Style and comfort are important when it comes to motorcycle boots, but they’re nowhere near as important as safety. The gear you wear when riding can save your life and limbs while you ride. It’s essential to have good, safe boots on that will protect your feet and ankles in the event of a crash.
Cowboy boots are not a good choice of motorcycle boot. Cowboy boots are made with smooth leather soles which won’t provide the grip you need to ride safely. In addition, cowboy boots are not made with the reinforced protection of other motorcycle boots and won’t have the abrasion resistance necessary in an accident.
There is some flexibility in your choice of motorcycle riding boots, but there are some elements that can’t be overlooked. We’ll talk through some of the major dos and don’ts of motorcycle boots and their less-than-ideal alternatives.
Can you ride a motorcycle in cowboy boots?
I’m sure you’ve seen bikers rocking a pair of leather cowboy boots. After all, these boots have a rugged appearance that give your ride a lot of character and style. Plus, cowboy boots are a safer choice than many shoes, such as flip-flops or sneakers. They are durable, and they cover your ankles. So what’s the problem?
The main issue with wearing cowboy boots to ride is the sole. Cowboy boots are usually made with leather soles, which are not a safe choice for riding. For one, leather soles tend to be smooth and slippery, meaning your foot might slide off the foot peg or you might slip when stopping your bike at a light or to park.
Leather soles also won’t hold up to oil. Motorcycle boots need to be oil-resistant. Otherwise they will be rubbed off, lose grip, and even melt. If you own a bike, you’re going to come in contact with oil, and your boots need to be able to withstand that.
Another reason not to wear cowboy boots is that they aren’t going to hold up if you crash. When you ride, there is always the possibility of an accident. You need to be prepared. Cowboy boots are made of leather, but it isn’t as thick as for motorcycle boots and doesn’t have reinforcement in key areas.
You need boots that can withstand abrasion in case of an impact and that won’t be crushed or cut. You also need boots that are protected in areas like toes and ankles so they will last longer. In short, cowboy boots might look good, but they are not equal to motorcycle boots in terms of safety.
What to look for in motorcycle boots?
I am not here to tell you that there is one motorcycle boot that is better than any others or that everyone should be wearing the same type of boots. The exact motorcycle boot you choose will depend a lot on your own preferences of fit, style, and comfort. However, I can give you a few guidelines and let you know what elements are essential in any motorcycle boot.
Motorcycle boots should cover your ankles. Even if they are fairly short, they should have over-the-ankle support. This will protect your foot in the event of a crash and it will support your ankle to give you more control while you ride. However, tall boots should never be over the knee. They should be short enough that you can easily bend your knee and move your leg around.
Good motorcycle boots should be sturdy but well-ventilated. The material makes all the difference here, so I’ve also included a section just talking about the materials used in motorcycle boots. But, generally, motorcycle boots are made of leather, which is strong, durable, and breathable.
Finally, one essential element in a pair of motorcycle boots is a good sole. The sole should have good grip on the foot peg and pavement. A small heel gives you the best control while riding, and some grip pattern gives you sturdy support when you stop.
It is absolutely necessary that your soles be oil-resistant, since it’s inevitable that you will come into contact with oil, and your boots need to be able to hold up. Leather soles, for example, will eventually begin to disintegrate or melt, which makes them a bad choice for motorcycle boots.
What material is best for motorcycle boots?
What’s the best choice of material for motorcycle boots? The quick answer is leather. There’s a reason leather is one of the most common material choices for boots. Leather is durable and thick, plus it has abrasion and impact resistance.
There are a few caveats though. Your leather boots should be treated with a conditioner that adds water resistance. If leather gets wet, it should be thoroughly dried in order to prevent mold or cracking.
In addition, motorcycle boots should be reinforced in key areas like the toe and ankle. While riding, certain areas will be worn down faster and should be protected. On a similar vein, boots should be reinforced in key areas that will be most vulnerable in a crash.
Other things to look for in the materials and construction of the shoe is, of course, oil-resistant soles and pieces that are stitched together instead of glued, since they will hold up better in the long run.
Leather is a common choice for motorcycle boots, with rubber soles. However, there are some newer synthetic materials that are also becoming quite common and are as durable and protective as leather. Among these are Gortex and Dehcord.
One material that isn’t good for motorcycle boots? Canvas. Many sneaker companies advertise high-top sneakers as alternatives to motorcycle boots, but they will have no abrasion resistance and won’t protect you if you crash or even while you ride.
Do you need to wear boots for motorcycle riding?
When it comes to motorcycle riding, motorcycle boots are non-negotiable. Not only do you need tall, sturdy boots to strengthen your ankle joint while you ride, but you also need thick material that won’t be destroyed if you are in an accident.
Many seasoned riders can tell you that their foot and ankle have been saved by a good pair of boots, or that accidents have resulted in irreparable damage because of poor choice of footwear.
If you want to keep both your feet, it’s best to always wear designated motorcycle boots. Cowboy boots don’t have the right reinforcement and the soles offer no protection. Sneakers are flimsy and dangerous.
Laces and tassels can get stuck in the moving parts of the motorcycle and thin material can be crushed in an accident. Unprotected toes can be lost and non-strengthened ankles can be broken. It doesn’t take much to protect yourself while you ride; start by buying the right pair of boots.
What are the types of motorcycle boots?
To wrap up, here are a few different types of boots that are safe for motorcycle riding. While none of them are cowboy boots, they do come in different styles so you’re bound to find a pair that you love just as much as your trusty old cowboy boots.
Engineer or harness boots
This style of boot has a strap attached with a ring. The ring helps protect against impact, plus it provides a fashionable look. Usually harness boots have square toes while engineer boots have a round toe. There are some hybrid harness/cowboy boots that are safe for riding.
Shorty boots
Shorty boots are, as the name suggests, short. They look a little more like normal shoes and are often worn by people who don’t want to change shoes between riding and everyday activities. They should, however, still cover your ankle. They’re usually about 6” to 8” high.
Tall boots
In contrast, tall boots are the style that are much higher, usually 14” to 20”. These are often worn over the pant leg. They should still come below the knee and you should make sure you have full range of movement and can easily bend your knee before riding with these.
Motocross boots
These boots are most common in motocross racing but may be worn by other riders as well. They tend to be a little bulkier since safety is the top priority. They often come in brighter colors than some other motorcycle boots.
These aren’t the only types of motorcycle boots, but they are some of the more common styles. Whatever boot you choose, make sure it is designed to protect you while you ride and if you crash. And, please, don’t wear cowboy boots.
