boots necessary?

since i was  thinking about taking the SFM classes...i was wondering if the boots are necessary because i have seen many bikers with out the proper apperal ie. gloves, boots, jackets. and i was wondering if its necessary to have all of the gear, and if there are any consequences to this matter.. could you get a ticket for riding with out the proper gear?  

Only the gear required by law is necessary. I don't know of a state that requires boots, but they are obviously recommended, especially going offroad. I ride in sandals on occasion, but that is never recommended, even for an old-timer like me. It is always frowned on by everyone, especially the non-riders. I would personally prefer the option to wear a helmet, but in my state helmets are mandatory. I always recommend the use of protective equipment, but I think we are a society of safety freaks who are too quick to legislate away personal freedoms in the effort to protect us from ourselves. Let the rider decide on his own protective equipment.

I heard boots are required to take the classes--is that true?  

In my experience with the MSF class, boots are necessary but they were liberal about the type of boots. In general, any sturdy boot will work as long as it covers your ankles. They do not have to be motorcycle-specific, just hiking or work boots. I took mine using work boots.

Flatter soled are better so your foot doesn't get hung up on  the footpegs when braking or shifting - take the class you'll see what I mean.

Anyway, the first class is usually classroom stuff so you can get the specifics then. They won't kick you out at that point if you don't have the stuff yet but they won't let you ride if you are not protected.

P.S. My class provided helmets to those who didn't have them but since they are kind of a personal item, I would seriously consider purchasing your own. Make sure it is DOT approved.  

With the exception of various state helmet and eye protection laws, a rider's selection of safety gear (boots, gloves, sturdy clothing) is largely based on their own comfort level with varying degrees of risk. I've been a Registered Nurse for 17 years and have personally seen skin grafting procedures - it's gross! Not to mention painful for the patient. I don't think I'd enjoy ripping or burning off sections of my hide, then having more skin sliced off to patch up the holes. Therefore, I wear boots, gloves, sturdy clothing, etc. Hitting the pavement in a tank top, shorts and flip-flops isn't pretty.  

I'm a nut for wearing the best protection I can both on and off road.  Even during the hot summer here in the south I wear a vented Joe Rocket jacket, full face helmet, gloves, and of course AGV boots.  I also wear Alpinestar GP boots for sporting rides.  My sons also wear the proper gear on their bikes.  No, the law will let you ride in shorts (no naked riding), sun glasses, and a tiny skid lid.  As Honda used to say in their adds, Stupid Hurts.  
Greg  

For the MSF class, boots are required. They must be "over the ankle" boots--any kind that meets this description is allowed. They also require a helmet, jacket and gloves. Classes usually have a small supply of helmets.

For everyday riding, I would say that boots are not required, but you should wear a shoe/boot that provides good grip in slippery conditions. The boot/shoe should also have a tread pattern that would allow water to dissipate, as you never know when you might get caught in the rain. Oil resistant souls are excellent. You don't want to put your foot down on an oily spot in the road and have it slip out from under you.

I would recommend a boot/shoe that is high enough that your pants cover the top of the shoe. This protects from wind flow that might become uncomfortable as well as small rocks or other debris that could otherwise strike your bare (or sock-covered) skin. Ouch.

The primary reason for gloves is similar: to protect against road debris, and to a lesser-extent, drying/chapping from wind. The other reason would be to help against abrasion should you be involved in an accident or fall.

Wear the amount of gear that you feel is safe. Don't worry about other riders. As for tickets, the only requirement that exists is for helmets. And the helmet laws in states vary (from no requirement, children under 18 only, or all adults). That I am aware, of the states that require helmets, they need to be DOT certified, but no other certification (such as Snell) is necessary. That gives you a large list to choose from should you be required to wear a helmet (which I recommend regardless).  

You can buy motorcycle boots for $100-150 new. I can't think of any reason why NOT to!  

Check http://www.msf-usa.org/ for details on the safety class. Yes, they require full safety gear, but not necessarily motorcycle-specific safety gear. They are teaching you to be safe, so expect that they will require you to wear a helmet, boots, protective pants, long sleeve shirts, and gloves. They sometimes will allow use of prescription or sunglasses as protective eyewear because of the low speeds in the class, but for the road, get something better. Oh, and as far as personal freedom goes, perhaps we should require people who choose not to wear helmets to sign a waiver stating that they will pay all their medical expenses out of their own pockets rather than having the rest of us pay for them. A friend decided that he didn't need a helmet and has been in the hospital system for about 12 years now with no hope of recovery. He's in his late 30s, so we'll be paying for his care for many more years . . .