Tested: The Best Motorcycle Boots for Every Type of Rider

Without the added benefit and security afforded by a steel cage with airbags, seatbelts, and crumple zones, motorcycle riders are exposed to markedly more hazards than the drivers of the four-wheeled machines with which they share the roads. And while riding on two-wheels is objectively more dangerous than driving, motorcyclists can massively mitigate their likelihood of an injury by arming themselves with a quality set of protective riding gear.

Riding jackets, gloves, and helmets admittedly do tend to receive most of the attention when discussing safety gear, though moto boots play an equally important role in shielding riders from danger and injuries. While there’s absolutely no shortage of stellar riding shoes and boots to pick from, there are a number of models that stand above the rest, representing the finest moto-specific footwear currently on the market. And it’s this crop of items that we’ll be exploring today in this guide to and hands-on review of the best motorcycle riding boots you can currently buy.

How we Tested

When we first set out to uncover the best motorcycle boots currently on the market, we began our search by first compiling a list of the main genres of riding boot that we wanted to include. After landing on half-a-dozen main categories (adventure boots, cafe boots, cruiser boots, motocross boots, riding sneakers, and sport/track boots), we then proceeded to make a list of the main properties and characteristics that we’d use to judge each potential pick. This included looking at areas such as material selection, features and design, entry and closure setup, and style, just to name a few. Allowing these factors to guide or search, we then proceeded to make a shortlist of candidates that we felt may stand as the best in their respective class. In order to do this, we made two-to-three selections for each category. In order to get a more comprehensive sense of how each riding boot performed, we managed to track down each pair on our shortlist and put them to the test. 

Here at HICONSUMPTION we typically come up with several standardized tests in order to more objectively judge whatever product segment or space we’re covering or reviewing. In the case of motorcycle boots, we did perform a spray test to judge waterproofing, and we did perform an impact test by striking the shins of each pair with a hammer, though the main way we gleaned information about each pair comprising our shortlist was to simply wear them. So, that’s precisely what we did. Each boot spent anywhere from several days to several weeks on my feet as I commuted to and from the office — and were worn on the weekends or evenings when I would hit the canyons on weekends. This hands-on (feet-on?) experience would provide a tremendous amount of first-hand knowledge and insight that was not only used to help narrow our shortlist down to a final selection of hard candidates that make up our final list, but it was also instrumental in actually writing up the review of each pair of the best motorcycle boots. 

Stylmartin Matt WP Riding Shoes

Best Casual Riding Shoes: If you happen to be a bit of a sneaker head that also rides , you’ll likely be familiar with the struggle between tossing on a pair of your favorite high-top retro Jordans or arming your feet with a more protective — albeit markedly less stylish — piece of actual moto-specific footwear when it comes time to ride. Therein lies the brilliance of the Stylmartin Matt WP Riding Shoes, as this fashion-forward motorcycle sneakers manage to legimtatlry offer the best of both worlds with a ‘90s basketball shoe-inspired design that packs a host of integrated safety features that are modern through and through. Designed in Italy and made in Europe, these CE-rated riding sneaker feature Hydro-Grain uppers, a breathable, waterproof GORE-TEX-style membrane, an air mesh liner, a removable anatomic, antibacterial innersole, a reinforced shifter pad on the toes, and oil-resistant rubber outsoles. There’s also PU ankle guards inside and out. 

Because of the feature-laden nature of these riding sneakers and their integrated armor and material selection, I imagined corners needed to be cut somewhere in order to sell them at their current price, and I assumed the build quality would leave a lot to be desired, though I found the construction to be just as impressive as some of the Italian-made riding boots and sneakers I’ve owned. These riding shoes also offer pretty unbeatable on-the-bike, off-the-bike performance, as they feel like regular shoes when walking around. Couple this with their casual, fashion-forward appearance, and you’ve got a piece of moto footwear that you can ride to work, wear all day, and then ride home again. The waterproofing on these riding sneakers is also exceptional, not letting a drop through the membrane, meaning they’ll have no problem handling your commute, even on rainy days. 

