Unless you only ride off-road or race tracks, every motorcycle boot has a compromise. Walkability and comfort dont mesh with maximum protection. But its possible to find footwear for riding that’s protective, relatively walkable, and doesn’t look outlandish. That trifecta is the bull’s-eye of this list.Beyond that focus, we wanted to find moto boots that nail comfort.

　　We skewed this list toward adventure (a.k.a. ADV) boots. With some overlap, we also considered city commutes with details like compatibility with pant cuffs, for those making quick trips to the grocery store.

　　Ultimately, dont be tempted to ride in a pair of sneakers. We know if gear is uncomfortable or hard to use, its more likely to build up dust. So we found the motorcycle boots we truly love and hope you do, too.

　　To learn more about motorcycle boots and how to shop for the right pair check out our comprehensive buyers guide,FAQ, andcomparison chart below. Otherwise, scroll through to see all of our recommendations.

　　The Best Motorcycle Boots of 2024 Best Overall Motorcycle Boot: TCX Drifter Best Budget and Waterproof Motorcycle Boot: REV’IT! Everest GTX Best Adventure Motorcycle Boot: Alpinestars Corozal Best City Motorcycle Boot: Danner Moto Wedge GTX Best Off-Road Motorcycle Boot: SIDI Atojo SRS Best Overall Motorcycle Boot TCX Drifter Specs Materials Full-grain leather with T-DRY waterproof membrane; polyurethane armor Protection CE Level 2 Weight 2.44 lbs. Best Use ADV, daily rides

　　Pros Waterproof membrane Rebuildable stitched-down sole Comfortable for walking Excellent buckle system Cons Not quite as protective as alternatives Michael Frank The TCX Drifter ($370) is an improvement on the Terrain 3, which was already superb. After testing both, we took note of the Drifter’s additional reinforcements. In particular, there’s a new pad at the top of the boot where your forefoot contacts the shifter. The interior side of the boot, where it meets the heat of the hog, has a larger zone of heat-resistant fabric. TCX armors the shin but looks low-key with a black-on-black logo. There’s new reinforcement along the medial and lateral ankle plus a very beefy Achilles socket to protect your heel. 

　　Despite all that, the boot is relatively lightweight. With hiking boot-style lugs, it’s easier to get traction if you’re pushing your bike through a section of deep muck. Speaking of slop, the Drifter is waterproof, but we’ve never found it to be brutally hot. We took these boots out on steamy test rides and on motocross sections where the going was as slow as molasses. 

　　We love that the newer buckles are even beefier, and a stronger cam means they stay shut. Plus, the buckles are fully adjustable. But the adjusters don’t wiggle under strain, so you won’t need to fiddle with them once you’ve set the fit. 

　　There’s a subtle taper to the boot’s upper and an accordion-like gusset. The cuff shuts snuggly around pants to prevent water from running down the inside of the boot when you’re riding in the rain. This is hardly a city kick, but there’s great forward ankle flexion. Once you’ve broken them in, they’re reasonably walkable for a tall, CE Level 2 moto boot. 

　　Why is this boot not the awarded ADV-specific boot? The Alpinestars Corozal has a slightly meatier lateral clasp at the ankle, which prevents as much forward lean as the Drifter. The Corozal is more protective but tougher to hoof around in. To us, the best overall boot needs to be a little bit easier to wear across all kinds of applications: the TCX Drifter.  

　　check price at tcxboots Best Budget and Waterproof Motorcycle Boot REV’IT! Everest GTX Specs Materials Hypalon ripstop with Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, ripstop polyester; laminated armor frame Protection CE Levels 1 and 2 Weight 1.58 lbs. Best Use ADV, daily riding

　　Pros Waterproof membrane Super lightweight Comfortable for walking Easy zip closure stays put Cons Not quite as protective as alternatives Michael Frank Like the Danner in this roundup, the REV’IT! Everest GTX ($360) is extra comfy but a lot more protective than a casual hightop. The Everest passes CE regulations for slide and crush-resistant safety. (See the Buying Guide section below for all the deets on how the European Union tests footwear for riding.)

　　But here’s the thing: It’s also the easiest boot on this list to wear day in and day out. You’ll put the Everest on to wear with jeans on a rainy day just because they’re comfortable, regardless of whether you plan to ride that day.

