Wearing the best motorcycle boots shows your attitude towards protection while riding. We all know the importance of the motorcycle helmets, biker jackets, and even riding gloves. But there are a few people among us that think any regular boots will serve as riding boots. But, if you’ve ever tried wearing regular shoes/boots while riding, you must have noticed that gear levers and road surfaces are not all that friendly to the shoes you wear. In fact, open toes and thin soles on the road surface doesn’t work. Moreover, wearing shoes while riding is not only to protect your feet but also to provide the ultimate protection, comfort, and dryness for your feet throughout the entire ride.
The best pair of motorcycle riding boots will protect you from obstacles and provide protection to your feet in case of an accident. However, choosing the safest and the most comfortable motorcycle boots is not an easy task. Luckily, we have a list of motorcycle riding boots that are reviewed in this article. So, if you had a hard time finding the perfect riding boots that give you both crash and weather protection in all seasons, then you can go through our review list of world-class Best Motorcycle Riding Boots of 2024, where you will not only see the greatest boots but also certain information on how to choose the right motorcycle boots on the basis of materials and types.
Looking for women’s riding boots? Check out our Review of the Best Motorcycle Boots for Women.
List of the Top 15 Motorcycle Boots
Best Motorcycle Boots Reviews
Best Off-Road & Motocross Boots Review
Off-road riding is a lot different from racing or cruising around. While riding off-road or doing motocross, you ride your motorcycle on uneven terrain covered in mud and rocks, which is quite dangerous and you are far more prone to suffering knee and shin injuries. That means ultimate protection is not the only thing you need while off-road riding, but the boots must provide comfort and strong grip to shift gears and jump around without any resistance.
Concrete roads are, for the most part, smooth surfaces where racing Kevlar boots are enough to provide protection to your ankles and feet but when it comes to riding on uneven terrain where you face dirt and rocks, then you need something to protect your knees, ankles, feet, and shins. Moreover, the Off-Road Motorcycle Boots must have thick soles to prevent premature wear while riding on rocks and dirt surfaces. That’s why these enduro dirt bike boots must-have durability and rigidity, to put your feet down on uneven terrain without any problem. Choosing the right off-road boots is almost as important as finding the best dirt bike helmet. But don’t worry, I will show you some of the safest and most comfortable motocross boots the money can buy!
O’Neal Rider Boots Review
The O’Neal rider boot is an obvious choice of an entry-level off-road motorcyclist but it is not because of its affordable pricing but the sturdy design and protection that it offers to track, ATV, and trail riders. Thus, many dirt bike riders carry O’Neal rider boots when going off-road riding.
Stating the obvious but it is a ‘no brainer’ how much a dirt bike rider needs protection in off-road riding. And motocross boots give you the protection that you need to withstand the sudden twists and impacts that are caused while riding off-road.
Motocross riding demands and O’Neal boots deliver!
The boots are equipped with the injection-molded plastic plates that protect you from several impacts while riding off-road. Since off-road is not as smooth as the Moto GP tracks, the uneven bumps can cause damage to your knees and ankles. O’Neal also inserted a Metal shank, which reinforces the shape of the boot and adds support to your legs for strength. Furthermore, it has a durable and properly balanced Goodyear welt sole with no unstable rocking. This is a rubber sole that has been in use for decades to create a sturdy and strong sole to enhance the grip of the boots.
To ensure the boots fit you in a way that it won’t distract from off-road riding, O’Neal has added its 4-buckle Snap-Lock system to ensure an optimal fit and provide added protection for the feet. To increase the life of the boots, O’Neal uses a metal toe guard in its rider’s boots to help protect the sole against delaminating.
Now, talking about comfort, then the O’Neal Rider boots come with an air mesh interior along with a cushioned insole for extra comfort to the rider’s feet and calves.
But, a piece of advice – I know the boots are very comfortable and offer excellent protection but try avoiding these boots for street riding. If you are a daily commuter who has to ride every day to the office, then you won’t be happy walking around in long O’Neal rider boots that were solely designed for the track, trail, and ATV riding.
