Buying new motorcycle boots can be an unnecessarily complicated procedure. There are so many styles to choose from, different levels of protection, practicality, and comfort, and to make things even more complicated, sizing variations from one brand to the next! Having the right pair of boots is essential, and the right pair will drastically improve your riding experience. The wrong pair, on the other hand, will make riding a chore. The wrong-sized boots will make you uncomfortable, and even worse, will take your attention away from the road and put you in danger. A pair of boots that aren’t designed for the kind of riding that you’re doing could leave you unprotected and more vulnerable in a crash. And cheap no-name brand boots could let the rain and cold in at best, or fall apart at the slightest bit of contact with the asphalt at worst.
To make life a little bit easier for you, we’ve put together a list of the best motorcycle boots on the market, followed by a short buying guide to help you make sure that you’re buying the right motorcycle boot for your needs. Take a look at the list below and let us know if there are any gems we missed.
When it comes to protective riding gear, Alpinestars knows what it’s doing. The Alpinestars SMX 6 boots are some of our favorite motorcycle boots on the market. They’re specially designed to offer outstanding comfort and protection without compromising your riding performance or adding unnecessary weight and bulk. These boots hug your feet and ankles carefully and use stretch paneling that offers a close and flexible fit. If you’re looking for a tough and durable motorcycle boot for the street or the race track, these versatile boots from Alpinestars are exactly what you need on your feet.
What makes these boots better than many other similar products on the market is the use of cutting-edge materials and construction techniques and the close attention to anatomical detail. These innovative boots are constructed from a strong abrasion-resistant fabric in tandem with smart TPU injected materials formed to create a protective lateral ankle brace, a high modulus shin guard, calf protector, toe slider, heel counter, and a shifter pad on each boot that protects against impact shocks and increases abrasion resistance. Each boot also boasts double-density ankle protection, breathable textile linings with anti-slide suede, EVA and Lycra footbeds, air vents, and Alpinestars’ very own exclusive rubber soles. If you want a weatherproof, highly protective, and incredibly comfortable motorcycle boot, these are a great choice.
Top Features:
Innovative TPU protection that offers abrasion resistance and flex support
Clever design to add greater motorcycle control
Tough armor that will protect your shin, calf, ankle, and foot
The Sidi Adventure 2 is the second generation of an already well-respected boot, and it does not disappoint. These tall riding boots feature 14-inch Gore-Tex gaiters that provide unparalleled waterproofing, comfortable stretch panels for the back of the calf that increase flexibility and provide a better fit for a wider range of calf sizes, and split-grain leather in sections to improve feel and foot control. The boots also boast Thermoplastic Polyurethane parts, including a TPU ankle flex system with an Achilles protector, shin guard, and toe armor.
Though these boots look like they’d be bulky, they actually have quite a slim profile and hug your foot and calf very closely. Thanks to the use of a number of cleverly-placed stretch and flex zones, these boots are very flexible and allow plenty of dexterity. The added flexibility doesn’t compromise your protection though. Strong full-grain microfiber materials, Cordura, and split-grain leather work together to keep your foot and ankle protected against shock and abrasion, while the TPU armor protects against heavy impacts. These boots are almost perfect, but some riders have complained that parts of the first generation can squeak while you wear them – but Sidi has addressed this problem with this new generation of Sidi boots, using a smart flex system to eliminate squeaks.
Top Features:
Waterproof motorcycle boots with a Gore-Tex membrane
Adjustable cam-lock buckle system with retention straps
Pull-tab buckles make these easy to put on and take off
Nylon inner soles with a removable pad for arch support
Reflective panels for increased visibility at night
If you’re looking for more protective gear, make sure to also check out our list of the best motorcycle goggles.
Next up, we’ve got these amazing motocross boots from Fly Racing. If you’re looking for some excellent dirt bike boots for an incredibly affordable price then look no further: the Fly Racing Maverik motorcycle boots are the ones for you.