　　There’s a large flex zone in front of the ankle, so the Everest GTX is extremely easy to walk in. The forefoot also offers a lot of bend. These boots are as wearable as a light hiker and darn near as feathery, too. These slippers have a super grippy outsole, so they have purchase on the pegs and also when you push your KTM into your garage and out of the rain. 

　　Negatives? The Everest GTX scored a lower CE rating for slide protection, probably because the overall build is a little lighter weight than that of other boots. However, this pair is very reinforced, passing Level 2 marks for lateral crush resistance, which is key if you happen to tumble off your motorbike and it falls on you. There’s reinforcement above the big toe and at the ankle box. The Achilles shell is extremely stout, too, as is the beefy shin protector. 

　　Still, the REV’IT! Everest GTX made our list because they’re so easy to wear. The Gore-tex worked as advertised, so our feet never got wet even riding in sopping conditions. (Though, a taller boot works better for riding through standing water.) And they’re super easy to slide on or off. A zipper on the inner ankle opens for smooth entry. Burlier boots require ski-boot-level work to get on, and the Everest slips on better than high-tops.

　　CHECK PRICE AT REVZILLA Best Adventure Motorcycle Boot Alpinestars Corozal Specs Materials Full-grain leather with Drystar waterproof-breathable membrane; TPU armor and steel shank at midsole Protection CE Level 2 Weight 2.84 lbs. Best Use ADV

　　Pros Highly protective Reasonably walkable Great buckle system Overbuilt ankle Cons Bulkier than alternatives Michael Frank If your goal is to tackle dirt roads, mud, and rugged routes but also to have an everyday boot for highway routes and commutes, your choice boot will need to skew toward protection over malleability. That’s why our top choice for an ADV boot is the CE Level 2-rated Alpinestars Corozal ($340).

　　This boot looks a lot like the TCX Drifter, because they’re cut from the same cloth. The Corozal, however, gets a meatier protective zone around the ankle. The lowest strap is reinforced to prevent lateral movement that could cause you to twist an ankle while dismounting your bike. 

　　No other toe box is as impenetrable as the Sidi’s on this list, but the Alpinestars’ is pretty darn stout. Still, the toe box is forgiving enough to walk. The grippy outsole offers plenty of traction, which we learned while walking a Moto with a dead battery several hundred yards through the woods. We also like that the ankle zone is reinforced to prevent crushing, as is the Achilles. The midsole is bolstered with a steel shank. 

　　Even though this build is a bit more cumbersome than the TCX Drifter, your feet won’t cook in the Corozal. After several full-day tests, we were really impressed with the comfort level that Alpinestars achieved in this very protective boot. The buckles also rock. The clasps are easily adjustable and the cam system bites but doesn’t ghost-release in the middle of a ride. 

　　Furthermore, the built-in gaiter at the boot’s cuff prevents water from entering your pant leg. That detail also adds bulk, so consider that when you’ll be pairing the boot with an ADV pant. Youll need a wide enough cuff to clear the top. Overall, we were super impressed with the Alpinestars Corozal.

　　CHECK PRICE AT ALPINESTARS Best City Motorcycle Boot Danner Moto Wedge GTX Specs Materials Full-grain leather with Gore-tex waterproof-breathable membrane; D30 armor and fiberglass shank at midsole Protection Not rated Weight 1.54 lbs. Best Use City riding

　　Pros Supremely walkable Waterproof Looks like a regular hiker Cons Not CE-rated Michael Frank Sometimes getting geared up for a local ride feels like a major hassle. Especially if you know your day is going to be at least two-thirds walking and one-third riding. Commuters are especially bound to compromise footwear for that reason. Here’s the thing: the Danner Moto Wedge GTX ($480) looks gorgeous.

　　Style-conscious people are going to be tempted to wear that steeze. Plus, the smooth and supremely stiff outsole gave us a really stable platform for shifting, standing on the pegs, and all-day riding comfort.

　　We were happy with the forefoot, which has enough flex for walking, and there’s D30 armor at the ankle cuff: That material remains pliable when you’re riding or walking but stiffens upon impact. The midsole has a fiberglass shank, too.

　　The Danner Moto Wedge GTX is a thick-leathered, waterproof and breathable boot that’s made in the USA. The comfort index is through the roof, and they look good. While the Wedge does not have a CE rating, it’s suitable for city riders that want an easy moto boot solution.

