As we all know, and we told you in detail recently, the next reform of the General Circulation Regulations of the DGT will bring important news for motorcyclists in Spain. Among them, the obligation to use closed footwear on any type of road, in addition to the mandatory use of approved gloves on interurban roads and the requirement that the helmet be approved in accordance with current regulations.
And one of the most “striking” inventions that the world of 2 wheels has given comes to mind: the “MotorSandal”, flip flops created specifically for riding a motorcycle.
The “Motorsandal”: An ingenious invention, but…
A few years ago, a product arrived from India that caught the attention of motorcyclists around the world, and which we echoed. Its creators intended to solve one of the main problems of those who ride with flip-flops: the lack of protection and the difficulty in correctly handling the motorcycle controls.
They named them “MotorSandal” and, at first glance, they looked like conventional sandals. However, they hid a series of solutions designed for driving and that also made them a unique product.
In fact, they incorporated a reinforcement on the big toe to prevent wear caused by the gear lever, a side protection to insulate the exhaust heat and a reinforced area on the sole to improve support on the brake pedal. They even had a fiberglass reinforcement in the footpeg area, an additional strap to better support the foot, and a reflective element on the back to increase visibility. On paper, they were missing practically no detail.
However, all this engineering had a limitation that was impossible to solve: they were still simple flip-flops. The instep, the sides of the foot, the ankle and a good part of the toes remained completely exposed to any fall or impact. Obviously, on a motorcycle, even a low-speed accident can cause very serious abrasions if the foot comes into contact with the asphalt, in addition to fractures or other types of crush injuries.
Precisely for this reason, specific motorcycle equipment has evolved over decades, opting for boots and shoes that protect the entire foot, incorporating internal reinforcements, abrasion-resistant materials and systems that reduce the risk of twisting or impacts.
Without a doubt, the “MotorSandal” were an exercise in creativity, but also an involuntary demonstration that there are problems that cannot be solved solely by adding protection to a shoe that, by its very design, leaves a large part of the foot exposed.
The new DGT regulations go precisely in that direction
As we mentioned at the beginning, the update of the General Traffic Regulations aims to reinforce the safety of motorcyclists by making certain protective elements mandatory. And among the new features, the mandatory use of closed footwear stands out both in the city and on the road.
This measure is not accidental. Extremities are some of the body parts most frequently injured in motorcycle accidents, especially the feet, ankles, and hands. And, as we all know, reducing the severity of these injuries through appropriate equipment is one of the objectives of this reform.
With the arrival of summer and the stifling heat, many motorcyclists are wondering if it is worth giving up some of the equipment to combat the heat. It is an understandable decision, but also too risky.
There are motorcycle shoes and boots on the market with large ventilation panels, technical fabrics and breathable membranes that offer a much cooler feeling than a few years ago, and all without giving up protection. Even urban models allow you to walk comfortably once you get off the motorcycle, something unthinkable just a decade ago.
The “MotorSandal“tried to offer a different alternative and, without a doubt, managed to attract attention for their originality. However, the passage of time and the evolution of safety have shown that no flip-flop, no matter how sophisticated, can replace footwear designed to truly protect a motorcyclist’s foot.
The new regulations of the DGT It only reinforces a recommendation that equipment manufacturers and safety experts have been repeating for years: when riding a motorcycle, footwear is not a simple accessory. It is a protective element that can make the difference between a minor injury and a much more serious one.