Constructed from a combination of leather, 3D molded protective segments, and steel, these boots are long-lasting, hard-wearing, very protective, and incredibly comfortable. The boot’s leather is treated with a heat shield to prevent any burning and the plastic features guard against premature wear and tear. Lastly, the steel parts protect the boot and the rider from any nasty injuries. A smart 4-buckle quick-lock arrangement keeps them secured to your feet while keeping the elements, mud, and other debris out. Add in a special elastic gaiter that wraps around the rim of the calf, you can guarantee that your feet will be well and truly protected from elements!
In terms of physical protection, these riding boots offer a series of nice features. Firstly, the boots include 3D shin protection in the form of pre-molded plastic that’s designed to bolster impact protection and improve comfort at the same time. The boot also features excellent inner ankle protection. This comes from the flexible plastic panel, which allows you to keep your feet close to your motorcycle without risk of injury. Steel fittings are also present to provide rigid strength in the event of an impact. This off-road boot also comes equipped with a series of grooves on the toe section. This additional layer of texture allows your toes to grab the gear shifter without risk of slipping – even in wet and muddy situations.
Top Features:
Budget-friendly but top-quality motocross boot
Heat shielded leather construction
3D molder plastic armor to protect against impacts
Elastic gaiters to keep the elements out
4 buckle quick-lock fastenings for easy access
Don’t forget to also check out our guide to the best motorcycle helmets.
Joe Rocket products are often included in lists of the best motorcycle apparel, and they’re usually listed as the best budget option for whatever is being reviewed, especially their motorcycle jackets. And for good reason. There’s no denying that Joe Rocket products are going to measure up to the quality you’d expect from top-shelf brand names like Dainese, but in terms of value you really can’t go wrong with Joe Rocket products. The Meteor FX boots are an absolute bargain. These versatile boots can be worn for a wide variety of riding, from urban commuting to sport touring. What’s more, they’re also available in a number of styles, including tall and mid-boot sizes.
The Joe Rocket Meteor FX is built from sturdy split-grain leather bolstered by strong double-stitched construction, with reinforced ankle, toe, and heel sections. The exterior of the boot boasts a rubber gear shifter protection panel, fully mobile“Full-Flex” ankle articulation points, heavy-duty zippers with a zipper cover, and reflective striping. On the inside, the boots feature a waterproof Dry Tech membrane, a padded upper cuff, and reinforced protection. They’re comfortable, strong, and extremely durable. If you need versatile boots that you can wear for a range of riding experiences, all for a price that won’t bankrupt you, then you’re going to want a pair of these.
If you’re looking for motorcycle boots that don’t look like conventional motorcycle riding boots, these Moto Shoes from Speed and Strength are the way to go. Speed & Strength is one of the top brands out there when it comes to fusing heavy-duty protection with modern fashion trends. These riding shoes aren’t your traditional boots, and of course, they don’t offer the same kind of protection that your regular plastic and leather boots will, and you certainly can’t wear them on a race track, but they’re great for urban riding. They offer decent protection in a form that you can really wear on a day-to-day basis. They’re casual wear that will protect you in a crash – which is great for city riders who don’t want to wear traditional biker boots.
These boots are built from strong leather with molded ankle, heel, and toe reinforcements for added protection. On the inside, they’re comfortable to wear with enough padding inside to let you wear them all day without feeling like you’re wearing motorcycle boots. The boots are lace-ups, which gives them even more of a sneaker feel. In terms of waterproofing, they’re not advertised as waterproof but the boots will hold up against a light shower, but anything heavier can soak through the boots’ vents. But, if you want adequate motorcycle protection in casual shoe form, you’ve got to expect a few compromises. These shoes are great for what they are, and if you’re not interested in this shape, the brand has a wide selection of both men’s and women’s motorcycle boots as well.