Best Off-Road & Motocross Boots – Our Top Picks
O’Neal Rider Boots
️Pros: Injection-molded plastic plates, Metal shank, 4-buckle Snap-Lock system, Excellent protection
Cons: Only suitable for off-road riding
SIDI Crossfire 2 SRS Boots
️Pros: Comes with SRS (Sole Replacement System), Adjustable Calf System, Rigid & Shock Resistant, Anatomically shaped heel
Cons: Less airflow
Gaerne SG-12 Boots
️Pros: Breathable fabric (Acronos), Anatomically shaped thermoplastic shin plate, Heat resistant pad inside, Reinforced toecup
Cons: A little costly
Best Sport & Racing Motorcycle Boots Review
Racing boots are specially designed for sport bike racers to wear on racetracks. These racing boots are protective, comfortable, and more technically designed than any other motorcycle boots. These boots are very light and provide more ventilation for the rider on speed tracks. Racing motorcycle boots feature additional armor to provide necessary protection to the rider in case of a crash. Moreover, the overall design of racing boots is unique and offers great comfort to the rider while taking a turn on a racetrack.
The only downside with racing motorcycle boots is that they are quite costly and you can’t wear them for everyday street riding. Racing boots are the type of riding equipment that is very expensive and you can’t use it for riding on the streets. In fact, they will become uncomfortable quickly and you won’t be able to walk around very long in these boots.
SIDI ST Air Boots Review
The SIDI ST boots may not be the top-of-the-line boots like the SIDI Vortice but they are from the same hierarchy. Anyways, we’re not going to compare the SIDI ST boots with the SIDI Vortice boots because the SIDI Vortice boots are the ultimate Moto GP boots that don’t need a review. Besides, what we brought here is something close to the SIDI Vortice and can be worn for street-use as well.
Now let’s check out the features.
First, we will talk about the basic but necessary features, such as ankle protection, reinforced soles, heel and toe protection, and shin protection, which every track rider must look for when buying racing motorcycle boots.
SIDI ST Boots are equipped with SIDI’s patented and trademarked Vertebra System that protects the Achilles tendon. What makes the SIDI ST boots so special is its Cam-lock closure system, which is a set-it-and-forget-it system for easy entry for the calf with a wide variety of calf diameters.
Generally, it has been noted that many tall boots fail to fit the calf of the rider while wearing leather or textile motorcycle pants. But, the SIDI ST boots will fit much wider calves even with the wide variety of leather motorcycle pants that are available.
The second feature that made it so special among racing/street motorcycle boots is its elastic panel adjacent to the entry zipper in the rear of the ST boots. It offers great comfort and expansion around the calf area of the leg, which makes it quite easy to put your foot and leg inside the boot.
The boots are equipped with the SIDI’s Composite inner sole with removable arch supports. However, there are still questions regarding the removal of the arch support system but with the combination of a Dual Compound Outer sole, the boots have provided great durability and protection.
The sole succeeds to provide a strong, steady grip whether you are on sketchy surface conditions, oil, water, or anything else.
Apart from this, the boots have a lot to offer from a Nylon shin deflector plate to the Lorica outer construction, to the DuPont polymer toe shift pad to a replaceable shock absorbing heel cup and much more.
The boots have a remarkable ventilation system despite being a heavy racing-type motorcycle boot. But, clearly, you would avoid using them during summer riding. Overall, the SIDI ST Boots are great to wear for street and track riding. There is some issue over the price but the protection it offers makes it worthy of every single penny you spend.
Alpinestars Supertech-R Boots Review
Alpinestars is one of the top manufacturers of motorcycle gear and accessories that are recognized for constructing and designing the most iconic Moto boots. There is no way that this list would’ve been complete without the recognition of Alpinestars boots. And the one we chose for you is Alpinestars Supertech-R Boots.
Since 2015, the boots have evolved on every possible level. After undergoing a series of consistent changes, the boots have re-designed and ramped up its performance features significantly. The boots succeed to retain its top-notch features and improved the areas where it could do better.
Saying the boots were imperfect would be an injustice to Alpinestars Supertech-R Boots since these boots have been worn by a roster of champions. Anyways, let’s talk about what it has to offer now.
Well, during the last few years, Alpinestars worked to improve the performance, ergonomics, and ventilation of the Supertech-R Boots. In doing so, they used a durable and technical microfiber for the upper construction of the boots as the main shell. This shell offers a high level of water-resistance and durability, as well as being lightweight.
