Driving a motorcycle can easily be one of the most exciting things that you do in your life. It is a great way to get around town, take trips with your friends, and so much more, so why not make sure your feet are protected while you’re doing it? Let’s face it, if you don’t have a secure footing you are going to drastically reduce the level of safety that you have on your motorcycle. Fortunately, there is a lot of information out there on what kinds of boots you should be using and what they should be made of. When you have the right boots on your feet, you’ll always have a better time. That much I can assure you of.
Boots For Men
By reading our reviews and buying guides you can be 100% confident that when you make a purchase it is going to be worth it.
- Model: Bates Men’s Escalante Waterproof Motorcycle Boot
Model: Bates Men’s Ormond Motorcycle Boot
- Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
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Color: Black
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Our Detailed Review
Boots For Women
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Model: Dr Martens Women’s Triumph 1914 Boot
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Material: Leather
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Sole: Manmade
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Free Shipping:
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Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
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Color: Black & More
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Our Detailed Review
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Model: Roxy Women’s Micah Motorcycle Boot
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Material: 50% Cotton, 45% Polyester, 5% Metal
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Sole: Synthetic
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Free Shipping:
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Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
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Color: Black & Cream
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Our Detailed Review
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Model: Harley-Davidson Women’s Jammie Motorcycle Boot
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Amazon rating:
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Customer: 120 reviews
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Material: Leather
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Sole: Rubber
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Free Shipping:
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Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
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Color: Black
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Our Detailed Review
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Model: Harley-Davidson Women’s Christa Harness Boot
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Amazon rating:
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Customer: 92 reviews
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Material: Leather
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Sole: Rubber
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Free Shipping:
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Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
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Color: Black
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Our Detailed Review
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Model: DV by Dolce Vita Women’s Solvae Motorcycle Boot
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rating:
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Material: Leather
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Sole: Handmade
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Free Shipping:
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Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
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Color: Black
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Our Detailed Review
The Major Brands
There is an endless list of brands that produce great boots, but if you want the absolute best motorcycle boots, you should be looking at the following:
Harley Davidson
Harley Davidson is known throughout the world as one of the single greatest manufacturers of motorcycles that the world has ever known. They also happen to be a major boot producer, with plenty of style that can not only match the motorcycle that you buy, but can have some of the best features that you’ll find anywhere on the market.
All American
These Sun Valley, California boots are some of the best in the business, and their boots are even used by firefighters due to the high quality heat resistance that All American packed into them. When it comes to American brands, this is one of the top.
Dr Martens
Dr Martens has been a famous boot maker for almost any purpose you could possibly imagine, so it only makes sense that they have started making the motorcycle boots. They have long been famous as a part of the grunge and punk scene, but that doesn’t mean you should be afraid of them when you get ready to head out on the road.
Bates
Bates motorcycle boots are produced by Wolverine, which should be a familiar name to you if you have ever worn a pair of high quality footwear. Making boots and footwear since 1866, there is more than enough experience in this company to make sure that you can trust them every single time.
Things To Consider When Buying Motorcycle Boots
Motorcycle boots are actually pretty similar to the other kinds of boots that you have used in the past, although there are a few things that specifically help them ensure that your rides are safer than ever and let you focus more on actually having fun on the rides, something that is easy to forget if you aren’t properly outfitted for the ride.
The important thing to know is that you should NOT be trying to wear cowboy boots or something similar, since they are only going to look good and actually make you more unsafe while you are riding. These boots are going to be designed specifically with the motorcycle rider in mind.
There are very specific needs that you will have and features that won’t make much sense to anyone else, unless they have a bike.
Construction
The construction of motorcycle boots is one of the most important things that you will consider. Having strong construction will make sure that they are durable, but this is much more important than in any other kind of boot.
These kinds of boots aren’t going to be glued together, they will be stitched with high quality thread that also means they will be able to have specific parts replaced as needed, something that not many other kinds of shoes can attest to.
Ventilation
Specifically for motorcycle riding, these boots will have to have much more ventilation than any other boots you’ve owned in the past. The ability to remain waterproof is important, but that should come second to letting your feet breathe while you ride. This is usually thanks to a different kind of material that is used to line the interior.
