Motocross Boots | Dirt Bike Shoes

Dirt Bike BootsDeciding on a pair of Motocross boots can be tricky business. On the one hand, you’ll want a durable, safe boot that will provide great protection and hold up for years. On the other, you’ll want one that doesn’t break the bank and is comfortable in all weather conditions. We’ll highlight some of the factors you should consider when choosing a boot so you can decide what’s most important to you.

Safety of Motocross Boots

Of course, saftey should be your number one concern. Dirt bike racers frequently sustain ankle injuries that can knock them out of action for months. Look for any or all of the following features to provide the best level of protection: steel sole inserts, heat shields, polyurethane shin and calf protector plates, as well as shock absorbing heel pads.

Durability

Many of the above safety features also provide durability. The stronger the boot components, the safer it will be and the longer it will hold up. Some higher-end boots will also offer removeable soles that can be replaced when worn down. Since soles are often the first part of a boot to wear out, this is a great way to ensure your boot will last.

Buckles are typically made of aluminum or plastic. Plastic will save you some money but will wear out more quickly.

Fit

Unless you’re buying a custom-fitted boot, no boot will fit perfectly. But flexible panels in the upper, coupled with gel pads around the foot will ensure you get a snug, comfortable fit. Look for a removable bootie — this will allow you to adjust the fit around your foot to just your size.

If your foot is a non-standard width, you may need to hunt around or to opt for a custom boot. Mainstream boots typically are only available in a single, standard width.

Brands and Price

Alpinestars, with their Tech 8’s and Tech 10’s, has been recognized as the leader for quite some time. Gaerne, with their SG-10 model, has closed the gap, though. And Sidi has always been known for great boots. Expect to spend between $300 and $400 for high-end boots. You can get away with a bit less if you’re looking to save money and are willing to sacrifice some of the above features. Don’t go too cheap, though, or you’ll sacrifice too much.

Other Factors

You’ll also want to consider the water-resistance of the boot. Many boots will have a gaiter — an insert designed to keep water out — that will do the job. Also consider the boot’s weight. All true racing boots will be lightweight, but if you’re concerned about every last ounce be sure to get accurate weight data before buying.

Youth Motocross Boots

A special note about motocross boots for kids — while youth options are more limited than adult’s, many of the top manufacturers make smaller versions of their boots. While it makes sense to sacrifice a bit on durability of a boot, these boots typically do provide as many safety options as their standard offerings.

Where to Buy Motocross Boots


Gaerne Balance Oiled Motorcycle Boots

Mens Brown Waterproof Leather & Drytech Liner

Gaerne Balance Oiled Motorcycle Boots | Mens Brown Waterproof Leather & Drytech Liner

Back to basics. That's how I would describe the Gaerne Balance Oiled Boots. Adventurer tourers and dual-sport riders are decidedly less prone to buy the multi-hued and trendy gear that is so popular with the motocross crowd. These Gaerne boots have a traditional leather look and feel ...




Sidi Vertigo Mens Race Boots, Narrow Black or White

Armored Adjustable Lorica, Worn Outside or Under Pants

Sidi Vertigo Mens Race Boots, Narrow Black or White | Armored Adjustable Lorica, Worn Outside or Under Pants

I have been looking for a pair boots to fit my narrowish foot. I tried the Alpinestars Web Gortex boots, but the width was just too much for me, even with inserts. After sampling many boots, the Sidi Vertigo Boots may just be the ticket.

The Vertigo is ...




Oxtar TCX Competizione RS Boots

Pro Motorcycle Street Racing in Black Reinforced Steel

Oxtar TCX Competizione RS Boots | Pro Motorcycle Street Racing in Black Reinforced Steel

Last year, I was in the market for a new pair of street boots. I looked mostly to my favorite boot brands: Alpinestars and Sidi. However, since I am a bit anal when it comes to my riding gear, I did an exhaustive search. In this ...




Mens Motocross Alpinestars Boots, Armored

Black Suede Leather Tech 3

Mens Motocross Alpinestars Boots, Armored | Black Suede Leather Tech 3

Like any sport, motocross riders develop their gear preferences over the lifetime of their career. Some decide they want more impact protection, some less. Some find stiffer retention systems to their liking, others prefer increased flexibility. It's a matter of riding style and comfort. Alpinestars refers to their Tech 3 as a boot ...