The shoe’s reflective details are subtle but effective, adorning the back of the heel while also being present on the laces. I appreciate this because it bolsters safety and manages to bring another riding-specific feature to the table in a subtle way that won’t stand out to the casual observer. And, aside from the shifter pads, these really do look like regular sneakers — and some pretty stylish ones in my opinion. With an MSRP of just two bills, the Stylmartin Matt WP Riding Shoes also offers some pretty terrific bang-for-your-buck, considering all that you get. A lot of casual-looking riding sneakers look normal in photos, but once you get them on your feet they look like they’re several sizes too big, as all of the underlying armor and reinforced elements result in a big, bulky footprint and silhouette. One of my absolute favorite parts about Stylmartin’s Matt WP is that they don’t look any bigger than the retro Air Jordans I own. 

All in all, the Stylmartin Matt WP Riding Shoes are unquestionably some of my favorite riding shoes that I’ve ever worn, though my testing did reveal a few minor issues. Starting with my smallest gripe, while I happen to posses a major proclivity for black shoes, I know not everyone feels this way, so I wish these were offered in more than just one color option. My biggest iissue was with this pair’s breathability — or lack thereof rather. When wearing these for the entire day, my feet would get really sweaty, and after only a few days they started to smell a bit. My final complaint is something that practically all riding sneakers are guilty of, and this is that they don’t afford the same level of protection as full-length boots or more robust short-boot designs. They still offer far more protection than normal sneakers, but I still feel like this is worth pointing out. Additionally, I also think it’s only fair that I also point out that these minor downsides are all massively outweighed by this pair’s many, many strengths and plusses — and by a huge margin. 

Verdict: The Stylmartin Matt WP Riding Shoes offer the appearance of a retro-inspired sneaker in a causal and unassuming package that offers true all-day-comfort and a good deal of versatility. 

Dainese Torque 3 Air Out Boots

Best Sport/Track Boots: Developed with ample input from a slew of professional riders, the Dainese Torque 3 Air Out Boots are top-of-the-line, race-ready full-length boots that allow you to get the same top levels of protection offered to a great many WSBK and MotoGP riders. Equipped with Dainese’s hinged D-Axial ankle support system which has been brought to life in TPU, the Torque 3 Air Out Boots feature uppers that are cut from perforated microfiber with a double-jersey air-gap liner. Fortified via a protective inner nylon hull, a reinforced nylon toe, a TPU heel cup, and replaceable magnesium sliders across the toes and at the side of the heel, these track and race boots are also partially composed of Dainese’s proprietary D-Stone fabric at key points. This setup collectively affords these boots with extraordinary levels of protection that were once only available to top pro riders. 

Utilizing a hinged exoskeleton-type setup, Dainese’s D-Axial ankle support system is simple yet highly effective, as it’s engineered to allow the ankle to move forward and back, while preventing side-to-side or twisting/rolling movement. I genuinely found it cool that even when I tried to roll my ankle when wearing these, the boots didn’t let me. I was also impressed with how easy it was putting these boots on and taking them off, as, donning and doffing race and track gear in my experience has often been a laborious process. Simply undo the full-length vertical zipper runner up from the heel, and this allows a rear tongue (panel) to fold down, providing a wide opening for your foot (The rear tongue also doubles as a shoehorn which I absolutely love). From there, undo the wrap-around VELCRO section, and you can slip your fit right in or right out. What’s more, I was also pleasantly surprised by just how much feel the rubber toe shifter pads afford — almost being like the footwear equivalent of the “Rossi ticklers” on some of Dainese’s high-end race gloves. Moving around on the bike while wearing these boots was a pure joy too. 

The replaceable magnesium sliders also add a decidedly trick aesthetic that I no doubt thoroughly appreciate — and one that are frequently found on Dainese’s race jackets (albeit often in other alloys). I initially figured these boots were going to look pretty overkill when used on my commutes — as it’s essentially the footwear equivalent to commuting in one-piece race leathers — but I quickly found that I could tuck the upper three-quarters of the full-length boot into my pant leg, leaving them only exposed from the ankle down. Moving on, on top of perforated uppers, the boots also boast an air canalization system that together provide stellar airflow and breathability. The overall quality and fit and finish is second to none. These boots are made to be worn on the outside of a race suit or pair of riding pants (hence the “out” portion of the boot’s monicker) while the “Air” portion of the name denotes the fact they’re perforated and equipped with an airflow system of sorts. And, while I realize it has zero bearing on performance or user experience, though I love that the white, red, and black version of Dainese’s Torque 3 Out Air Boots just happen to perfectly match the white, red, and black livery of my Hypermotard SP. 

