4 MIN READ
Motorcycle Boots VS Motorcycle Shoes
Motorcycle shoes are very popular, but are they as safe as motorcycle boots? We list the pros and cons of each type of motorcycle shoe or boot.
What is the difference between motorcycle shoes and the different types of motorcycle boots?
The biggest difference between motorcycle shoes and motorcycle boots is that the shaft of motorcycle shoes is kept low. This makes these shoes more suitable for walking without restricting your movement. Motorcycle boots are higher and stiffer because they provide more protection. The category of motorcycle shoes includes boots with a casual style, compact racing shoes, and motorcycle sneakers.
Pro
+ Wide range
+ Comfort and safety
+ Available with waterproof membrane
Cons
– Protection is limited
– Lower than a motorcycle boot
– Be careful with laces
Sport Boots
Hi-Tech and super safe. Sport boots are made to push to the limit on the track. If you want waterproof motorcycle boots, the choice in sport boots will be limited. But there are indeed waterproof models. You will find protection on the shins and ankles on sport motorcycle boots. Toe sliders can be easily replaced if necessary. Perfect for those who want to ride track.
Pro
+ Maximum protection
+ Good feel with your motorcycle
+ Replaceable sliders
Con
– Not made for walking
Touring Boots
Long distance riding and walking, that’s what touring boots are made for. They are easy to put on and take off thanks to the combination of Velcro and a zipper. Touring boots are almost always waterproof motorcycle boots. You can also opt for GORE-TEX motorcycle boots and shoes, known for their breathability. Here you can also find lower models with all the features of touring boots.
Pro
+ Comfort and protection
+ Waterproofing
+ Various shaft heights available
Con
– Less rotational stability than a sports boot
– Least choice in styles
Adventure boots
If you’re up for adventure, it would be wise to purchase a pair of adventure motorcycle boots. An adventure motorcycle boot is designed to withstand a beating. They’re robust and ready for offroad rides. High adventure boots protect your entire shin and can be compared to offroad boots. The lower boots can be placed somewhere between touring and offroad boots. You can comfortably walk while maintaining the necessary rigidity.
Pro
+ Mix of the best protection
+ Waterproof
+ Offroad looks
Con
– Sits somewhere between a touring and off-road boot in terms of comfort and protection
– Limited options
Offroad Boots
Those who look closely at our range of adventure motorcycle boots will recognize the genuine off-road and motocross boots. They are easy to put on and take off thanks to the handy buckles. Very convenient when you’re covered in sand and mud.
Pro
+ Maximum protection
+ Full height
+ Many options in color and style
Con
– Stiff and hard boots to walk in
What to consider when fitting motorcycle boots and shoes
When buying motorcycle shoes, it’s important to pay attention to certain characteristics when fitting, because a good fit is indispensable.
- Everyone is different, even your feet can differ from each other. So, pay close attention!
- Do the heel reinforcements feel good? If you feel like you have too much room in your heel, we recommend you purchase some motorcycle socks.
- Make sure your toes have enough room. If this is not the case, go for a larger size.
- Are the shoes not too tight? There’s a wider version of the Daytona Road Star GTX boots for those who often encounter this problem when trying on shoes.
Motorcycle shoes and boots are made for safety and protection. However, you should not expect a pair of motorcycle shoes to provide the same protection as race motorcycle boots. But both types of shoes are designed for a different riding style. With this in mind, you can trust that you can also hit the road safely with a pair of motorcycle shoes. Whether you opt for a classic motorcycle boot, motorcycle shoes that resemble sneakers, race motorcycle boots, adventure boots with oiled leather, or just a pair of motorcycle boots and shoes that match your motorcycle clothing… we are confident that you will easily find what you are looking for in our RAD stores.
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Nathan is our webshop employee who is ready with advice and assistance to help customers. When he is not answering customer questions, he writes helpful texts and blogs for the RAD site.
[…] Motor shoes typically rise above the ankles and are equipped with extra ankle protection. They have anti-slip and oil-resistant soles to prevent slipping, and often feature a shift reinforcement to prevent premature wear from your shifter pedal. Those who are unsure about whether to purchase motorcycle boots or shoes can find more information in the motorcycle boots VS motor shoes blog. […]