Review: Daytona Ladystar boots (aka Daytona Elevator Shoes)

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

Despite being rather short in the leg department, I've never really had a massive issue with being on tiptoes on bikes. Sure, there's been a few I just can't reach the floor on at all and others I'd need help getting off the sidestand, but largely I've just lived with the reality of 'slide your arse over a bit and get one foot on the deck'.

I test rode a Sprint ST in a pair of Magnum hiking boots because I drove to the dealer and trying to get my usual Alpinestar SMXs into the footwell of a small convertible is an exercise in futility. I pootled out of the nice flat dealership, rode round for a couple of hours and parked up back at the nice flat dealership. And signed away a big wodge of money.

After taking delivery of my Sprint, and riding it in my thin-soled SMXs I came to the realisation that while it's quite tall, it really is very heavy. Listed at 210kg dry, it has to be easily pushing 250 with a full tank of fuel and some luggage on the back. Stopping on anything other than a perfectly flat surface had me doing the old arse-slide so I could get a foot down solidly. I kept trying to put both feet down (haven't done that in years!). The SMXs were quickly abandoned in favour of the Magnums when I discovered I couldn't get the bike backwards into the garage without the extra few mm the walking boots give me. Not an ideal situation for what is meant to be my hardcore touring bike, likely to be parked on all manner of tricky surfaces. Neutral

So... Ladystar boots (also available as M-star for the more compact bloke). These have an internal 2.5cm platform built into the sole with a rising wedge in the heel. With the rubber sole as well, you're looking at about a 3.5cm increase in inseam. Additionally, the wedge heel means that you can get more boot on the floor with your foot in a position that would traditionally be tiptoes.

Initially sitting on the bike I wasn't too convinced, but once you get out and ride in them, they are amazing. I can almost flatfoot the Sprint with these boots on, and am completely comfortable with the usual single foot down stopping, with my heel now actually on the floor without the bumslide. Manouvering (ie having to paddle backwards in/out of parking spaces) is considerably easier cos I can actually push on both sides, not do the one legged hop - brake - hop thing.

They feel weird for the first few minutes you ride, simply cos your foot position on the pegs is a little different to what you're used to. On some bikes you may find you need to adjust the gear lever to accomodate your thicker toes - the Sprint was fine but MarJay's Speed 4 felt a little tight (I'm afraid I've not ridden anything else in them yet). The boots themselves are leather and goretex with adjustability for big calves, and apparently Daytona can replace any of the components, so in theory they'd last you a very long time. They do look a little clumpy but lets face it, you'll look like more of a dick slowly tipping over at the traffic lights.

Price... well they're not cheap. About £260. However if you look at the cost of modifying a bike, or just consider the difference between being happy or a little uncomfy then it's really not a lot. And unlike modifying a bike, these'll work on anything so might let you start borrowing your mates bikes. Smile

In summary - for the shorter-legged rider they're definitely worth a go. They might not let you flatfoot a GS adventure* but they just might open up a whole world of bikes you can manage more confidently than before.

https://www.motoport2.f9.co.uk/images/190144.JPG

*I will be testing that theory when Jay reassembles his 1150. Mr. Green

bikerchick82 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 10 Sep 2008 Karma :

Daytona boots also come with a lifetime guarantee should anything go wrong with them Thumbs Up

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Hmm.... I think I've found the difference between the M star and the lady star...

The Lady star comes in size 30-39 (eur) and the M star comes in Size 40- 46 (eur).

Which is a pain because I take size 39...
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

Kris · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Feb 2002 Karma :

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

The only place they say 'Ladystar' is on the label on the inside.

I'm sure I saw a crossover of sizes on one site that was selling them though, blokes started at about a 5. Ladies ones definitely go bigger than 39 cos I tried a 40 at first.

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

BikerBeth · Derestricted Danger Joined: 16 Aug 2008 Karma :

I agree with the review. The boots gave me the extra height I needed and as said once you get used to your foot being higher on the pegs and consequently knees higher on the tank they are superb. I got mine for £250. I had a good look round shops and the internet and generally found only about a £1 difference in the price. Is this a case of price fixing?

bikerchick82 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 10 Sep 2008 Karma :

That's a case of Daytona dictating the price of a very new boot Thumbs Up

Kris · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Feb 2002 Karma :

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

nautilus · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 05 Oct 2006 Karma :

Totally agree. They're fantastic boots & make a huge difference. I've adjusted the gear shift & rear brake on most of my bikes to accommodate the extra height. I didn't realise they had a life time guarantee. My last pair leaked after about 5 years and I bought some new ones. Wear the old pair in the dry & new when wet so they're still going strong!
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The world is a book & those who do not travel read only a page. St Augustine.

https://mogs-travels.blogspot.com