I stumbled upon some images yesterday that blew away the standard perception of traditional (U.S.) motorcycle police boots with a uniform. A real-live motor officer, based in a town in California, began illustrating new boots that he is wearing, and what he thinks about “traditional” motorboots worn by most U.S. motor officers. I was taken aback.

This cop has had quite an internet and social media presence for several years. He writes a blog, does podcasts, and has a rather large following on social media. He tweets regularly, and posts comments on Facebook often.

What caught my attention was a photo that he posted of him wearing a new style of breeches which are a hybrid-design tucked into a pair of Alpinestar motocross boots. He commented with the picture that he really liked the new pants, which are a cross between motocross pants made with Kevlar fabric for durability and protection and traditional breeches with their cut and tapered leg to fit inside patrol boots.

And yes, at the bottom of his breeches were a pair of motocross boots. This shocked me, and many others who commented on another photo this cop posted a year ago when he began wearing those boots. Some people said that they boots looked like “robocop’s boots” (from the movie.)

This cop defended his choice by saying that he “loves them” and that they were more comfortable than “horse boots” — a reference to traditional Dehner boots which are built in the equestrian design. He also said that “horse boots” have no safety value.

You know, he’s right with regard to the safety protection of Alpinestar boots. Those boots were designed and are made in the Veneto region of Italy in a town by the name of Asolo, near prime ski areas in the Dolomiti. Essentially, Alpine star motoboots are ski boots in disguise. They are indeed rugged and durable and provide more protection to the foot and ankle than Dehner boots ever would.

However, most of us “old school traditionalists” have a hard time wrapping our heads around a motorcop wearing breeches tucked into ski boots.

The motor officer about whom I am writing is a rather influential, forward-leaning, thought-provoking guy. He’s not afraid to try new things and set trends. I am observing a new trend being established in California. Time will tell if the trend will spread to the rest of the country.

Since I am not a motorcop, I cannot (and should not) judge what’s safest and best for an active motor officer. I have opinions and preferences on style, but those opinions are not based on first-hand knowledge of the challenges that motorcops face on a day-to-day basis.

Thoughts? Opinions? Do you think the boots in this image (below) are outdated? Life is short: learn from a real motorcop’s experience.