Top Features:
Casual looking shoes with motorcycle-spec protection
Molded reinforcements on the heel, toe, and ankles
Heavy-duty leather construction with strong stitching
Anti-slip rubber sole on the bottom
Affordable price tag
Make sure to combine these stylish shoes with a great pair of motorcycle jeans from our list.
Tour Master’s Solution WP Air Road Boots are a hugely versatile pair of boots that are ideally suited to road riding, particularly in hot climates.
These boots are a variation on another pair of men’s motorcycle riding boots from Tour Master, but they’re fitted with clever mesh panels that promote airflow and ventilation, letting your feet breathe when you’re out riding under the hot sun. Mesh sections are great for increased airflow, but usually not the best for keeping water out. However, these mesh sections work with a clever waterproof HiPora air membrane that lets warm air escape without letting water in. If you need breathable, waterproof, and protective boots, these are worth considering.
While breathability and waterproofing might be the focus of these motorcycle boots, they also offer excellent protection. The Solution features molded nylon ankle and shin guards with special thermoplastic formed toe caps. What’s more, it sports cool orthopedic insoles for added comfort partnered with stretch panels for a close but comfortable fit. Each boot also comes equipped with a VR single-density compound sole, reflective panels for added visibility, and auto-lock zippers that are protected by Velcro-branded closures. All in all, these are excellent all ‘rounder boots, ideally suited for street riding – whatever the weather.
Top Features:
Water-repellent leather construction with Polyurethane upper
HiPora waterproofing air membrane that promotes air circulation
Velcro branded fastenings with auto-lock zipper
Reflective panels for increased visibility in the dark
High-quality motorcycle boot for an affordable price
For extra protection, don’t forget to also check out our guide to the best motorcycle airbag vest!
Motorcycle boots don’t have to be covered in plastic armor, Velcro tabs, and reflective strips. If you’re looking for something a little more refined or more traditional, then the Fuel Waterproof Boots from TCX might be something for you. They’re ideal for street riding or cruising around the countryside. They’re good Harley Davidson motorcycle boots too if cruisers are your thing. What we like best about them is the fact that they’re strong and sturdy, highly protective, and weatherproof, but comfortable and stylish enough that you can wear them when you’re not on two wheels.
Designed like old-school engineer boots, which originally used a single piece of leather and as few exposed seams and stitches as possible, TCX has refined this old boot design and reinvented it for real motorcycle protection. Using a full-grain leather upper that has been upgraded with waterproof lining with reinforced protective panels on the toes and heels, these boots offer plenty of protection and element-proofing. They’ve also been equipped with extra padding in all the right places, a practical leather shifter pad, a durable and grippy sole, and a series of steel buckles and a zipper for ultra-tight fastening. Waterproof, protective, comfortable, and stylish too – all for a very attractive price tag.
Top Features:
Full-grain leather motorcycle boots with a classic look
Fully waterproof, and road grime resistant cruiser boots
Motorcycle footwear doesn’t have to be boring. Other types of riding gear have evolved over the years to blend hardcore protection seamlessly into regular casual wear. We’ve seen other moto shoes before, but these awesome Dainese Street Rocker D-WP boots are the best casual bike boots you can buy. They’re not racing boots. They’re not sport boots. And they’re certainly not dirt bike boots either. However, they’re excellent for urban-dwelling commuters who need to wear one pair of boots for a variety of occasions: commuting, wearing at work, at social occasions, and the eventual ride home. If you need a versatile motorcycle boot that doesn’t look like a conventional motorcycle boot, these are an excellent choice.
They might look like casual items of motorcycle clothing, but these boots will protect you. They’re CE certified and meet all the relevant criteria to keep your feet safe. Fashioned from a strong cowhide leather upper that is bolstered with strong fabric inserts, the boot has a nice balance of fashion-focused design fused with strong ankle support, abrasion resistance, and foot protection. The boots also include strong and sturdy Nylon heel protectors, reflective inserts for added rider visibility, a durable rubber sole, and Dainese’s very own and well-respected waterproofing technology in the form of the D-WP liner. There are no fancy closures and fastenings here though, just good old fashioned laces. While other boots offer greater protection, these offer plenty of protection with a fashionable form to boot.
