Are motorcycle boots necessary? Well, the right boot can make a world of difference.
When it comes to motorcycle safety, there are several things to consider. One of the most important things to think about is what you’re wearing on your feet. That’s right; we’re talking about motorcycle boots.
Some people might think that motorcycle boots are just another fashion accessory, but they serve a fundamental purpose. They protect your feet and ankles and provide grip and support when you’re riding, which can help avoid a crash in the first place.
Are Motorcycle Boots Necessary? These 5 Reasons May Change Your Mind
Motorcycle boots are an essential piece of gear for any motorcycle rider. Here are five reasons why you should always wear motorcycle boots when riding:
1. Protection
Motorcycle boots can protect your feet and ankles in a crash. They’re made from rigid materials like leather and Kevlar and reinforced in critical areas to provide extra protection.
How much protection you need depends on the kind of rider you are.
If you’re a street rider, ankle protection should be your primary concern when selecting a boot.
But don’t just aim for any old ankle protection. Make sure the boot’s outer material does not slide on pavement and that the boot has thick ankle cups and good coverage around your foot.
Additionally, check to see if it incorporates an abrasion-resistant material—this will help it resist sliding damage and prevent heat from transferring.
If you’re an adventure or off-road rider, you need more than just ankle protection.
Adventure riders need their shin and calf covered as well (think about dirt roads at high speeds), while off-road riders need to cover everything up to their knees (think: gnarly terrain at low speeds)
Choosing the proper boots for these forms of riding takes some thought because there are many options with different levels of comfort, protection, and breathability.
2. Durability
Motorcycle boots help keep you safe on the road. You see, those regular shoes that you bought at Foot Locker? They’re not nearly as durable as they need to be.
For example, if you were in an accident and fell off your bike, your fancy running shoes would rip apart like butter. You may scrape your skin against the pavement, which would probably hurt.
Besides keeping your feet protected from debris, motorcycle boots also protect you from shin injuries that can occur when you are riding a motorcycle. They do this because of their thick soles and rigid rubber insoles—which neither running shoes nor rain boots have.
3. Grip
Motorcycle boots provide good grip on the pedals and footpegs, essential for control while riding.
They usually have a textured sole that helps you keep your footing on the pedals and the ground. The feature is crucial to surviving wet or slippery conditions.
The riding boots have unique treads and materials that provide better grip than regular shoes. Regular shoes don’t offer superior traction, so they can slip and cause you to lose control of your bike.
4. Comfort
Motorcycle boots are usually more comfortable than regular shoes, as they are designed to fit snugly and support your feet and ankles.
Comfort is an essential aspect of a pair of good boots. If you can’t walk in them, what’s the point?
You will probably want to invest in waterproof boots unless you live in a city where it is perpetually warm and sunny.
For the summer months, look for boots with breathable linings that will wick away moisture.
5. Style
Motorcycle boots come in various styles to suit your taste, making you look like a badass when you’re out on the road.
They give you a masculine, rugged look that goes well with the motorcycle lifestyle.
Watch the video to further understand why you need motorcycle boots for riding.
How to Choose a Suitable Pair of Boots
Consider the style of motorcycle you ride when choosing your boots. Are you a commuter who rides a cruiser every day? Or are you a weekend warrior on an adventure bike? Each one will have its requirements for which boots to wear.
You’ll also want to decide what style of boot works for you. Are you looking for something more casual and low-profile, or do you prefer something with a more aggressive look? How much attention do you pay to fashion versus function? Do features like waterproofing, breathability, and Gore-Tex liners matter to you, or are they just a bonus?
Once you’ve decided on what style of motorcycle you ride and what boot style you want, you can start looking at the different brands and models out there.
SEE MORE: Short or Tall Motorcycle Boots: Which One Is Better?
Which Are the Best Brands for Motorcycle Boots?
Some of the most popular brands of motorcycle boots include Alpinestars, Dainese, Forma, Gaerne, Sidi, and TCX.