Being so feature-laden and over engineered, I expected to find a handful of gripes with this particular boot, though at the end of the day my complaints were not only minor, but also few and far between. While they can be tucked into the pant legs for a more casual look, they still stand out a decent amount on the street — at least compared to other more stylish moto footwear options like the Stylmartin Matt WP pair above. Next, I found these boots to be pretty uncomfortable and awkward to walk around in when off the bike — though this is no doubt a result of the incredible levels of protection that they offer, which is a very worthwhile sacrifice in my opinion. My final complaint is the price, as $450 is objectively a lot to spend on a pair of boots. With that said, getting the latest and greatest race gear never comes cheap, and this is no exception. Additionally, I’d also argue that you really do get what you pay for here. 

Verdict: Designed in Italy and benefitting from numerous proprietary materials and systems, the Dainese Torque 3 Out Air Boots are a race-bred piece of footwear that allows you to arm yourself with levels of protection for your commute that were once only available to pro riders on the race track. 

Roland Sands Design x White’s Foreman Boots

Best Cruiser Boots: Dating back to the late 1800s, White’s Boots is unequivocally one of America’s oldest and most revered heritage boot-makers. Though they weren’t designed for it, White’s Foreman Boots eventually became particularly popular amongst riders — a fact that prompted White’s to team up with Roland Sands Design to deliver a limited edition version of the Foreman Boot that’s been modified for riding while retaining the qualities that have made it such a hit with riders in the first place. Built on White’s 610 last, the Roland Sands Design X White’s Foreman Boots are constructed atop a Vibram Cristy Crepe outsole and feature a leather shank and midsole along with uppers cut from full grain water-resistant Horween Chrome-Excel leather. 

Sporting a 6” height, these modernized heritage boots are pieced together entirely by hand, entirely in America using ultra-sturdy stitch down construction. They’re also hand-lasted, hand-bottomed, and finished completely by hand. Other than Rolands Sands Design branding and collab-exclusive oxblood, tobacco, or all-black color options (the latter of which we tested), the biggest change or addition to the RSD-spec Foreman Boots is the shifter pad overlay running across the toe. It doesn’t end there, however, as the boots also conceal an added Ortholite-padded insole. Not only does the Horween leather construction look fantastic, but it will only grow more handsome with time as the material will form a unique patina with regular use. Additionally, these boots legitimately boast the look and feel of a genuine heritage boot, and that’s because they legitimately are exactly that. These aren’t some cheap boots masquerading as heirloom-quality items, they really are the real deal — albeit made even more special in my eyes thank to this unique, limited edition version being born out of a wildly cool collaboration. 

These USA-made boots aren’t just likely to afford a lifetime of use, they’re designed to do so — plus come backed by a lifetime warranty — being both rebuildable and resole-able. Because they’re a modified version of an existing non-moto boot, this pair feels like a regular pair of boots when walking around off-the-bike. This added bit of versatility is a major selling point for this pair. Like practically any pair of boots from White’s, the RSD x White’s Foreman Boots make for a fantastic modern-day heirloom that are perfect for being passed down to a future generation who can then hopefully do the same when their time comes. Though it clearly isn’t for everyone, I absolutely love the completely blacked-out finish on this version of the Foreman boot. Everything from the uppers to the eyelets to the outsole to the stitching is completely murdered out, giving this timeless design a bit more of a contemporary air to it. And, though it’s another minor detail, I do really like that these boots ship with both thick and thin sets of leather construction laces. 