Since you will be competing on the track, Alpinestars redesigned the front flex area and used an over-injected TPU in the breathable mesh when constructing the Supertech-R boots for improved abrasion resistance. The material allows you to move your feet freely in both forward and backward directions.
To ease the pressure on the foot-peg, Alpinestars equipped the boots with a lightweight rubber compound sole, which offers excellent grip to the rider when changing positions.
And talking about protection, I think that Alpinestars equipped the Supertech-R boots with some top-notch technology that offers excellent protection to the rider. It has newly designed external TPU shin protection that has been engineered for just one reason – to spread and dissipate impact energy across the entire surface while keeping its compact shape. In doing so, it ergonomically shapes and wraps around the outer calf of the rider.
In addition, Alpinestars integrated a replaceable co-injected TPU/Aluminum toe slider in order to protect the outer toe box structure from abrasion.
Well, there’s no doubt, the protection level of the Supertech-R boots is excellent. If I have to rate the protection level, then I would give it 5 out of 5.
Best Sport & Racing Motorcycle Boots Review – Our Top Picks
SIDI ST Air Boots
️Pros: Vertebra System , Cam-lock closure system, Composite inner sole, Nylon shin deflector plate
Cons: A little heavy
Alpinestars Supertech R Boots
️Pros: Durable and technical microfiber, Over-injected TPU, Lightweight rubber compound sole, External TPU shin protection
Cons: –
SIDI Mag-1 Boots
️Pros: Carbon Fiber Construction, Lightweight Design, Techno-3 magnetic Closures, Adjustable Calf
Cons: –
Alpinestars SMX Plus Boots
️Pros: Multi Link Control System, High Modulus TPU Protection, CE certified, Replaceable Countered Footbed
Cons: –
Dainese Torque D1 Air Boots
️Pros: Boot certified to CE – Cat. II – EN 13634 Standard, TPU rear inner insert, Nylon heel
Cons: Average design
Best Adventure & Touring Motorcycle Boots Review
A Dual-Sport motorcycle is a hybrid of both a dirt bike and a street motorcycle. That means, with a dual-sport motorcycle, you are capable of riding both off-road and an open road. So, to decide which boots are the best dual-sport or adventure motorcycling boots, you need to consider the type of riding you do most often. Because dirt bike or motocross boots are focused on providing impact protection and street riding boots are more focused on abrasion protection. That’s why it’s up to you to decide what type of riding you do most often.
The available dual-sport adventure motorcycle boots available on the market are designed on the basis of utility. This means that some dual-sport boots tend to perform best as street riding boots and some tend to perform best as dirt bike boots. So, before purchasing any particular dual-sport boots, you need to consider two things – Protection and Comfort.
First, you need to understand the protection level in both types of boots. This means, if you rarely go off-road riding or in less dangerous terrain, then you don’t need ankle support to protect your ankles during a crash. Many dual-sport boots that tend to fall in the dirt bike category, offer shin and ankle support to the riders but the boots that tend to fall into the street riding category don’t have nearly the same amount of ankle support.
Secondly, is comfort. Many dual-sport boots that fall into the category of dirt bike boots are less comfortable because of the additional ankle and shin support. This additional support makes them difficult to walk around in. However, other dual-sport adventure boots that tend to fall into the street riding category are more comfortable because of the lack of additional ankle support.
Anyways, you should take some time and go through the different dual-sport adventure motorcycling boots. I am sure you will be able to choose boots that contain both protection and comfort and can be used for both off-road and open road riding.
SIDI Adventure 2 Gore-Tex Boots Review
SIDI Adventure 2 Gore-Tex boots come from the line of SIDI’s Adventure riding boots that are recognized for their protection, comfort, waterproofing, and lightweight. They are adventure-touring boots. SIDI’s predecessor adventure boots were better than most of the boots available on the market back then. And its successor, the SIDI Adventure 2 Gore-Tex is a better and more improved version of its predecessor and a lot better than the other adventure- touring boots available on the market currently.
The best thing I like about the SIDI Adventure 2 Gore-Tex boots, in particular, is that they have provided what customers, like you, have demanded. The boots are synthetic-based, which makes them more lightweight than other leather motorcycle boots and the furnished Gore-Tex waterproof fabric has added more breathability for the rider’s feet while riding off-road. This premium quality fabric provides a waterproof solution to ensure your feet remain dry even in rainy weather and cool in warm weather.
