Motorcycle Boot Reviews

Quality Motorcycle Boots,
Easy Step-In Protection!

How to Review Motorcycle Boots? MC boots - no rider should be without good boots. Boots improve safety, confidence and riding style.

This Boots Guide shows you how to select quality Boots; plus you will find links to motorcycle apparel discounts, boots motorcycle brands & motorcycle directories.

Motorcycle tour boots
A high design made from comfortable materials. Includes the basic protection shells, however not as many as on race boots.

They are commonly used off the bike as well. Of course they include extra features to avoid problems while riding (e.g. burning the sole on the exhaust or shoelaces around the gear shifter)


Motorcycle race boots
Often very technical boots with armour shells on impact areas. High design that can be tightly wrapped around the foot and calf. All features are to accommodate the rider while riding (but not off the bike). Mostly for race bikes and off road bikes.





Motorcycle shorty boots
A lighter version of the 'normal' boots. The upper design is shorter and often made of softer material. Generally such a boot contains fewer features than the previous two and is often used as a daily boot.






Motorcycle shoes
An alternative solution if you just don't feel like wearing boots. Such shoes are a great combination for on and off the bike. They have features for riding: shifter pad, waterproof material and a strong design.

Upper design
Select motorcycle boots that at least cover your ankles. This has two advantages (1) your ankle is protected (2) and your foot becomes stronger and thus better able to handle anything the bike wants to do (eg. tip over, slide away from you and onto your foot, burn your feet (engine)

It helps if the upper section has shell protection. The upper section can be reinforced at the front, the back, the heel, toes and ankle. On some boots you can adjust the shells for a perfect fit. Without a doubt such protection is the safest.


Foot design
Two things are important for a good foot design. (1) How well does the design grip the ankle and heel. (a good grip prevents heel from lifting and makes for a more comfortable ride). (2) Does the motorcycle boot have a shifter pad (the boot is going to be used a lot in this area) Yes, I know some bikes don't need this and have heel shift too.


Sole design
Grip! On and off the bike. Motorcycle boots should include a heel under the sole so you can rest it easily on the foot peg. On the road the motorcycle boot should give you great grip in mud, water, sand and oil.


Boot material
Most motorcycle boots are made of leather with reinforcements on all the essential places. The leather can be supplemented with newer materials like Gor-Tex (which increases the breathe ability).

A stiff rubber sole forms the basis for motorcycle boots. Shin, ankle, heels and calf are often protected by a carbon Kevlar material which protects the foot at the critical areas.


Motorcycle boots can get very high-tech, explaining all this would go beyond the purpose of this guide.


Opening & closing
Do your motorcycle boots use a step in system with Velcro or shoelaces. It doesn't matter as long as you don't have loose material hanging from your feet. You could get it caught on the shift lever or other places. Just check how your motorcycle boot handles this.


Ventilation
Apart from engine heat just wearing (big) motorcycle boots will heat up your feet. Does your boot have a ventilation system? Maybe something like Gore-tex which lets your feet breathe without letting water in. Good leather is known for its ability to breathe.


Water resistant
It is great to have water resistant motorcycle boots! It can just pour down, water can splash up against my feet... but I won't notice a thing. I highly recommend finding good water resistant motorcycle gear but especially boots.


Boot usability
Are you going to be using your motorcycle boots for other things. You might want all round boots which will easily let you go for a hike, take them out to town or walk around the office. Are you going to only wear them riding or all day? Think of this before you select.

There are a lot of boots which look good, are great to ride in and can be worn doing many other things. So take your time selecting the right pair.

What I am about to say doesn't work with every biker and bike type but still ... I have great experiences with finding good strong boots which fit all of the criteria above at more general shoe stores. I got a pair of strong black leather motorcycle boots which are great for riding in.

After a while all material starts to lose it's power. It becomes dirty, stinky and less effective. So you decide to give it a wash (like a new start)! Oops.. often you are much worse off. The material looks good again but isn't waterproof & effective anymore. A cheap and effective solution is NikWax - you can get it at outdoor shops.

I myself need a strong sole because I test the road conditions with it. It gives me a better feeling while I ride. A soft sole wouldn't last so long doing this :o)

Check how flexible the boots are. You want to avoid or prevent hyperextension / flexion / inversion of the ankle, get a pair of strong boots.

On lighter boots check if it's sturdy enough to resist flapping in the wind and has a good seal around your leg (especially if worn on the outside of your pants).

1. Decide on the combination of safety, comfort & style you want.
2. Look for good ankle/heel grip and a strong protective material.
3. Try out mc boots as you try other shoes.
   (don't forget ankle protection and the riding position is different)
4. Refer to fitting guide from the manufacturer

A few selection pointers. (doesn't apply for every type of boots):
(1) strong toe protection / shifter pad - (2) good ankle / heel grip & protection - (3) anti slip sole / stiff sole - (4) ankle protection - (5) strong waterproof material / flexible - (6) extra padding if wanted - (7) easy step in - (*) strong zippers / closers