　　$480 at Amazoncheck price at danner Best Off-Road Motorcycle Boot SIDI Atojo SRS Specs Materials Synthetic suede, polyamide and Teflon; PU armored with anti-hyperextension zones Protection CE Level 2 Weight 3.94 lbs. Best Use Off-road riding

　　Pros Interlocking layers of armor and motion prevention Almost every part is replaceable Bomber, unsurpassed protection Cons Tough to walk in or wear off the bike Michael Frank If you want to tackle a serious Class IV section of the Backcountry Discovery Route with a loaded bike, you should be wearing the SIDI Atojo SRS ($550). This model is worn by the brand’s pros and built with an obscene level of protection.

　　There’s a fin of plastic in front of the ankle that allows the boot to hinge forward but not backward or beyond your natural range of motion. The idea is to prevent an injury to your Achilles. There’s also an ankle hinge with medial and lateral anchors that prevents your foot from being able to roll too far inward or outward.

　　The material around the ankle, shin, and toe box are all heavily armored, as are the zones around the heel and calf. The buckle system is excellent with strong clasps that are buttery smooth to actuate. Those teeth stay shut no matter what.

　　Now, the downside to all that protection is reduced comfort. The Atojo SRS toe box does not flex. When you walk in these, you’ll need to shuffle like Frankenstein. The boot is designed to restrict freedom of movement if you crash. So these are sort of like wearing ski boots.

　　SIDI doesn’t use a waterproof membrane, so they’re not a particularly hot boot compared to similar motocross designs. After a bunch of woods riding, we noticed that they get more comfortable. This is max protection and the toebox construction on the SIDI Atojo SRS isn’t cheap. But if your goal is to push your boundaries, you’ll need real protection. 

　　$550 at Amazoncheck price at cyclegear

　　The TCX Drifter received the highest scores in our test; (photo/Michael Frank) Parts of Motorcycle Boots When you try on motorcycle boots at the store, think about the following details:

　　Buckles or Closure System You dont want a buckle to pop open on a ride, so pay attention to that in the store.

　　Buckles should be easily adjustable and stay shut once the cam spring is closed. That’s one reason we love the TCX Drifter.

　　We see underdesigned buckles more than we wish. A safe, protective boot needs to stay clasped when you ride, while loading or picking up your bike, and if you crash.

　　Be sure to try on boots in a store to find the best fit; (photo/Michael Frank) Reinforcement The toebox should not collapse nor should the zone around the ankle and Achilles.

　　You want to see reinforcement on top of the toe so that shifting doesn’t wear through the boot over time.

　　A taller boot should have heat protection on the inner calf and shin armor. A Goldilocks product with 360-degree reinforcement is the Alpinestars Corozal.

　　ADV boots frequently armor the ankle, which makes hyperextension laterally and forwardly less likely. Protection around the ankle comes at the expense of walkability.

　　The protection around the ankle will influence the ankle flexion thats available while wearing the boot; (photo/Michael Frank) Outsole To choose the best outsole, consider when you ride and on what kind of terrain. Smooth outsoles like those on the Danner Moto Wedge GTX work fine on the street but arent great on dirt. Unpaved sections need lugged soles, which offer more grip and are handier for hiking sections of trail.

　　Gaiter or Cuff Waterproof systems are pretty common in motorcycle boots but pointless if rain rolls down your pant leg and into your boot. Ideally, your pants will fit over the top of your boot. But if they don’t, a snug cuff closure is key.

　　One of our top picks was the REV’IT! Everest GTX; (photo/Michael Frank) Materials and Weight Heavier Moto boots are built for a specific application. For instance, the Sidi Atojo SRS is an amazing choice for riding very technical terrain. The build is lighter than SIDI motocross footwear, but they are also three times heavier than the REV’IT! Everest GTX.

　　CE safety ratings don’t account for weight but we pay attention because the grams influence comfort.

　　On the materials front, synthetics tend to be lighter than leather. You’ll find synthetic boots that meet the same CE rating as leather boots, too. Leather lasts longer and is more resistant to grease and road grime than synthetics.

　　The weaker and cheaper points of boots tend to be the clasps, closures, and buckles.

　　The TCX Drifter hits the center of the target for material and weight. Theyre not ultra-lightweight but are a bit less hefty than the Alpinestars Corozal. The high-wear zones are built with leather, and weight-saving synthetic materials are used where you need a greater range of motion.

