Best Motorcycle Boots Reviewed

If you have been wearing ordinary shoes while riding your motorcycle, then you need to reconsider your biking wardrobe.

Just as your motorcycle helmet can protect your head in case of an accident, proper motorcycle boots can ensure that your feet are protected.

These boots are often designed to withstand hard impacts and excessive friction, which are common in on-road motorcycle accidents.

That all being said, you aren’t likely to find proper motorcycle boots at your local shoe store. Instead, you’ll need to shop online or at your local biking supply story to find the very best motorcycle boots.

This guide should make it easier to get your motorcycling wardrobe in order by finally adding in a set of safety-certified motorcycle boots.

What Should I Look for When Buying Motorcycle Boots?

Type of Riding

Before investing in a pair of motorcycle boots, you should know that different types of these boots are made for different kinds of motorized cycling. For example, you’ve likely seen classic motorcycling boots that are made for casual riding and cruising. Also, there are boots made specifically for motocross and other forms of off-road racing. These boots tend to be more expensive but cannot be beaten when it comes to their durable construction and built-in protections.

Style

There are a bunch of different motorcycle boot styles to choose from when picking out your first pair. Many of these styles are based around the kind of biking you intend to do with those boots on. For example, you’d want to pick out touring boots if you want to cruise around for many hours on end or travel long distances via motorcycle. Meanwhile, you’d want to pick up some sport boots if you plan to engage in dirt bike or motocross racing.

Other motorcycle boots include:

Material & Durability

Durability is absolutely essential when picking out a new pair of motorcycle boots. You should be on the lookout for boots that use polyurethane and microfibers to create a boot that is both sturdy and comfortable. Along the same lines, you may want to pick out a boot with Gore-Tex components if you want a fully waterproof boot. A classic leather boot may also suffice, especially if it is oil-treated.

Boot & Heel Height

You may see this specification mentioned in some motorcycle boot listings. Essentially, it can tell you how high that boot’s heel stands off the ground. Typically, this height will only be tall enough to provide you with added impact support. Some models also use a wider heel to accomplish this same goal.

Comfort & Fit

You’re going to be wearing your motorcycle boots a lot, so it makes sense to pick out a model that provides outstanding comfort. Many modern motorcycle boots provide this to an exquisite degree, especially when it comes to cushioning in the tows and across the arch. Some models even make use of a custom footbed designed to conform to the unique shape of your foot over time.

Sole

Among other important factors to consider when checking a motorcycle boot’s construction, you should pay special attention to each boot's sole style. Most often, these will be made from some type of reinforced rubber. However, their tread types will vary a lot, making it important to compare models carefully. Some boots will even coat their soles with a unique material that prevents them from losing traction on oily surfaces.

Price & Warranty

It’s okay to feel a little intimidated by the price of a pair of motorcycle boots. But at the same time, you get what you pay for with this kind of boot. So, it’s important to make your choice of boots a strong, long-lasting investment. The inclusion of a warranty can make this a reality, especially if your chosen boots fail to meet your expectations.

1. Alpinestars Crutchlow Supertech R

I’ll come right out and say it – I believe that the Alpinestars Crutchlow Supertech Rs are the best motorcycle boots on the market today. In fact, I’d even go so far as to say these are some of the best motorcycle riding boots available right now to all kinds of motorcyclists. I think so highly of these boots because they’re the kind I wear each and every time I hop on my motorcycle. As such, I can vouch for their modest weight and superior comfort, even when I ride continuously for a couple of hours.

I’d be lying if I didn’t mention that my Alpinestars Crutchlow Supertech Rs had not protected me effectively on a couple of occasions. One such instance involved the polymer heel plate slider in these shoes, which were able to mitigate the shock of a sudden fall effectively. That same accident might have really messed up my ankle if not for the internal bio-mechanical ankle brace inside these boots. It prevented my foot from moving freely, thus giving me the support I needed to remain stable.

As I recall, I paid a premium for these boots when I purchased them online. You’ll likely need to pay just as much, but take my word when I say that these boots will exceed your expectations. From its reinforced toe to its microfiber tip, these are a pair of motorcycle boots that will never let you down.

2. HARLEY-DAVIDSON Stroman

The Harley Davidson brand is associated with some of the best and most iconic hogs on the road. As such, it would only make sense that they’d be responsible for the best Harley Davidson motorcycle boots on the market today. Those boots – the Harley Davidson Stroman – are a perfect mix between classic styling and modern innovation. This can be seen in this boot's upper, which is made from an ideal blend of 100% real leather and mesh to provide you with plenty of breathable protection on your rides.

As you might expect from a Harley product, the Harley Davidson Stromans are also designed to far outlast their competition. To that end, the aforementioned leather upper is coated in a special TecTuff abrasion-resistant coating. This prevents it from becoming damaged aesthetically, even if you put a lot of use into your biking boots. Along the same lines, the Goodyear welts on this boot’s rubber sole will ensure that you always have a firm grip on the ground – even if it is a little oily.

