About Our Recommendations
Founded in 2000, our team at wBW has collectively tested more than 2,500 helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We do not fluff reviews. A riders safety is heavily dictated by how they ride and what they wear while doing so. Our goal is to help riders make informed decisions about the gear they invest in to protect themselves.
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Best Entry Level Motorcycle Sport Boots
Priced under $200.
Sedici Corsa Vented
Price: $199.99
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Sedici Corsa Vented boots are a bit of a strange beast when it comes to sport boots. They are, by design, track ready, but include a feature that is often seen on motocross boots, namely an “exo-skeleton” support structure over the ankles. This is put in place to prevent torsional twisting of the foot and ankle in the event you come off the bike, to the point that the structure will sacrifice itself to prevent your ankle twisting, which is one of the most common lower leg injuries suffered by sport riders.
High flow synthetic leather and a composite sole with comfort insole make these all-day ride ready, but the slides and fully armored shin, heel, toe, and ankle areas also earn these boots track-ready certification.
Key Specs
• Take it to the track performance and protection
• Advanced external dual hinged support for increased protection and support
• Perforated microfiber upper for comfort, protection and durability
• Full length reinforced composite midsole with built in flex zones
• High flow perforations in the non-impact locations to provide maximum comfort in hot weather riding.
• Perforated accordion flex zones for increased mobility and comfort
• All new oil resistant rubber sole with new deep grip pattern for better ground traction
• Thermo-set 1pc molded heel for increased impact protection and comfort
• Air mesh lining to aid moisture wicking and breathability
• Molded rubber gear change provides extra grip Replaceable dual density alloy and TPU toe slider
• Custom molded vented shin protector with outer calf slider
• All new safety ratchet and lateral zip system for ergonomic entry and exit
• Anatomical / replaceable EVA footbed provides arch support and protects against vibrations
• Additional set of thicker EVA insoles for ½ size reduction in fit
Protection & Safety
• Anti-torsion exo-skeletal support over ankles to prevent the most common lower leg injury for sport riders.
• Reinforced TPU at toe, heel, ankle for the best impact protection
• Reflective striping subtle added to rear of boot.
Best Mid-Range Motorcycle Sport Boots
Priced $200 - $300.
Alpinestars SMX 6 V2 Vented Boots
Price: $299
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
Alpinestars is the industry standard for mid-range full-length motorcycle sport boots. The SMX 6 is a highly protected, sleek book with a ventilated leather construction to keep you cool when ripping around the hot tarmacs. They are highly agile due to Alpinestars addition of accordion stretch paneling, and the safety features give these boot a CE certification.
Key Specs
• Boot upper incorporates innovative front, rear bellow and rear calf zones for superior levels of flexibility
• Upper constructed from microfiber for durability and abrasion resistance
• Ergonomic last for forefoot streamlining to enable greater control of the bike’s controls and for superior, wide-ranging foot profile, fit and comfort
• Air vents on the heel counter and shin plate plus breathable mesh inserts improve comfort and reduce fatigue on short and long rides
• High modulus TPU injected shin guard, calf protector, heel counter, shift pad and toe slider for improved shock protection and durability
• Double density ankle protector on medial side layered under the upper offers protection in key area
• Integrated, replaceable bi-injected TPU slider features easy screw fixing concept for quicker and easier replacement
• Innovative instep and Achilles accordion flex zone construction for superior comfort, extension, control and support
• Internal insole with the shank reinforcement integrated for support to the arch area and foot protection
• Medial side entry opening/closure system features elastic-mounted zipper with wide closure for flexibility and secure fit
• Breathable textile interior lining features anti-sliding suede reinforcement on heel area to help keep foot in position while riding
• Removable anatomic footbed includes EVA and Lycra for performance, comfort and support
• Alpinestars’ exclusive compound rubber sole promotes improved feel and grip, water dispersion and durability
Protection & Safety
• These boots are fully CE certified
• Alpinestars’ innovative TPU lateral ankle brace protection provides a bio-mechanical support between lateral top calf/shin and ankle and offers improved structural integrity, protection against impact shocks, repeated abrasion resistance, and flex support
• TPU Modules can be found in the ankle support, and added protection can be found in the shin, heel, calf, shift pad, and toe slider.
Dainese Dyno Pro D1
Price: $320
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon
Why?
