I'm not really into the "motorcycle" only boots. I wear
6" Red Wing work boot at work and riding. For me, these are very good all day walking or riding shoes. I get 3-4 years of wear on the sole before they start soaking up water when walking on wet pavement or dirt at work, then it is time for new ones.... I'm on my 5th (maybe 6th) pair. 2-3 years of wear is A LOT of miles, estimate 200/year. I liked the steel toed shoes for work so much I bought a non steel toed pair for mostly riding that have lasted 10 years. These boots did a great job of protecting my ankle in recent lay down. The steel toed version works well for riding but needs more room for gear shifter than the non steel toed version.
What I really like about these boots for riding:
-Sole is very sticky on foot peg in any weather and on wet/oily road surfaces
-Flat sole means treads or heal never catches or snags taking foot off peg and no treads to pick up rocks
-Easy on & off
-Waterproof for > 1/2 hour (my commute time).
-As comfortable as any sneaker i've owned for walking.
-Not black...means not so hot in the sun
-With cold gear socks, been able to ride for several hours at <30F and no heated socks.
Things that could be better:
-Sole wear
-8 in boot may offer better protection