Best Motorcycle Boots: Be Stylish and Protected on Your Next Ride

I want to spare you the foot, leg, and back pain of buying the wrong pair of boots. I bought touring boots with a toe box so thick I couldn’t fit it under the shifter. Then there were the ankle sport boots with weak stitching that literally came apart while I was riding at a speed faster than I’m willing to admit on record. However, I also bought a pair of Icon Elsinores that I am still in love with after years of ownership. I want you to find the perfect pair of motorcycle boots without stumbling around in the dark as I did.

Obviously, the best pair of motorcycle boots will fit your feet. Instead of focusing on the obvious, I looked at qualities and features that will actually help you. This included the construction materials, comfort qualities, and safety features. I considered the intended purpose of the boots. Finally, it isn’t enough to just read the features quoted by the manufacturer. I also considered what other riders are saying about a particular boot. Manufacturers use over-the-top descriptive language when describing included features, but it’s the riders who will let you know if the boot fails to perform. 

Finding environmentally friendly or sustainable motorcycle boots can be a challenge, given that the majority of quality boots use genuine leather in their construction. There are a few vegan options from well-known brands: 

There are also a few brands that prioritize sustainability. However, they come with limitations. For example, Will's Vegan Store has an entire line of attractive and stylish vegan boots. The drawback is the boots lack the protective features that standard motorcycle boots have. Andromeda Moto out of Spain aims for zero emissions without sacrificing protection. The company’s products use Superfabric and Kevlar. The downside is that they don’t make boots yet.

Our pick for the best motorcycle boots is the Dainese Street Rocker D-WP Shoe. The rigid inserts provide support, and the waterproof liner keeps your feet dry. For a more affordable option, the Icon Tarmac WP Boots are Tectuff coated to increase the leather’s durability and waterproofing. 

When we start shopping for tools and products, we never overlook the secondhand market. In fact, it’s usually the first place we look. Whether you’re scrolling through Amazon’s Renewed section, eBay for car parts or tools, or flipping through the pages of Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, you have hundreds of thousands of used tools, parts, and gear ready to be shipped to your doorstep. Refurbished to like-new status, they’ll be willing to give you many more years of faithful service all while saving you money. It also has the benefit of you not having to cut open an Amazon box inside an Amazon box with bubble wrapped around the part.

If those options above don’t have what you need, your local salvage yard is great for car parts, while swap meets are a great resource you should absolutely tap. Just Google either and head on down.  

To make your secondhand search easier, here are two tips to finding the best deals and making sure your new-to-you stuff wasn’t destroyed by the previous owner. 

By now, you should have figured out that there are several types of boots. So now it’s time to choose the right motorcycle boots for your bike and ride style. Perhaps you have a Kawasaki Ninja or Suzuki GSXR and need a sport boot. Maybe you’re a Harley or Indian rider and need a touring boot. On the other hand, you could be hitting the path less traveled on a BMW or KTM adventure bike. No matter what you ride, understanding the mechanics of the different boot types is a must for understanding how it will perform on your foot. 

When choosing the best motorcycle boots, it's important that you buy the right size. This will prevent you from experiencing discomfort and pain. You should never wear a pair of bike boots that bother your heel, ankles, or toes. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also be a safety problem if they're too small and make your feet numb.

Motorcycle boots come in a range of heights from ankle to almost knee-high. The taller the boot, the more protection you have, but you’re sacrificing range of motion and flexibility. Never buy a boot that doesn’t cover your ankle — you need this support to protect your ankles in the event of a fall. 

Boots that lace up look cool but are a huge pain to take on and off. Do it a few times, and you’ll regret buying them. Look for a boot that has quick hardware to make putting on and taking off your boots easy. Some boots will have a zipper or buckles. You’ll also find some with lacing on the front and a zipper on the inside. 

If you only plan to ride in perfect sunny weather, you can wear boots without waterproofing. However, the weather can be a hard mistress to predict, so if you’re planning to ride for an extended distance or time, then play it safe and look for a pair of boots that have waterproofing. Be wary of front lacing and zippers as these are common sources of water leakage. Some boots have an additional flap that covers the front closure. Others have an internal waterproof membrane. While the internal liner is nice, it can also eliminate all breathability. So instead of getting your feet wet from rain, they’ll be soaked in sweat, which is just as bad.

While you can buy a pair of motorcycle boots for less than $100, it’s best to avoid these. They tend to have lower-quality construction and lack protective features. You can buy a quality pair of motorcycle shoes or ankle height boots for $100 to $200. They’ll have quality construction materials, double or triple stitching, and protective features. If you’re looking for a pair of tall sport, racing, touring, or adventure boots, expect to spend over $200. The more innovative features and materials, the more expensive the boots will be. Don’t be surprised if you spend $400 to $500 on a pair of boots. It’s better to invest more in a quality pair of boots that will last than buying cheap, replacing them sooner, and spending more in the long run. 

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.