Ever since my mom stopped dressing me I have worn Converse All Stars. In fact, only recently did I switch to the more modern All Star II: a remake that offers improved comfort and support, courtesy of some bright green insoles borrowed from Nike.
Much like their forebears, they are great driving shoes and can be worn with most outfits. One thing they are not particularly good at, however, is crashing. Especially off motorbikes. There are apparently 26 bones in your foot and I doubt that a pair of Chucks could save any one of them from snapping like a stale breadstick when you hit the deck.
If I was going to keep on exploring this world on two wheels it was clear that I would need to up my safety ante. But how could I do this without looking like a bandana-wearing, leather waistcoat-packing, Meatloaf-singing biker boet from the Benoni Chapter?Well, the answer came in the form of the BMW Sneaker Dry Boots you see here: a pair of kicks that are cool enough to wear around the office (or a bar, for that matter) while still offering the protection you hunger for. Ultra-stiff soles. Reflectors. Reinforced ankles. Toecaps. Adjust the laces, zip them up and your feet immediately feel a hundred times more secure - not to mention shielded from the elements, thanks to full weatherproofing (wind and rain).
Yep, I rode through some chilly winter nights and my feet remained toasty. Great on the bike, they're also impressive off it. I walked around Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in them during the Porsche 70th Anniversary day with minimal discomfort.
The ankle area is noticeably rigid, but not rigid enough to hinder your natural mobility.
Downsides? Well, at R3,250 they're not exactly cheap. But, then, for a boot that so effortlessly blends the best of both worlds (fashion and protection) I think it's a price worth paying...