Hi folks, am getting a good deal on : Bates GX-4 GTX Boots.
Wondering if this gives adequate protection while reading yet give
me some leeway to use the boots elsewhere. I just don't feel like
spending motorcycle specific shoes that are just too heavy or something
to be used generally?

TIA!..

20 Years in the Army I learned Bates is a good quality name in boots.

Old commercial used to say "Pay me now, or pay me later"
Racers say a $500 boot you never use is better than a possible $10,000 ankle replacement that never works right.

My co-worker wears $250 racing boots because he also races more than he commutes to work, and his commute is mostly interstate at about 60+ MPH. VERY light, and laterally strong, does one job extremely well. He also brings in work shoes to change into, then puts to riding boots back on to go home.

I have steel toed work boots that look fairly normal so I can wear them all day. I got them for half off $100. Took a little time to get used to shifting, and some motorcycles I've test-ridden would need shifter and brake pedal lifted die to the thickness of the soles.

Mine will last ten years, but if I see a good deal on riding boots, I'll cut my losses and get something more comfortable and suited to the task of riding.

Hope this helps,

"Breathable Waterproof GORE-TEX® membrane with moisture wicking lining to Keep Your Feet Cool and Dry"
Just looks and sounds like it gives away at the ankle,

Can you check your good source for a different Bates model with ankle protection and anti-slip soles for motorcycle riding?
https://www.batesfootwear.com/US/en/...sports&start=1

Thanks to you for bringing it up, these are on sale and in my price range, I may be stepping up now!

Thank you sir!. APpreciate your help (& service!).

"Wondering if this gives adequate protection while reading yet give..."
Well, unless your are reading a Terminator novel, anything should give you the protection needed. (Sorry, just had to tease you).
I wear Bates high top boots that have a zipper up the side (helps with my high instep). Nice thing for me, they come in a 13 extra wide and when they go on sale at the local Big 5 they are like $30. I am happy with them and think they offer OK protection and they have a low heel and great tread which helps with all the gravel on streets and parking lots when you put your foot down when stopped. I have gone on short hikes at the end of roads we rode on and they are fine for that too. I agree, the best boots are the ones that you will wear on EVERY ride.

I wear the bates tactical boots, a bit higher ankle, with the steel toe. Really comfortable, although a tad heavy. Gives me piece of mind.

check : webbikeworld.com for ratings on MC gear..........check prices from motorcyclegear.com =aka= newenough.com. always has great deals on last years MC "stuff". Now they'll be selling 2019 gear on close out deals. They buy up all the new, left over stock, when the next model year comes out, it's always new, never worn. Great customer service, very, very helpful.

I broke my ankle in a slow speed drop, wearing low top motorcycle boots.
If you had asked me rite after the break if I thought $500 would have been too much to spend to prevent the break I would have no way
I ended up buying the Sidi Rex boots

Dress for Sliding not for Riding
Dress for Sliding not for Riding
Dress for Sliding not for Riding

NOTHING else for me than full size street, motorcycle specific boots. No, not bates, or HD, or work boots. Actual motorcycle boots with SHIN protection. Ankle protection goes without saying on those.

Similar story, fell and broke my leg above the ankle, they put a plate on to hold everything together, 18k.

I now wear Sidi adventurer boots, boots for sliding not riding