Speaking of synthetic-based, the SIDI Adventure 2 Gore-Tex Boots are made with full-grain microfiber and the Cordura upper with suede. It is said that the base material that SIDI used has many characteristics that match it to leather. But, instead of added weight, the boots are quite lightweight and have a strong tensile strength that makes it ideal for off-road riders.
The suede here helps in absorbing moisture and provides a strong grip when standing on the foot pegs. The sole of the SIDI Adventure 2 Gore-Tex boot is heavy-duty Vibranium-style lug type with two distinctive multi-patterns to provide balance and stability while riding off-road terrains.
Given the risks that come with off-road riding, SIDI made the Adventure 2 comparatively tall, nearly 40 cm. The boots have succeeded in providing essential protection for the feet, shin, and calf areas. Those who’ve used these boots or are currently using them found the TPU support present in the shin plate and ankle area very protective. According to them, the large TPU shin plate offers great protection to the shins and ankles in case of an impact.
In short, the protection that the SIDI Adventure 2 Gore-Tex boots provide is first-class. I understand that these boots are quite expensive but still, they are one of the best options for adventure-touring riders.
Now, if we talk about the comfort and fit, SIDI did a remarkable job in this area too. The boots have an elastic panel that expands and collapses the calf area for easy entry and exit of the boots. You should also be thankful for its Hook-and-Loop crossover strap closure and pull tab that allows riders to effortlessly get these boots on and off.
In a nutshell, the boots are worth every single penny you spend on them to ride off-terrains.
Forma Adventure Low Boots Review
Other boots in the list of the best adventure motorcycle riding boots of 2024 are the Forma Adventure Low boots that are recognized for style and vintage design. The Forma Adventure low boots are adventure-touring boots.
You must be wondering, why we are listing adventure touring boots?
Well, it is alright to think about asking this question. But, the reason why we included these boots in the list of the highest rated motorcycle riding boots is the fact that they are one of THE BEST boots available in 2024.
For instance, the Forma Adventure boots are best suited for adventure-touring riders with larger calves. These are mid-ankle boots constructed from full-grain oiled leather providing abrasion-resistance to the rider in case of a fall. Furthermore, the company has inserted TPU and reinforcements to provide protection from impact injuries during a motorcycle crash. The inserted TPU is plastic protection molded internally in the ankle area.
If you look closely, you will notice that the Forma Adventure low boots are equipped with unbreakable GH plastic buckles that will help prevent foot injuries in a tip over.
Another good thing is the boots are very comfortable for walking whenever you are off the bike. They have adventure double density anti-slip/rubber soles that make it comfortable to walk around when you are not riding. This feature unlocked the doors of passionate motorcyclists who also happen to be daily commuters. They can wear these boots while riding and then can simply walk into the office comfortably.
Well, that’s about it for protection. But, since you will be traveling to different places while riding your motorcycle, you will want the boots to be also equally comfortable for a long period of time. Also, the boots should offer some weather protection features. After all, you don’t want to pay for different boots for different weather, do you?
Lucky for you, the Forma Adventure low boots come with a Drytex waterproof and breathable lining. This lining may not be the same as Gore-Tex, but it certainly is not any less quality than Gore-Tex. The Drytex protects your feet from the rain and keeps them dry while riding. An additional plus factor is that it is more breathable, which makes them ideal for summer motorcycle riding too. The inner foam padding makes them cozier and more comfortable to wear. For more comfortable adjustments, the Forma Adventure boots have double adjustable straps and VELCRO brand closures that provide an optimal fit for the rider’s feet.
Best Adventure & Touring Motorcycle Boots Review – Our Top Picks
SIDI Adventure 2 Gore-Tex Boots
️Pros: Comes with Gore-Tex Membrane, Shock Resistant, Split grain leather inner anti-wear
Cons: Not suitable for walking
Forma Adventure Low Boots
️Pros: Comes with Full Grain Leather, Reinforced ankles, TPU molded plastic protection on Shin & ankle
Cons: Not enough airflow, Low impact protection
Alpinestars Toucan Gore-Tex Boots
️Pros: 100% Waterproof Gore-Tex Membrane, Support in key impact areas, Polymer Shin Guard, Features lateral side vent for airflow
Cons: A little costly
Dainese Fulcrum C2 Gore-Tex Boots
️Pros: Waterproof & breathable, CE certified, Thick cowhide leather, Non-slip sole
Cons: Not suitable for warm weather
Best Cruiser & Harley Motorcycle Boots Review
Cruiser & Harley Motorcycle boots are different from both Racing and Off-Road Motorcycle boots. First of all, cruiser boots are designed to provide more comfort to the rider while cruising around. These boots most likely come in a thick leather material to provide natural protection against abrasions. Unlike motocross boots, cruiser and Harley boots have thin soles to provide a better grip to shift gears. Plus, cruiser boots are designed to look like work shoes and that is why most Harley shoes are ankle-length.
