Fox Racing Instinct Boots
AXO Drone Boots
Alpinestars Men's Tech 10 Motocross Boot
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When it comes to key pieces of equipment for motocross and dirt bike riding, a solid pair of boots is one of the most important investments any rider can make. Remember that your feet are one of the key contact points to your bike, so if your boots aren’t comfortable, neither will your ride be.
At the same time, your lower legs can take more damage from low lying debris – dirt mounds, stones, stick and undergrowth – that any other part of your body. So your boots also need to have the strength to stand up to this abuse whilst also protecting you from harm.
That is all asking for a lot from a simple pair of boots! In this guide then, we’ve taken a deep dive investigation into some of the best motocross boots on the market right now, and at a wide range of price points too.
The Best Motocross Boots
1
Fox Racing Instinct Boots
These are a top boot from Fox Racing, a company known for producing high-quality motocross gear. They come up to the mid shin and have four large buckles evenly spaced throughout the boot.
You’ll love that there’s no break-in period with these boots. They’re comfortable and ready to use right out of the box. The hinge design of the boot provides you with lateral support through the ankle. You’ll also experience better brake control and smoother shifting thanks to the low-ride chassis.
Hinge and buckle system
Slim medial design
Low-ride chassis
Three color options: black, orange, and yellow
- BrandFox Racing
- ModelFox Racing 2020 Instinct Boots
- Weight8.9 pounds
No break-in required
Hinge provides lateral support
Better control of the rear brake
Straps break easily
Soles can unglue
Not enough Achilles tendon protection
2
AXO Drone Boots
This entry from AXO is a quality boot. It’s tailored for comfort and has design points like extra-long instep panels. These panels help the boot fit a wider range of calf sizes, making this an ideal boot for anyone who has struggled with calf and lower leg discomfort in dirt bike boots.
The toe box is also a little bigger than average for extra comfort. A tapered vinyl and foam gaiter wrap at the boot top is useful for keeping dirt and dust out. A steel shank adds stability and comfort, and it is good to see the sole is attached via welted construction, a tried and tested construction method.
Instep Panels for Comfort
Vinyl Foam Wrapped Gaiter
Replaceable Buckles
- BrandAXO
- Model11000-05-090
- Weight8.16 pounds
3
Alpinestars Men’s Tech 10 Motocross Boots
These Tech 10 boots from Alpinestars have some of the most advanced comfort and safety features on the market, including a Frontal Flex Frame, asymmetrical dual-pivot arms, and dynamic heel compression. The buckles are made of a cold-forged aluminum for easier use and increased durability.
These top-of-the-line boots are an improvement over previous generations. They’re slimmer and more durable thanks to state of the art polymers and materials. You’ll also find them to be extremely comfortable.
Frontal flexion control frame
Asymmetrical dual-pivot arms
Dynamic heel compression protection shock absorber
Cold-forged aluminum buckles
- BrandAlpinestars
- ModelTech 10
- Weight9.99 pounds
Slimmer
More comfortable
More durable
Narrow footbed
Not meant for beginner or casual riders
Can feel stiff
4
Gaerne Balance Pro-Tech Boots
Gaerne is the manufacture of the next MX boots to make our list. This company has a strong reputation for producing high-end boots that command a lot of respect in the motocross riding community. But they also come with big price tags.
This entry is a mid-range model with a mid-range price tag. That means that you are getting Gaerne quality build and construction but in a boot that doesn’t quite bring the same level of features as a top-of-the-line model. This is a lighter style of boot that supplies slightly lower levels of protection – there is no metal toe box, for example.
All Leather Construction
Easily Replaced Buckles
Gum Rubber Sole
- BrandGaerne
- ModelGaerne Balance Pro-Tech Boots
- Weight7.4 pounds
5
Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro Boots
Anyone looking for a quality pair of motocross boots knows that investing in a pair of Alpinestars boots is an investment in quality. That tradition is very well guarded with this excellent pair of boots, the Tech 7 Enduro.
They are packed out with high quality features. There is, for example, the ergonomic multiple buckle system. This allows for a secure but also highly personalized closure for boots that fit well and comfortably. They are built of aluminum as an added nod to quality and durability.