Top Features:
Fashionable motorcycle boots
Strong cowhide suede construction
Very flexible, with great toe dexterity for foot controls
Waterproof motorcycle boots with a Dainese D-WP liner
Adventure riders, dual sport riders, street riders, and off-road motocross riders will all benefit from owning a pair of these excellent motorcycle boots from Forma. Though they’re specifically designed as adventure touring boots, they can be used for a wide variety of applications. Constructed from a tough full-grain oil-treated leather and bolstered with injection-molded plastic protectors, these boots are tough, element-proof, and almost indestructible. Built on top of a double density rubber sole, these boots have excellent grip and will make you feel secure on your motorcycle, no matter what terrain you’re traversing.
On the inside, the boots boast a Drytex waterproof and breathable lining, shin and ankle protective inserts, and an insole that’s a dream to wear. The insole features a special nylon midsole with anti-shock EVA technology, extra soft memory foam padding, and an anti-bacterial footbed that can be replaced over time. The fastenings include fully adjustable GH plastic buckles that won’t slip loose in the event of an accident with adjustable Velcro closures for added safety. These boots will certainly protect you if you find yourself in a bad situation. They’ll also keep the weather out and keep you comfortable while you’re riding. If that wasn’t enough, they’re also easy to look at and not at all overpriced. If you need adventure motorcycle riding boots, these are the ones for you.
Top Features:
Vintage looking oiled full-grain leather upper
Waterproof Drytex breathable inner lining
Injection-molded armor on the shin, ankle, and heel
Unbreakable GH plastic buckles
Extra comfortable memory foam inner sole
Be sure to also add a great motorcycle backpack from our list to your everyday gear!
Motorcycle Boots Buying Guide & FAQ
Are Motorcycle Boots Necessary?
Yes. There’s no way around it: a good pair of motorcycle boots will make your motorcycle riding experience a whole lot better. The road is a dangerous place that’s filled with hazards, some obvious, others not. Your boots are what connects you to the road when you’re not in motion, they’re close to the road when you’re moving forward, and of course, in the event of an accident – no matter how great or small – they’re going to be hitting that ground HARD. Crash protection is the obvious reason for wearing proper motorcycle boots, but there are some other reasons why you should wear good footwear. Here are some that you might have overlooked.
To Keep Your Feet At The Right Temperature
Your boots will keep your feet from getting too cold. Riding around at speed even in a hot country can leave your feet feeling cold if they’re not properly protected. The wind can cool you down pretty quickly, especially when you’re traveling fast. Similarly, a good pair of boots will stop your feet from overheating as well. Strategically placed vents will stop your feet from sweating and getting damp and clammy.
To Keep The Rain Out
A proper pair of motorcycle boots will provide some rain protection. Regular boots generally do not. Riding in the rain isn’t fun, even when you’re wearing all of the right rain gear. But if you get caught out in a rain shower without your wet weather jacket and pants, most riders can usually count on their feet staying relatively dry thanks to the base level waterproofing properties of their riding shoes. Getting wet feet isn’t nice. Motorcycle boots help prevent that from happening.
To Protect Your Feet & Legs When You’re Riding
Good boots will also protect your feet and legs when you’re just riding around. The road is full of nasty debris and grime, and it’s not unusual for a stone or a bit of grit to get kicked up and hit you in the shin. Good boots will deflect those annoying little pieces of stone and keep your legs safe. Similarly, good boots will also stop you from burning your leg on your exhaust pipe. Most seasoned riders won’t let this happen, but if you’ve ever been to South East Asia, you’ll see hundreds of exposed legs with nice burn scars on their calves. The ol’ Thailand Tattoo.
