Motorcycle Boots are like gloves for our feet, protecting the skin and dozens of bones and nerves in each foot, ankle and lower shin needed to operate a bike’s controls. Motorcycle Boots that cover the ankles and lower shins reduce the risk of burns, open wounds, nerves, fractures and dislocations.
01 - Guard against abrasion
Motorcycle boots work best
Naturally enough, motorbike boots beat any other shoes when it comes to guarding against the severe abrasion, burns, gashes, crushed bones and fractures you face if you come off on the road. Rarely are trail bike or motocross riders prepared to ride without motorbike boots.
02 - Sturdy boots
Regular boots are second best
Sturdy boots (but not steel caps) that are high enough to cover the ankles and the lower shins are much better than regular shoes. They may not be strong enough to stay on the foot and prevent injuries like a pair of motorcycle boots, but there’s proof that wearing strong boots protects significantly more than wearing regular shoes. The motorbike boots pictured look more like regular boots and are CE approved.
03 - Extra reinforcement
Look for reinforced styles
Extra reinforcement to vulnerable toes, heels, ankles and shins reduces injuries that can prevent riding again. Leather motorcycle boots need 2.5mm thickness with 4mm thick soles. Lighter weight textile options offer water resistance and more choice of styles. CE approved motorbike boots carry the EN 13634 code.
04 - Strongly fastened boots
Zips snag and laces tangle
Strongly fastened boots will stay on during a crash. Don’t rely on laces, which fray sliding across the road or catch on parts of the bike. The best place for zippers is the inside ankle. Zippers placed in impact points like the outside of the shin are dangerous.
05 - Keep ankles covered
Boots for scooter riders
All riders need effective protection regardless of the bike type. Scooter riders face the same patterns of injury to lower limbs as other riders, even travelling short distances. Open wounds most commonly faced by scooter riders include severe abrasion from hitting the road, cuts from impact trauma, burns, damage to blood vessels and skin detachment across the feet.
It’s worth looking over the ranges of motorcycle or scooter boots each season to see the latest on offer.
Buying Guide
Motorbike boots outclass all other boots for the protection they give. Styles from Europe that have earned CE approval are marked EN 13634. Motorbike or scooter boots made in Australia or outside Europe may also be effective if made with resilient materials, strong designs and they fit snugly.
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01 Resilient materials
High grade leather (thicker than 2.5mm) or CE tested synthetic materials are both available. Synthetics are lighter in weight and water resistant.
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02 Substantial soles
Soles stitched to the boots are less likely to tear off. Look for soles that are 4mm+ thick to protect bones from being crushed.
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03 Waterproof and non slip
Wet, cold and numb feet are a riding risk because they can’t react with precision. Look for soles that are waterproof, non slip and oil resistant.
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04 True comfort
Test your comfort level by sitting on your bike and checking you can operate each control effortlessly. Also try walking up stairs.
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05 Safe fastenings
Motorcycle boots should fasten on the inside of the ankle so that zippers avoid impact points. Avoid laces as they can tangle.
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06 Avoid steel caps
Steel cap boots aren’t effective, because they can cut toes and increase the risk of friction burn. Other work boots are better than regular shoes.