This isn’t as easy of a decision as you might think, though, since leather doesn’t always have to be the first choice. There are special materials used for the motorcycle boots that aren’t often found in other kinds of boots, so look for things like Gortex or Cambrella.
There will also be different boots that you typically use throughout the year when different seasons pass as the material that you need will be different.
Soles
The grip for motorcycle boots is unlike anything else. Boots can come with a lot of different kinds of soles, but motorcycle boots have a very special need. A heel under the sole is very important because it makes it easy to rest your feet on the foot peg.
This is important to doing the same thing in any condition that you happen to be riding in, whether it be rain, sleet, or snow.
Armor and Protection
Motorcycle boots typically come with added armor and protection to keep your feet safe. In some cases, like street boots, there will often be steel plates around the toe area so that they won’t get crushed if something happens. This is one of the best things that you can do for your feet because, regardless of what people might think, accidents happen fairly often for motorcycle riders.
What Material Should A Motorcycle Boot Be Made Of?
In all of those aspects, it is important to keep in mind the various materials used to construct them.
There are very common ones, but there are also some that you might not find on a regular basis. In any case, it is important to understand the kinds of materials that are most often used in only the best motorcycle boots:
Leather
Leather is by and large the most common material used in producing motorcycle boots. At the very least, there should be leather reinforcement in all the right places. This doesn’t eliminate the need for extra materials like Gor-Tex as well, since this will help improve the ability of the shoes to breathe.
Heavy Duty Rubber
Heavy duty rubber is often used not only in the sole of the shoes, but in the rest of them for a highly protective fit. This won’t do much for heat resistance, though. If you want a lot of protection this can be important, but it isn’t often seen in most basic, recreational rider’s boots.
Hard Plastic
More often than not, racing boots will have an exterior that features a lot of synthetic plastics that have a lot of strength, in addition to still being easy to use and maintain without sacrificing mobility. They are easily recognizable, but unless you are racing this shouldn’t be a primary concern for you.
How Tall Should A Motorcycle Boot Be?
The height of your motorcycle boots in large part depends on the kind of riding that you are going to be doing, but it also depends on the preferences that you otherwise have. We’ll take a look at the standard heights that you might be looking at once you start looking at purchasing a new pair of boots:
Shorty
These boots typically come in 10” or shorter heights. Most of the ones that you come across are going to be between 6 and 8 inches. Woodland firefighters and police officers often wear these and they are one of the most common options for everyday wear.
Tall Biker
Tall Biker height boots are between 14 inches and 20 inches. This can mean either harness or engineer style boots and they are often worn so that your legs will be more protected. The heat that your motorcycle puts out can be harmful, but so can the cold weather, so these can often be choices based on temperature preferences.
Police Patrol Boots
Police Patrol Boot heights measure between 17” and 18” specifically and are often always the same height due to the fact that they are standard issue.
Race Boots
Race boots typically measure around 10” to 14” and are most commonly seen in racers. There are plenty of boots that might come in this size, although they are typically unique to racing styles, rather than being standard leather style boots.
Check this video for some handy tips on how to choose Race boots that will fit your needs:
The major thing that you have to consider when it comes to the height of your boots is the kind of riding that you are doing and the primary concerns that you have as a motorcycle enthusiast.
Are Motorcycle Boots Expensive?
Worrying over whether or not motorcycle boots is expensive is a perfectly understandable concern. When it comes right down to it, though, your safety shouldn’t be something that you can put a price tag on.
With that being said, it is very easy to find the best motorcycle boots that are far more affordable than many people might think. What is important is to simply find the best shoes that you can and make sure that they are in your price range. It is the most effective way of choosing motorcycle boots. Fortunately, we can tell you the best brands that you should trust and which ones are the absolute best.
The Top 5 Men’s Motorcycle Boots
Bates Men’s Black Canyon Motorcycle Boot
Bates is one of the oldest brands of motorcycle boots that you are going to find, so that alone should speak volumes about the kind of quality that they bring to the table. The Black Canyon Motorcycle boot is no exception to this and they are definitely worth a second look if you have seen them before.
These boots are 12” high and weight 5 lbs, making them a great height and weight for everyday use, but they are also incredibly heavy duty and capable of taking care of your feet no matter what might happen on the road. The company has included a high quality and rugged leather construction that is matched with a very thick rubber sole that always grips the pegs perfectly and makes sure that your feet never slip.
