best motorcycle boots

Best Touring and Adventure Boots Under $500

As a new rider, you might not be very focused on footwear but it can be a very critical piece of gear if you get into a wet environment or find yourself coming to a stop on loose gravel or dirt.

You will also quickly learn that different types of riding dictate the features that you will want to have featured in the boots that you are wearing. Touring and adventure boots are rather unique in that they are going to need to provide protection for the adventurous portion of your ride but they also need to be comfortable enough to allow for long touring rides.

Some of the key features to look for in the first pair of adventure and touring boots include sturdy soles, good ankle support and enough room to move or flex your foot while riding. In addition, you will want to consider the terrain that you might be facing, the temperature and other weather conditions such as snow or rain.

All of these external parameters will have a major impact on your level of satisfaction with your first touring and adventure boots. But it is also important to remember that as a new rider, your first boot selection is not going to be your last. These boots are just the first step in your learning process.

Forma Adventure Boots

Forma Adventure Boots

  • Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
  • Price: $279.00
  • Colors: Black/Brown
  • Sizes: 38-49 EURO 4-15 USA size- full sizes only no half sizes

The Forma Adventure boot is constructed of full-grain oiled leather uppers and a double density anti-slip rubber sole. The Drytex waterproof but also breathable lining makes these boots very comfortable in wet conditions but also allows for air flow to reduce sweat build up.

The extra soft polymer padding and the antibacterial replaceable footbeds offer the comfort that is needed for long riders or even a short hike when you find an interesting place to explore during your ride.

Added protection is provided by the injection molded plastic front plate, the plastic gear pad, the internal plastic protectors and the ankle and shin reinforcements. The unbreakable adjustable buckles allow you to customize the fit for the socks you are wearing and velcro closures let you make those fine customized sizing tweaks for complete comfort and a secure fit.

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Where to Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

 

Klim Outlander GTA BOA Boots

Klim Outlander GTA BOA Boots

  • Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
  • Price: $279.95
  • Color: Black/Brown
  • Sizes: 7-14 full sizes only no half sizes

The Klim Outlander GTA BOA boot combines the best of all worlds to create a boot that offers the protection needed for adventure riding, the comfort for a longer touring ride and a look that can pass for a casual hiking boot to wear hiking or just with casual attire. But don’t let the casual look mislead you, this boot offers all of the durability and protection you need from a riding boot.

These over the ankle boots offer D30 protection at the ankle and tongue as well as a reinforced rigid toe and heel. Ad the Gore-Tex lining keeps your feet dry when hiking or riding. The flexible outer sole allows for more movement of the foot on longer rides or when walking and the specially engineered sole also provides the needed support for extended wear.

This shorter adventure and touring boot is a selection that new riders might find more comfortable as it is similar to a standard hiking boot in style and cut but offers the added protection needed when riding.

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BestBeginnerMotorcycles.com has worked closely with RevZilla over the years to provide our testers with products to review. In addition to being a great site to shop from, they’re also a great partner.

Where to Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

 


Best Cruiser Boots Under $500

The cruiser boot offers a slightly different ankle position than most other riding boots. The upright posture of the cruiser rider means that the feet are often extended forward and are not directly under the rider’s knees as they are on a sportbike, dirt bike or cafe racer.

This position is great for rider comfort but it can pose additional risks to the feet and ankles in the event of an accident. For that reason, cruiser boots need to provide good ankle support, protection from abrasion and a stable sole.

In addition, the weather conditions such as temperature, rain, and snow will also dictate many of the features that will make or break your first cruiser boot selection.

But these first boots are just the beginning of your journey and you will have many opportunities to try other styles and models as you become a more experienced rider and begin to focus on the gear that best suits you and your riding style.

TCX Fuel WP Boots

TCX Fuel WP Boots

  • Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
  • Price: $271.00 – $279.99
  • Color: Black/Vintage Brown
  • Sizes: 36-48 EURO 5-13 USA 8.5 and 12.5 are the only half sizes offered

The TCX Fuel WP boots offer a classic look with full grain leather uppers and a durable lug sole. The large solid pieces of leather provide added comfort by eliminating seams and also provide added abrasion protection in the event of an accident.