The biggest issue that I ultimately have with these riding boots is the fact that they weren’t engineered from the ground up to be modern riding boots and as such are a bit lacking in terms of protection compared to the other pairs on this list. And while it applies to practically any heritage boot, whether it’s from Thorogood, Chippewa, or Red Wing, the break-in period on the RSD x White’s Foreman boots are pretty rough. It takes a solid few months for the boots to really break-in and conform to your feet — at which point they fit like a glove. I didn’t get enough testing time to fully break-in the pair that I evaluated for this review, though I happen to own a pair of these same RSD x White’s Boots (albeit in the tobacco chrome-excel leather version) so I can confidently speak on this from firsthand experience. Lastly, we’ve got to talk about the price, as roughy $500 is pretty steep. With that said, heirloom-quality, heritage-grade USA-made boots don’t ever come cheap, and the RSD pair, despite being more advanced, actually comes in at a bit cheaper than the regular White’s Foreman Boots (which start at $559). 

Verdict: Born out of a collaboration between two renowned West Coast brands, the RSD X White’s Foreman Boots are a limited edition version of a legendary USA-made heritage boot that’s been bestowed with several minor moto-specific updates. Making for a stellar modern-day family heirloom, these things are practically guaranteed to last a lifetime — and then some. 

AETHER Moto Boots

Best Cafe Boots: The AETHER Moto Boots are a top-shelf take on a pair of workwear-style riding boots that feature vintage style and modern protection. Offered in black or brown color options, AETHER’s Moto Boots are built atop a Commando-style Vibram sole with low-profile forefoot lugs for more natural performance on the bike, and regular rear lugs that afford an ordinary feel when walking around off of it. The boots’ uppers are cut from a vegetable-tanned Italian leather and boast matching leather footbeds. Sandwiched between the outsole and uppers are a set of leather welts. Under the surface, the AETHER Moto Boots conceal a reinforced heel, a reinforced toe box, and hidden D30 ankle armor. Each pair is meticulously crafted by a team of skilled artisans in Portugal using old-world craftsmanship and techniques. 

They really do feel like ordinary, high-end leather boots. I was also surprised by how easy it was to put these boots on — an area furthered by the leather finger loop at the top of the back of the boot — especially because, once laced up, they offered a decidedly snug fit. This is no doubt owed to the riveted hiking boot-style speed-lacing hooks at the top of the eyelets make it particularly easy to tightly fasten the things with very little time and effort. Plus, unlike other heritage-style boots I’ve used while riding, the low-profile, front portion of the outsole and the shape of the toe make it easy to slip the left boot under the shifter. I also really appreciate the fact that, while they do offer pretty solid protection thanks to the D30 ankle armor and reinforced heel and toe box, they don’t really outwardly announce themselves as being motorcycle boots — save for the shifter overlays, though even those are fairly subtle. The top-notch craftsmanship and fit and finish on display give AETHER’s Moto Boots the look and feel of a heritage boot. Thanks to the rugged, long-lasting materials and exquisite build quality, AETHER’s Moto Boots can legitimately afford a lifetime of use — and during that time, each pair will develop its own unique patina, adding even more character. And, while it has no impact on the performance and user experience of the boots, I nonetheless think it’s pretty impressive that this is AETHER’s first-ever pair of riding footwear, as they really have managed to strike a perfect balance between style and protection and absolutely knock it out of the park with their inaugural pair. 

There’s the premium materials, the stellar build quality, and the suite of integrated armor, and while this is all great, what really makes these boots so special is their timeless design. Not only are they an incredibly handsome pair of boots, but they ultra-clean design ultimately makes them one of the most versatile pairs of riding boots I’ve ever seen or worn. While they look great on the bike, they’re also able to lend themselves to some more formal settings thanks to their more dapper appearance. They even dress up pretty well and can pair well with dressier outfits, which is a pretty major rarity in the world of purpose-built riding boots. They also look great with practically any casual outfit too. And, while they don’t by any means look bad on camera, they really do look even better in person. They’re not just versatile from a visual standpoint either, as AETHER’s Moto Boots also offer some of the best performance as off-the-bike boots out of any piece of moto footwear I’ve ever worn. Walking around in them fees incredibly natural, without the stiffness that comes with a lot of riding-specific footwear, especially boots. Though it’s a fairly minor detail, one aspect that really elevates AETHER’s Moto Boot is the Blake-stitched heavy waxed-nylon blue threading that runs through the Vibram sole — a detail present on both the black and brown versions of the boots. What’s more, both pairs also ship with a set of black laces and a separate set of blue laces that match the hue of the Blake stitching. 

