Ladies On Two Wheels

So I treated myself to a pair of Icon Elsinores. Here they are compared to my old boots: a pair of Xelement Sirens.

The sirens are the gloss boots that are shorter in height.

So...The Elsinores are definitely more protective and rigid than the Sirens - I had purchased the sirens years ago before I knew how to ride - they were purchased as a fashion boot but are marketed as a motorcycle boot though I suspect they carry no ratings (I could be wrong).

Ever since I saw the elsinores, I knew I was going to be wanting a pair (based on looks alone) - I would have preferred them in brown but the brown is only available on the mens version. I am happy to be able to report that both boots are able to accomodate my strangely large calves, though it is a very tight fit on the elsinores. (I have 17inch calves) - you can see I let the top buckle out on the elsinores to allow a bit more space.

The Elsinores have a higher toe box than the Sirens, I had to adjust the shifter on my bike to ensure I could get the toe of the boot underneath. I have also noticed that am definitely less tall overall in the Elsinores vs the Sirens. I could never flat foot my bike - but it seems an even longer reach with the Elsinores vs the Sirens - I'm not sure I'm happy about this and with a shorter inseam length, I could do with all the help I can get. The stock insole is nothing to write home about, I've swapped the insoles out - both for comfort and also for a bid for additional height.

Elsinore Pros: Rigid protective and stylish boot that can accomodate my wide calves!

Elsinore Concerns: Tall toe box which may require shifter adjustment (just for reference, my shifter lever definitely does *not* land on the shifter pad on these boots (the lever hits more forward towards the toe), shorter sole height vs my older boots resulting in a greater reach for the ground when on my bike.

I've had my eyes on the Icons and wondered about the fit on my wide calves, I'll have to get out the tape. I don't need the heel height. I'm about a year away from a new pair so I'll get the benefit of your riding experience and report. Thanks in advance.

P.S., nice kitty catty.

MotoLady sure likes the Elsinore boots, and I believe even got a new pair after she wrecked her Ducati. I do like the looks of them! Brown would be awesome in women's too though.

If you like brown, please write to icon and request it for the womens. I have sent them that feedback - and I hope at some point they listen as I was apparently not the only woman who had written in with that request! I'm still trying to get used to the Elsinores when riding - because they are more rigid, I might be having some shifting issues - I will probably take my old boots out for a ride just to make sure (since I not only moved the shifter to accomodate, I actually installed a different shifter with a tip that will fold if I should ever drop the bike on it...) Trying to deconvolute my shifting issues. On my first ride with the elsinores, I had a hard time getting the toe under the shifter. After swapping the shifter and adjusting position, I had a couple times when my bike would slip into Neutral instead of 2nd *sigh*

Could the stiffness be due to new leather? When I got my Milwaukee's it took quite a while before they felt comfortable. I had to adjust my shifter also as the toe was taller than my previous boots. I actually took a couple showers with them and then walked around in the soaking wet boots for a couple weekends to help break them in faster.

Maybe give us an update after you use them for awhile?

Nice looking boots! I almost bought a pair, but opted for the daytonas .

the stiffness is definitely new leather. I will definitely plan to keep this thread updated as I get the boots broken in. Didn't get to go riding at all this last weekend I think I need to try to get in the habit of wearing the boots to just walk around in to help speed along the break in process.

Thanks for the info. I, too, have the thick leg build, so good to know. I had gotten some Firstgear Kili Lo boots last summer. They were fine with the shorter bike, but not very thick of a sole. When I got the F800, I ended up wearing my work boots all the time (steel toe!) since I was commuting to work and they had a much thicker sole. Am looking for a bigger boot and something that will fit the calves.