The waterproof lining makes these a great choice for a ride in any climate. An added leather shift pad also provides added protection over the top of the foot.

The CFS comfort system assures that the boot is pre-molded to fit the contours of the foot and ankle to provide great support and comfort over a long ride. And the anatomically designed insole is replaceable so that you can have better support without having to purchase a new pair of boots.

The final feature is the lateral zipper and the Velcro closure that makes the boots easy to put on and take off.

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BestBeginnerMotorcycles.com has worked closely with RevZilla over the years to provide our testers with products to review. In addition to being a great site to shop from, they’re also a great partner.

Where to Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

 

Stylmartin Legend Boots

Stylmartin Legend Boots

  • Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
  • Price: $290.00
  • Color: Black/Brown
  • Sizes: 39-47 EURO 7-13 USA

The Stylmartin Legend is a full grain leather boot with a classic style and finish. The lining is made of Antex which is a waterproof and breathable fabric. Each side of the ankle provides added protective inserts. The anti-slip soles are oil proof and wear resistant to provide extended use and comfort.

And the most important comfort feature is the Italian Eurosole which provides all-day comfort when riding or just wearing the boots in a casual setting.

Shopping Now? We Recommend:

BestBeginnerMotorcycles.com has worked closely with RevZilla over the years to provide our testers with products to review. In addition to being a great site to shop from, they’re also a great partner.

Where to Buy: Revzilla | Amazon


Best Short Boots Under $500

Short boots are a great option for new riders because they provide the foot and ankle protection that is needed while still offering a feel that is similar to a non-riding style boot. In most cases, new riders are still struggling a bit to coordinate clutching with a hand and shifting with a foot so purpose-built footwear is even more important.

Having the ability to feel the shifter through the boot without having the actual lever bruising the top of the foot is critical to creating the muscle memory that is used each time you will shift gears pretty much for the rest of your riding life.

Other important features for a short riding boot include a stable and very durable sole, reinforcement at the toe and heel and a secure closure system. When considering the closure, take a second to think about all of the perils that long tangled laces could create. Catching long laces on a peg when stopping can easily contribute to a twisted ankle, your foot sliding and not supporting the bike and even dropping the bike.

So when considering a laced boot, be sure that there is a way to secure any long laces. Also, think about your riding style and the position of your feet that you find most comfortable. Having a slight heel on a short boot is a great way to be certain that your foot is always in the same position on the peg. That slight heel will allow your foot to hang forward each time you are on the peg and will quickly create muscle memory.

Remember that the best part about any type of boot or shoe is that you will be replacing it and you can fine-tune your selection process at that point. So invest some time in your selection, but also know that you are not making a lifetime commitment to this short boot.

Alpinestars SMX-1R Boots

Alpinestars SMX-1R Boots

  • Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
  • Price: $159.95
  • Color: Black/Black and White/Black, White and Red
  • Sizes: 38-50 EURO 5-14 USA some half size options

The Alpinestar SMX-1R boot tends to lean more to the sport style of short boots but is a great selection for any new rider. The boot is a blend of the safety features found in race boots and the comfort that you have in your favorite pair of sneakers.

The microfiber upper is durable and provides great abrasion protection and the streamline design allows for ease of movement and an improved sense of touch.

This short boot provides double ankle protectors, foot sliders, internal toe box protection and heel reinforcement. Comfort is ensured with the ergonomic shape of the boot, the accordion flex zones and the Velcro strap for customizing the fit of the closure.

The mesh lining provides wicking to keep your feet cool and comfortable on even the hottest days. The sole is a super grip rubber compound and does offer a slight heel. At $159.95, these boots are a great price for all of the features that they offer.

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BestBeginnerMotorcycles.com has worked closely with RevZilla over the years to provide our testers with products to review. In addition to being a great site to shop from, they’re also a great partner.