Ergonomic Buckle System
Innovative Ankle Protection
Flex Zones for Excellent Bike Control
- BrandAlpinestars
- ModelTech 7
- Weight10 pounds
6
FORMA Adventure Off Road Motorcycle Boots
One of the big stand-out features of this boot has to be its looks. This really is a fine looking boot that really leans into its outdoor adventure styling. Some people prefer a sportier appearance, but if you lean more toward a cross country, outdoor adventure look there are few finer examples.
Looks aren’t everything of course, but luckily FORMA backs them up with a wealth of features. It features an oil treated full leather construction that creates a boot that is as tough and durable as it looks. This tough outer layer is backed up by quality injection molded plastic protection.
Oil Treated Leather Construction
Injection Molded Plastic Protection
Waterproof Lining
- BrandFORMA
- ModelFoadbr45
- Weight6.5 pounds
7
Sidi Crossfire 2 Boots
As is only befitting of such a top-of-the-range model there are a host of very impressive features on this set of excellent motocross boots.
Every bolt on every component, from the buckles to the soles, is designed to be easily replaced. That is a very impressive feature and not one that we see on too many models. There is a calf plate system that expands to allow a comfortable fit to accommodate even the largest leg circumference.
Available in 18 Colors / Designs
Hinged System for No Break In Time
Excellent Gripping Sole
- BrandSidi
- ModelCrossfire
- Weight8.82 pounds
8
Gaerne Men’s SG-12 Motocross Boots
These boots from Gaerne are very protective and have several features that improve their functionality and comfort. They have a thermoplastic shin plate, dual-stage pivot system, rubber grip guard, and four lightweight alloy buckles.
The memory foam cell cushioning system will give you a more comfortable fit. The slim toe box hugs your feet to provide you little wiggle room and increased support. These boots are durable and can withstand a lot of abuse.
Dual stage pivot system
Thermoplastic shin plate
Rubber grip guard
Four lightweight alloy buckles
- BrandGaerne
- ModelSG-12
- Weight11 pounds
Memory cell foam
Slim toe box
Durable
Can feel bulky
Not very stylish
May need to size up
9
O’Neal Women’s New Logo Rider Boot
These plastic-molded boots from O’Neal have protective plates on the shin. They also have a metal shank to provide additional support and stability. There are four snap-lock adjustable buckles.
These boots and buckles are easy to operate and adjust for a custom fit. The generous heel support makes them comfortable and supportive. There’s also cushioning in the insole to increase long-term comfort.
Injection molded plastic plates
Metal shank
Snap-lock adjustable four buckle closure system
Air mesh interior
- BrandO’Neal
- Model0325-708
- Weight6 pounds
Easy to operate
Generous heel support
Cushioned Insole
Feel heavy
Not very protective
Men’s boot sizing feel
10
O’Neal Element Boots
O’Neal is back with another very well-designed boot with a price tag that puts it toward the entry-level end of the market. Despite that, this is still a very good all-around boot, perfect for riders of different experience levels.
In truth, there isn’t a single stand-out feature. Instead, this boot contains a number of excellent design points that work in harmony. There is, for example, the bonded sole. This is just one example of the overall durable construction of this boot, which also includes a metal shank inserted through that sole for added strength.
Very Durable Construction
Adjustable 4 Strap Construction
Injection Molded Plastic Protection Plates
- BrandO’Neal
- Model0322-111
- Weight7 pounds
Best Motocross Boots Buying Guide & FAQ
In our buying guide, we’ll take you through the features that you should keep an eye out for when picking out the best motocross boots for you. After that, we’ll take a look at how best to use your new boots and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about these extremely useful pieces of kit.
What to Consider When Buying Motocross Boots
- Replaceable Buckles
Motocross boots take a lot of punishment, and the buckles, by their very nature, can be a weak point. Designs that come with buckles that are to replace are always good to see, allowing you to make fast and easy repairs to these key but vulnerable components.
- Protection
It is the protection that makes motocross boots stand out from other types of boots and shoes. Look for injection molded plastic shin guards and also look for toe boxes. Those two areas will often bear the brunt of impacts with debris when you are riding, so you want as much protection there as you can.