They are also a little more narrow than many boots, so size accordingly, but rest assured knowing that you’ll always have the ability to have a sure footing as long as you make sure to get the right size. The d-ring grommets and clamshell lace anchors will take that security further.
For standard motorcycle boots and heavy duty boots as a whole, this option from Bates is one of the best. Certainly give it a look if you are in the market.
Harley-Davidson Men’s Brake Buckle Boot
For true heavy duty boots, you aren’t going to be able to do much better than this option from Harley-Davidson. They have long been making motorcycles and their boots keep up that same level of quality.
These boots are smaller than many that you’ll find when it comes to height. In this ankle height construction, though, they have built a system that makes sure they aren’t going to go anywhere. On top of the traditional lace-up stylings, they also feature a zipper side and a strap to come across the front and ensure that they stay in place no matter what the road throws your way.
The rest of the construction is just as high quality, though, and you’ll find that there are very few boots with this kind of steel toe and strong sole. They aren’t waterproof, but they do have the ability to keep your feet cool with the fabric lining. To keep your feet secure against the ground, they have designed the sole to be oil resistant and high traction, giving you a once in a lifetime chance to never worry about losing your footing.
For a trustworthy brand, you can’t get better than Harley-Davidson in the motorcycle industry. If you look at the wide variety of steel features built into these boots, they are obviously one of the best choices for heavy duty riders.
Bates Men’s Escalante Waterproof Motorcycle Boot
Bates put a lot of effort into creating the Escalante. These are a great choice for people who are worried about having dry feet, since they are waterproof and capable of protecting your feet from almost any condition that you’ll come across.
The waterproof feature is one of the most important here and that is all thanks to the Hydro Guard waterproof membrane that surrounds it. People have commented that these boots perhaps saved their life on more than one occasion since they have kept people’s footing secure through even the most intense rain storms that they found themselves in while riding their motorcycle.
The design of the lacing system is important here too. With a 6 1/3” lace up shaft and a locking zipper, as well as Velcro enclosure as well, this is one of the most secure pairs of boots that you will find on the market today. Bates certainly knows how to make secure boots, with over 100 years in the business, so there is no reason to think that your footing will ever be anything less than secure.
Cement construction and a high quality rubber sole round out the design and this is one pair that you should certainly take a look at them if you are searching for a new pair.
Bates Men’s Ormond Motorcycle Boot
Bates decided that they wanted to find out what happens when you cross a combat boot with a motorcycle boot. The result is a very tough boot that can put up with any conditions that you ride your bike in without every worrying about your feet.
These boots feature the combat boot style design that many people are familiar with, but they took special care to add a high lace up shaft, riveted accents, engineer straps and buckles, and more. This is one boot that won’t go anywhere once you have it on.
The rest of the boot features high quality leather that is sure to last for years. Leather construction is one of the most sought after parts of motorcycle boots, so it is vital here. There is also a thick rubber sole that will keep your feet securely on the pegs of your bike.
Overall, this is a high quality boot that features Goodyear construction you will rarely find. Take a look at them and you won’t regret it.
Harley-Davidson Men’s Scout Motorcycle Boot
For minimalist motorcycle boots, Harley-Davidson has created an option that is perfect for you.
These rugged boots are created to be a classic, cowboy style boot that is versatile and easy to take on and off. Using a simple zipper to secure them in place, they are sure to protect your feet all around without having to sacrifice the actual ability to put them on.
An 8” shaft and a 1” heel make it a sturdy boot that is sure to last. They might not be as tall as the boots that some people like, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t high quality and aren’t worth a good long look.
With leather being used in the construction of the upper portion of the boot, you know that they are going to take care of your feet. The Goodyear leather welt construction is perfect for riding a motorcycle.
The Top 5 Women’s Motorcycle Boots
Harley-Davidson Women’s Jammie Motorcycle Boot
For a high fashion, high quality pair of boots, Harley-Davidson created the Jammi specifically for women who want to look good while they ride, but also in their everyday life.