　　When you consider materials, think about the type and specific location on the boot. Also, consider where youll be riding whether thats down the street or through the Chilean Andes.

　　We liked the buckles on the SIDI Atojo SRS boots; (photo/Michael Frank) Waterproofing Motorcycle boots made with a waterproof-breathable membrane dominate this list. To point, the Danner Moto Wedge GTX low-top boot incorporates Gore-Tex. With a shorter boot, the inside of the footwear might still get soaked unless you were wearing a waterproof gaiter. The REV’IT! Everest GTX is taller, which is a better choice if wet weather is a concern.

　　Another taller boot with a gaiter-like closure is the Alpinestars Corozal or the TCX Drifter.

　　What’s the downside of truly waterproof boots? They dont breathe as well, so they can get hot.

　　Overall, if youre really concerned about getting wet, be sure that the interface between your motorcycle pants and your motorcycle boots is compatible and well-sealed.

　　Motorcycle riding shoes are shorter and easier to pull on and off for commutes; (photo/Michael Frank) Safety Certifications and Crush Protection The European Union rates the armoring and slide protection of motorcycle boots. These fall within CE (Conformité Européene) Level 1 and 2 standards.The EU measures the sole, front, and back of the boot, and the lateral components. They also measure abrasion and crush resistance.

　　For abrasion, the EU uses a tool like a belt sander. A boot that scores a Level 1 needs to withstand 1.5 seconds against the belt without forming a hole on the sole, front, or back. A Level 1 resistance for the sides of a boot needs to resist for 5 seconds against the belt sander. (Because you’re more likely to slide sideways in an accident.)

　　Meeting the Level 2 certification is more stringent. A boot’s front, back, and sole needs to withstand 2.5 seconds against the belt without developing a hole. The inner and outer soles need to survive 12 seconds of contact with the belt.

　　The boots are also tested for crush protection, also known as transverse rigidity. This is important because when riders step off the bike their trusty steed occasionally falls on their foot. Two plates are pressed against the boot’s sole to try to smash it. The boot needs to withstand a force thats equivalent to at least 214 pounds of pressure to meet Level 1 standards, and the boot can deform very minimally. The rate is 337 pounds for the Level 2.

　　The EU doesn’t test crush protection at the ankle bone or the toe box. Though, both of those are very vulnerable zones that you should consider during the purchase process. You’ll find decent ankle protection in the REV’IT! Everest GTX. Theres more ankle protection in the TCX Drifter, and even better toe and ankle protection in the Alpinestars Corozal.

　　Youll find protection around your entire lower leg with the Sidi Atojo SRS. The Danner Moto Wedge GTX offers a very rigid sole, so it might pass a Level 1 for crush-proofness in the CE test, and there’s some armoring at the ankle bone, too. 

　　Common materials used in moto boots include leather, GORE-TEX, TPU plastic, kevlar, and a non-slip outsole; (photo/Michael Frank) FAQ What makes a good motorcycle boot? There’s no single answer to this question.

　　The outsole shouldnt be able to twist or be crushed from the side. The outsole should be able to withstand friction. Youll also want protection from the heat of the motorcycle against your inner leg and from hot pavement. A good boot should be reinforced at the ankle and at the top of the left boot to protect from the wear caused by shifting.

　　A couple of our favorite motorcycle boots include the TCX Drifter and the Alpinestars Corozal.

　　Are motorcycle boots worth the investment? Yes. Riding is dangerous and its dangerous to your extremities.

　　Motorcycle boots provide crush protection, especially during one of the most common accidents: having the bike fall on you at a stop or while dismounting.

　　Moto boots are also built to last, because theyre constructed with durable materials. They’re going to resist damage, and can sometimes be repaired with new parts.

　　The initial investment pays dividends when you consider the injury prevention and repairable construction, so you’re not replacing them year after year.

　　Moto boot widths can vary between narrow, medium, and wide; (photo/Michael Frank) Should motorcycle boots be tight or loose? There’s zero doubt here: You want a snug motorcycle boot. However, they shouldn’t cut off circulation.

　　Choose a boot that you can comfortably wear for many hours without pain. But a loose fit will alter the protection. A boot should be able to prevent hyperextension or an ankle roll.

　　The boot will also need to withstand the extra weight and force from your leg anchored against the ground, which is what stops a bike from rolling backward.

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