[gunsmoker]

I'm pretty new to riding on the street, but I did recently buy heavy duty black leather chaps and a leather jacket.

They are not padded or reinforced with any metal, ceramic, or plastic rigid pieces. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using this gear?

I have intentionally chosen not to use it on some summer days because it was just too hot here in the Atlanta Georgia area.

I don't have any special boots for riding.
I have two pairs of work boots and I've also ridden in hiking shoes (sturdy but no ankle support. I'm not really sure how much having ankle support helps me either. Perhaps protecting the ankle area from stone chips and road debris kicked up by the front tire?)

What are your opinions / suggestions on protective gear for riding a cruiser bike on the roads, rarely on interstates, usually only slightly over the posted speed limit?

 

[gunsmoker]

Please explain.
Why are steel toe work boots bad?
What about nob-metal toe-area reinforcements?


Anyhow, I don't own any steel toed boots.

So is there anything wrong with wearing hiking boots or work boots-- Timberland, Wolverines Doc Martens, military combat boots, etc. instead of the stereotypical motorcycle riding boots?

What about sturdy well-constructed shoes that don't go above your ankle --walking or hiking shoes for example ?