Best Motocross Boots (Review & Buying Guide) in 2023

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If you want to get into motocross, one of the most important pieces of gear you should have is high-quality boots. They will ensure your feet are firmly planted in place and don’t slip off the foot pegs. They also protect your feet and legs in case you take a dive or fall off your bike. Whether you need to upgrade your current boots or are considering your very first pair, here are a few options to consider.

Benefits of Motocross Boots

Protection. Motocross riding is an extreme sport. Wearing the right boots will protect your feet, ankles, and lower legs. In the event of a crash, your boots will brace your feet and legs from injury while also protecting you from scrapes, bruises, and sharp debris.
Pedal Grip. Motocross boots have deeper treads in a rubber sole to help you get a solid and secure grip on the pedals. If you’ve ridden in sneakers, you know how uncomfortable it is to have your feet sliding all over the place. Boots eliminate almost all foot peg slippage.
Versatility. If you’re into other extreme sports, then you can get maximum use out of your motocross dirt bike boots. You could wear them ATVing, snowmobiling, motorcycling, or even snowboarding.

Types of Motocross Boots

Motocross

Many people will use this term to refer to all boots worn while riding a dirt bike, but these are a specific type of boot. They are a more “sporty” design meant for racing on a track with jumps. They will be higher up on the leg and have extra ankle support. These boots are meant to protect against ankle injuries, which are common when landing jumps.

Trail or Enduro

These dirt bike boots have more toe protection since you’ll be wearing them off-road on the trail. The budget boots will have a steel-capped toe, but this often isn’t enough protection. The high-end boots will add to this with extra toe protection and reinforcement around the entire toe area. These boots will also have extra waterproofing. The higher-end enduro boots tend to perform better at keeping water out.

Moto Trials

These boots are designed to be both protective and comfortable. You’ll spend quite a bit of time walking in them, so they need to work both on and off of your dirt bike. They should have a molded rubber sole that’s flexible and light.

Mini-Bike or Thumpster

You should always wear full-length boots if you can manage it, but sometimes your mini bike is just too small to accommodate a boot with a longer upper. When this happens, you can wear a short-cut boot. These boots are like a smaller version of the boots you may be used to and are more protective than wearing sneakers on your minibike. It’s best to bring your bike with you when you try on these boots. You want something comfortable so you aren’t distracted while riding.

Top Brands

Fox Racing

Founded in 1974, Fox Racing is an American company that manufactures extreme sports equipment and lifestyle clothing. They specialize in producing motocross equipment. Their gear consistently outperforms other brands on the market with durable materials and high-quality construction. Fox Racing is a top pick for beginners and professional riders alike. To top it all off, you’ll find their gear is some of the best-looking, with attractive colors and designs. The Fox Racing Comp Instinct Offroad Boots in Blue are a perfect example of Fox Racing’s bold design and innovative features.

Fly Racing

Fly Racing got its start in 1998 as a handlebar and helmet manufacturer. They have since expanded their line of products to include a wide variety of gear and apparel. They have developed a reputation for producing durable and quality gear at affordable prices. Today the company distributes its products in over 40 countries worldwide. Their motocross boots blend style and functionality while also balancing high-end features with price. The Fly Racing Maverik Boots in red and black are an example of Fly’s commitment to affordable quality.

Alpinestars

Alpinestars produces sportbike and motocross gear in its Torrance, Calif. headquarters for worldwide distribution. Founded in 1963, it’s known as one of the top brands in the industry for producing gear that works perfectly with a more aggressive riding position and extreme riding activities. Their gear appeals to those with more experience who are willing to invest in their gear. Riders who know what features they’re looking for in their motocross boots tend to like Alpinestars Tech 7 and Tech 10 gear. The Alpinestars Tech LeRadiant Tech Boots are high-end boots that are sure to attract attention.