Alpinestars MX Street Boots

Short Black Armored S-MX 2

Alpinestars MX Street Boots | Short Black Armored S-MX 2

Alpinestars' riding boots are great, everyone knows that, but most of them are nothing I would ever buy. I don't ride motocross, and I don't race. I like to keep my gear at a reasonable level, but not to the extent of paranoia. I'm not alone in this perspective, and Alpinestars' ...




Alpinestars Mens MX Boots, Injection Molded

Black Leather Vented Tech 8

Alpinestars Mens MX Boots, Injection Molded | Black Leather Vented Tech 8

Motocross riders who have been around the track know exactly what these are: these are Alpinestars' Tech 8 boots. Well known and well worn, many riders stick with these when it comes time to get a new pair of boots. There are numerous reasons why these have developed such a loyal following in ...




TCX Motocross Racing Boots

Polyurethane Black Armored Competizione S

TCX Motocross Racing Boots | Polyurethane Black Armored Competizione S

Great companies like Alpinestars and Fox manufacture a stunning array of jackets, boots, gloves, and apparel, but TCX only makes boots. They've devoted themselves to the perfection of a single product. TCX, an Italian company, has a new line of high-tech racing boots for the 2009 U.S. market. The Competizione S ...




Motocross Armored Racing Boots by Alpinestars

Black Kevlar S-MX Plus VNTD-43

Motocross Armored Racing Boots by Alpinestars | Black Kevlar S-MX Plus VNTD-43

The other day there was a guy at a party talking about the bike he almost bought. He said he had the jacket all picked out, and described a few details of the leather. When asked what he was thinking of getting, he answered that he didn't know the company... that made ...




Answer Fazer Motocross Boots

Mens Leather Black 10

Answer Fazer Motocross Boots | Mens Leather Black 10

Answer's Fazer boots are not for light riding. Fashioned for the unique hazards of off-road adventures, the functionality of the design leaves them with a powerful appearance.

Riding track and trail is dirty and demanding on your feet. A two-stage plastic buckle system wraps protective panels across the shins like the tawny tendons ...




Fly Racing Youth Viper ATV Boots

Leather Racing Boots

Fly Racing Youth Viper ATV Boots | Leather Racing Boots

These boots are a viable solution to keeping your accident-prone kids safe from the dangers of off-road biking.

Fly Racing crafted the Viper boot with genuine leather and a multi-layered texture of injected plastic protection. The boots close via buckle-and-strap, and you'll appreciate the injected strap holders too, ...




Alpinestars Womens Tech 6 Stella Motocross Boots

Alpinestars Womens Tech 6 Stella Motocross Boots

The list of features on this pair of Alpinestars Tech 6 Stella Boots will blow you away. These are not top-rated boots for nothing.

Start with the upper. It features a calf of 3.2-3.4mm full grain leather, contoured shin plate protectors and wide calf protectors injected with high-modulus polyurethane for high ...




Answer Girls MX Boots

Dirt Bike or ATV Racing Boots

Answer Girls MX Boots | Dirt Bike or ATV Racing Boots

This is one classy boot. The colors stand out, and the way that the calf is designed makes the shape extremely flattering to... well, to boot.

Horrible puns aside, the Answer MX boot didn't just throw all their money into the style category and leave the rest alone. ...




Sidi Stinger Boots

Dirt Bike Boots

Sidi Stinger Boots | Dirt Bike Boots

These Stinger boots from Sidi are less expensive than Sidi's high-end line, but include most of the same features.

Fans of Sidi's already impressive lineup will be pleased to see that its standard non-bootie design still exists.

For new Sidi investigators, check out the patented cam-lock buckle system (accredited for being ...




Gaerne Sg.5 Youth Boots

Motocross Boots

Gaerne Sg.5 Youth Boots | Motocross Boots

Gaerne likes to make mid-priced products that throw in some really neat safety features. They don't go overboard with them, though, which keeps the price affordable for you.

These youth boots are no exception. They're constructed from durable black leather and plastic compounds for adequate shielding, with a metal buckle-and-strap system ...




Fox Racing Comp 5 Mens Off Road Motocross Boots

Fox Racing Comp 5 Mens Off Road Motocross Boots

These cycle boots by Fox Racing are priced right to be an entry-level dirt bike boot.

