Stuff That Works

We thought it might be cool to feature products or services that you just might find handy. There's really no criteria, or formula, or even a posting schedule really. If we roll over something nifty, something that does what it says it will, we'll tell you about it.............if not, well, you won't have anything to read will you? Oh, and one last thing.........we're not pluggin anything here for swag or profit, as a matter of fact, chances are I had to buy the crap myself.......at retail no less!! Jeez. But that's how we play it, just for you brother, one of Chrome Asylum's countless sacrifices for the good of the biker community (yeah, I threw up a little bit in my mouth too)......... At least you know you're getting the straight dope.

Have you looked at rider footwear lately, or more to the point what people are wearing when they ride? Nah, I didn't think so.........but as an "industry insider", it was part of my gig, so I did. And here's the deal, the days of the square toed harness boot are fading, same for the lineman or construction boot. The trend today, at least in the biker community (if you have to ask what that is, you're probably not in it, so don't fret) is toward "Tac boots", or modern military style tactical boots. OK, the real truth is more folks are sporting sneakers, but I'll be damned if I'm gonna do a piece on the sickest Jordan kicks to pimp when you're cruisin' your Sporty........not on my watch mister!

Back to boots. Tac boots actually have tons of advantages when it comes to riding........not the least of which is while they offer good support and protection, they are really comfortable off the bike....you know, when you have to hoof it from the parking lot to the watering hole.......and we know, sometimes that can be quite a hike! There are literally hundreds of brands and styles to choose from at prices starting around $49 up to, and well beyond $200. But for our dough, there's no better choice than Converse's Military/Tactical boots..........which might be why I have not one, but two pair poised for riding duty at all times.

 Converse boots feature a full grain leather/1000 denier nylon upper (you can get a completely waterproof version if you'd like) with a removable insert, something they call a "Shock Eliminator System and SureGrip Plus Trail Outsole"........whatever, the thing is you can walk all day in the damn things without so much as a hint of a blister. They are that comfy.......really. They are also 100% non-metallic, (their "steel toe" is actually a composit box, works just as well) which means you won't be setting off any airport detectors or roadside IED's, and it also helps to keep the overall weight down.

Black or desert tan, those are your color choices.......as are six and eight inch lengths. I prefer the taller of the two, just a bit more protection and the side zip (super cool) makes getting in and out of them a snap (sounds like an info-mercial huh, watch out "Anton-E" Sullivan!). The soles seem to be anti-slip, at least I haven't found myself on my ass at a gas station or toll booth yet......but who knows.

Prices vary quite a bit on-line so shop around, depending on the version you select (and there are a few) expect to part with between $79 on the low side to about $139 on the high. You won't be disappointed no matter which one you select..........although I am bummed by the fact that this great American brand, as have so many others, has opted to build their product in the Peoples Republic of China (ironic that some of our cops and soldiers are defending our liberties in boots manufactured in one of the most oppressive and morally bankrupt countries on the planet.......alas). But we want 'em cheap, damn the consequences right?

But on a positive note, apparently Converse is offering our service members an incredible "Word of Honor Guarantee", if the boot fails for any reason, they can get a new pair shipped to them entirely FOC to any theater of operations........now that's cool!! Obviously this is available to active military serving in combat zones..........so don't even think about it. Oh, one last thing, damn.......the profile of the Converse boot is just a tad high, so you might have to adjust your shifter, it's no big deal, maybe a notch or two. Go ahead and check 'em out.......they make great kicks for the range too.