Can I wear regular boots on my motorcycle?

You can wear regular boots on a motorcycle, but it is not recommended. Any boot you wear should be equipped with ankle protection and soles that can handle slick roads. Wearing regular shoes is unsafe, as their material is too thin to withstand impact during a fall.

Are steel toe boots good for motorcycle riding?

Yes, steel toe boots are a great choice for riding a motorcycle. These boots are designed to prevent your feet from scraping the pavement in the event of an accident.

What are the most important factors to consider when purchasing motorcycle boots?

Three of the most important safety factors to consider when buying boots are oil-resistant soles, molded ankle protection, and torsional stiffness to prevent rolling of the foot and ankle. The ideal pair of boots should include all three of these features.

Are cowboy boots safe to wear while riding a motorcycle?

Cowboy boots are unsafe to wear on motorcycles. Their low-profile design and slick bottoms can cause riders to lose control of their bike more easily than boots specifically designed for riding. We recommend not wearing these anytime you are operating a motorcycle.

What motorcycle boots are most comfortable?

This will vary by the rider’s preference, but boots with cushioned insoles and soft interior linings will make for a more comfortable fit.

Should you ride in motorcycle boots?

Boots offer more protection by covering your ankles and even parts of your calf depending on the length of the boot. Many boots are also more durable than other shoes.

Are motorcycle boots different from other boots?

Motorcycle boots are usually made out of more durable material compared to boots for casual use. They also tend to be designed to grasp motorcycle foot pegs, which can improve grip for the rider.

Best Motorcycle Boots (2023 Guide)

Despite what you’ve seen in movies, cowboy boots and sneakers are impractical when it comes to motorcycle riding. Motorcycle boots are designed to handle the daily wear and tear of operating a bike, with features such as steel-toe boxes, leather uppers, and more to protect your feet.

To help you find your next kicks, our review team has tested and rated our top picks for the best motorcycle boots on the market. We break down everything from the materials of their soles, fit, ride height, and more to ensure you can make an informed purchase. Above all, safety should be your first priority when selecting a pair of motorcycle boots.

5 Best Motorcycle Boots

A close up image of a biker sitting on his motorcycle while wearing motorcycle boots.

Most Protection: O’Neal Rider Boots
Best Touring Boots: TCX SP-Master Gore-Tex (Men’s/Women’s)
Best Off-Road Boots: Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro
Best Racing Boots: Alpinestars Supertech R
Best Casual Riding Boots: Harley-Davidson Men’s Beau/Women’s Marconi

Motorcycle Boots Buyers Guide

Before your next purchase, consider the following information regarding motorcycle boots to help you make an informed decision.

Motorcycle Boot Key Features

When purchasing your pair of motorcycle boots, it is important to understand their key components:

Height: Boot height is essential for the type of motorcycle you are riding. Boots that fit higher above the ankle offer better protection from burns and scrapes, and can even affect the amount of control you have over your bike. Boots with a higher profile are better for sport bikes and off-roading, while lower ones can be suited for casual riding.
Materials: Some motorcycle boots are made of hard plastics or metals to prevent rocks and dirt from damaging your legs. Full-grain leather boots work great for casual riding, as they allow for greater comfort without sacrificing protection.
Strap, lock, and lacing: Motorcycle boots with locking straps or latches have a more snug fit than lace-up boots. Lace-up boots, however, offer greater movement and are commonly found on casual riding boots.

What Does A Motorcycle Boot Offer?

Listed below are some of the features that can make a motorcycle boot stand out:

Ankle protection: Most motorcycle boots are designed to fit above the ankle and have reinforced plastic or metal support around the ankle. This is to help riders support the weight of their bike while stationary and to protect their ankles in the event of an accident.
Reinforced soles: When standing still, the weight of the motorcycle rests on the rider’s legs and feet. Motorcycle boots are designed with reinforced rubber soles to help riders bear this weight with ease. They also help prevent the rider from slipping if they’re riding on wet or oily roads.
Ventilation and water resistance: Because they’re worn for extended periods of time, motorcycle boots are designed to be breathable to maintain proper foot health. The best boots are also equipped with waterproof lining for use during any season.

