Red Wing 977 Motorcyle Boots : Can You Step Up?

By anyone's standards, I'm not exactly a BADASS, but I'm no pushover, either. I like to think I could step if necessary.

I can walk the mean streets. Having the right footwear would help: full grain black boots with an industrial heritage, hardcore Vibram lug soles, and Goodyear welt construction. Now that's a boot for a true BADASS (or a BADASS wannabe like me).

Red Wing Shoes, based in Red Wing, Minnesota, has been making quality work and recreation footwear for 100 years. They're all about "quality, craftsmanship, durability, and comfort." In case you didn't already know, they also make the very popular Vasque hiking boots and trail shoes. (Click here to read reviews of Vasque products.)

Back to my alter ego...I love my Red Wing Motorcycle boots. They come in different widths, so I can find the fit I need for my big, wide feet. The 6" 977 boots are perfect for daily wear. They also look great with jeans (Levis 501 jeans, that is). I love urban shoes that I can walk in for miles and miles and miles without my feet getting sore, so these boots have answered my two greatest needs: comfort and fashion. I have some foot injuries, so the thick, stable sole really helps keep my feet happy.

Despite their tough appearance, my boots didn't require a very long break-in time. They never hurt or chafed my feet, and after just a few days of use, softened right up (I mean soft in a good way--as in comfortable--don't doubt these boots can handle whatever you throw at them).

The 977s have a bit baggier, looser fit than the 10" 970s, which obviously provide more protection if you actually wear them on your bike. The 970s (pictured at top) also have a buckle around the top of the boot that allows me to adjust how loose or tight I want the boots to fit above my calf.

Admittedly, I wear my boots for fashion and comfort. I like the buckle that wraps around the front of the boot, the little metal "Red Wing" tag on the heel (and the little metal logo tag on the 970), the heavy-duty non-marking soles. I like that these boots have excellent work creds: traction on water, oil; resistance to heat, chemicals, and abrasions; comfort on concrete. You never know what job you'll have next.

In the meantime, I'm late for an appointment. I'm meeting a friend downtown for green tea soy milk lattes. And then we're going to.....walk around.....in our boots....looking like the BADASSES we really are.

Bottom Line: It's never a bad idea to own footwear that looks great, fits well, and helps you walk a little taller. Available in men's and women's styles and sizes.--E .D. (April 06)

Price: $131.95 (977, 6"), $134.95 (970, 10")

Manufacturer's Site: www.redwingshoes.com

BUY ONLINE :