These offroading boots weigh in at five pounds, and come comfortable and pliable from the moment that you put them on for the first time.

This Fox Racing boot is completely newly designed ...




Answer Fazer MX Boots

2008 Black

Answer Fazer MX Boots | 2008 Black

The Answer Fazer boot is an excellent choice for the entry-level motocross rider.

The exterior features leather and high-impact polyurethane plastic construction, with a suede exterior calf heat shield to protect against the heat from the exhaust. A light yet durable two-position cam buckle gives an adjustable fit similar to that found ...




AXO Racing Boxer Dirtbike Boots

AXO Racing Boxer Dirtbike Boots

These AXO Boxer Motocross boots have all the style and functionality that you've come to expect from AXO.

The outside is constructed out of a flexible leather to enhance both the style and the comfort. They are accented by four floating buckle bases which allow maximum control over fit and ensure that they maintain ...




Fox Racing Girls Tracker Motocross Boots

Fox Racing Girls Tracker Motocross Boots

These girls' Tracker Boots from Fox Racing feature the same fit and feel as the more expensive Forma Pro boots.

They're a good complement to the Fox Racing Men's Tracker Boots that we featured recently.

An adjustable four buckle system guarantees that you'll have the support that you need. A plastic injection molded ...




Thor Motocross Quadrant Motocross Boots

Black, Red

Thor Motocross Quadrant Motocross Boots | Black, Red

These Quadrant ATV boots from Thor score high in quality, style, and safety.

The outside features split grain leather construction including a leather heat shield that ensures maximum protection and comfort. The four aluminum buckles lock tightly in place with the help of action pivot buckle bases, and a pre-curved, injection molded shin plate ...




Oneal Element MX Boots for Motocross

Oneal Element MX Boots for Motocross

These sturdy, stylish Element racing boots are brought to you by O'Neal.

Known for their quality products they've gone one better and created these boots with a new and improved ultra strong buckle system, and as always, are fully adjustable for a snug, custom fit.

The boots are genuine leather, feature a molded rubber heat ...




Fox Racing Forma Pro Jr. Boots

Motocross Gear for Youth

Fox Racing Forma Pro Jr. Boots | Motocross Gear for Youth

Fox Racing's Forma Pro Jr. Kids Boots have a superior blend of stylish good looks, durability and comfort for the young daredevil.

The shin plate is anatomically contoured for a smooth fit. It will accept knee guards, shin guards and/or knee braces with ease. The multi-density shin and calf guards are the ...




Alpinestars Tech 8 Boots for Motocross, MX, Dirt Bikes

Alpinestars Tech 8 Boots for Motocross, MX, Dirt Bikes

These are some of the most popular dirt bike boots you can find. They're pretty slick looking too.

The genuine, full-grain leather upper has been redesigned to allow for improved flexibility, while the four-buckle aluminum buckle system features a "memory" that allows it to quickly revert to its previous position. They also sport a ...




Fox Racing Motocross Boots

Tracker Black MX, Motorcycle, Dirt Bike Riding Boots

Fox Racing Motocross Boots | Tracker Black MX, Motorcycle, Dirt Bike Riding Boots

These boots are a comfortable, rugged and affordable option. For something higher-end, see the Gaerne SG-10 boots. But for an excellent combination of quality and value, stay right here and read on.

These boots from Fox Racing provide much of the technology available in more expensive boots. The buckle system, for ...




Gaerne Sg-Y Youth Motocross Boots

Kids MX, Dirt Bike Riding Boots | Carbon and White

Gaerne Sg-Y Youth Motocross Boots | Kids MX, Dirt Bike Riding Boots | Carbon and White

This is no ordinary kids motocross boot. No, this one comes from Gaerne, which means you know it's going to be special. Check out the Adult version of this boot to see what I mean.

This boot is Italian made, using premium, full-grain leather for the uppers along with a ...




Gaerne SG-10 Motocross Riding Boots

2008 Carbon and White MX, Dirt Bike

Gaerne SG-10 Motocross Riding Boots | 2008 Carbon and White MX, Dirt Bike

Transworld Motocross Magazine called the 2007 version of these boots a "perfect 10". Not convinced? Motocross Action Magazine and USMotocross.com all gave these boots their highest rating.

Still not convinced? Read for yourself...

These boots are made in Italy with genuine full-grain leather. The buckles on the upper are made of light-weight aluminum ...




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