Best Motorcycle Boots for Safe and Stylish Rides

Last updated: December 14, 2020
BEST OVERALL
Breathable, Durable and Protective
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BEST BUDGET
Budget-Friendly, Convenient and Flexible
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BEST FOR WOMEN
Durable Construction and Affordable
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BEST FOR MEN
Comfortable, Protective and Stylish
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BEST WATERPROOF
Waterproof, Affordable and Durable
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Your guide

A good set of boots, helmet, and jacket is an important part of going out on a ride. Not only do they protect you from the elements, but they can also possibly save your life and limbs from a pretty bad accident. So really, you shouldn’t skimp out on that part of your biking experience.

Motorcycle Boots: Top 5 Picks

Of course, buying safety gear doesn’t have to necessarily set your wallet back or look bad. In fact, there’s quite a lot of great motorcycle boots that are cheap and look pretty swanky.

a brown boot on a motorcycle clutch

Either way, make sure you buy something that’s fitted properly for you, as a proper fit is essential to the safety features working properly. So, if you’re looking for some sweet motorcycle boots for your own protection (and style), check out some of the hand-picked boots below.

1. Best Overall - Harley-Davidson

Specifications:

  • Style: All-around
  • Closure: Lace-up
  • Weight: 5 lbs
  • Height: 8 inches
  • Heel height: 1.5 inches
  • Material: Leather

Key Features:

  • Zippers for increased practicality
  • Built-in angle protection
  • Air ventilation locking zippers inside and out
  • All-leather

Harley-Davidson Men’s Riddick Motorcycle Boots Review

Whether you’re more of a casual rider or are looking for a strong pair of boots, the enticing qualities the Harley-Davidson Riddick combines makes it an outstanding all-rounder boot.

Impact Protection

Everything about this boot is designed for optimum safety. The lace-up design guarantees a perfect, secure fit, and the side zippers make it easy to put and take off. The lace design incorporates metal eyelets for even more secure adjustment. For optimum protection, durable rubber soles offer great traction, as well as control and grip to make sure you never slip.

The Riddick will do a great job of protecting you by employing Poron ankle protection technology. When it comes to extreme impact protection, Poron is built-in and doesn’t take away from comfort and It’s made to absorb almost all shocks and impacts at even the highest forces.

High Performance

It’s exciting when a pair of boots perform very well while still being able to last you a long time. Thankfully, this boots’ high performance is supported by the Tech Tuff overlays that Harley-Davidson incorporates. It further improves traditional leather and makes it more breathable and durable.

Besides, it provides extremely high abrasion, oil, and stain resistance so your boots can stay in shape and do its job of keeping you safe.

Pros
  • Very strong and efficient ankle protection
  • Offers outstanding traction
  • High abrasion resistance
  • Breathable and durable
Cons
  • On the pricey range
  • Size might run large

2. Best Budget - Bruno Marc

Specifications:

  • Style: Street
  • Closure: Lace-up and side zip
  • Weight: 6 lbs
  • Height: 5.5 inches
  • Heel height: 1 inch
  • Material: Faux leather

Key Features:

  • Latex cushioned footbed
  • Non-skid outsole
  • Durable metal eyelets

Bruno Marc New York Men’s Military Motorcycle Combat Boots Review

You don’t always have to break the bank to protect yourself from the risks of riding a motorcycle. Bruno Marc makes motorcycle boots of good quality with an impact only price, not safety. These military, motorcycle, combat boots have a vintage feel to them, so wearing them won’t even make you feel like it’s a budget buy.

Value for Money

We wish these boots were made of real leather, but that’s the price you pay (or don’t) for wanting an affordable option. For the money, you’ll find these boots give you the most value in return. The faux leather might not be as durable, but it still grants you that stylish feel you’re probably looking for, especially when accompanied by decorative buckles.

A lot of people love lace-up boot designs because they make for a more secure fit, and we love that these boots have them. Bruno Marc’s laces are strong and elastic to provide you with the safety you need while riding. Also, for even more security, they’re supported with durable metal eyelets.

Flexible Construction

A good bonus you get for what you pay is these boots’ flexible design, so you don’t have to tire of wearing it day and night if you need to. It has a comfortable, soft interior lining, as well as a cushioned footbed. The comfort you’ll get with these boots will be difficult to resist if we do say so ourselves.

Of course, comfort goes well with practicality in this pair, so you’ll be happy to know that besides the laces, there’s also side-zip that makes it even easier to throw your boots on and take off. To make these boots even more versatile and flexible when it comes to being on the road, its non-skid soles give you great stability and grip.

