I have tried riding in Docs, but I find that the toe is too thin to comfortably change gear. I also have some proper riding boots that have armored shins and to be honest, they fell apart after a year and never offered the support that good mountain boots offer.
These days I ride in thick leather, semi stiffened, three season climbing boots. These will take a flexible crampon so have a stiff sole for support and comfort. However, being a high boot, they cover my ankle and come a little up my shin.
Riding in them felt strange after the light weight biker boot, but the added protection and comfort makes them worth it. I do make sure though that they are always well waxed and use coloured polish before waxing so that they don't look too weird! On very wet days, I even use my old Gore Tex snow gaitors.