When it comes to heavy duty boots, they know you don’t want to make any sacrifices when it comes to looks. To take care of that, they made sure to use an 8” leather shaft that features a 1 3/4” heel. The all leather construction is one of the strongest that you are going to find and the inclusion of leather harness accents makes them even stronger. To make it even easier to take on and off, they use a zipper side entry that is sure to stay in place.
In addition to that strong construction, they made sure that these are more comfortable than any others on the market. Even for people who previously had to rely on orthopedic shoes, these are incredibly comfortable whether you are on your bike or not!
For a great looking boot, look no further!
Roxy Women’s Micah Motorcycle Boot
Roxy is known for creating surf gear, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make some of the best motorcycle boots that can be great looking and function well.
For their line of motorcycle boots, Roxy made sure to include everything that is required to keep your feet safe on the road and ensure that you have plenty of rides left in you. Not only that, but these are some of the best looking boots that you will come across, since they almost resemble high top shoes that many fashion brands produce.
The upper is constructed out of textile and faux leather, something you don’t typically find in motorcycle boots, and still manages to perform well under pressure. The addition of a buckle strap, side zip, and even a floral-print lining makes sure that you never look like anything less than your best.
The durable TPR rubber sole will always have a sure footing and with the help of the padded insole and breathable canvas, you’ll always be comfortable no matter what the road puts your and your motorcycle through.
Dr Martens Women’s Triumph 1914 Boot
Dr Martens made a boot that looks like something straight out a fashion magazine with the Triumph 1914. This pair of 12 eyelet lace-up, leather constructed, and buckling boots are among the best looking in the business. That is only made more plain by the plaid fabric lining on the inside.
It isn’t all about looks here, though, since you are riding a motorcycle after all. That high top lace means that your boot aren’t going to slip out of anything while you are riding, no matter what you encounter. To keep them safe, they also included an all leather construction with Goodyear welt that has been heat sealed to keep them strong for the entire life of the boots. With a 1.12” heel, there is no reason to think that you’ll ever slip off of the pegs while youre riding either.
It is still important to be comfortable, though, which is why the air-cushion sole is included to make sure that you have just the right amount of padding. Whether you want a great looking pair, a comfortable pair, or just one that will perform well, this is it.
Harley-Davidson Women’s Christa Harness Boot
These boots from Harley-Davidson keep up the lace-less design that some of the others from the company have, but it also takes durability one step further.
To keep them functioning well year after year, Harley-Davidson constructed them out of high quality, full grain leather. Accenting that is chrome hardware and harness that not only add to the great looks, but make sure that they are very strong and long lasting.
Staying comfortable is just as important, though, and you’ll find that the kind of comfort they put into their motorcycles extends to their boots for riding them. Full-length fusion sock linings make sure that you never sacrifice comfort when you are riding or wearing them on an everyday basis.
For shoes with a 7 1/2” shaft, it is hard to beat these, so take a look at them if you want a pair that lacks laces and still performs well!
DV by Dolce Vita Women’s Solvae Motorcycle Boot
Dolce Vita might not be the first brand that you think of when it comes to the best motorcycle boots, although this is sure to be one of the best options that you’ll ever come across.
The design elements that they included in these boots can’t be understated, since it is obvious that such a high fashion company produced these. The 9” shaft, 1.25” heel, and 0.5” platform all come together to create a beautiful looking pair of boots that is sure to be a hit in your everyday life, as well as when you are riding your bike.
On your bike, it is easy to see how great these can be. With high quality leather construction and a heavy duty rubber sole, your feet will be set on the pegs and stay in place without ever having to think twice. You’ll be hard pressed to ever find a review that discounts the kind of heavy duty construction that they used without ever giving up on making them great looking.
This is certainly the best looking shoe on the list, but you can’t overlook the kind of life that these are sure to have. For fashion over everything, though, pick up a pair.
How To Wear Motorcycle Boots For Women
How To Polish Motorcycle Boots
Check out this video on how to polish your motorcycle boots.
Making The Decision
At the end of the day, the choice will be up to you. You have your own preferences that you bring to the table whenever you purchase any kind of boot, but now that you know what to look for you can make a much better decision. Take a look at the list we compiled above and you can’t go wrong.
Make the right choice and you’ll have a great pair of boots that will last you for years to come and just might save your feet if you get into an accident! Trust us, you don’t want to make a hasty decision in this area of your riding.
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