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When we think of motorcycle safety, the helmet is likely the first thing that comes to mind. However, as any experienced rider will tell you, having the right boots is just as critical. If you’ve ever tried to ride in regular shoes or boots, you know that roads and gear levers can do a number on them.
Fortunately, the best motorcycle shoes will not only protect you from harsh terrain; they’ll also help keep you safe. What’s more, with so many brands and types available, you should be able to find one that fits your style as well.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the best motorcycle shoes and boots we could find. We’re here to help you find the ideal style and fit for your next ride. Let’s get to it!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Motorcycle Shoes
- OUR TOP PICK: TCX Street Ace WP Shoes
- RUNNER-UP: TCX Street Ace Air Shoes
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: BILT Dexter Shoes
Comparison of the Best Motorcycle Riding Shoes
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Why Did These Motorcycle Shoes Make Our List?
Many boots on the market look like they have the necessary protective features for riding, but unless they're specifically designed for motorcycle use, they probably don't. In choosing the motorcycle shoes that made our cut, we looked at three critical factors. They are:
- Comfort and wearability
- Proper Foot Protection
- Abrasion resistance
Comfort and Wearability
For starters, the best motorcycle shoes should be comfortable. You should enjoy wearing them. After all, if you don’t, they can put a damper on your riding experience.
When hunting for the best motorcycle shoes, look for rigid soles, enhanced grip, and hardwearing. Not only should your riding boots help to protect your feet; they should also make them comfortable.
Proper Foot Protection
The best motorcycle riding boots will protect your feet from debris, moisture, and impact. Look for plenty of padding and extra layers of material that will act like armor when you’re out on the road.
Abrasion Resistance
Lastly, the best motorcycle shoes are tough. Ultimately, you want a boot that can withstand being scraped on asphalt should you take a tumble. The best motorcycle boots are made from leather and other sturdy materials that will hold up under a certain amount of abuse.
Review of the Best Motorcycle Riding Shoes
Given the criteria outlined above, we’ve put together a list of the best motorcycle shoes and boots on the market. Depending on what you’re looking for, we feel there’s something for everyone on this list.
Best Overall:
TCX Street Ace WP Shoes
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Overall, most buyers are happy with the TCX Street Ace WP shoes. Most find them comfortable while protecting ankles, toes, and heels. They protect a boot in the style of a shoe.
Why it Stands Out to Us
To us, the TCX Street Ace WP shoes are striking for their casual appearance and Air Jordan style. At the same time, they provide the necessary protection you'd expect from a quality motorcycle boot, including heel and toe counters, medial and lateral malleolus ankle inserts, and a waterproof lining.
On top of that, they're made from comfortable full-grain leather for a robust shoe that can take some serious wear and tear while remaining easy on the eyes. They also feature high wear-resistant rubber soles to protect your feed on the gear shift and harsh terrain.
Bottom Line
If you're looking for a casual shoe, you can wear when out and about after a nice ride, these may be exactly what you need. They offer riding protection without being too heavy or bulky, like a lot of boots.
Runner-up:
TCX Street Ace Air Shoes
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers report that the TCX Street Ace Air Shoes are very high quality. They provide ankle and toe support, and the soles are solid and grippy. In fact, some report not being able to feel the ground much when wearing them, which may be unappealing for some, but a plus for others.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These are some nice motorcycle shoes! Not only do we like the look of them, but the toe and heel counters are just what you’d expect in a riding shoe. Plus, we appreciate how stiff they are, which is going to provide abrasion resistance in the event of a crash.
Another great thing about these shoes is how breathable they are. They’re perfect for warm weather, both on and off the bike. Wearing these, you’ll have plenty of ankle support along with the necessary movement for smooth motorcycle operation.
Bottom Line
The TCX Street Ace Air Shoes combine casual style with riding functionality. They have a great appearance on the bike and off. Plus, they’re comfortable and a solid option for those who find boots overly clunky.
Best for the Money:
BILT Dexter Shoes
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers claim these shoes are comfortable and well worth their price. Most seem to buy them for use as a regular pair of tennis shoes and casual riding around town. Buyers seem to agree that they provide ankle support but would not offer much protection in the event of a crash.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One of the significant selling points of these shoes for us was the fact that they’re so easy to put on and take off. With the side zipper, it’s easy enough to slip into these and run out the door.
On top of that, they’re a great value for the price. While they may not offer as much protection as more expensive motorcycle shoes, they still get the job done. They’re comfortable and can be used as a casual pair of shoes for walking around as well as riding.
Bottom Line
If you’re on a budget, the BILT Dexter Shoes are a safe bet. Although they’re entirely synthetic, they’re still as comfortable as a pair of Vans and offer the foot and ankle support required for riding.
Best Women’s Motorcycle Shoes:
BILT Dexter Women's Shoes
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers feel that these are great shoes for their prices. They fit well and look great. Comfortable and sturdy, the BILT Dexter Women’s Shoe is great for casual wear, but some buyers feel they wear down too quickly from using the shift pedals on a motorcycle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Like the men’s version, these shoes have a lot of offers at a great price. For anyone on a budget who can’t afford expensive motorcycle boots right now, the BILT Dexter Women’s Shoe offers the ankle support you need in a casual shoe.
These shoes are lightweight, fit well, and are good for casual riding. That said, it’s worth noting that they won’t offer much protection should you tumble off your bike or get in a crash, so be careful.
Bottom Line
BILT offers an economical option that can be worn casually and used for riding around town. They’re comfortable and stylish.