Dainese makes high-end motorcycle products, and these Dyno Pro D1 boots are no exception. Inflation has bumped these boots out of our mid-range and into the high-end category but that's where they belong on quality alone. At just north of $300, these boots pack a punch. They offer all the protection most sport riders could ever need in a package that feels more like a technical high-top basketball shoe than a full-on track boot.
Key Specs
• Gear shifter guard
• High grip TPU inserts
• Soft inserts
• Reflective inserts
• Rubber sole
• Setscrew wrench supplied
• Flexible joints for extra walking comfort
• Speed lacing system
• Upper in microfiber
• Cowhide leather inserts
• TPU heel counter
• Shoes certified to CE – Cat. II – 89/686/EEC Directive
• Reinforced nylon toe
• Protective nylon inner hull
• Magnesium inserts on the outer side and heel
• Shock absorption insert on the heel with controlled deformation insert
• Replaceable magnesium slider (sold separately)
• Double jersey airgap liner
• Air canalization system
Protection & Safety
• These shoes are fully certified to CE – Cat. II – 89/686/EEC Directive – you can trust the official safety rating with these shoes rather than what the manufacturer may or may not claim
• These shoes have a ton of safety features and reinforced areas. The TPU heel counter, reinforced nylon tow, nylon inner haul, magnesium inserts, and shock absorption insert all culminate into a very safe boot.
Best High-End Motorcycle Sport Boots
Priced over $300+.
Forma Ice Pro Flow Boots
Price: $350
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Forma Ice Pro Flow sport boots offer aggressive sport bike riders all of the protection that they would need on a track but with a price that makes them a doable selection for street riders or track racers. All of the technology found in the $500 plus sport boots are in the Ice Pro Flow as well as the comfort that you need for a long, but sporty ride.
At under $400, the Forma Ice Pro Flow sport boots offer riders the function, comfort and protection that is needed from a quality sport boot at a reasonable cost.
Key Specs
• CE Certified quality
• Microfiber upper
• Vented perforated microfiber
• Forma double density anti-slip race compound sole
• Anti-torsion F.C.S with incorporated anti-scratch frame
• Rear F.C.S cushioned stop for maximum safety
• Vented stainless steel toe slider
• Aggressive plastic gear pad protection
• Injection molded plastic protections
• Air intake system for personalized air circulation
• VELCRO® brand closures and zip closure
• Rear buckle pump ratchet closure
• Elasticized front fastening system with snap closing
• Plastic heel cup in reinforced nylon
• Air mesh lining
• Extra soft polymer padding with memory foam
• Polyurethane nylon reinforcements
• TPU Dual Flex mid sole
• Anti-bacterial replaceable footbed with APS
Protection & Safety
Protection is the main priority here, so let’s start off with the fact that these sport boots are CE Certified quality.
• Anti-torsion F.C.S with an anti-scratch frame
• Rear F.C.S cushioned stop for maximum safety, a vented stainless steel toe slider
• Plastic gear pad for added protection
• Injection molded plastic protectors in the impact prone locations around the foot and ankle.
• Plastic heel cup is reinforced with nylon for added durability and integrity
• Double density anti-slip race compound sole for great grip on the pegs and stability when reaching for the ground
Dainese Torque 3 Air Out Boots
Price: $450
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon
Why?
The Dainese Torque 3 Air Out Boots are a perforated version of the regular Torque 3, making them much cooler and better equipped for warm weather riding. With motorcycle boots being so constricting due to the tight fit for maximum safety, the added airflow is much appreciated.
They are highly protective and built with premium materials to ensure a long lifetime of use.
Key Specs
• Perforated D-Stone main construction
• D-Axial ankle protection system
• Replaceable magnesium sliders on the outer toe and heel
• Internal speed lacing system
• Nylon outer heel slider
• Protective nylon inner hull and toe reinforcement
• Gear shifter guard at toe
• High grip TPU inserts for improved bike feel
• Setscrew wrench included
• Zippered closure at back
• Air canalization system
• Double jersey air gap liner
• Meets CE – Cat. II – EN 13634 boot certification
Protection & Safety
• These boots meet CE – Cat. II – EN 13634 boot certification through the full 360 protection
• The magnesium sliders located on the toe and heel areas are fully replaceable
• The nylon inner hull and toe reinforcement provides a higher level of impact resistance
AlpineStars SuperTech R
Price: $530
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
A lot of manufacturers will claim that their boots are powersports derived, bringing racing protection to everyday sport riders. AlpineStars has eschewed the whole word “derived,” and has simply put their racing boots on the market at a price that, once you look at everything the boot does, is a bargain.
