Commuting on a motorcycle can be fun or an absolute nightmare, it all depends upon your gear. Juggling between work, and home running errands can be quite tough especially if you wear boots that are a pain in the neck. What’s worse is having no room for your toes to stretch in, or when your boots get drenched in water because they aren’t waterproof enough.
Boots that are made for riding motorcycles but give you exceptional confidence when you walk into your office. We’re talking about the boots that go so well with the entire look that you don’t feel the need to change into another pair of shoes.
However, we recommend you to buy boots that are smaller in size and somehow resemble regular boots. These are lower in height so it doesn’t look like you will be off hiking right after work – they are waterproof and have flexible soles. What we’re referring to here are these boots, that are all in one and fit into your lifestyle exceptionally well! Come motorcycling or just for taking a walk.
So, what exactly do we mean by ‘Motorcycle Boots For Walking’? Look, you have got to kill two birds with one stone here. If you have to switch between your footwear constantly, it’s because you don’t have the right shoes.
For instance, a pair of Chelsea boots are good – they go well with formal dressing, casual outfits, and ideal for riding a bike as well since they cover your ankles really well! So, unless you’re very fond of changing your shoes multiple times a day, this buying guide will benefit you for good!
Having been in your shoes, we have decided to give you a detailed review of the best pair of boots out there – best for riding your bike as well as running everyday errands. We will help you choose the one that goes best with your everyday look! Also, we have provided a helping guide on what factors to consider for this purchase along with frequently asked questions.
Best Motorcycle Boots For Walking in 2022
Without wasting any time, let’s look at a few of the top-selling motorcycle boots for walking and showcase what makes them stand out and why they’re a must consider during your buying journey.
1- Alpinestars New Land Gore-Tex Men’s Motorcycle Street Boots
First, we have these top-selling motorcycle boots, Alpinestars New Land GTX street boots, fully CE certified with 100% waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. It has a rubber compound for the combination of comfort with a strong grip.
However, these are a bit expensive but worth it as we don’t see any drawback in them. Made with top-notch quality full-grain leather and steel shank. It is a perfect combination of a hybrid between walking and riding. However, with our research, we could analyze that different size chart applies. You need to research before purchasing to get the right size.
Our Take:
When purchasing Alpinestars New Land motorcycle boots finding the right size is the main hurdle but once you have found the right one, you are good to go. These are expensive but worth the investment.
2- Alpinestars Roam 2 Waterproof Men’s Street Motorcycle Boots
Another Alpinestars product? Well, we couldn’t resist reviewing the Alpinestars Roam 2 waterproof street motorcycle boots. The main difference between Roam 2 and New land is the price. Roam 2 is cheaper because it is made with synthetic leather.
They offer extra slide protection with a shin armory. With a CE certificate, the Alpinestars claim to be 100% waterproof which we doubt as they don’t have the Gore-Tex membrane, so the water resistance is doubtful.
Our Take:
The Alpinestars Roam 2 is a great purchase if you are tight on the budget. Apart from the fact that these lack Gore-tex membrane, we would recommend them as they are CE certified. These boots are a solid choice to keep you running errands on your motorcycle comfortably.
3- Harley Davidson Men’s Badlands Motorcycle Boots
Constructed with full-grain leather, the Harley Davidson motorcycle boots are designed to protect your feet while you ride! Lined with a thick sole, they have a strong grip and have a stylish look.
However, with our research, we found out that they are tight around the ankle area. This may be an issue for some people. Besides, the laces tend to loosen; you have to double-knot them each time.
However, the price is fairly reasonable and the best part is the rubber sole is oil and slip-resistant.
Our Take:
The Harley Davidson motorcycle boots are fair for the price and the features are pretty good as well. It is constructed with full-grain leather and the look is extremely stylish. However, the two drawbacks it has sets it back from others.
4- Gaerne Balance Oiled Boots
Gaerne Balance oiled motorcycle boots are perfectly designed to protect your feet both on and off the bike. Made with full-grain leather, they are lined with breathable Gaerne Drytech liner. These boots are ultra-modern that fit your everyday look.
The simple-to-adjust straps with replaceable buckles set it forth from the rest and most importantly, the memory inside accurately molds around your foot size. Besides, we think that the leather quality is excellent and thick enough to protect against climate issues.
Our Take:
Even though these motorcycle boots are one of the top-selling boots, we feel that these are somehow a bit expensive since they lack Gore-Tex membrane. It’s hard to tell if they will still provide the same quality as other Gore-Tex lined boots. However, these are comfortable, easy to wear, and classy.