Where to Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

 

Firstgear Kili Lo Boot

Firstgear Kili Lo Boot

  • Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
  • Price: $119.95
  • Color: Black only
  • Sizes: 8-13 full sizes only

The Firstgear Kili Lo is a good choice for a new rider who is not ready to make the just to full boots but wants the added protection of a riding specific type of footwear. The Kili Lo looks very much like a comfortable pair of favorite sneakers but concealed inside are ankle and toe box protection. There is also an additional piece of material to at the shift point on the toe.

The upper of the Kili Lo is a combination of leather and composite for great durability and comfort. And an unexpected bonus is that the Hipora lining is both breathable and waterproof which is a benefit that no sneaker is going to be able to offer.

The rubber sole resembles a sport type shoe but does have an ever so slight heel that can hang off of a peg for added comfort and grip. These short boots do have a lace up closure but in addition, offer a wide hook and loop ankle strap not only to fine-tune the fit but also to secure any loose laces to prevent them from catching a peg.

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BestBeginnerMotorcycles.com has worked closely with RevZilla over the years to provide our testers with products to review. In addition to being a great site to shop from, they’re also a great partner.

Where to Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

 


Best Sport and Racing Boots Under $500

Sport and racing boots are very purpose-built pieces of gear and might not the best choice for a new rider unless you are planning on spending a lot of time on a track riding a sportbike. The protection from racing boots is phenomenal simply because of the environment that they are designed to be worn in. A slight miscalculation or lapse in judgment on a racetrack is going to result in the bike going down or some other type of accident, but that is an acceptable risk and part of racing.

Race boots are incredibly durable and designed to provide enough protection that after a crash, the rider simply gets up and walks away. But the trade-off for this top of the line protection is less concern for comfort.

Sliders, internal rigid protection and multiple layers of exterior fabric and molded plastic mean that sport and racing boots are not a streamlined as other styles of boot nor do they offer the soft comfort of a short boot or sneaker. Another aspect of sport boots is the aggressive angle of the ankle.

Most boots are designed to hold the ankle in a 90-degree position but offer enough flexibility to move to a slightly greater or smaller angle. But a sport boot is designed to hold the ankle at less than 90 degrees to accommodate the aggressive riding position used in racing. This makes the boots very comfortable when tucked in that tight crouch, but possibly less comfortable when walking or sitting more upright.

So when you are selecting the first pair of sport or racing boots, remember that they will feel more rigid and angled than you might be used to. Also, keep in mind that you will learn more about your personal preferences for race boots from this first pair that you select than from any other pair in the future. So make a smart choice and be ready to learn what features you like and which ones you hate to apply to your next purchase.

Cortech Latigo Air RR Boots

Cortech Latigo Air RR Boots

  • Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
  • Price: $179.99
  • Color: Black/Black and White
  • Sizes: 7-14 some half size options

The Cortech Latigo Air RR boots offer a vented Mycro Tech upper with an Air-Mesh breathable liner making them great for warmer climates. Additional vented is built into the TPU heel protector to ensure good airflow and keep your feet as dry and comfortable as possible on a hot day at the track.

The front and rear of the ankle are padded and a molded TPU shin guard is backed with additional shock absorbing material. The flex panel at the ankle is also reinforced with shock absorbing latex foam panels.

A TecnoGI Thermoplastic toe cap and an exterior slider on the toes provides extra durability and protection as well. A preformed orthopedic vibration absorbing footbed provides extra support and comfort over the VR two color sole.

This mid-height sport and racing boot provide a great deal of protection and a few much-needed comfort features which new riders will appreciate. And the cost being under $200 makes this a good first selection to begin learning about your likes and dislikes in sport boots.

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BestBeginnerMotorcycles.com has worked closely with RevZilla over the years to provide our testers with products to review. In addition to being a great site to shop from, they’re also a great partner.