The boot comes in two parts, with an inner “bootie” you put on first that is a 3D mesh to provide full shin and ankle support. You then slip your feet in the booties into the main boot chassis itself. That chassis features ventilated flex areas, toes/ankle/heel sliders, full shin armor, reinforced main impact areas, and a comfort zip closure with an adjustable fold-over TPU armored flap for ultimate protection.
This is the boot for the rider that wants to be able to ride on the street and the track, and not have to buy 20 separate pairs of boots to do so. These are fully rated, track-ready racing boots, that are also comfortable enough to be your everyday street boot.
Key Specs
• Main upper material constructed using microfiber for optimum abrasion resistance and flexibility
• New front flex area for improved impact abrasion
• New front flex area increases ventilation and airflow
• Redesigned rear bellow in stretch microfiber for improved natural front and back movement
• Redesigned top gaiter in microfiber material with TPU over injection
• New synthetic microfiber panel on medial side for enhanced abrasion resistance and improved feeling
• New TPU shifter for increased protection on lower medial side
• New TPU shin plate has been redesigned for greater impact absorption performance
• New replaceable shin slider for additional abrasion resistance
• New TPU stretch panel design with zip for an easier entry and exit and a closer fit
• Hook and loop closure secures the puller zip remains in position
• Micro adjustable ratchet closure on top of boot for an optimized fit
• Replaceable co-injected TPU/aluminum toe slider with an easy screw system
• Replaceable heel plate slider offers increased sliding performance and protection in the case of crash
• Sole constructed using a lightweight rubber compound for excellent grip on the pegs
• Separate bio-mechanical inner bootie made by 3D mesh material for greater structure
• Inner bootie is equipped with a new external toe area with a soft TPU reinforcement
• Bootie provides impact protection and additional ankle padding for greater protection, stability and cushioning
Protection & Safety
• Full CE powersports PPE rating, meaning they are cleared to be used as race boots. Multiple armored layers, as well as slider, support the foot and ankle in even the most extreme of leans
• Visibility comes from subtle reflective strips on the rear of the boot
Other Best Boots Lists
See all our recommended riding gear.
What To Think About When Shopping For Sport Boots
Purpose built riding boots are often an overlooked piece of gear by many riders, that is, until the day that they are hobbling around on crutches as a result of a foot or ankle injury from a wreck or just a misplaced foot when coming to a stop. It’s easy to look at traditional street shoes and imagine that they will provide the impact and abrasion protection that you need as well as the ankle and foot support. But in most cases, that is just wishful thinking. Purpose built riding boots, even short boots, offer features that are just not found in your average street shoe or even work boot.
Ankle sprains, torn ligaments, and bone fractures are common injuries that occur not only in accidents but also as the result of a misstep or placing your foot on the unstable ground, wet pavement or a road surface that is coated in oil or grease. An unexpected loss of traction or an unstable plant of your foot can result in your foot sliding or your ankle twisting before you can regain your balance and control of your bike.
Even a short riding boot will offer a solid sole that is designed to grip the pavement, added ankle and foot support and in some cases, armor or added protection that helps to prevent ankle rolls. And in the event of an accident, short riding boots will provide abrasion protection that is far superior to any athletic shoe, street shoe or work style boot that you could choose to wear.
Be sure to check back regularly with us here at wBW to read about our latest hands-on reviews of motorcycle cruiser boots and other great products for riders.
At WBW, “Best” Actually Means Something
Remember when you could open up a review of something, and when the publication—magazine, car show, whatever—said “best” they stood behind it? Yea, we remember, and we’re bringing it back.
Here’s how we do things:
We disclose our affiliate relationships—We make money via advertising and affiliate relationships on our website. It’s how we pay our team and invest in things like sending Jim to Italy. And Japan. And France… wait… why do we always send Jim places?
We obsessively hands-on test—We wear and ride with gear before reviewing it, and we update reviews down the line if our opinions change. We look at real-world situations because that’s the world we live in.
We’re objective—Good gear is good gear, regardless of who made it.
We’re value-focused—Why pay $500 if something for $250 is just as good? Our review scores and recommendations reflect best value. Brand only goes so far—the gear has to stand on its own.