5- O’Neal Rider Boots
The O’Neal Rider boots are injected with molded plates to protect you against climate. Constructed with synthetic leather, they are heat resistant. Moreover, it has a metal toe guard to protect feet against delaminating.
To ensure proper lock, it has an easy-to-use four-buckle snap lock system. This gives you the optimum fit along with sufficient protection.
Our Take:
The O’Neal motorcycle boots are a great choice for off riding. Surprisingly, with our research, we couldn’t find a drawback. Cutting it short, these are great for the money and easy to walk in.
6- Harley Davidson Footwear Men’s Scout
Excellent daily wear, the Harley Davidson footwear boots are extremely versatile to upgrade your overall look. These motorcycle boots are a bit on the higher price and here’s why they are expensive.
These are made with premium full-grain leather. To give you enough protection against casualties. And we think this makes the pricing fair. The highly equipped, Harley Davidson motorcycle boots are lined with tough rubber outsoles, offering top-notch oil and slip-resistant properties.
Our Take:
The Harley Davidson boots are comfortable yet go well with your everyday look. Wearing these will not only give your sufficient protection on the road but will lift your confidence.
7- Alpinestars SMX-1 R Boots
Next, we have another Alpinestar product. Yes, we still cannot stop raving about the top-quality Alpinestars products. The popular European company makes sure to stand out from the rest with every product they launch.
These boots are durable and highly abrasion-resistant. Most importantly, these are CE certified which means you can count on it. What makes them excellent is that they are extremely lightweight so you don’t have to feel any heaviness which is pretty uncommon to find in motorcycle boots.
It has a replaceable bi-injected TPU forefoot slider with a medial zip closure to take off them.
Our Take:
The Alpinestars SMX-1 R boots are lined with an internal mesh allowing proper airflow keeping your feet sweat-free. Moreover, these are equipped with a front velcro closure system so you can take them off easily. These are brilliant choices to invest in. We highly recommend these.
8- TCX Hero Leather Waterproof Boots
The CE-certified TCX Hero motorcycle boots are constructed with full-grain leather. These are comfortable everyday wear giving you a stylish look as well as offering top-level protection. These boots offer a fusion of style and comfort.
It has a waterproof lining and is lined with the promising Gore-Tex. However, These boots are initially tight and take a couple of wear to be fully molded according to your size.
Our Take:
The TCX hero waterproof boots are one of the outstanding motorcycle boots in the market. It offers top-notch protection along with comfort and most importantly it’s an excellent choice to wear for seamless fun rides on your bike. What else can you ask for?
Why Should You Invest In Comfortable Walking Motorcycle Boots
As hectic the daily routine gets, it is truly essential to have the right gear for some peace of mind. Just like comfortable clothes, investing in comfortable everyday motorcycle boots is compulsory. Convenience is demanded when commuting. Investing in motorcycle boots that you can wear when not only riding but all day long is necessary. One needs to invest in the best motorcycle boots for walking just as their preference.
What to Consider When Buying The Right Motorcycle Boots
Footwear Safety
Safety should be a top priority when looking for the right motorcycle boots. As motorcycles have a higher chance of accidents, wearing the right gear decreases the risk of injuries. Look for a MotoGP label that has shock-absorbing material and hard protective brackets.
Cost
Motorcycle boots should never cost you a fortune yet they shouldn’t be cheap by all means. The key here is to allocate a budget to your passion and then find the best possible boots under that amount. If you aren’t careful, you might end up spending a whole lot of bucks on a pair when you can actually fulfill your needs within half the price! So, research well and choose carefully!
Best Motorcycle Boots For Walking – Types:
There could be multiple styles and designs of motorcycle boots for walking comfortably in the market. However, you need to keep your options open and jot down the pros and cons for the particular design. To ease your hassle, we have outlined the two most common categories.
Full Motorcycle Boots
The full motorcycle boots offer 100% protection and by far are the safest for everyday wear. However, the appearance isn’t very appealing so if you have a 9 to 5 job, this shouldn’t be your choice. Moreover, if you are someone who has errands to run all day long, these should be your choice as they reduce the risk of injuries.
Motorcycle Shoes
Offering less protection, but these go hand in hand with your everyday formals. The stylish-looking boots enhance your look and are extremely comfortable. They are acceptable to wear all day long.
Pricing For The Best Motorcycle Boots
- $100 and under: We will never recommend you to get motorcycle boots under $100, as the cheaper they are, they are most likely to be compromised on the quality. Investing in the top walking motorcycle boots shouldn’t cost you an arm and leg but they shouldn’t be bought in a little less money.
- $100-$200: A decent pair of motorcycle boots are likely to cost around $150 to $200. Moreover, the features they will provide will be sufficient to give you protection and comfort during the day.