O’Neal

Back in the 1960s in Los Angeles, Calif., one man had a passion for motocross. By 1970, Jim O’Neal began selling products to local riders at races. Almost 50 years later, the company is known internationally and is sold at over 7,000 retail locations worldwide. The company prides itself on developing gear with riders in mind. It’s about fellow riders crafting gear that’s designed to improve performance. The O’Neal Element Boots are a perfect example of the company’s commitment to durable boots designed with motocross riders in mind.

Motocross Boots Pricing

$100 to $250: These are entry-level boots that are perfect for the beginner, someone with a strict budget, or the occasional weekend warrior. They will have less ankle protection and use lower-grade leather. The advantage of these boots is that they tend to be more comfortable to walk around in.
$250 to $400: These boots strike a nice balance between superior protection and price. They work well for everyone, from beginners to expert level riders. You’ll find they use full-grain leather, plastic shielding, and sturdy ankle protection. Increased ankle protection does cause them to be stiffer, which can hinder gear changes and rear brake control.
$400 and up: These are the boots that the professionals and serious racers wear. They are loaded with features and use only the highest quality full-grain leather and high-tech plastic composites. There is also a large catalog of replaceable parts, which makes maintaining these boots easier.

Key Features

Ankle Protection

Ankle injuries are common in motocross, so look for a boot that provides plenty of support. Test the lateral ankle protection of a boot. Hold it in your hands and try to bend it at the ankle. You want to test the side to side bend, not the up and down bend. Imitate the action that happens when you roll your ankle on uneven ground, not the movement you make when shifting gears. The harder it is to bend the boot, the more protection it has.

Molded Soles

This is an emerging trend among motocross boots. The traditional method for manufacturing boots was to use a steel toe cap and sole that is stitched flat. Molded soles directly mold the sole to the boot upper. This eliminates the steel cap and creates a more shoe-like shape on the outside for a more comfortable boot.

Quick Release Lock Buckles

Pay attention to the material that the buckles are made of. Low-cost and lower-quality boots will use plastic buckles. These buckles don’t last; you’ll want to make sure they’re replaceable. Alloy buckles are higher-quality and will last longer. They also provide a more secure fit without the risk of them breaking or popping open mid-ride.

Other Considerations

Ride Style. Buy the boots that are intended for the type of motocross riding you intend to do. That way, the boots you wear will have the features and design you need to feel comfortable while riding. They will also have the adequate safety features you need on your feet, ankles, and legs.
Shifter Space. Some boots have a bulky toe box. This can make them difficult to fit under your shifter and awkward to slide your foot in and out from under the shifter. You can look for boots that have a slimmer toe box, or you can adjust your shifter to create more room.

Best Motocross Boots Reviews & Recommendations 2021

Best Overall

Alpinestars Tech 5 Boots

Best Value

Fly Racing Unisex-Adult Maverick Mix Boots

Easiest To Use

O’Neal New Logo Rider Boot

Premium Pick

Alpinestars Tech-7 Enduro Boots

Best Looking

Fox Racing Adults Comp R Motocross Boots

Tips

Invest in a pair of riding socks to go along with your motocross boots. They are typically thicker and more padded than regular socks to better protect your feet.
If you find that your boots are not waterproof or water-resistant, you can solve the issue by investing in a water-repellent solution to apply to your boots.
You may not want to wear the motocross boots to walk around in because they are rather rigid and can be uncomfortable. Instead, bring along a pair of shoes to change into if you need to walk somewhere.

FAQs

Q: Are motocross boots supposed to feel stiff?

They are designed to be a little rigid and will hug your leg and foot at first, but over time they will loosen up. They are stiff because they are made out of plastic. The best way to break them in and to make them more comfortable is to ride with them on. You can also use a heat gun or hot hair dryer to loosen the plastic while you are wearing them, but be careful not to burn yourself.

Q: How do I clean motocross boots?

After a long day of riding, your boots will most likely be filthy and caked with mud. The best way to effectively clean them is to use a high-powered pressure washer. Then you can leave them out to dry.

Q: How do I find the correct size of motocross boots?

Typically, you want to go one size larger in a pair of boots to make sure they are snug and comfortable. If you are trying them on in person, bring along riding socks to accurately measure your feet in the boots.