Deciding 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Posted on: Jul 8
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, …
Posted on: Jun 5
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 …
Posted on: Jun 4
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 …
Posted on: May 26
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 …
Posted on: May 20
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 as …
Posted on: Apr 23
These black cycle boots by Fox Racing are priced right to be an entry-level dirt bike boot.
These black 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 …
Posted on: Mar 24
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 …
Posted on: Mar 20
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 …
Posted on: Mar 17
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 …
Posted on: Mar 13
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 …
Posted on: Mar 10
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 …
Posted on: Mar 3
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 …
Posted on: Feb 23
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 …
Posted on: Feb 18
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 …
Posted on: Feb 13
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 …
Posted on: Feb 12
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 …
