Updated August 2026 · 2 products compared
Best motorcycle boots for bikers
Ankles are the joint riders injure most often in low-speed drops, and ordinary boots offer nothing against a twisting load. Every boot in this ranking has a structured ankle, a sole that grips a wet peg and a closure that will not unravel.
We weight walkability heavily. A boot that is uncomfortable off the bike is a boot you stop wearing, and the safest boot is the one on your foot.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Our recommendations are editorially independent.
Our top picks
Rated 4.6/5 by riders, 2 real product photos on file.
$329.95
The ranking, 1 to 2
- 1
Alpinestars SMX-6 V2 Gore-Tex BootsBest overallAlpinestars
Rated 4.6/5 by riders, 2 real product photos on file.
Sport-touring boots that stay dry and still let you feel the shift lever.
4.6Quick view$329.95
- 2
Bilt Mach 1 Riding ShoesBest valueBilt
Rated 4.1/5 by riders, 2 real product photos on file.
The budget riding shoe for commuters who currently ride in trainers.
4.1Quick view$89.99
Side by side
- Alpinestars SMX-6 V2 Gore-Tex BootsPrice varies
- Best for
- Best overall
- Riding style
- Sport touring
- Verdict
- Rated 4.6/5 by riders, 2 real product photos on file.
- Bilt Mach 1 Riding ShoesPrice varies
- Best for
- Best value
- Riding style
- Reinforced ankle
- Verdict
- Rated 4.1/5 by riders, 2 real product photos on file.
| Product | Best for | Riding style | Our verdict | Reference price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpinestars SMX-6 V2 Gore-Tex Boots | Best overall | Sport touring | Rated 4.6/5 by riders, 2 real product photos on file. | Price varies | Check Price |
| Bilt Mach 1 Riding Shoes | Best value | Reinforced ankle | Rated 4.1/5 by riders, 2 real product photos on file. | Price varies | Check Price |
Alpinestars SMX-6 V2 Gore-Tex Boots
Our top-ranked pick right now. Prices move constantly — check the live listing.
How we rank
Positions are scored from live data every time this page loads: rider ratings, the current price against its own recent history, how many North American retailers stock the item, nightly link health checks and whether we hold real product photography. Broken listings drop out automatically.
Ankle bracing, not just height
A tall shaft with no torsional support is a fashion boot. Look for internal cups or malleolus armour that resists the twist, which is the failure mode in a drop.
Sole compound and shift pad
Oil-resistant rubber with a defined shift pad keeps your foot planted on a wet peg and stops the toe box wearing through in one season.
Waterproof membrane versus breathability
A membrane keeps a commute survivable but adds heat. Vented leather is better for hot climates; a membrane earns its place anywhere with a real wet season.
Closure durability
Ratchets and buckles outlast laces on the bike. Where laces exist, a covering flap is essential — an exposed lace near a chain is a genuine hazard.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I ride in work boots or hiking boots?
- They are better than trainers, but they lack torsional ankle support and a shift pad, and the soles are usually too soft for peg feel. For anything beyond a short trip, dedicated riding boots are a clear upgrade.
- Are short riding shoes safe enough for commuting?
- Modern CE-rated riding shoes with an ankle cup cover the common commuting risks and are far easier to walk and work in, which means you will actually wear them. Full boots still win for touring and sport riding.
- How long do motorcycle boots take to break in?
- Leather touring boots typically need 200 to 500 km before they stop feeling stiff. Buy your normal size — boots that feel roomy in the shop will slide in use.
- Do waterproof boots stay waterproof?
- The membrane usually outlasts the outer leather's water repellency. Re-treating the outer once a season prevents the leather waterlogging, which is what makes a 'waterproof' boot feel wet and cold.
Free weekly newsletter
The Gear Post Weekly
New gear, useful gadgets and deals worth knowing about — one email a week. No spam, unsubscribe in a click.