Though it did require me wearing them on and off the bike (even on days when I wasn’t riding) for close to two weeks before they finally broke in, AETHER’s Moto Boots did eventually conform to my feet, at which time they became more and more comfortable each time I laced them up. Thanks to their incredible versatility, I also had no problem wearing them on a daily basis — an area that makes it easier to justify their steep MSRP. Now, having said that, this break-in period was pretty rough. Any regular pair of heritage boots will almost always come with an uncomfortable break-in period, but the presence of the reinforced heel and toe box only exacerbate things. Just like every other piece of AETHER riding gear I’ve ever used, the brand’s Moto Boots are beautifully-designed, well-crafted, and cut from premium materials, though all of these areas result in a fairly exorbitant price tag which is definitely one of the biggest downsides to these boots.

Verdict: Offering retro style and contemporary protection, the AETHER Moto Boots are a premium pair of heritage-style riding boots that afford an insane amount of versatility, lending themselves equally well to on or off-the-bike use, and being able to pair with an enormous range of styles, settings, and occasions. 

Alpinestars Tech 10 Boots

Best Off-Road/MX Boots: Anytime you’re ever purchasing any piece of riding gear, it’s always worth checking out Alpinestars’ current catalog of moto kit, as the Italian brand unquestionably makes some of the very best — and has done so for over six decades. Case in point; the Alpinestars Tech 10 Boots. Comprehensively redesigned from the ground up in 2018, the Tech 10s feature a Frontal Flex Frame, an exterior ankle control system, a medial and lateral double pivot system, and a single piece co-injected foot chassis. On the outside, an impact and abrasion-resistant TPU shell has been paired with an underlying microfiber upper, co-injected TPU  and rubber compound panels, a dual density TPU rear blade, and a dual-hinge closure system with a trio of cold-forged alloy buckles fitted with replaceable nylon fiberglass straps. Inside, the Astars Tech 10 Boots sport a set of removable inner booties that have their own secondary hinged ankle protection setup. Inside, there’s a 3D mesh liner that legitimately offers stellar breathability, plus an interior suede patch inside the main boots helps to keep the booties firmly in place. Equipped with a steel shank that helps to better distribute weight and impact forces across the entire bed and arch of the foot, the bottom of the boots also sport a tread pattern that was previously only available to Astars’ pro riders. 

Flagship motocross boot models always aim to offer the absolute pinnacle of protection for off-road and MX riders, and the Alpinestars Tech 10 Boots are by no means an exception. The generous slew of protective exterior features coupled with an inner protective bootie allow for pretty extraordinary protection from impacts, scrapes, and slams. Taking a page of of the playbook of modern motorcycle helmets, the boot’s footbed sports an impact/crush zone made from EPS — the same stuff used in the liners underneath the shell of most helmets. This allows them to offer an insane amount of impact protection. Called a Dual Heel Compression Protection system, this element is replaceable. The boot’s peg inserts and soles are replaceable. In fact, a ton of the components on the Tech 10s are individually replaceable, and as a single crash doesn’t mean you have to throw them out and instead allows you to fix any elements that were damaged and destroyed — making it markedly easier to justify the more-than-$600 price tag. For some repairs, the boots do have to be sent back to Alpinestars’ factory to be carried out. 

Though it’s already been touched on above, I really couldn’t get over how robust the level of protection is on these boots. Whether you’re riding off-road, at your local circuit or MX part, or on the streets, the overall protection they offer just can’t be beat. A true race-ready boot, the Astars Tech 10 are also super easy to clean, with this process being as simple as spraying them down with a hose or pressure-washer. The helmet liner-style EPS-based heel impact system is just brilliant, and I also really appreciate the fact that these boots achieve a CE rating as part of that. I was also super fond on the included inner booties, as they made it a lot easier to walk around off-the-bike — as strange as they admittedly look in practically any setting other than at the campsite or track-side. While on the subject of the Tech 10’s appearance; at first I thought I’d feel a little awkward commuting in the Alpinestars Tech 10 Boots, but I actually came to appreciate the look of the boots, and how well they paired with more casual armored hoodies and jackets and a pair of riding jeans. So long as you’re on an adventure bike, dual-sport, or supermoto, the Tech 10s won’t look at all out of place.  