Crash Protection
And of course, motorcycle boots will protect you in the event of an accident. They’re superior to other boots in this respect because they designed and built to provide protection in the most common trauma areas. Proper riding boots have substantial ankle and calf support that prevents your ankle from being twisted in an accident, which could lead to a horrific breakage. Similarly, these boots are also designed to resist abrasion, lessen impacts, and stay on your foot in an accident. Regular boots and flimsy sneakers don’t offer any of that, and in an accident, you’ll want the best protection available, not the most stylish.
What Makes A Good Motorcycle Boot?
The properties of a good motorcycle boot largely depend on what you’re using it for. For example, a Harley-Davidson rider may not require the same kind of sports performance design as a track racer would, and an off-road rider would have very different needs to that of a city commuter. However, there are a few things they should all have in common:
They should be fully enclosed, covering every part of your foot and ankle. Motorcycle boots should also be made out of a strong, abrasion-resistant material, such as strong leather or synthetic materials that have been developed to withstand heavy abuse.
Each boot should also be reinforced with sturdy but comfortable padding that can comfortably grip your foot and ankle while being comfortable at the same time. Additional protection should come in the form of reinforced paneling on the exterior of the boot to add extra protection in known trouble spots. Some boots will use advanced materials for additional armor on the shin, toe, and heel.
The sole should also be very strong. Ideally, it will be able to resist gasoline and oil, improving your grip and extending your boot’s working life.
Also, they need to have strong closures. A boot that flies off after an impact is no good to anyone. Strong zips, tight clasps, and Velcro fastenings are popular choices for modern motorcycle boots. Laces aren’t recommended these days unless you’re wearing a moto shoe or more casual riding boot.
Finally, they need to fit correctly. Any boot that is too small will cause the rider discomfort which will develop into an unwanted distraction. A boot that’s too large may hinder their access to their motorcycle’s foot controls, putting themselves and other road users in danger. Proper fit is essential. Luckily, we’ve got a good sizing guide a little further down. First, let’s look at the styles of motorcycle boots available.
Styles Of Motorcycle Boots
Street
Street-style motorcycle boots are arguably the most popular style. They appeal to the broadest cross-section of riders and they’re quite versatile in nature. These boots are designed with a healthy balance of safety, comfort, and practicality, and they’re often designed with aesthetics in mind, too. They come in a wide range of shapes and styles, including short boots and tall boots, with buckle-up closures, zippers, or Velcro. They’re almost always waterproof to some degree and usable in both hot and cold climates. These boots do offer a lot of protection, but not the same as you’d get with dedicated sports, off-road, or adventure boots. What they lack in overall protection they make up for in everyday practicality. You can wear these on and off the bike, and very few people would ever know that you’re wearing dedicated motorcycle boots without having a very close look.
Racing Boots
For those who enjoy riding sports bikes on the road and those who enjoy letting loose on the track, there’s nothing better than a specifically designed sport boot. These track boots are very similar to what professional racers wear in professional road racing competitions, and they’re designed to offer the best protection possible with a high focus on abrasion resistance, impact suppression, hyperextension, and protecting from twisting joints. They’re also designed to stay attached to your foot in the event of a high-speed crash. These boots are quite flexible, despite all of their armor, and they offer excellent dexterity to the rider. It has to be said that they’re not particularly fashionable, and they’re not terribly comfortable when you’re off the bike either. These are best reserved for sports riders and real track racers.
Off-Road Boots
Dirt biker boots are the only thing you want to be wearing when you’re tearing up the trails off-road. They’re designed to offer the best protection against a wide range of off-road injuries, including everything from flying debris, sharp tree branches, and jagged stones to hot exhausts, heavy impacts, and gravel rash. The vast majority of these boots are tall and extend up the rider’s calves, offering the most protection possible. Like all off-road apparel, these boots typically come in vibrant colors, though there are some restrained color options if you prefer. These boots aren’t the most comfortable to wear when you’re not riding off-road. They’re not always waterproof, they’re not great for walking around in, and the color options usually make them poor choices for refined commuters.
