Ankle cup and heel counter first
The malleolus cup and a rigid heel are what stop a twist becoming a break. A shift pad and toe reinforcement are comfort and longevity features, not protection.
Boots and riding shoes, ranked
Touring boots, adventure boots and armoured riding sneakers.
Ankles do not heal quickly, and trainers offer nothing when a bike lands on one. The good news is that armoured footwear now includes shoes you can wear all day without anyone noticing.
We split this collection three ways: touring and adventure boots for distance, sport and race boots for lean angle, and riding sneakers for commuting.
Showing 15 of 15 products
ASICS
MetaFuji Trail 2
Elite trail running shoe utilizing dual-layer cushioning and a full-length trail-specific carbon plate for energy return.
$280.00
Merrell
MTL SpeedARC Peak
A high-performance trail racing super shoe featuring a three-layer SpeedARC midsole, carbon fiber plate, and Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole.
$290.00
Falco
Falco Mixto 3 ADV Boots
Mid-height ADV boots with excellent walking comfort out of the box.
4.6
$309.00
Dainese
Dainese Nexus 2 Boots
Sport boots with D-axial ankle control and a race-derived sole.
4.6
$299.95
Gaerne
Gaerne G-Midland Gore-Tex Boots
Italian-made touring boots with Gore-Tex and a walkable sole.
4.7
$389.00
Sidi
Sidi Adventure 2 Gore-Tex Boots
The long-distance adventure boot: replaceable parts, all-day comfort.
4.8
$595.00
Alpinestars
Alpinestars Chrome Shoes
Waterproof riding sneakers with Drystar and a slim profile.
4.5
$199.95
Alpinestars
Alpinestars SMX-6 V2 Gore-Tex Boots
Sport-touring boots that stay dry and still let you feel the shift lever.
4.6
$329.95
REV'IT
REV'IT Mohawk 3 Boots
Casual-looking waterproof boots you can wear all day off the bike.
4.4
$219.99
TCX
TCX Hero 2 Waterproof Boots
Mid-height adventure boots at a price that does not need a second thought.
4.5
$239.99
Bilt
Bilt Mach 1 Riding Shoes
The budget riding shoe for commuters who currently ride in trainers.
4.1
$89.99
Oxford
Oxford Hardy Waterproof Boots
Short waterproof boots for daily commuting under 150 dollars.
4.3
$139.99
TCX
TCX Street 3 Air Riding Shoes
Sneaker-style riding shoes with real ankle armour and summer venting.
4.5
$159.99
Sidi
Sidi Mag-1 Race Boots
Track-focused boots with a Tecno-3 dial and a replaceable toe slider.
4.7
$475.00
Forma
Forma Adventure Low Boots
The cult ADV boot in a shorter cut that still protects the ankle.
4.7
$269.00
How to choose
Laminate beats drop-liner for rain
A Gore-Tex laminate keeps the whole boot dry; a cheaper internal bootie lets the leather soak and stay heavy for days. It matters on consecutive wet days, not on a single shower.
Buy for the walking you actually do
Race boots are brilliant on the peg and awful on a hike to a viewpoint. Mid-height ADV boots with an ankle flex system are the best compromise for touring riders who get off the bike.
Replaceable parts save money
Buckles and soles wear out long before the upper. Brands that sell spares turn a five-year boot into a ten-year one.
What your budget buys
Under $150
Armoured riding sneakers and short waterproof commuter boots — the first real upgrade from trainers.
$150 – $320
Sport-touring and mid-height adventure boots with membranes and ankle bracing.
$320+
Gore-Tex touring boots, rebuildable adventure boots and full race boots with toe sliders.
Frequently asked questions
Are riding sneakers actually protective?
The good ones have an ankle cup, reinforced heel and toe, and a stiffened sole that will not fold over the peg. They are far short of a race boot but far ahead of a canvas trainer.
How tall should touring boots be?
Mid-calf covers the shin bone and keeps rain out of the top. Short boots are easier to walk in but leave the shin exposed and let water in over the cuff.
Do motorcycle boots need breaking in?
Leather adventure boots usually need a week or two. Microfibre sport boots and boots with articulated ankle systems are typically comfortable straight away.
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