The Best Motorcycle Boots (Review & Buying Guide) in 2021

Trying to pick out the perfect pair of motorcycle riding boots isn’t easy. You have a lot of choices — and every pair offers something different, something special. From highly protective boots to versatile boots that suit motorcycles, motocross, and other heavy-duty use, to stylish leather motorcycle boots, there’s a pair for every possible need. 

If you’re wondering which pair of motorcycle boots is the best of the best, you’ll want to take a look at our buying guide and FAQ. We’ll help you consider and compare your options and find the right boots for every adventure.

What To Look For In Motorcycle Boots

Type of Riding You’ll Be Doing

When you’re choosing motorcycle boots, consider what type of rider you are. Are you a sports or street biker who rides primarily on the highway? You’ll most likely want motorcycle boots that are suitable for streetwear, such as military or harness style options here. A pair of full grain leather boots can also be a great choice. 

Are you an off-road, dirt bike, or trail rider? You’ll need a pair of heavy-duty boots with added protection, such as the O’Neal 0325-111 Rider Boots, which are specifically designed for ATV, track, or trail conditions. You can also consider motorcycle boots that are slip-resistant or built to protect your feet even under the toughest, most challenging conditions. 

You should also consider the types of weather conditions you usually ride in — are you a fair weather rider or an all-weather rider? If it’s the latter, you might prefer waterproof motorcycle boots or longer boots that offer more leg coverage. Side zip boots with taller shafts can do the trick. You can also consider warmer boots with winter-weather perks like faux fur lining or extra layers of material so you stay cozy in any wind, rain, or inclement weather.

Level of Protection

Some styles of biker boots offer more protection than others. Generally speaking, calf-high styles will offer you more protection from dirt and debris than ankle boots. Some specialized motorcycle boots have additional protection thanks to features like plastic plating, reinforced toes, and heat shields, all of which can better protect your lower legs in harsh conditions or an accident. Heavy-duty boots can also offer impact protection or additional safety benefits you might not think about, like oil and slip resistant soles. A trendy, faux-leather boot that is designed with fashion, not motorcycle riding, in mind, is likely to offer less support and protection than a specific motorcycle boot. You should also look for a high-grip outsole, like soles made with Goodyear welt material, to help prevent slips and falls whilst wearing your moto boots.

Construction of Boot

The construction of the boots is important, as it directly influences how hard-wearing they are, and how long they are likely to last – after all, the best motorcycle boots on Earth are no good if you have to replace them after every wear. A common complaint with motorcycle boots is that the sole starts to come away from the boot over time – this is particularly common with cheaper boots. You should look for boots that have a Goodyear welt construction, or similar, which is specifically designed to make the boots and soles more durable and hard-wearing. Also, consider the material the boots are made from – are they full-grain leather, or faux leather? – and the design of the boot – are they pull-on, or do they have a zip fastening? Which would you prefer?

Comfort and Duration

Comfort in shoes is always important, but it becomes more so the longer you wear them. If you’re likely to only be wearing your motorcycle boots for short rides, or track events, you will probably be fine with the lightly padded sole of most boots on the market. If, however, you will be wearing these motorcycle boots for extended rides, or if you want to be able to wear them to work too, then you’re going to need something you can wear all day without discomfort. This might mean you look for boots with a removable cushioned insole, additional ankle support or a lighter weight. Air mesh interior can also be a great benefit, as this offers extra breathability when you’re spending a lot of hours wearing your boots.

Price

Last but not least, you should of course also take into account the price you’re paying for your motorcycle boots. The cost of motorcycle boots can vary between anything from $30 to $300+. As a general rule, the cheapest boots are likely to be made from synthetic materials, and be less hard-wearing – but if you’re only an occasional, casual rider, they might be perfectly sufficient for your needs, and why pay more? On the other hand, if you’re a moderate to frequent rider, you want greater protection, or you’re looking for boots that will last you a few years, then it’s definitely worth investing a little more money for some durable, leather motorcycle boots that are less likely to need to be replaced after just a few rides – they’ll be more cost effective over time.

Motorcycle boots come in all sizes and shapes

Why You Should Use Motorcycle Boots

Just in case you’re still thinking about wearing your sneakers on your motorcycle, here are some reasons why you should DEFINITELY use motorcycle boots instead (aside from the fact that you will look infinitely more awesome and "biker-y," of course!)

Protect from Debris

It’s fairly obvious that motorcycle boots made from thick leather, possibly with steel or plastic reinforcement, are going to offer you much more protection than fabric sneakers from flying debris, etc. The higher leg of most motorcycle boots means your lower legs and ankles are also protected, not just your feet. Happy days!

Protect from Heat

Following on from the above, high leather motorcycle boots will protect your lower legs from the heat of the bike, with some specialized biker boots also featuring heat shields. Most exhaust pipe burns occur below the knee, and, according to a study by the Athens University Medical School, more than 65% of victims sustain second-degree burns — so it’s pretty clear that a high, reinforced boot is a good idea!

Keep Your Feet Warm

Whilst you want your feet to be protected from extreme heat, as any biker knows, keeping your toes warm whilst fighting cold weather and wind chill on a motorcycle can be challenging to say the least! Properly insulated motorcycle boots, particularly those with a padded sole and faux fur lining, such as the Bruno Marc New York Men’s Stone Motorcycle Combat Dress Oxford Snow Boots, will help protect your feet from frostbite on those less than balmy rides!