Different Types Of Motorcycle Boots

Depending on what type of motorcycle you ride, there are various boot options available to accommodate your needs:

Sport and race boots are designed for use with high-performance motorcycles and sports bikes. These have a higher fit and are padded with extra-strength plastics or metals for enhanced durability.
Touring and adventure (ADV) boots are similarly designed to sport and race boots but with more flexibility. They’re designed to be worn for extended periods of time and feature materials such as leather, suede, and rubber.
Cruiser and Harley boots are rugged, tough leather boots that can be worn casually or as work boots, too. Their most distinctive feature is their soles, which are sturdier than other motorcycle boots so riders can handle the weight of their bikes more confidently.
Motorcycle riding shoes are designed with style in mind over functionality. These shoes have the least amount of foot protection of any model and typically only wear up to the ankle. However, these shoes are the easiest to wear day-to-day.

Our Review Standards

To select the motorcycle boots featured in this buyers guide, our team first combed through dozens of resources such as DIY mechanic and auto enthusiast forums, manufacturer and motorcycle-specific websites, instruction manuals from manufacturers, and reviews from online retailers. We pay particularly close attention to quality reviews and recommendations that highlight the quality of warranties, customer service support, build quality, materials, and overall reliability.

We also factored in the quantity and quality of online retailer reviews from websites such as Amazon, RealTruck, Advance Auto Parts, and more. We looked at factors such as standout customer reviews, prices, meaningful superlatives, and discount shipping eligibility.

Why You Can Trust Us

Since 2020, we have published over 200 auto product reviews in an effort to make shopping for auto products easier. Our team of writers, editors, researchers, and product experts collaborates to thoroughly vet top products. We try to perform in-house testing on real vehicles whenever possible before making our recommendations.

When testing is not feasible, however, our aim is to make your life easier by doing all the online research for you and presenting that research in the form of easy-to-read product comparisons and buyers guides, rather than outright recommendations. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.

#1 Most Protection: O’Neal Rider Boots

O’Neal Rider Boots

Around $135

Revzilla

Around $125

Amazon

Summary

For motorcyclists looking to protect their ankles and toes, the O’Neal Rider boots are a safe choice. They’re lined with injection-molded plastic plates to stop scrapes from falls and road debris and have a metal toe guard to prevent the sole from delaminating.

A synthetic leather heat shield coats the outside of the Rider boots, lessening UV damage over time. For additional comfort, these boots also have generous heel support, a cushioned insole, and an air mesh interior that increases airflow to riders’ feet.

Key Features

Unisex fit
Metal shank reinforcement insert
Adjustable four-buckle snap-lock closure system
Moderate grip
Anti-slip sole

What Customers Are Saying

RevZilla Review Score: 4.3 out of 5 based on over 50 ratings

Most customer reviews recommend getting a full or half size up for the most comfortable fit. Some customers also say these boots break in after only a few wears. A few wearers claim the screws on the buckles are loose and will fall out if not tightened properly.

What Is It Good For?

The O’Neal Rider boots are ideally suited for those who want the best ankle and foot protection regardless of what kind of motorbike they’re riding. They’re not the most comfortable for walking around town in, though, so be prepared to bring a backup pair of sneakers if you wear these on your daily commute.

#2 Best Touring Boots: TCX SP-Master Gore-Tex (Men’s/Women’s)

Men’s:

TCX SP-Master Gore-Tex

A pair of motorcycle boots with a slim profile.

Starts at $330

Amazon

Women’s:

TCX SP-Master Gore-Tex (Women’s)

Around $320

Revzilla

Starts at $280

Amazon

Summary

The TCX SP-Master Gore-Tex boots for men and women have a mesh interior featuring a microfiber upper made with breathable lining. Both the front and rear padded areas increase comfort while riding. These boots’ elastic zipper makes stepping in and out of them a breeze.

Each TCX boot has an ergonomic shin plate reinforced with iron mesh intakes for better stability while stopped. Despite there being two separate men’s and women’s models of this boot, the biggest differences between them are the sizing and the women’s model’s wider ankle base.