Best Casual Shoes for Motorcycle Riding:
IRON JIA'S MT016
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Overall, buyers enjoy the comfort and protection these shoes provide. They’re casual and practical for everyday use. Most buy them to wear as regular shoes during the day. For riding, they offer some protection for the ankles and feet.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These shoes offer a casual skater style in a motorcycle shoe. At first glance, they look like regular shoes, made to match jeans and casual wear. For this reason, they can be used as everyday shoes while still providing the foot support needed for riding.
That said, they're designed to be thick around the toes and ankle to protect your feet. They also have a protective shell to guard your ankle against injury. All in all, they're solid shoes for casual riders.
Bottom Line
These shoes are designed for casual riding. So, if your general style is jeans and a T-shirt, you might want to pick up a pair of these. They’ll provide you with a decent level of protection for your feet while riding, and you can wear them all day.
Best Converse Motorcycle Shoes:
Converse 164883C
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the buyers of these shoes purchase them for everyday use with motorcycle riding as a secondary consideration. That said, buyers find them very comfortable and great for everyday use. Nevertheless, riders report that they work well and hold up against the wear and tear of the road.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Converse makes great shoes. Although we're not sure how well these shoes would protect your feet in a crash, they do appear to be comfortable, high-quality, and have the additional ankle padding for riding.
The rubber soles provide a decent grip but may wear down fairly quickly on the road. That said, these high-top motorcycle shoes are great for casual riders.
Bottom Line
If you like Converse and motorcycle riding, you'll like these shoes. They're comfortable, and you can wear them casually and on the road.
Best PUMA Motorcycle Shoes:
PUMA Men's Scuderia Ferrari Speed Hybrid Sneaker
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
All in all, buyers appear happy with these shoes. They offer a casual look for everyday wear while also providing padding and grip for motorcycle riding.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Puma makes a quality shoe. The Puma Scuderia Ferrari Speed Hybrid Sneaker is well-constructed and comfortable enough to be worn with a T-shirt and jeans. It also has excellent internal padding that provides maximum comfort.
For motorcycle riding, this shoe has rubber soles that can handle both asphalt and gear shifting. Overall, it's a great shoe, but it won't offer much protection in the event of a crash. Be careful!
Bottom Line
Puma is a great brand, and they make comfortable shoes. These are great shoes for everyday wear and casual riding but don't expect them to offer much protection if you get into an accident.
Are All Motorcycle Shoes The Same?
Motorcycle shoes come in all different types, sizes, and styles. However, there are some things they should all have in common. For instance, they should all have what’s called ‘torsional stiffness,’ which prevents flexing of the ankle and foot.
Another feature the motorcycle shoes and boots should all have is molded ankle protection. This feature, along with the torsional stiffness, provides precision control when riding and can save your ankle and feet from being destroyed in a fall. Lastly, all motorcycle shoes and boots should have oil-resistant soles to keep you from slipping on the road.
So, to answer the question, not all motorcycle shoes are the same. However, the best ones should share certain attributes to help you better manage whatever road conditions may come your way.
Motorcycle Riding Shoes vs Boots
Traditionally, riding boots are built to be hardy enough to handle rough streets and regular gear shifting. Nonetheless, riding shoes offering the same features have become popular as well. Whichever you choose, they must be designed for riding motorcycles.
Why Do I Need Motorcycle Shoes?
Wearing motorcycle shoes or boots is an essential part of riding. Your shoes are the only thing between the road and your feet. As such, an excellent pair of motorcycle shoes is equally essential to wearing a helmet. Here are a few reasons why you should always have motorcycle shoes when you ride.
Crash Protection
The truth is, motorcycle riding is dangerous. Investing in the proper gear is critical for your personal safety, and motorcycle shoes are a significant part of that. Your motorcycle shoes should provide padding, armor, and ankle protection. Look for shoes that are abrasion-resistant and have rigid soles.
IRON JIA'S MT016 (Source)
Weather Protection
Another thing that your motorcycle shoes provide is protection for the weather. Look for shoes that provide a waterproof seal. They should also provide a certain level of air circulation for your feet in hot weather and have a tight wind-seal for when it’s cold and breezy.
Style and Design
Finally, you need motorcycle shoes because they fit your style and show the world that you take riding seriously. With style, the shoe you choose should align with the type of riding you do while also meeting your personal taste. For instance, a long Kevlar boot is ideal for racing, but may not be practical for wearing around the office.
Conclusion
The bottom line is, motorcycle shoes are just as important as your helmet when it comes to motorcycle riding gear. The best motorcycle shoes enhance your control on the road and can save you from serious injury. Never get on a bike without them!
People Also Ask
If you’re still on the fence about what motorcycle shoes to buy, you may still have some questions. With that in mind, hopefully, we’re able to help.
How Do I Keep My Shoes Clean on a Motorcycle?
If you need clean shoes once you reach your destination, such as at work, it’s best to keep a regular pair of shoes in a backpack and then switch them out with your riding boots once you get there. Your riding boots are going to get dirty no matter what you do.
That said, most riding shoes are black, which makes it so that scuffs and dirt are not as visible. You can also look for motorcycle shoes with an integrated shifter pad that will prevent your shoes from getting scuffed by the shifter.
How Are Motorcycle Shoes Supposed to Fit?
When choosing a motorcycle shoe or boot, it’s crucial to get the fit right. Your shoe should fit snugly. Too much play between the shoe and your foot can be a safety hazard. The shoe should also be comfortable and match your foot measurements.