Keep Your Feet Dry

And whilst we’re on the subject of adverse weather conditions, wearing waterproof motorcycle boots — or at least, water-resistant boots made from durable materials will help keep your feet dry as you blast through puddles or try to beat the rain home. Because no one likes soggy socks and shriveled up toes, do they? On a more serious note, having dry feet (and being comfortable whilst riding in general) means you are less likely to be distracted — which can only be a good thing for your safety and the safety of those around you.

Good Grip

Most good motorcycle boots also feature a non-slip, high-traction sole, which prevents slips and gives you a good grip when mounting and dismounting the motorcycle, or in wet and rainy conditions. Some biker boots also feature oil-resistant soles, which can be particularly useful in a garage environment.

More Support

Again, the calf-height and stiff, supportive construction of most motorcycle boots means that your foot, ankle, and lower calf are better supported. Adequate ankle support is essential for you to be able to balance the weight of the bike when at a stop, and it will make you less likely to twist or break your foot or ankle in the event of an accident.

Safer in the Event of an Accident

Speaking of which, in the unfortunate event of an accident, which would you rather be wearing — tough leather motorcycle boots that cover your calves, or a flimsy pair of tennis shoes? We thought so. Of course, no footwear can offer you complete protection, but wearing decent motorcycle boots can reduce the severity of scrapes, bruises, and skinned shins compared to regular footwear. Sounds good to us!

Different Styles of Motorcycle Boots

There are many different styles of motorcycle boots, offering a variety of different looks and performances. Just within this list, there are: harness style motorcycle boots, which offer mid-to-high-calf coverage, are pull-on and are characterized by a harness strap over the ankle; military or combat style motorcycle boots, which feature laces and usually a side zip fastening; trail or dirt bike boots, which are calf-length, buckle-fastened and often reinforced with plastic plating; and Harley boots, which — although technically a brand - let’s face it, are a style in themselves!

Black motorcycle boots are stylish and effective

Best Motorcycle Boots FAQ:

Q:  Are all motorcycle boots waterproof?

No. In fact, none of the motorcycle boots listed here claim to be 100% waterproof. Most are water-resistant, which means they offer protection from splashes and light rain, but may not withstand a downpour. This is often due to areas around the zips or tongues, which can begin to leak water over time. You could always add a leather waterproofing treatment to your boots to increase your chances of keeping your feet dry in wet weather.

Q:  Will they have a steel toe?

No, not necessarily — none of the motorcycle boots on this list have a steel toe. Some have a toe plate designed to protect the sole of the shoe, but there are no full metal toes. The biking community is pretty split over steel toes. Some motorcyclists swear by the increased protection, whilst others don’t rate their inflexibility, and the lack of insulation, which inevitably leads to chilly toes. It’s completely up to you whether you want your motorcycle boots to have steel toes.

Q: What is the difference between motorcycle boots and regular ones?

Motorcycle boots will usually have additional features that are specifically designed to offer you more support and protection when motorcycle riding. These include, but are not limited to: a reinforced toe; a slip and oil-resistant outsole; a metal skank for support; heat shields; plastic plates for protection; a padded insole and air mesh for comfort and breathability. It’s important to note that there is no set industry standard for motorcycle boots, and specific biker boots may have all, some, or none of these features.

Q: What are the best motorcycle boots?

In our opinion, the Durango Men’s Harness Boot is one of the best choices in motorcycle riding boots. These boots have it all — they’re stylish, they offer comfort for motorcycle riding, and they can protect your feet. 

Q: What are the most comfortable motorcycle boots?

This depends on what level of comfort you’re looking for. It’s a good idea to check boots for specific features that can enhance your comfort, like full grain leather that’s soft and flexible, grippy soles like those made with Goodyear welt, breathable air mesh interiors, and cushioned heels and insoles. The better cushioned and protective a pair of boots are, the more likely it is they’ll offer great comfort.

Q: Do you really need motorcycle boots?

Motorcycle boots might seem simple, but they offer critically important protection for your feet. It’s no secret that riding a motorcycle can be dangerous — with their support, quality material, and impact-resistant or abrasion-resistant safety features, a good pair of boots can make a significant difference in an accident. It’s better to be safe than sorry and invest in a pair of riding boots you wear every time you get on your bike.

Q: What boots do bikers wear?

Bikers wear a lot of different boots. While there are popular brands that many bikers prefer, like Harley Davidson, Alpinestars, TCX, and O’Neal, every person has their own individual preference. Take a look at features like comfort, protection, and quality of materials to choose the best pair for yourself.

Our Top Pick

Our pick of the best motorcycle boots on the market is the Durango Men’s 11” Harness Boot. Made from thick, durable leather, the calf-high style offers protection from mud and debris, whilst the slip and oil-resistant sole will stop you from falling over when you’re trying to look cool standing beside your motorcycle — which, incidentally, will be much easier when you’re wearing these super-stylish motorcycle boots.

Sources:

1. How important are motorcycle boots? - How Stuff Works
2. 6 Reasons Motorcyclists Should Wear Protective Footwear - Safer America
3. Motorcycle Boots - Wikipedia