The only downside with cruiser riding boots is the crash protection. These boots don’t provide protection to your knees and legs like long boots but give you a strong grip on your ride. If you go to the office regularly on your Harley Davidson bike, then cruiser motorcycle boots will be suitable for you.
Harley-Davidson Scout Boots Review
The Harley-Davidson Scout Boots are officially licensed Harley-Davidson motorcycle riding boots that not only are excellent for riding but also for walking. Scout motorcycle riding boots are very popular among young motorcyclists, for its harness and rugged appearance that attract modern motorcyclists very much.
They come with a Harley-Davidson bar, shield, and a harness strap that is securely attached to an O-shape ring; a design that definitely attracts the attention of other riders. The harness strap will make you feel the presence of dark calfskin under 8-inches of a coordinating cowhide shaft. For a snug fit, the boots have a YKK Locking inside zipper, so you have the optimal fit when riding. The boots are available in two different colors – brown and black.
So, if it comes to style and comfort, I think Harley Davidson boots are very stylish given its rugged appearance and provides an optimal fit that is very rare to see in such boots. Well, that’s it for comfort and style.
Are Harley-Davidson Scout harness boots capable of providing protection from impacts, abrasion, and debris along the road?
Well, yes, they certainly are! First off, I couldn’t believe it! But later, I was surprised to see that Harley-Davidson Scout boots are not only lightweight when riding and walking but are also quite capable to wear as safety boots while riding.
The boots are made of premium full-grain leather that not only protects you from debris on the road but also provides protection against impacts caused by a motorcycle crash. The boots are equipped with a tough rubber outsole with oil-, abrasion-, and slip-resistant properties.
As we said earlier, the boots are good for walking as well. The slip-resistant, rubber outsole won’t let you slip and harm yourself from abrasion in case of a fall. The durability of the Harley-Davidson harness boots can be seen in its welted outsole. The company used the oldest method of construction to make it more durable and uncompromisingly dependable than any other harness boots available on the market.
TCX Fuel WP Boots Review
The TCX Fuel Waterproof boots are engineered for those cruiser riders that have a classic taste and appreciate the vintage leather look more than anything else.
Similar to the locomotive engineer boots that are designed with a single piece of leather on the forefoot with minimal exposure that seems to protect the engineer’s feet from rogue hot coals, the TCX WP boots are handsomely designed for the benefit of motorcyclists.
Taking this into consideration, TCX constructed the Fuel Waterproof boots with a top-quality full-grain leather upper along with a waterproof lining to repel water, debris, dust, and any sort of weather that comes your way.
The “full-grain” leather that TCX uses in Fuel WP boots is a natural material that offers great comfort and protection against atmospheric agents. This full-grain leather is the output of the most valuable leather obtained through tanning techniques; therefore, an excellent concentration of protection, comfort, performance, resistance, and vintage looks that will suit you perfectly when riding your Harley Davidson.
Thank you TCX, who spent years in the pursuit of advanced protection along with the utmost comfort. The hard work finally paid off and the company became the first to launch to the motorcycle boots market certified with EN13634 regulations. The Fuel Waterproof Boots are the output of TCX’s hard work to pass the rigorous certification tests and comply with the new standards of safety.