All in all, these Bruno Marcs are great overall boots for a great price, so they offer a good bang for your buck.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Easy to wear and take off due to double-sided zippers
  • Flexible and convenient design
  • Stylish 
Cons
  • Takes time to break-in
  • Faux leather not as durable

3. Best for Women - Tegan Ankle Boot

Specifications:

  • Style: Women’s
  • Closure: Lace-up with buckles
  • Weight: 5 lbs
  • Height: 5.5 inches
  • Heel height: 1.75 inches
  • Material: Leather

Key Features:

  • Cushioned sock lining
  • Inside zipper
  • Full rubber sole
  • Durable, heavy-duty leather
  • Metal eyelets and buckle

Harley-Davidson Women’s Tegan Ankle Boot Review

Although there’s a lot of perfectly unisex motorcycle boots on the market, boots made for men and women are essentially different for the obvious reasons of build and size. Women’s boots tend to be lighter and smaller, and they even have the bonus of including a good selection of color options.

Harley-Davidson understands the differences, even if slight, that goes into making women’s motorcycle boots, which is why we think their Women’s Tegan Ankle Boot is an excellent choice.

Durable Construction

One of the coolest Tegan perks is its high-class leather build despite its affordable price. Along with its cement construction system, this boot is durable enough to withstand all the punishment of rough motorcycle riding.

The combination of laces and zippers-as-closures will guarantee your boots will never come off, and the metal eyelets and buckles back up the rigid construction. People usually love the option of inside zippers because it gives for an easy on and off without having to untie the laces every time.

With every great leather shoe, we look for that thick and heavy rubber sole to go perfectly along with it. Rubber soles give great traction, meaning you’re less likely to slip once you put your foot down. They also provide you with a greater degree of control because of their strong grip.

Of course, what’s a durable pair of boots without the right safety features? The Harley-Davison Women’s Tegan Ankle boot comes with a reinforced toe for extra protection and provides good and fairly high ankle support.

The only major downside to the Tegans is that their heels are maybe shorter than some riders might have liked them to be. They’re therefore fragile and wear out after a short time.

Comfort and Style

We love it when a boot achieves that perfect balance between comfort and style. The 100% leather isn’t just for durability, but it also makes the boot stylish enough to go with any outfit. Not only does the cushioned sock lining make for an easy step in, step out, but it provides these boots with much-needed comfort to get you through the day.

At a price this reasonable, the Harley-Davidson Tegans is a steal for all of the things a motorcycle boot should be: durable, comfy, and stylish.

Pros
  • Very lightweight
  • Rubber sole provides good grip and traction
  • Extremely comfortable
  • Skid-proof
  • Easy on and off thanks to the inside zipper
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Heels wear out fast because they’re short

4. Best for Men - Durango Men’s

Specifications:

  • Style: Cruiser
  • Closure: None
  • Weight: 2 lbs
  • Height: 11.5 inches
  • Heel height: 1.75 inches
  • Material: Leather

Key Features:

  • Harness ankle strap
  • Cushioned insole
  • Calf high
  • Dual pull-handles
  • Flex forepart

Durango Men’s 11” Harness Boot Review

The 11” Durango Harness boot is every man’s Wild West Dream. Boasting a supple, shiny leather upper to the calf, this boot is as efficient as it is good-looking, especially if classic is what you’re going for. What’s exciting is that it’s available in 5 exotic colors so you can pick the one that most matches your riding outfits and personality.

Design and Build

It’s refreshing that this boot’s design is sleek and simple. Durango had in mind a minimal design that makes the high-quality materials used stand out. With full leather from upper to bottom, the only accessory that decorates it is its harness strap. That may not sound like much, but the simplicity really sells the look here.

It’s always better to go for leather rather than faux, and the fact that this boot is made of 100% leather makes it durable enough for your rough rides. Another good feature of the Durango 11” Harness boots is that they’re as practical and safe as they are sturdy.

They offer good ankle support, and its long height means you’re protecting more of your legs. The rubber outsoles also give you a better grip and control since they’re oil and slip-resistant.

Fashionably Comfortable

If a boot looks this good, you’ll probably want to wear it all the time. Durango makes this easily possible since they’ve added foam padding to the insole for more comfort. You don’t have to worry about getting tired of wearing them for a long time, especially since the insole alleviates the weight put on the foot.

In addition, the boots also enjoy a flexing forepart that is flexible enough for easy mobility. The sturdy leather stops the forepart from being too flexible to the point of losing control so you can move and bend over with ease. Thanks to the features on these boots, you won’t ever have to compromise style for comfort again.

Pros
  • Oil and slip resistant
  • Stylish and available in a variety of colors
  • Dual pool handles make for easy on and off
  • Padded insole is very comfortable
Cons
  • Not suitable for racing
  • Runs small

5. Best Waterproof - Bates Men’s GX-8

Specifications:

  • Style: Duty
  • Closure: Lace-up and side zip
  • Weight: 2 lbs
  • Height: 8 inches
  • Heel height: 1.5 inches
  • Material: Leather and nylon

Key Features:

  • Removable footbed
  • Made of breathable, water-proof Gore-Tex
  • Slip-resistant rubber outsole
  • Thinsulate insulation

Bates Men’s Gx-8 Gore-Tex Waterproof Boot Review

You can now go into the rain foot first and with all the confidence in the world while wearing these waterproof boots. Thankfully, the Bates GX-8 Gore-Tex boots do the job of resisting water perfectly. For their desirable features and high functionality, they make a great pick for the waterproof category.