When it comes to closure, the Harley Davidson Stromans also have you covered. They use a set of YKK zippers to ensure that your boots always remain snug, even after thousands of wears out and about. Should you ever find these zippers tightening up over time, you’ll also be able to loosen them up to like-new condition with just a little lubricating oil.

3. Alpinestars Women's Stella Tech 3

Next up are the Alpinestars Women's Stella Tech 3s, which clearly win the award for best women's motorcycle boots. From the very beginning, Alpinestars designed these boots with the specific needs of women’s podiatric comfort in mind. For example, these boots make use of a contoured shin plate that can comfortably secure a woman’s ankle without adding pressure points. These boots also feature instep and Achilles accordion flex zones that provide unmatched levels of support and comfort for all wearers.

This model’s buckle closure system is also very noteworthy, not least because of its overall durability. These buckles are made up of fiberglass buckle arms and aluminum bridge closures, both of which are usually only implemented into professional-grade motorcycle boots. Despite their durability, these buckles open and close with ease while remaining fully secure on a road full of vibrations.

If you decide to wear these boots on a competitive racetrack, you’ll be pleased to know that they also feature an extended microfiber gaiter. This small flap can keep out dirt and moisture effectively, which adds to the overall water resistance of these boots in turn. Much of that waterproofing relies on these boots' compound rubber soles, which won’t ever leak while you ride through a small rain shower.

4. Gaerne Balance Oiled MX

Nothing is worse than having wet feet while you ride. If you ask me, it almost ruins the whole experience. Ideally, you’d be able to keep that kind of invasive rainwater out of your boots with the best waterproof motorcycle boots. If that kind of protection is what you’re looking for, you'll undoubtedly find it in the Gaerne Balance Oiled MX. These boots are coated in a particular type of oil that ensures its leather upper never absorbs a drop of unwanted moisture.

That leather, it should be said, is full-grain and sourced from Italy. In fact, all boots from this brand are made in Italy, which really shows in the craftsmanship throughout their design. This is certainly true of the gum rubber sole, which provides the perfect amount of sink and bounce while walking around. Meanwhile, while on your bike, these same soles will provide you with enough stability to ride comfortably for several hours.

Leather motorcycle boots have always been given a bad rap for their lack of breathability. The Gaerne Balance Oiled MXs are breaking from that reputation by providing you with a breathable internal membrane layer that wicks up moisture. That way, you can enjoy dry feet, regardless of how much moisture you are dealing with, both outside and inside of your boots.

5. Forma Unisex-Adult Adventure

Back before I switched to my current pair of motorcycle boots, I was in the market for the best adventure motorcycle boots I could find. Though I shopped around a lot, I ended finding that these Forma brand boots fit the bill the best. Their mid-height design was perfect for my stature without compromising any support or stability. Thanks to the nylon mid-sole and steel shank inside of these boots, I never once felt off-balance while wearing them on a practice ride.

In the long run, I ended up going with a different pair of boots. But if I had to pick out a backup pair for my current boots, these boots would be my top pick due to their impressive durability. To that end, these boots make full use of a double-density rubber sole that looked ready to take on the world.

In truth, I was also very impressed at the way these Forma boots mixed a classic exterior with a comfortable, modern interior. To be specific, the oiled leather exterior of these boots played perfectly with their Drytex waterproof interior. As a result, I didn’t feel my feet growing tired with these boots on – even after an extended testing session.

6. Durango Men’s DB594

I’m always one to gravitate to a trustworthy name when it comes to buying motorcycle equipment. As such, I am willing to check out Durango's latest offerings in the motorcycle shoe department. That being said, I’m always up for wearing one of their classic boot sets, such as the Durango Men’s DB594s. These boots are extra resilient against all kinds of water and debris while still maintaining their aesthetic appeal as full leather boots.

If I were to give these boots an award, I might place them as the best motorcycle riding boots with a harness. That’s because the harness built into these boots is plenty durable and centered around a metal ring device. I have seen some pairs of these boots use a cheaper quality ring recently, though, which is disappointing. Even so, I trust this brand to provide a reliable product whose internal metal hardware can withstand years of hard use on the road.

These Durango Men’s DB594s certainly do not cut corners when it comes to comfort. This can be seen in their flexible forepart, which cushions each step you take away from your motorcycle. In the same vein, the snoot toe box on these boots ensures that your toes never feel crowded during a long ride through the countryside.

7. Alpinestars Men's Tech 10

On the surface, you may just look at the Alpinestars Men's Tech 10s and see some of the best motorcycle trail riding boots on the market today. But in my opinion, these very same boots double as some of the best motocross boots that professional racers can easily afford. When I say afford, though, I don’t necessarily mean price (these boots cost around $600, after all). Rather, I mean to say that any committed motocross professional cannot afford to wear anything but these top tier boots.

That’s because these boots were built with cutting edge rider protection technologies through every stitch. This can be seen in the Alpinestars Men's Tech 10's Dynamic Heel Compression Protector, which can ergonomically compress in high-impact situations associated with crashes. At the same time, these boots utilize a double pivot system that completely eliminates the need for torsion bars of any kind.

