Why Are Sneakers Dangerous? The Reasons Why Motorcycle-Specific Riding Shoes Are Recommended

When riding a motorcycle, do you think, "Sneakers are fine, right?" However, there are significant differences in operability and safety between general sneakers and boots compared to motorcycle riding shoes. Furthermore, depending on the footwear, such as sandals or slippers, you may be ticketed for a violation. So, why are dedicated shoes recommended? Let's explain the reasons.

Reasons Why Motorcycle-Specific Shoes Are Recommended

Riding shoes are recommended as part of your attire when riding a motorcycle. These are specialized shoes designed and developed specifically for riding motorcycles. In a four-wheeled vehicle, the driver's body is somewhat protected while driving inside the car. On the other hand, when riding a motorcycle, the rider's body is largely exposed to the outside, and in the event of an accident, serious injuries can be sustained, and in some cases, it can be life-threatening.

For this reason, wearing a helmet is legally mandated, and recently, wearing specialized gloves and chest protectors is also recommended. Specialized riding shoes are similar in that they are recommended for wear to protect the rider's feet.

Riding shoes are also recommended in recent years to protect the rider's feet.

How Are They Different from Everyday Shoes?

So, how do riding shoes differ from the shoes you normally wear? First, general sneakers and boots are designed for wear in urban environments. Therefore, their design, comfort, and lightness tend to prioritize fashion.

General sneakers and the like prioritize fashion such as design, comfort, and lightness. They often lack features to consider motorcycle accidents.

On the other hand, most riding shoes have built-in protectors to protect the ankles and the instep in the event of an unexpected fall. In particular, motorcycle accidents often involve the feet getting caught under the ground or pinched by the vehicle body. The risk of serious injury is relatively high.

Therefore, ordinary sneakers often provide insufficient foot protection, making it easy to sustain serious damage to the feet in a fall. Additionally, most riding shoes have a structure that firmly holds the ankle. They are designed to prevent the shoes from coming off during an accident.

Furthermore, with frequent gear shifting, the toes of ordinary sneakers and boots tend to get damaged quickly. In this regard, many riding shoes are equipped with toe covers to ensure high durability.

Many riding-specific shoes and boots have toe protection.

In addition, many riding shoes feature materials with excellent waterproofing and breathability, taking into account the comfort of riding. These shoes truly possess performance specialized for riding.

Of course, there are also specialized shoes for riding, such as racing boots designed for circuit riding and off-road boots specialized for dirt riding. However, it is also true that these are difficult to use for everyday city riding.

On the other hand, many recent riding shoes are designed with enhanced fashionability, including casual sneaker types and leather boot types. This makes it easier to choose items that better match your preferences and style.

Riding a Motorcycle in Sandals or Geta is a Violation

Some people may ride motorcycles in sandals, geta (traditional Japanese wooden clogs), or slippers for short trips, but this is, of course, a very dangerous act. Furthermore, in many prefectures, driving a motorcycle or car while wearing these is considered a violation.

Driving in sandals, slippers, or geta is highly likely to be a violation. This also applies to the popular Crocs sandals.

For example, in Tokyo, the Tokyo Metropolitan Road Traffic Regulations, Article 8 (2), stipulate the following:

"Do not drive a vehicle (excluding light vehicles) while wearing footwear that may interfere with driving operations, such as wooden sandals or geta."

Meanwhile, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Kanagawa Prefecture Road Traffic Enforcement Regulations, Article 11 (3), also state:

"Do not drive a vehicle (excluding light vehicles) while wearing geta, slippers, or other footwear that may cause driving errors."

If you are deemed to have violated the regulations of each prefecture as mentioned above and are apprehended, you will be charged with "Violation of Public Safety Commission Compliance," and the following penalties will be imposed:

[Penalties for Violation of Public Safety Commission Compliance (for Motorcycles)]
Fine: 6,000 yen for motorcycles / 5,000 yen for mopeds
Penalty points: None

Furthermore, driving in sandals, slippers, or geta may also be considered a violation of the "Duty of Safe Driving" stipulated in Article 70 of the Road Traffic Act. The provisions of the same article are as follows:

"Vehicle operators must reliably operate the steering, brakes, and other devices of their vehicles, and must drive at a speed and in a manner that does not endanger others, in accordance with the road, traffic, and the condition of the vehicle."

In other words, driving in sandals, slippers, or geta means that there is a high possibility of not being able to operate the steering, brakes, etc., reliably, and it constitutes a violation of the duty of safe driving. If apprehended, the penalties are as follows:

[Violation of Safe Driving Duty (for Motorcycles)]
Fine: 7,000 yen for motorcycles / 6,000 yen for mopeds
Penalty points: 2 points

Many modern riding shoes are designed not only for safety but also for comfort, making riding easier.

As you can see, riding a motorcycle without wearing riding shoes is not only dangerous but can even lead to being caught for a violation. Moreover, traffic accidents can happen in an instant. Even for short rides, we recommend wearing riding shoes that ensure proper safety.

*Photos are for illustrative purposes only.