Cement Construction

You don’t always need to trade durability with a heavyweight when it comes to leather boots. The GX-8 is one of the lightest yet hardiest on the market for its cement construction, and it also adds to the boots’ flexibility. The boots’ construction makes for a removable footbed that is breathable and cushioned for added comfort, as well as security when it comes to protecting your feet.

The addition of nylon to the leather does not actually impact comfort, as much as you might think. It instead offers strong support and completes the design of sturdiness and durability. Bates made sure these boots were made to last you a long time, even throughout the worst circumstances.

Functional and Durable

The combination of leather and nylon makes this the perfect waterproof boot. The Gore-Tex lining is breathable and has added moisture protection. Bates also knows you’ll probably use a lot of these boots in the rain, so the slip-resistant rubber soles make for the perfect pair to wear in wet conditions.

Besides the side zipper, the GX-8 also has a velcro strap that can hold well, even with extreme rainy weather. The boot’s exterior is also extremely tough and can withstand the harshness of the climate. For a pair of boots this durable, the GX-8 is also very reasonably priced.

Pros
  • Very lightweight
  • Insulation adds warmth and snugness to the boot
  • Comfortable
  • Highly functional
Cons
  • They scuff easily
  • Low heel height

Motorcycle Boots: Frequently Asked Questions

How Are Motorcycle Boots Different From Regular Boots?

Motorcycle boots are designed to protect you from the worst of motorcycle crashes. They have oil resistant soles to prevent slipping when you need to put your foot down and boast molded ankle protection along with torsional stiffness so your ankles don’t break or twist.

A good pair could also have shifter pads and lace-retention to avoid snagging. You’ll know you’re extra safe during a crash as the seams are too sturdy to come apart thanks to double and triple stitching.

Though these features are more rider-specific, they might not be visible on a motorcycle boot. Make sure you do your research on what you need the most out of a boot so you can make a choice that’s right for you. Never compromise on safety, and don’t let the similar look of a regular boot fool you into thinking they offer the same protection.

What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a Motorcycle Boot?

Obviously, because of the several types of motorcycle boots that accommodate the different riding types, you need to figure out the purpose of your ride. The type of rider you are, the motorcycle you own, and how frequently you’re going to be riding all factor into knowing which boot to buy. The more often you get on your bike, the more you’re going to demand of your boot, so it’s important to make sure you’re investing in safety and durability.

Looking for the right motorcycle boot can be intimidating if you’re not sure what to look out for. Mainly, it’s a combination of the protective features you desire as well as how the boot is built. Here are a few things to look out for before going out to pick your first pair:

1 - Height: A good motorcycle boot provides ample ankle support, so it should at least be of ankle height. If you ride off-road or are a racer, you might require boots that are higher to give the rest of your legs more protection.

2 - Material: The first common choice of material for a motorcycle boot is full leather because it’s the sturdiest and most durable. Other materials could be cheaper, but even then, some of them have desirable qualities like being waterproof.

3 - Closure and construction: There’s a variety of closure types when it comes to this boot type - from zippers and buckles to laces and velcro. Some boots even combine two closure types for extra protection. Of course, different types provide you with different fits and they each have their safety pros and cons, so do your research based on your riding habits and preferences.

Some boots have the advantage of triple stitching for increased durability. Cheaper boots might have glued-on soles instead of sown, but that makes it more likely for the sole to come off. You mostly want a pair of boots that are sure to stay put in case of an accident. Especially if you ride every day, make sure to invest in one that is strong enough to last you a long time.

Can I Wear a Work Boot Instead of a Motorcycle Boot?

It’s always better to invest in the product designed for a specific purpose, and it isn’t any different when it comes to buying motorcycle boots. The right pair of motorcycle boots will offer much more protection than non-geared alternatives. Work boots, however, might work for you if you have a pair lying around or don’t yet have the money or time to put into getting motorcycle boots.

Lots of work boots are protective enough of the risks that come with riding a motorcycle. They provide good ankle support, and some even offer toe protection like steel toe capping and are waterproof. Because they’re also a comfortable option, many people wear them while riding.

Though work boots are rigid and resilient, they only offer protection to an extent, and there are some arguments against using them instead of motorcycle boots. To begin with, they generally aren’t designed to protect you from the same forces motorcycle boots are. A pair not strong enough might rip apart during an accident. In addition, the steel toes are regarded as a negative quality by some for the impact the steel could have on your toes in case of a crash.

If you’re reluctant about getting a motorcycle boot because they’re pricier, take into consideration that there are some budget options like the Bruno Marc Military Combat Boots that are well within range. Whatever your budget, it’s definitely a smarter idea to go for the right pair of motorcycle boots rather than general-purpose ones. That way, you’ll make sure you’re fully protected from what a riding boot is designed to prevent.

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