So, I failed my Vespa test before it began for the wrong shoes, see the following exchange:

Him: Your shoes don't have ankle protection so you fail.

Me: Oh, I have these ankle protectors, I'll wear them.

Him: No, you fail.

Me: Why?

Him: Your shoes don't have ankle protection.

Me: But I have protection here for my ankles.

Him: No, it isn't part of your shoes.

Me: Ok, but the idea is just to protect my ankles, right?

Him: Yes.

Me: So I can just wear these to protect my ankles then?

Him: No.

Apparently, I am allowed to wear flimsy trainers as long as they have a flap over the ankle.

My issues is I am size ~49.5, and moto boots only go up to 48, which I explained, so he told me to get hiking boots, where can I find these in canoe size?

I'm trying not to laugh. No really I am.*

*I'm failing though...

Most good outdoor brands do decent hiking shoes in higher sizes. I usualy get several pairs of Salomons at a time, as I hate shoe shopping, knowing the pain of hardly ever finding decent shows in the 46+ range. They last ages, are extremely comfortable and don't look like sailboats.

Nike Special Field Boot Chukka iD Men's Shoe

STYLE#: 539875-992
SIZE: 49.5
RIGHT iD: LEFT
LEFT iD: RIGHT
QTY: 1 @ SFr. 195.00

This one goes up to 11! I mean, 50...
http://www.louis.de/_20f8a8cea180539...rtnr_gr=202650

Don't seem to be waterproof though...

As an experienced rider I can tell you that the instructor may not have come across in the right way BUT he was spot on.
Only when you slap off and skid along the road on your b'hind will you appreciate how right he is. There should be no excuse for not having the correct clothing.

When you booked your test you should have gotten a bit of orange or yellow paper which has in bold writing that you must have shoes that cover your ankles. Can't blame the poor dude for looking out for your safety can you?

As a general rule I agree 100%, and you'll never see me on my bike without a helmet, and protective jacket, boots and gloves, however on a Vespa there is ~0% chance of "skid along the road on your b'hind".

And I wear size 48-49, so I can appreciate what a pain it is to find boots that fit, and if you add high quality and durability forget about it...

Louis DE might have something, and if you are around ZU there is a big shop down west side of the lake (around Hoergen I believe) with a good selection.

Good luck
A

The bike shop that was mentionned is indeed in Horgen and is called Polo. Here is the link http://www.polo-motorrad.ch/web/10157/15

Hope they can provide you with decent boots....

hold on. did you get on the bike before he said that??

No, no! Test was aborted before the motor even got switched on.

To the people saying I need better shoes as I need the protection - I had ankle protectors with me, so I was in no greater danger than someone wearing army / hiking / whatever boots.

The fact that he said to get a pair of converse, that literally have a flap of cotton that goes over the ankle is what annoyed me, as that offer ZERO protection.

Thanks for the tips on where to find them - there's a lanky + fat shop called Sascha's by Stauffacher, who sell hiking boots in hobbit sizes, so I'll go and get a pair tomorrow!

Wish me luck that my rescheduled test goes better next Friday!

Good Luck.

If you lived closer, I'd come over and take a photo for the thread of me wearing your boots ... my feet are size 33

And I always believed that the right shoes for a Vespa are pumps.

Are they safe?

Obviously not in Zurich.

If you are still looking for cheap boots, try the security clothing shops, they carry large sizes.

I just had a brilliant idea! Do you go skiing? Ski boots would be perfect for a Vespa in summer!

Doc Martens? http://www.zalando.ch/dr-martens-smooth-schnuerboots-black-do2-mzw-0018-99.html?size=49

.

Or go for basketball shoes, those always come in large sizes, and are comfortable at least. I sympathize as I'm size 46-47 and this country is useful for getting footwear that size. I buy mine (several pairs if possible) in the US or UK, it's about 3-4x cheaper if not more. Shoes like so many other things in Switzerland are just terribly overpriced.

Does your Vespa have a foot brake (i.e. is a manual) if so, I would have thought that hiking boots would be impossible to use. Believe me, I know as when I was learning I managed to wheelie a Vespa PX twice due to not being able to feel the foot brake properly.

If you can't get motorbike boots, then Doc's are probably the next best thing.

On another note, be careful with your 2nd test. If you fail 3 times, you have to see a psychologist...and its expensive!

Of course! I should have worn my snowboard boots! Genius!

Try Moto Corner in Wohlen. I have the same size feet, more or less, and I got my my boots there. It was a borderline case, though, and I only had about two options.

Alternatively, take a drive up to one of the German stores. They tend to carry larger sizes.

remember foot injuries are the most common serious injury in motorbike accidents.

get decent boots, there are many low length versions available.

i dont understand the groan someone had though