Best Cruiser & Harley Motorcycle Boots – Our Top Picks
Harley-Davidson Scout Boots
️Pros: Harness straps, YKK Locking inside zipper, Premium full grain leather, Oil- abrasion- and slip-resistant
Cons: The leather could be thicker
TCX Fuel WP Boots
️Pros: Full grain leather upper, Waterproof lining, Certified to EN13634 regulation
Cons: Not suitable for track riding
Harley-Davidson Elson Logger Boots
️Pros: 100% Pure Full Grain Leather, Waterproof, Breathable
Cons: No Protection to legs muscles & bones
Harley-Davidson Beau Boots
️Pros: Leather constructed, Synthetic Sole, Suitable for walking
Cons: No protection to legs muscles & bones
Harley-Davidson Sandfield Boots
️Pros: 100% Pure Full Grain Leather, Highly durable, Lightweight, Suitable for walking
Cons: Sizing is a little too narrow
Best Casual & Commuting Motorcycle Boots Review
Casual and commuting riding boots are the most common type of motorcycle boots that we use on a daily basis. People who go to work, college, or some other place in urban area use the standard street commuting riding boots. These boots are less rigid than motocross or racing boots. Additional protection is not required in commuting boots. These are specially designed to easily walk around in and to provide weather protection. Street boots are shorter and more comfortable when compared to racing and cruiser boots. These have a good ventilation system to provide maximum airflow to your feet and a waterproof seal that keeps you dry while riding. Street motorcycle boots come in different variations and styles because of their extreme usage.
Many big brands are manufacturing casual street shoes with comfortable walking properties and stylish looks so that you can wear those shoes anywhere.
Alpinestars SMX-1 R Boots Review
One thing I learned is that many riders hate to wear tall riding boots in the summer. It is difficult to get proper airflow while wearing tall racing boots. Most motorcyclists avoid wearing motorcycle boots while riding during the summer. To them, it is not easy to have different boots for different seasons.
But, then again, you also don’t want to wear tennis shoes while riding a sports bike, do you?
In such a case, you need something that is not as tall as the Pro racing boots but provides the same level of protection whether you are on a track or a street without compromising other necessities, such as protection, ventilation, and flexibility.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many shoes or boots available that can offer such capabilities. Even if there were, they wouldn’t be easy to find. But, fortunately for you, we’ve already found something that is specifically designed to bridge the gap at an affordable price.
The one we’re talking about here is none other than the Alpinestars SMX-1 R motorcycle riding boots. The boots are very lightweight, durable, and incorporates a highly abrasion-resistant microfiber with the combination of strategically positioned TPU protectors.
Alpinestars SMX-1 R boots are CE Cat 2 Certified to 89/686/ECC EU Directive. This means it went through a rigorous test in order to provide enhanced protection and comfort to the rider while riding a motorcycle. Alpinestars used the all-new TPR medial and lateral side protection which provides excellent protection to the rider along with an abrasion-resistant property. The perforated medial, lateral, and toe panels offer excellent ventilation as well.
The Alpinestars SMX-1 R boots are so lightweight that you won’t feel any heaviness that is common among many other street motorcycle boots. In fact, it has Alpinestars exclusive compound rubber sole with a grip pattering uniquely designed to provide an improved feel, grip durability, and water dispersion.
Although racing boots are not intended for walking when you are off the bike, please feel free to do so with the Alpinestars SMX-1 R boots because Alpinestars incorporates an Instep and Achilles’ accordion flex zones from lightweight microfiber for enhanced durability and comfort that you will feel even when you are not on the bike.
If we talk about the comfort level, the Alpinestars SMX-1 R boots have an internal mesh lining with a moisture-wicking property that dissipates the sweat and allows cool air to pass inside the boots.
Since you will be riding on the street, you probably don’t want an improper fit while riding. To ensure an optimal fit, the boots are equipped with a Front Velcro closure system that offers a quick and secure fit over the instep area of the feet.
Apart from this, there are plenty of other features you don’t want to miss.
- Medial zip closure to conveniently put on and take off the shoes.
- Double density ankle protector.
- Integrated, replaceable bi-injected TPU forefoot slider
- Durable TPR shift pad and much more.
TCX Street Ace WP Shoes Review
At first look, you may not find the TCX Street Ace Waterproof Shoes worthy of having so much protection and comfort that all motorcycle boots should have. But, trust me, looks can be deceiving!
The same thing can be said for the TCX Street Ace WP boots, which may look very casual but these are boots that can do a lot more than just coordinate with your jeans. For starters, they are constructed from full-grain leather that covers the upper area of the Street Ace WP boots with a combination of the waterproof lining.