I did run into a few issues while testing these boots, most of which stem from how incredibly stiff they are. I instantly noticed how the level of stiffness really limited ankle articulation and range of motion. I had a hard time shifting gears while wearing these. Putting the bike into neutral was also a challenge, as the stiff nature of the boots combined with the lack of tactile feel makes it difficult to find the sot in-between first and second gear. Though they do break-in over time — and are less stiff out of the box than their predecessor — at the end of the day these are just stiff MX boots. Plain and simple. And while this does mean limited ankle mobility, it also allows them to afford unparalleled levels of protection while on the bike. While off the bike, I also found the Tech 10s to be super awkward to walk around in. I also found Alpinestars’ Tech 10 Boots to be extremely heavy, as each boot weighs in at around 5lbs. This is pretty common for high-end motocross boots, but is nonetheless worth mentioning. Also, credit where credit is due, these boots are a good deal lighter than the prior gen, though I was still a bit taken back by the sheer heft of the Tech-10s as soon as I pulled them out of the box. Additionally, unlike the Tech-7 boots, the Tech-10s aren’t offered in a Drystar (waterproof membrane) version — which is something I wish Astars soon change — though they are sold in a “Super Vented” warm weather-specific version. And, while they fit me perfectly, I don’t love that Alpinestars doesn’t offer half-sizes for its MX boot (It’s also worth noting that these boots run about half-a-size large) as those with in-between sizes will have a harder time finding a precise fit on the first try. 

Verdict: Representing one of the world’s most elite moto brand’s top-of-the-line flagship motocross boot, the Alpinestars Tech 10 Boots are a CE-rated pair of MX stompers that offer unparalleled levels of protection thanks to a host of innovative features. If maximum fortification for your feet is your top priority, then look no further. 

Touratech Destino Ultimate GTX Adventure Motorcycle Boot

Best Adventure Boots: Since its inception in 1990, Touratech has consistently delivered some of the best off-road and adventure gear and parts that money can buy. For its latest pair of adventure boots, the German brand tapped Danish outfit REV’IT! in order to — in typical Touratech fashion — deliver what’s unequivocally one of the best ADV boots that money can buy. Boasting a long name and an even longer list of features, the Touratech Destino Ultimate GTX Adventure Motorcycle Boot aims to offer the versatility and performance of your typical ADV boot while at the same time affording a level of protection that’s typically reserved for motocross boots. The boot is constructed around REV’IT’s proprietary three-part dynamic support frame system, which consists of an injection molded ankle cup, a hinged calf support beam, and the stability frame chassis. Set atop the dynamic support frame is a generous layer of Seesoft foam adorning the tongue and a motocross-style TPU plate fortifying the shin. Equipped with a reinforced toe box and a thermoformed heel cup, the interior of the boot features a full GORE-TEX membrane while the exterior is cloaked in cowhide leather with numerous SuperFabric overlays and a protective TPU rand and TPU shifter overlay. The bottom of the boot is capped off with an ultra-grippy Vibram Apex outsole. 

Typically, full-length off-road and adventure boots are notoriously difficult to don and doff. This isn’t the case with Touratec’s Destino Ultimate GTX ADV Moto Boot, as it uses a VELCRO-secured wraparound opening that splits from the inside, allowing a stiff front section to fold forward for easy entry and removal. Once your foot is in the boot you simply turn the knob on the BOA fit system and its monofilament lacing provides a super precise and snug fit, every time. Inside the boot there’s also a yellow webbing-style pull strap that makes putting them on even easier. The easy entry and removal is just one of many noteworthy aspects of this boot. Its dynamic support frame allows the boot to be fairly lightweight yet incredibly protective. It uses a hinged set that allows the ankle to move up and down without letting it twist or roll. Though the hinged setup affords an impressive free range of ankle movement and articulation, I found the composite arch of the foot to be incredibly stiff. This initially bothered me, that was, until I stood up on the pegs and noticed that the arch didn’t flex or fold over the pegs like some cheaper ADV boots I’ve used. Standing at around 16” in height, the boots also offer a ton of coverage.