- Clasps
The clasps are one of the most important but also at the same one of the most underrated elements of the boot. Look for replaceable buckles, as we stated above. But also look for clasp systems that are well designed to both provide a secure fitting, holding the boot to your foot, but that are also easy to adjust for a comfortable fit.
- Rubber Soles
The soles of the boots are very important too. They provide the connection between you and the bike, one of the most important connection points between you and the bike after the handlebars. Good boots will use rubber or rubber compounds in the soles. This material is nice and tacky to provide good grip on the bike.
- Price
We have boots on our list starting at 100 bucks and going all the way up to 400 or more. Of course, boots with a higher price tag generally have more features in their design. That said, you can still get quality boots for an entry level price, so set your budget and stick to it!
Benefits of Using Motocross Boots
To us there are a number of real benefits to wearing motocross boots. In fact, we would go so far as to strongly suggest that you should never really ride your bike without wearing your boots, even just for short distances!
- Protection
Probably the number one benefit of wearing dedicated motocross boots is the protection they provide. We don’t need to tell you that Motocross can be a dangerous sport, so it’s great that the best motocross boots are able to negate that danger by providing the right levels of protection exactly where you need it.
- Grip/Control
Your feet – along with your hands on the handlebars – provide one of the two contact points between you and your bike. A quality set of boots, with an excellent sole, makes it easier to grip and control your bike.
Different Materials used in Motocross Boots
- Plastic
Mainly used in shielding to protect from impacts. Plastic is lightweight but strong, making it ideal for the task.
- Leather
A time honored and time tested material for motocross boots. It is tough, strong, durable and long lasting.
- Synthetic Leather
Brings a lot of the benefits of leather whilst also keeping the weight and prices a little lower. Most enthusiasts will insist it is not quite able to provide the same level of performance as the real thing, but these days as production methods modernize, synthetic leather is starting to give the real thing a run for its money.
- Aluminum
You won’t find a huge amount of metal in motocross boots. Where it is present, look for aluminum. This metal delivers excellent strength without raising the boot weight too much.
- Rubber
Quality boots will usually use rubber in the soles. It is strong and long lasting, whilst also allowing for easy grip and good hold on the bike. That is especially important when riding rough off road courses and changing gear.
How to Measure Your Boot Size
Motocross boots generally follow the same sizing charts as normal shoes. One thing to bear in mind however is that they need to fit over your calves, and they also need to cover any padding your are wearing along with your socks and trouser bottoms.
Typically for that reason it is recommended that you buy boots around 1 or 1 and ½ times bigger than the normal size of shoe that you wear. So if for example you typically wear a size 10, when you are looking at Motocross boots it could be a good idea to buy a pair that is sized 11 or even 11 ½.
It is better to buy slightly bigger, and pad out the difference with extra thick motocross socks, rather than try to cram your feet into boots that are too small.
Best Motocross Boots FAQ:
Q: What are Motocross Boots?
A: Motocross boots are boots designed to be worn when riding motocross or off-road bikes. Who saw that coming huh?
What it means is that they are boots that provide an excellent mixture of comfort and protection. They will also usually have specialist soles too, usually of rubber or a compound rubber. That will help you keep your feet planted on your bike when you are riding, even during rough off road riding.
Q: Are Motocross Boots Waterproof?
A: Often they will be, though you can’t assume they are. Where possible, we highlighted which boots are totally waterproof in our list above. Aside from that, these boots will often provide good initial protection from water and mud. The moisture can eventually work its way in though.
Q: How do I maintain my Motocross boots?
A: Keep them dry and keep them clean!
After every ride, you should allow the boots to dry out before putting them away into storage. Don’t do this by placing them near a fire or another direct heat source though as this can damage the leather.
Clean the outside with soapy water regularly. If leather is used in the construction, use a leather cleaner/conditioner to keep it supple and looking good.
Our Top Pick
We awarded the Top Pick to the Fox Racing Instinct Boots. These boots are from a company known for producing high-quality motocross gear. They’re comfortable and ready to use right out of the box. You get a lot of support as well as better brake control. Riders of all levels can benefit from these boots..
Sources:
- Motocross - Red Bull
- Beginner’s Guide to Motocross - AMA
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