The Alpinestars Men's Tech 10s are also as durable as you’d expect from a premium motorcycle boot. That includes their cold-forged aluminum buckles, which don’t add almost any weight to these boots at all. While I cannot say precisely how heavy these boots are, I can say that when I tried them on for the first time, I really felt like I was floating.

8. Alpinestars Toucan Gore-Tex

The Alpinestars Toucan are an appealing option from a brand I’ve relied on for years to provide me with the very best in motorcycling footwear. It appears that these trusted boot makers took a cue from their associates in the hiking boot industry because, like many of the best hiking boots, these Alpinestars Toucans are built with Gore-Tex. As such, they are super breathable in all weather conditions while also remaining fully water-resistant.

Of course, these Alpinestars Toucan also have many marks that they rely on tried-and-true brand-specific components. These include the TPU protection layer that covers the heel and toe box of these boots. It makes both of those spaces more rigid without compromising their comfort. The same can be said of the integrated soles on these boots, which are supportive and rigid without becoming rock hard over time.

That being said, many wearers of these boots have noted that they can be a bit rigid in the ankle area right out of the box. But, that’s nothing a bit of wear and tear can’t fix! All of that wear won’t compromise these boots at all, though, especially around its leather-coated toe box and heel house. Taken together, you can clearly see why a lot of riders see these as the best touring motorcycle boots.

9. Speed & Strength Black Nine

While I’m sure that you love riding your motorcycle as much as possible, we all know that you can’t bike everywhere, all the time. Sometimes, between rides, we all have to get a little walking in. To make that intermediate time easier, you’ll want to wear the best motorcycle boots for walking.

To my eyes, those would be the Speed & Strength Black Nines. These are some of the best casual motorcycle boots I’ve ever seen, not least because of their price and weight. All things considered, you could do a lot worse with a sub-$100 pair of motorcycle boots.

Price isn’t everything with these purpose-built kicks, though. The Speed & Strength Black Nines also have a lot of style that easily allows them to blend in with standard tennis shoes. To that end, these boots have a handsome leather upper that’s as durable as its full-sized boot competition. Their “under cover” lacing system also makes them look like other types of sporting shoes while remaining tight on your feet.

I can’t say I’ve bought many shoes from Speed & Strength in the past. But I may give them a hard look in the future because these Black Nines come with their own 1-year warranty. This may not be a long warranty, that I recognize. But at this point, I’ll take any warranty on my regular motorcycling boots!

10. Alpinestars Men's Sektor

Many motorcycle riders are dying to find a good pair of summer motorcycle boots when June and July roll around. When they come to ask me which pair I recommend, I usually point them to the Alpinestars Men's Sektors.

These boots weigh a meager 2.4 lbs., meaning that they are not bulky in the slightest. They also use a speed lacing system and ankle straps to ensure that you can have these shoes off your toasty feet in a matter of seconds.

Another reason summertime riders should take note of these boots is their unique ventilation system. To be precise, the Alpinestars Men's Sektors utilize 3D mesh inserts that allow air to flow freely into the shoe's interior while you ride or walk. These vents don’t let in moisture, though, just in case a summer show rains on your ride. These factors combined also make these shoes the best vented motorcycle boots on the market today.

Motorcycle Boot Size Guide

As with all shoes, a proper-fitting motorcycle boot will ensure that you are entirely comfortable on your feet, even as you ride on your motorcycle. However, getting the right motorcycle boot size comes with its challenges.

After all, the padding and support systems in these boots may cause you to need a different size from your ordinary shoe size. To learn about the process for checking your own motorcycle boot size, check out this video.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Are steel toe boots good for motorcycle riding?

Generally speaking, you should avoid steel toe boots when it comes to riding a motorcycle. These boots are often very sturdy, and they pose a risk to your toes in a crash situation. Specifically, if your boot were to become suddenly damaged, that steel tip could rapidly dig into your toes and cause a serious injury. Instead, you should often for a pair of purpose-built motorcycle boots with built-in toe box protections.

Are all motorcycle boots waterproof?

Not at all. But that even, so the majority of motorcycle boots that are worth their salt are waterproof. This can be accomplished either through a specific synthetic material construction (such as Gore-Tex) or the use of a special coating (such as oil on leather). In either case, you’ll want to pick up waterproof motorcycle boots so that your feet don’t become waterlogged in a sudden downpour.

How can I soften my motorcycle boots?

What are the leading brands of motorcycle boots?

There are lots of great motorcycle boot brands on the market today. Alpinestars is one of my personal favorites, given its extensive catalog of products and commitment to innovating their in-boot technology. Durango and Harley are two other worthwhile options that you’ll find at most good motorcycle equipment stores.

How long does it take to break in a new pair of motorcycle boots?

Where is the best place to buy men’s and women’s motorcycle boots?

Without a doubt, the best place to buy motorcycle boots is on Amazon. There, you can shop and compare the best models from top brands while also comparing prices among popular styles. Amazon’s prices are unbeatable, too, due to their decreased shipping rates.

Conclusion