Once you’ve decided on a brand, you can start looking at the different models they offer. Each brand has its unique style, features, and benefits.
Alpinestars
The brand manufactures a wide variety of motorcycle gear for riders. Some of their most popular models include the Alpinestars Tech 10, Alpinestars Tech 8, Alpinestars SMX-6, and Alpinestars Supertech R.
Alpinestars also produce top-grade motorcycle pants. Find our suggestions here.
Dainese
Dainese has a wide range of boots for all types of motorcycles. Some good footwear models are the Dainese Razon, Dainese D-Fly, Dainese D-One, and Dainese D-Stunner.
Forma
Founded in 1999, the brand is famous for producing feature-rich, top-grade motorcycle shoes for urban, racing, MX, and adventure riding.
If you are interested in Forma boots, check out these models: Forma Adventure, Forma Explorer, Forma Scout, and Forma Terra.
Gaerne
The Italian brand has been making motorcycle gear for over 50 years. The shoes are known for their quality, style, and comfort. Some of their most popular models include the Gaerne SG-12, Gaerne SG-10, Gaerne G-Rex, and Gaerne Balance.
Sidi
Sidi is another Italian brand that’s been making motorcycle gear for decades. Sidi boots are known for their quality and comfort.
Some best-selling motorcycle footwear models include Sidi Crossfire, Sidi Vertigo, Sidi Discovery, and Sidi Adventure.
TCX
TCX is a relatively new brand that’s quickly gaining popularity among riders. Its boots are known for their style, comfort, and value.
To get the absolute value for money, check out TCX X-Boulevard, TCX X-Five, TCX X-Street, and TCX X-City models.
So, if you’re wondering whether or not you should invest in a pair of motorcycle boots, the answer is a resounding yes. They may not be the most stylish footwear out there, but when it comes to safety, they’re essential.
Unlike regular shoes or sneakers, motorcycle boots are designed for safety. They protect your feet from threats like road debris, heat, and rain. They also offer excellent protection and comfort, making them essential for every rider’s gear collection.
FAQs about the Necessity of Motorcycle Boots
Are motorcycle boots essential for motorcycling?
Yes, motorcycle boots are essential safety gear for motorcyclists. They provide support and protection for your ankles and feet in the event of an accident or crash.
What parts of the foot do motorcycle boots protect?
Motorcycle boots primarily protect your toes, ankles, heels, arches and tops of your feet. They have reinforced ankles, toe sliders, and other protections to guard these areas in case your feet hit the road or other objects.
Why are motorcycle boots better than regular sneakers or boots?
Regular footwear does not provide adequate protection for higher speeds and impacts associated with motorcycle riding. Motorcycle boots are designed with impact-absorbing materials, reinforcements as well as rigidity to protect your feet during crashes.
At what speed do I need motorcycle boots?
Due to the risks involved with operating a motorcycle, you should wear motorcycle boots any time you ride, no matter your speed. Even at slower speeds, injury to feet and ankles can occur due to the foot placement on footpegs and lack of stability on the motorcycle.
Can I wear steel-toe work boots instead of motorcycle boots?
While steel-toe work boots provide some protection, they are not designed for the high speeds, impacts and rigorous conditions of motorcycle riding. Motorcycle boots have rigid ankle support, armor at impact points and heat-resistant materials that make them a safer choice.
Should motorcycle boots be waterproof?
Waterproof boots are recommended, especially if you ride in wet conditions. Waterproofing helps keep your feet warm and dry, reducing fatigue and discomfort on longer trips.
How long should motorcycle boots last?
High-quality motorcycle boots can last several years with proper care and storage. The longevity depends on factors like the materials, weather conditions, frequency of use and how well you maintain them.
How should I maintain my motorcycle boots?
To extend the life of your boots, clean them after every ride, apply protective sprays, store them properly to prevent cracking and have the soles replaced when excessively worn. Regular maintenance can double the life of your motorcycle boots.
