While motocross is an exciting sport, the amount of gear that you need to buy before starting to ride can be a bit daunting. So if you're not sure where to start, why not look at boots first? A good pair of boots is among the most important pieces of gear you can own and will offer you vital protection. Before you buy, though, take a look at the three tips below that will help you during the purchasing process and ensure that you don't have buyer's remorse.

Protection vs. Flexibility

The more protection a boot gives you, the less likely you are to get injured during a race. But on the other hand, a boot with a great deal of protective material will often compromise flexibility. To get the best of both worlds, look for boots with a hinged design. Boots with a hinge will give you greater flexibility and comfort, but won't skimp on protection. They may be a bit pricier than non-hinged alternatives, but they're worth every penny.

Extra Features

Quality boots often have extra features that will make the boot — and your ride — that much more comfortable. One of the key features you will want to be on the lookout for is shin plate protectors. These will keep debris and other riders' bikes from causing severe injury during a race. Another great feature is toe and heel protectors. Avoid boots that feature only plastic toe and heel protectors, and opt instead for the steel ones. They'll last longer and are more durable overall than plastic protectors.

Correct Sizing

If you think you've found the perfect pair of boots, but they are only available from an online store, then you will need to know your boot size before ordering. Before anything else, you will want to locate a boot sizing chart. Then measure your foot while wearing the riding socks you plan to wear while wearing the boot. The resulting measurement will usually be one size greater than your normal shoe size, so don't assume you've made a mistake in your measurements right off the bat. That said, many boots will size narrow or wide depending on the brand, so read the fine print to make sure that the boot sizes normally relative to other brands. If it does, you can have confidence knowing that your boots will arrive on your doorstep ready to wear. 

For more information, contact local professionals like Bob's Cycle & Snowmobile Supply.