- $200 and up: The more expensive a product is, the more it is likely to last longer. Boots in the range of $200 and up are guaranteed to provide maximum comfort to your hectic lifestyle.
How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Boots for Walking:
It’s always better to research before investing in motorcycle boots for everyday wear. Enlisting features and comparing costs will effectively help you shorten the list. Here is a solid list of features you need to consider before purchasing the best motorcycle boots for walking.
Choose the Right Size: Choosing the right size can be a tough call especially if you are new at buying motorcycle boots. It is recommended to get half a size up your original size so that your feet can have enough room to stretch. Try walking in boots for a while and see if the size is comfortable enough. Always be careful with the size chart because UK and US sizes are quite different.
Material: While boots are made of leather, leather has many types. Be clear in which type of leather you are looking for. Full-grain leather, or synthetic leather. Finding 100% leather is not that easy as many brands use synthetic leather. However, full-grain leather is more expensive than synthetic leather.
Waterproof: Always look for a Gore-tex membrane label. This provides breathable yet full water resistance.
Style and Design: One thing that’s extremely important when purchasing the best motorcycle boots for communing, you need to keep your dressing style in mind. The right design that goes with your everyday look perfectly. Choose how you would like your boots to be either with laces, snaps, or buckles? Everything depends on how you are comfortable with it.
Budget: You need to be clear on your budget. Spending less on motorcycle boots is the last thing you want to do. The expensive boots will provide you with top-quality materials. As cheaper the product is, they are likely to last longer plus they wouldn’t give you the right comfort that you are looking for. Instead, it is better to wait longer than to invest wrong.
Crash and Climate Protection: Riding bikes all day long can be dangerous especially if you are in a hurry. It is recommended to buy motorcycle boots that provide proper crash protection so in case there are any casualties caused, you are likely to be safe. Another feature to look for is weather protection. As much as crash protection is necessary, weather protection shouldn’t be compromised as well. Find the right boots that are 100% waterproof, provide proper airflow, and keep air circulation during warm climates.
Tread and Closure System: Look for the closure system the motorcycle boots offer. The most comfortable boots for commuting are the ones that are easy to remove and put on. On the other hand, it’s essential to have good traction when you are on your bike and walking around. The best motorcycle boots for riding and off riding are the ones with line thread around the edges as well in the center of the sole.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it necessary to take care of motorcycle boots?
Not all brands require frequent care regimes. Different boots have different needs. But it is recommended to take good care of them so they last you longer. Moreover, the leather should be cleaned and polished to maintain its integrity.
Are all motorcycle boots water-resistant?
Not really. When choosing the right motorcycle boots, look for DryTex labels or GORE-TEX, these extremely hydrophobic linings and keep your feet dry during downpours.
Is it important to get boots a size bigger than the usual shoe?
Yes! Some manufacturers recommend going half-size up but what you need to check is the size, length, arch, and width of the boots. Going a size bigger can result in blisters or other foot problems. It is recommended to consult a shoe advisor at the store.
Do all casual motorcycle boots offer the same level of protection?
Nope. Motorcycle boots have different protection levels. This depends on features like soft padding in the ankles and heels and full armor areas. Also, always look for EU staff ratings of the product before purchasing.
Do you really need Motorcycle boots?
Well, we believe that you do. However, it’s up to you. Motorcycle boots protect your feet and ankles against any unfortunate incidents. In road accidents, motorcycle boots significantly reduce the impact on your feet and ankles. However, if you wear ordinary work boots, they’ll wear out faster and barely withstand any hard impacts during road hazards.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be honest. Because we commute by bikes, we find the need to take off our boots as soon as we get a chance. And that’s probably because an average pair of motorcycle boots is either too heavy for us or gives off a very over-kill vibe to go with our everyday look. So, why not end the hassle and say goodbye to our motorcycle boots that don’t go with our daily routine.
Why not buy a pair of motorcycle boots that go hand in hand with your entire look yet give you the confidence to take off on your adventure journey like a pro? So, if this sounds familiar to you, getting boots that are perfect for walking as well as riding is the solution to all your problems!
Now, go and have at it with our aforementioned products. Our obsessive team of editors are famous for being perfectionists and super-picky. Rest assured, check out the boots and find one that fits best for your everyday routine. In other words, ride and shine!
Mark Anderson is a trusted expert with over 25 years of riding experience. At 56, his deep knowledge of long-distance touring and participation in major motorcycle rallies makes him a reliable source for gear recommendations on ProtectiveGearz. Mark’s decades of firsthand experience ensure his advice is authoritative and valuable to riders seeking expert guidance.