Choosing the right motorbike boots comes down to three things: protection, fit, and the type of riding you do. Whether you commute on wet city roads, tour long distances, or ride sporty weekend runs, motorcycle boots should protect your ankles and feet while staying comfortable for hours. This guide breaks down the main types of motorcycle riding boots, what features matter most, and how to get the fit right before you buy.
What are the qualities of a good pair of motorbike boots?
Before you compare styles, it’s worth understanding why dedicated motorbike boots matter. Regular work boots or casual footwear aren’t built for ankle stability, impact protection, or slide resistance — the things that matter most in a crash or sudden stop.
Good motorcycle riding boots will provide stability in crashes and protect against common riding hazards, plus they won’t wear out as fast as regular work boots. You must also consider that every time you stop, you’ll have to support your entire body weight on top of the weight of the bike, so a regular boot won’t cut it. Needless to say, choosing sandals, sneakers, flip-flops, or any such motorbike footwear that doesn’t cover the entire foot and ankle is completely out of the question. So all things considered, every rider should indeed invest in a good pair of road motorcycle boots.
How to choose the right motorbike boots (quick checklist)
Before you buy, prioritise:
- Ankle protection: reinforced ankle cups or bracing to reduce twist injuries
- Toe/heel reinforcement: impact protection in common strike zones
- Sole grip + shank: stable footing at stops and better peg support
- Waterproofing: membranes for wet-weather commuting and touring
- Closure: avoid loose laces for road riding; choose secure zips/buckles/Velcro
- Fit: snug heel, no toe crush, and enough room for riding socks
Tip for Australia: if you ride year-round, prioritise ventilation for warmer months and waterproofing for wet-weather commuting.
Types of motorcycle riding boots:
Boot styles can be confusing at first, so here’s a quick breakdown of the main types of motorcycle riding boots and what each is best for.
Sport motorbike boots:
These are the kind of sports motorbike boots you usually see professional motorbike riders (the guys from MotoGP) wearing. Sport boots offer the most premium brand of on-road protection. They will save their wearer from all manner of twists, slides, and hyperextension. Moreover, you can use their tactile feedback controls to your advantage as well. In addition to that, they come with replaceable hard parts, so whenever you wear down a metal slider, just get a new one installed. Though they aren’t the most comfortable of our selection, they have their fair share of plus points. Pair them with the rest of your protective kit and you’re set for fast road riding.
Touring motorcycle boots:
Touring motorcycle boots are specifically designed to make motorbike riding for longer duration of time as comfortable as possible. They are the perfect mix of protection and wear-ability as they are incredibly comfy, waterproof, and come in a range of different heights. Yes, they do not check all the fields that sports motorbike boots do and also aren’t the most stylish choice, but for any motorbike rider who’s touring, comfort is the main concern anyway, and that is what touring motorcycle boots deliver.
Dirt motorcycle riding boots:
If you plan on going off-road, you’d definitely need a protective pair of motorcycle riding boots to keep your ankles, feet, and shins safe from harm. Look no further than a good pair of dirt riding boots. They guarantee ultimate protection from all possible off-road injuries, that's why they are naturally full height. If black isn't your preferred color, don't worry because dirt motorbike boots come in an insane variety of colors! They aren't too comfortable though and usually aren't waterproof either, but they do their job very well and keep your feet safe during all off-road adventures.
Street road motorbike boots:
This is the choice of a vast majority of motorbike riders. Since they are usually out on the street, road motorbike boots are a perfect fit. Also, there’s a wide selection of styles to choose from, so every rider can find something they like in them. They don’t strike the perfect balance between comfort and safety, but they are very easy to put on and can even pass for casual streetwear. They do offer pretty decent styling versatility, but as we have already pointed out, they don’t provide as much protection as proper sport boots do. Another drawback is the laces, which as every rider already knows, aren’t the best choice around the intricate moving parts of your motorbike.
Which motorbike boots should you go for?
Now that we are done going through the different types of motorbike boots, we must address boot sizing. We strongly recommend every motorbike rider that their road motorcycle boots should fit perfectly. There’s usually a shoe size measuring Brannock device present at every decent shoe store. It’s best to measure your size before trying on a pair of motorbike footwear and finally making a purchase.
You should always thoroughly check a pair before buying it. Try walking around in them and notice any discomfort such as pinching or crushing. Of course, you must consider the purpose of the boot in mind. Not all motorcycle riding boots are going to be super comfortable, but sometimes, minor adjustments can be made to the boot, and they will make wearing it a better experience.
Another thing to look out for a while selecting a pair of road motorbike boots is foot width. Sometimes, a boot would fit your size perfectly from heel to toe, but your foot would still have room to wiggle around from side to side because of the foot width of the shoe being more than necessary. Though before exchanging or replacing the boots with another pair, do consider changing the kind of socks you’re wearing.
Ready to gear up? Browse our full range of motorbike boots and find the right fit for touring, road riding, and everyday commuting in Australia.