Cruiser Boots
Typical cruiser boots or Harley-Davidson riding boots are very similar to regular urban, street boots. The only difference is that they traditionally shun any fancy thermoplastic adornment or over-the-top design. These boots can come in tall or short configurations, and they’re almost always made of leather, reinforced with more leather or with steel refinements. In terms of practicality, they’re usually quite safe to wear though they’re not as protective as more dedicated riding boots, but they’re generally quite comfortable and wearable in a wide range of situations. They’re old school in nature, but they do the job just fine.
Adventure Boots & Touring Boots
There are two very interesting types of dual-natured boots on the market: touring boots and adventure boots. Touring boots are designed specifically for long-distance riders who need boots that are very comfortable, weatherproof, and incredibly protective. They’re an evolution of the street boot but with additional water-proofing and a more padded interior. An adventure boot, however, is more like a mash-up of a dirt-bike boot and a touring boot. They’re comfortable to wear since they’re designed for long-haul riding trips, but they have the added off-road protection for when the road gets a little bumpy. They’re also weather-resistant and very protective. Adventure motorcycle boots are incredibly popular for these reasons.
Female Motorcycle Boots
Women’s motorcycle boots come in the same shapes and styles as their male and unisex counterparts, but women’s boots are actually designed differently from men’s boots. Since female anatomy is different from men’s, it’s only right that their boots are specifically designed to protect and fit their form.
For example, a man’s foot is typically larger with slightly different shapes. Women’s boots cater to the narrower foot shape and smaller volume. Similarly, men’s boots are often heavier, and women’s boots are designed to eliminate unnecessary weight without compromising protection. Another interesting point is that women’s boots are usually equipped with thicker soles or a heel to help give shorter women a bit more ground stability. This can drastically improve a rider’s confidence. Big time.
Sizing Motorcycle Boots
The right pair of motorcycle boots will fit your feet perfectly. You should be able to get your foot in and out without a struggle, and there shouldn’t be any uncomfortable pinching or unnecessary extra space inside. They should support your feet in all the right places, particularly around the heel and ankle, with additional comfort around the toes. Unfortunately, unless you’re sitting in a motorcycle apparel shop, the chances are that you don’t have the pair of boots in front of you or on your feet to help you make the right decision about a purchase.
Buying boots blindly can be a struggle, especially when it comes to choosing a size. The most comprehensive way to size your feet is to use one of those sliding measurement things that they have in shoe stores. For those interested, it’s called a Brannock device. These aren’t household items, so you’d be forgiven for not owning one. However, we recommend that you head down to your nearest shoe store and get measured properly.
Once you know your shoe size, it should be easy to find boots, right? Well, not always. While most manufacturers are fairly uniform when it comes to boot sizing, some come up with tighter or looser fits for a certain size. We recommend that you try out a boot before you buy it, or at least check the sizing advice from any online forums or comment sections. If a size comes in a little small or a little large, someone will mention it somewhere. Also, if you’re buying online especially, read up on the return policy. Most places offer great return policies, sometimes with free shipping too, on the condition that the apparel in question wasn’t used while riding.
As soon as you’ve worn an item out on a ride, most retailers will be reluctant to take them back. They won’t be able to guarantee that an item is still as protective as the moment they shipped it if it’s been worn out on a ride. This is understandable, so keep it in mind before you buy!
Things To Consider When Sizing Your Motorcycle Boots
Boot buying can still be a pain even when you know what your shoe size is. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re buying boots to ensure that you’re really getting the best motorcycle boots for your needs.
Similar to buying wet weather gear, sizing slightly larger could be in your best interest. With rain gear, it’s wise to buy a strategically oversized outfit that will fit better over the top of your regular riding gear. Your boots might need to be a little bit bigger to accommodate thicker socks that many of us wear when we’re out riding. This is particularly true in areas with a colder climate.