Another impressive element of Touratec’s Destino Ultimate GTX ADV Moto Boot is how comfortable and natural they feel both on and off-the-bike. While they aren’t as natural to walk in as regular sneakers, the different between using these off the bike versus a pair of motocross boots is like night and day. I can walk with a mostly-natural, unchanged stride, and, thanks to a quilted anti-microbial liner, an EVA midsole, and an OrthoLite insole, they’re tremendously comfy. And, while the coldest temperatures I experienced during my testing was a few “cold” morning commutes in Los Angeles, I can still report that they kept my feet nice and toasty, and I’m confident they would have no problem standing up to frigid weather — even more so when paired with a set of wool socks. In other news, the GTX membrane works exactly as advertised, not letting any water in whatsoever, and the Vibram Apex outsole with its six lug pattern is wildly grippy, while still allowing me to move around on the balls of my feet on the bike’s pegs. A truly is a spare-no-expense adventure boot, the Destino Ultimate GTX ADV Moto Boot is incredibly well-crafted, and is composed of some of the finest — and some hardwearing — materials on the planet.

While my range of ankle movement was noticeably more free when wearing these adventure boots compared to the motocross boots I tested, I still had a difficult time getting used to shifting while wearing Touratech’s Destino Ultimate GTX Adventure Motorcycle Boot — essentially having to approach it from the side to slip my foot under the shifter. It also made finding natural a little tricky — something I don’t have issues with when wearing my normal everyday riding sneakers. Additionally, I also found it hard to fit any of the pairs of adventure riding pants that I own over the boot. This just meant that I wore said pants inside-the-boot which doesn’t bother me, though I know some riders feel differently here. I’ve also heard from other users that these boots squeak quite a bit, though I didn’t experience this with the pair I tested. And, while it’s not necessarily a negative or a strike against it, it is nonetheless worth noting that the Touratech Destino Ultimate GTX Adventure Motorcycle Boot is essentially just a re-branded version of the REV’IT! Expedition GTX boots. There’s also no way getting around the fact that, at nearly $850, these boots are far from cheap. Lastly, though I could honestly go on for days about everything that I loved about Touratech’s original Destino Adventure model, one of my favorite features was undoubtedly the included set of inner-booties that could be used for walking around when off-the-bike, as this remedies one of the biggest issues a lot of riders (including myself) have with super beefy and robust ADV and MX boots. Sadly, this feature hasn’t been carried over to the new model. 

Verdict: Aside from its super-premium overall nature, what really sets the Touratech Destino Ultimate GTX Adventure Motorcycle Boot apart from other boots on the market is its ability to afford extraordinary levels of protection while simultaneously being comfortable and easy to use on or off-the-bike — rather than boasting a trade-off between the two, like most adventure and motocross boots do. 

Motorcycle Boots Comparison Chart

What To Consider When Shopping

Today’s moto-specific footwear market encompasses an enormous array of offerings, ranging from casual sneaker-style moto shoes to wildly robust full-length adventure riding boots. However, regardless of what style you’re shopping for, there are a few handy tips that will help you hone in on the pair that’s best for you and your particular riding style. Below, we’ll briefly touch on ten of the most crucial areas to think about before pulling the trigger on your purchase.

Intended Use: How you plan on using your riding boots or shoes should serve as a jumping-off point for your purchase, as your intended riding application(s) should hugely narrow down your list. The trick here is to review the main genres that comprise this space, and then select from one that’s most conducive to the main type of riding you plan on doing.

Style: Ultimately, the main guiding factor in your decision should very much be intended use, though there’s also nothing wrong with allowing your aesthetic tastes to at least partially influence your purchase. Luckily, today’s moto footwear market boasts an enormous array of different styles of items, practically guaranteeing the fact you can find a pair that aligns with your personal tastes while still representing a sensible choice in relation to your riding style and/or intended use.

Range Of Motion: Full-length boots undeniably afford the highest levels of protection, though they can sometimes do so at the cost of agility and dexterity, greatly limiting one’s range of motion. When shopping for full-length moto footwear it’s important to look into this area, as certain pairs do a much better job at not restricting one’s movement. Short-length boots can also be a great option, as their range of motion is pretty much entirely unencumbered.