Where to Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

 

Forma Ice Pro Boot

Forma Ice Pro Boot

  • Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
  • Price: $323.86 – $379.00
  • Color: Black/White/Red/Blue/Hi-Viz Yellow and Black
  • Sizes: 41-47 EURO 7-13 USA full size only no half sizes

The Forma Ice Pro boots offer rides the protection and performance of a MotoGP quality boot without the sticker shock. At less than $400 these boots are a great way for a new rider to try out the sport and racing boot concept without spending a grand.

The Forma Ice Pro boots offer all of the basic protection that you will find in other race style boots such as injection molded plastic protectors, reinforced nylon and plastic heel cups and vented stainless steel toe sliders. But these boots go even further to offer an anti-torsion F.C.S. frame that works almost like an exoskeleton to protect your ankles and feet. In addition, there is a padded rear F.C.S. stop for maximum ankle safety.

The comfort features include an air intake system to keep your feet cool and dry, air mesh lining and an antibacterial footbed which is replaceable. Added padding is provided around the foot and ankle from polymer padding with memory foam and a TPU midsole. The custom fit is created using an assortment of closures that allow for maximum comfort and a secure fit.

The rear buckle pump ratchet closure, the elasticized front fastening system with snap closures and the Velcro and zipper all provide adjustments for various parts of this extreme race boot. The Forma Ice Pro is a great way to try out a full feature sport and race boot without paying in excess of $500 to test out your theories and comfort choices.

Shopping Now? We Recommend:

BestBeginnerMotorcycles.com has worked closely with RevZilla over the years to provide our testers with products to review. In addition to being a great site to shop from, they’re also a great partner.

Where to Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

 


Best Dirt and Off-Road Boots Under $500

As a new off-road rider, you are committing to learning a great deal through the trial and error method. Dirt bikes and off-road riding is a great adrenaline rush, but you never really know where the “fine line” is until you cross it a few times.

Knowing that, it is critical to have complete protection for your feet and ankles in order to walk away from those momentary ventures across “the line”. But those short events will teach you more about dirt and off-road riding than days of playing it safe and staying upright. So investing in your boots is in a way investing in your education.

Your personal riding style, your preferences, and even your size will all impact how an off road boot performs for you and in turn how satisfied you are with a specific boot selection. The height of the boot in relation to your knee, the durability and flexibility of the boot sole, the climate you are riding in and how well the boot conforms to the size and shape of your foot and ankle are all important.

And finally, the most critical factor for an off-road boot is the durability. You are going to ask more of an off-road boot on a daily basis than most rider ever expects from a riding boot. And that impact and abrasion will be an ongoing occurrence for your boots.

So make safety your top priority and understand that cool colors and intricate closure mechanisms can be features that you will select in future boots as long as your first pair provides the protection you need to survive learning the skills needed for off-road riding.

SIDI Agueda Boots

SIDI Agueda Boots

  • Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
  • Price: $244.79 – $250.00
  • Color: Black and Black/ Black and White/Black and Hi-Viz Yellow
  • Sizes: 7-15 some half size options

The SIDI Agueda boots are a lightweight off-road boot that packs a lot of safety features and protection without the bulk or overwhelming price tag of some other off-road models. Laminated 3mm thick Technomicro material is used to construct the Aguedas and the lining is Cambrelle and an inner heat shield.

The toe is then covered in protective plastic and the heel offers a rigid, shock resistant cap for added protection. The sole is made of anti-skid rubber and can be replaced by a cobbler. A nylon insole replaces the steel shank to eliminate the danger associated with foot crushing or punctures. A removable arch support rounds out the footbed of these boots.

The closure system for the Agueda is a micro adjustable cam lock buckle system which allows for minute adjustments to create a custom fit. The system also has memory adjustment straps for a consistent fit on each ride. The buckle system and all bolt on parts are fully replaceable.

To experience the reality of a true off-road boot without the huge price tag, the Agueda from SIDI is a great first selection.

Shopping Now? We Recommend:

BestBeginnerMotorcycles.com has worked closely with RevZilla over the years to provide our testers with products to review. In addition to being a great site to shop from, they’re also a great partner.

Where to Buy: Revzilla | Amazon