The combination that TCX Street Ace WP boots offer is protection against abrasion and harsh weather at the same time. With the full-grain leather, you will have the added protection of leather for your feet in case of a crash and a waterproof lining to ensure you get a tight seal when riding in the rain.
Haters are going to hate, but the reason we said that the boots are deceiving is that the TCX Street Ace WP boots incorporate a CFS Comfort Fit System for a better fit and long-lasting comfort for your daily commute or long countryside ride.
Instead of VELCRO, the shoes incorporate the lacing system so that you customize your fit as per your requirement.
Apart from this, the TCX Street Ace WP boots offer an Anatomic and replaceable sole, which, by the way, is a high wear-resistant rubber sole that makes it perfect for a walk around when you are off the bike. This high wear-resistant rubber sole also provides a strong grip on the footrests.
Best Casual & Commuting Motorcycle Boots – Our Top Picks
Alpinestars SMX-1 R Boots
️Pros: Highly abrasion resistant microfiber, Strategically positioned TPU protectors, CE certified, All new TPR medial
Cons: Not much protection to calves
TCX Street Ace WP Boots
️Pros: CFS Comfort Fit System, High wear-resistant rubber sole, Lace system, Full grain leather
Cons: –
Alpinestars Faster 3 Shoes
️Pros: Microfiber material on top, Lightweight rubber sole, Abrasion Protection
Cons: Low Impact Protection
Things to Consider Before Buying Motorcycle Boots
What Is Your Riding Type?
This is the simplest and equally important question that you should ask yourself before you purchase any riding boots. Like helmets and jackets, you must figure out the type of riding you do. Because there are different types of boots available on the market whose purpose and functionality are different at certain levels.
For example, if you own a cruiser bike and mistakenly bought sports boots, then they won’t give you the comfort and weather protection that you require while cruising. So, you better know the type of boots you require when riding.
How Often Do You Ride?
Where do you ride most often?
What season do you ride the most?
Or, how often do you ride?
These are also important questions to ask yourself. In fact, these questions are related to the type of riding you do. You must know where you ride most often, in which season you ride the most, and how often you ride.
Because weather protection is also a key factor while riding a motorcycle. If you live in the northern areas where you need protection from cold winds, then you need boots that give you an airtight seal for your feet and are comfortable to ride in freezing cold weather. Similarly, if you are riding in the rainy season, you must have waterproof boots that also keep your feet dry to ride comfortably.
So, don’t forget to ask yourself these three questions before purchasing motorcycle riding boots.
Things to Consider When Buying Motorcycle Boots
Choose the Right Size
While searching for motorcycle boots, you must check the perfect size for your feet. Size is the first priority in selecting the right motorcycle riding boots; otherwise, you will feel discomfort whenever you wear them. So, make sure the boots are not too small or too large. To ensure the right fit you can check the fit while sitting on a chair or walk around in the shoes. But if you don’t know the exact size, you can do a measurement of your feet and check the online charts to figure out the right size.
But I would also suggest that you carefully look at the size chart because the UK and US sizes are different.
Choose the Right Material
Now you know the right size, so let’s consider the type of material used in the riding boots. Boots are made of different types of materials that come with different functionalities. On top of that, it is material that decides the comfort and protection level for your feet. So, let’s take a look at common materials used in making motorcycle riding boots.
Leather – Leather is the most popular material used for motorcycle boots. And not just that, leather is also used in other protective riding gear like jackets, pants, and gloves. But, to identify the top-class leather among all brands is not that easy. Anyway, you have to make sure the leather used in motorcycle boots is thick and has a full-grain pattern because genuine, thick leather can give you the ultimate protection for your feet and legs in case of a crash and protect you from cold winds, rain, and excessive heat. Leather is also highly known for providing a waterproof seal and protection against cold weather.
Nowadays, many new manufacturers use fake leather to keep the price low. But such leather riding boots are not even worth paying a low price.
Kevlar – Modern motorcycle boots are quite different from the classic leather boots. Such riding boots feature Kevlar protection to keep you safe in case of a crash. These boots are made with modern light fabrics with metal insert padding and plastic plates for impact protection and safety from abrasions. These Kevlar boots play a major role in sports riding and racing tournaments where professional racers need both comfort and protection.
Gore-Tex – Gore-Tex is a breathable waterproof membrane that also provides maximum airflow for your feet while riding. This modern, lightweight, and long-lasting material is suitable to wear in warm weather when you need air circulation. Gore-Tex motorcycle boots have a moisture-wicking property that will keep you dry.