When your desired boots arrive, try them on with the rest of your gear and wear them. Don’t just try them on for a minute and call the job done. Really wear them for a good 10 minutes while walking around the house. You can wear boots for a moment or two without any uncomfortable pinches developing, but after a good 15 minutes of walking around, problems will begin to make themselves known.
During this “walking in trial period,” pay close attention to the level of support that you’re getting in the ankle, heel, and calf region. If it’s too little or too much, try and play with the adjustments on the boot (if there are any). If the support and padding are in the wrong places and there’s no adjustment available, you’ll want to send these back and buy a different pair.
Lastly, you’ll want to look at how easy it is to get your socked feet in and out of these boots. They should slide in and out without a fuss. If they don’t, you might want to consider a different-shaped boot. Similarly, you should look at how easy the fastenings are to do up. If they have fiddly zippers or awkward buckles, then another boot might be a better idea.
Keep these things in mind and you should be well on the way to finding the best boot for your needs.
In Summary: Which Motorcycle Boots Are The Best?
Different riders have different preferences when it comes to buying motorcycle boots. Individual styles and tastes play a big role, but the most important factors for most people are the degrees of comfort, levels of protection, and the price tag. The right pair of boots for you may not be the ones we recommend on this list, but we hope that we’ve helped to point your search in the right direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to buy motorcycle boots?
It doesn’t matter whether you’re buying leather motorcycle boots, heavy suede moto shoes, full-on racing motorcycle boots, or adventure boots, the physical act of buying them is the same. You should find a pair that suits your style of riding and taste, ensure that they have all the relevant safety features that you need, and most importantly, they should fit correctly. Boots that don’t fit well will be uncomfortable. Uncomfortable boots can be an unwelcome distraction that takes your concentration away from the road, and you don’t want that.
Where to buy motorcycle boots?
The best place to buy motorcycle boots is from legitimate motorcycle apparel vendors. These can be physical shops that stock other riding gear like full-face helmets, top-of-the-range racing suits, and motorcycle gloves, or dedicated online selling platforms like Revzilla and Amazon. You should take care to search for these specific places because there are a lot of places that claim to sell motorcycle boots, but they’re only talking about fashion boots that mimic real motorcycle boots – and you don’t want those. If you’re looking at a pair of cheap motorcycle boots from a shop that doesn’t look like a motorcycle apparel specialist, then you’re probably not buying real motorcycle boots.
Are cowboy boots good motorcycle boots?
No. While it might be tempting to throw on a pair of cowboy boots, they’re not going to be all that useful in a crash. Their leather nature may be abrasion resistant, but there’s just not enough protection in other places to make them real motorcycle boots. They don’t have adequate ankle support or ankle protection, and their soles aren’t grippy enough to handle the conditions. There’s no replacement for specially designed motorcycle boots, and while some other boots can work in a pinch, it’s not worth taking the risk.
Can you wear steel toe boots on a motorcycle?
The value of steel toe caps has always been hotly debated. Some riders say that the extra steel on the toes helps to protect the foot in the event of a crash. Others insist that having the steel can actually cause more damage, even severing toes in a hard landing. That debate won’t settle down anytime soon. However, it is true that steel toe caps aren’t flexible, and they’re not well insulated either, which can be quite uncomfortable. It’s a matter of personal preference whether you want steel toe caps on or not, but always ask yourself: “what do the pros wear?” and the answer is boots without steel toe caps. If it’s good enough for the pros, it’s probably good enough for the rest of us.
Joe is a motorcycle industry veteran who has not only been paid for his words on the industry but also to throw a leg over a bike on the track. Besides riding, and occasionally crashing motorcycles, he also likes to build up older bikes in his garage in Germany. He says; "I like what I like but that certainly doesn’t make my opinion any more valid than yours…" We like Joe's educated opinion and hope you do too.