Armor: In addition to providing protection against slides and abrasions, many of today’s best riding boots also feature built-in armor — typically of the D30 variety — which adds another degree of protection in the form of cutting-edge impact resistance. Considering that one’s feet are fairly prone to taking blunt force impacts in the event of a crash, armor is another wildly crucial area to explore when shopping for riding boots or shoes.

Materials: It’s hard to overstate the importance of the type of construction used to create a pair of riding boots, as this, more than any other factor, plays an enormous role in determining a pair’s overall quality. Leather, proprietary textiles, and high-denier nylons are fairly common, though it’s also worth exploring the materials used to craft smaller elements on a pair of boots such as the toe sliders (and toe pads), outsoles, and adjustment points or buckles. And almost as important as the materials used in a pair of boots is the construction technique(s) used to piece them together, as this latter area will have a tremendous impact on longevity and durability.

Fitment: In order to perform their job properly, motorcycle boots need to fit precisely and snugly. Being produced in a wide array of sizes and coming equipped with lacing systems obviously help with this area, though many of today’s best pieces of moto-specific footwear also sport a myriad of adjustment points to further fine-tune the fitment of particular areas. This aspect is even more crucial when dealing with full-length boots, whether they be of the adventure or track-focused variety.

Comfort: Comfort is of extreme importance when buying any pair of boots, and moto footwear is no different. These items need to pull off a somewhat delicate balancing act, affording ample protection from injuries and the elements while still being comfortable enough to use on a daily basis — a trait that’s typically achieved through the use of padding, plush insoles, and soft liners.

Weatherproofing: When riding a motorcycle, your feet are largely exposed to the elements, so if you’re a rider that lives in a particularly high-precipitation area or commutes rain or shine, weatherproofing is of extreme importance. Fortunately, there’s a slew of top-notch riding shoes and boots that come equipped with robust levels of weather protection in the form of waterproof primary constructions that are often backed by the use of advanced membranes. Some pieces of moto footwear are also outfitted with insulation to help ward off the cold.

Additional Features: Primary materials, armor, and construction technique are some of the most important areas to be considering when shopping in this space, however, there are undoubtedly other supplementary amenities on modern moto boots that are well-worth exploring. This includes elements such as proprietary closure systems and name-brand and/or antimicrobial footbeds, just to name a few.

Brand: Though there are occasional outliers, most motorcycle gear brands tend to exhibit a similar level of quality and craftsmanship across the board for all of their respective offerings. Armed with this information, you can typically get a decent sense of a pair of boots’ overall quality by examining other products made under the same label.

Honorable Mentions 

While there’s no denying how insanely good Dainese’s race boots are, I’d still argue that it’s worth also exploring the SIDI Rex Boots if you’re looking for a pair of full-length footwear for the track, as this feature-laden model offers some truly incredible performance. And though I was on the fence between including these or the pair from Dainese, the latter’s slightly lower price ultimately sealed the deal. 

Equipped with inner ankle and heel protection, the Alpinestars J-6 WP Shoes are a stylish pair of modern riding sneakers that draw heavy inspiration from an iconic pair of Vans skate shoes. While this is no doubt a fantastic pair of riding shoes, they were just-so-ever-slightly-edged-out by the pair from Stylmartin, resulting in them receiving an honorable mention slot. 

Another modern purpose-built riding shoe that draws its inspiration from yet another immensely iconic pair of sneakers, the Roland Sands Design F@#K LUCK Riding Shoe combines a hip appearance with a host of super modern features including the MOZ fit system and a reinforced ankle, shank heel, and toe. Because I could only select a single pair from RSD for the main list, the F@#K LUCK Riding Shoe was relegated to an honorable mention. 

Having gotten time to test it, I can safely say from firsthand experience that the Klim Outlander GTX Boots are a stellar pair of adventure boots that are very much worth considering when shopping in this space. Having said that, there’s just nothing on the market that really compares to the option above from Touratech. As such the Outlander GTX Boots receive an honorable mention here — though if you’re on a tighter budget I urge you to check this pair out. 

Tested: The Best Motorcycle Helmets

There’s no getting around the fact that helmets are the single most important piece of safety gear for riders. So, if you don’t already own a quality brain bucket, we recommend checking our the curated selection of lids found in our guide to and hands-on review of the very best motorcycle helmets for everyday riding.