Thermal Plastic polyurethane – This is a modern plastic used for motorcycle boots, which are highly recognized for providing abrasion resistance and protection from cold winds during the winter season.
Choose Your Style & Design
Style and the overall design also play a major role in choosing the best motorcycle boots. Because if you go to work every day and sit in a square cubicle as an office, you won’t need the long armor boots to wear all day. Instead, you will need something classic and cool that will protect you during your ride and keep you comfortable in the office. To choose the right style, you need to consider the height, width, and tread design of the boots. For example, long Kevlar boots may give you ultimate protection for the bones and muscles of your legs while racing but you can’t be in them while working on a computer. Similarly, if your job includes team handling while standing all day, you must consider the heel height also. Because heels may seem good for resting your foot on each peg without any worries of slipping off but you can’t comfortably stand and walk in those high heels all day.
So, basically, you also give some thought to the type of work you do and where you spend your time. Otherwise, you may feel embarrassed walking around in front of people in long Kevlar material boots.
Just give some thought to the overall design and style of the boots.
Oh, I forgot. One more thing. Closure type. Give some preference to the type of closure that comes with the boots you choose. Are you comfortable with laces, buckles, or snaps?
Crash & Weather Protection
As we know, motorcycle boots are part of the riding gear that we wear while riding a motorcycle. So, it is important that the boots give you protection on the road while riding. There are two types of protection that we feel are equally important. First is, Crash Protection. We all need safety while riding on a road in case of a crash accident. So, make sure the boots you choose have a high protection level and provide abrasion resistance.
Second is Weather Protection. I won’t say that weather protection is more important than crash protection. But it is as equally important as crash protection, especially if you ride in the UK or Canada. It would be good if the boots you chose offer weather protection, such as a waterproof seal, air circulation in warm weather, and a tight wind-seal in cold weather. Weather protection will let you ride for a long time and keep you comfortable during that time.
What Is Your Budget?
You must be wondering, why we decided to talk about the budget last?
However, most of us think about the budget first. Well, I won’t say you are wrong. But, think about it. As I said earlier, there are many motorcycle riding boots available on the market that are available at a cheap price but the truth is, “You are buying a cheap boot, which has nothing special about it.”
Because, when a company or a boot manufacturer design boots, they use the best quality materials in them. These high-quality materials keep you safe on the road and provide you with the protection you need to save your feet and legs. You can’t compromise on the protection. Plus, these high-quality boots also offer weather protection, waterproof seal, and air circulation, which keeps you dry and comfortable all day.
The point is, boots play a major role in your motorcycle riding, just like safety helmets and jackets do. So, if you are spending on helmets and jackets then you should realize the importance of boots and give the same preference to these also.
Conclusion
By now, I am sure you must understand the importance of motorcycle boots and how you can find the best boots available on the market. Boots are also an important piece of motorcycle riding gear, which we all must wear while riding. There is a reason why many big companies put a lot of effort into the manufacturing and designing highest-quality boots. All because, we can safely ride on the road or off-road and if anything happens to us, it prevents severe injury.
So, all you have to do is follow these steps and figure out the type of boots you require. Once you figure this out, you can even choose from our list of the best motorcycle boots of 2024. Here, we have reviewed all the different types of motorcycle boots. Nevertheless, it’s entirely up to you. Just make sure, you don’t compromise the quality for the price.
Bear says
Merrel Mens Moab 2 tactical boot: $150 and it’s not a “motorcycle boot” but works well as one. Waterproof and tough.
Clay says
Good write up. One thing. Under your paragraph on “leather”, you say > ” make sure the leather used in motorcycle boots is thick and has a full-grain pattern because genuine, thick leather can give you the ultimate protection for your feet “…. Well people need to know that “GENUINE” leather is actually the poorest part of the hide used to make any leather product. GENUINE leather is what is left over after they cut off the TOP GRAIN for the good products. FULL GRAIN is best. Also, FULL GRAIN also is NOT a pattern per se, but a thick, prime cut of all layers of the hide. GENUINE can be scrap pieces actually. :-)
TopMoto.com says
Thank you for your great and informative comment Clay! We really appreciate it.
Brooke Wright says
Thank you very much, great collection!