CEEPMDEE]

@MOTOTREK Please make a video or two about what is worn under the adventure suit. I have one but have yet to wear it. I find the collar a bit too open. I see your have something tucked in the collar of your jacket.

[@wv4life375]

Anyone have any opinions of the Alpinestar Toucans? The RedWings may get replaced. I tried to turn them into ADV boots the best I could by making a JB Cold Weld toe pad for the shifter and cut half an inch off the heal. Yeah real works of art.

[@NoRoads2AllRoads]

@Mototrek what is the model of that boot you show at 5:50 in the video? It's a SIDI it seems but what kind? I like that it looks slim enough compared to others I've seen

[@charliem5332]

Top class advice as always. Love all your informative videos. I am looking to purchase a pair of TCX baja goretex boots. What do you think of them?

[@thetessellater9163]

It would be difficult for Bret to answer your question, I think. To recommend, or give advice about one particular brand could limit his ability to make these videos - as 'fair and unbiased' is key to credibility.