10 Best Motorcycle Boots Reviewed
Are you a rider? Perhaps you are just a casual motorcycle enthusiast. Or maybe you are a thrill-seeker or adrenaline junkie looking for your next thrilling adventure or adrenaline rush. Or maybe you are nodding your head to all the criteria that I just described because everything fits you to a T. Regardless, any rider or motorcycle enthusiast should know that he or she needs to a good pair of motorcycle boots to compliment on him or her the next time he or she wants to throw caution to the wind and go on a thrill-seeking adventure or just go for a casual ride on the highway during a lazy Sunday afternoon.
That is where the list below comes in handy. Below is a list of the top 10 motorcycle boots one can find on the market. Each motorcycle boot has its own product description complete with all the pros and cons so that you, the consumer, can decide for yourself which motorcycle boot best fits your needs. So go on, scroll down and check it out!
Featured Recommendations for Motorcycle Boots
- Bates GX-8 Ultra
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Our rating - Gore-Tex waterproof
- Price: See Here
- Harley-Davidson Josh Boot
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Our rating - 14.25" Opening
- Price: See Here
- Under Armour Stellar Tac
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Our rating - DWR treated Leather
- Price: See Here
10 Best Motorcycle Boots
1. Bates GX-8 Ultra-Lites GTX
These boots are completely 100% waterproof so riders and motorcycle enthusiasts do not have to worry about getting their feet wet inside the boots. The boots are specifically designed to keep any water from getting inside due to the waterproof leather and nylon uppers.
Slip Resistant Rubber Outsoles
These boots are designed with slip-resistant rubber outsoles which provide great traction when walking on potentially hazardous surfaces caused by adverse weather conditions such as snowstorms and rainstorms.
Cost and Value
Bates Men's GX-8 8 Inch Ultra-Lites GTX Waterproof Boots provide maximum value at an affordable cost. Maximum style, comfort and durability come in few packages better than these boots. These boots are well worth the time and investment.
- Designed to provide additional protection to lower leg areas such as the calves
- Cement construction to provide longevity and durability
- Slip-resistant rubber outsoles to provide traction when walking on potentially hazardous surfaces
- Waterproof leather to prevent water from getting inside the boots
- Susceptible to discoloration over long-term periods
- Susceptible to irreversible wear and tear if not maintained and cared for properly
2. Under Armour Stellar Tac
These boots are uniquely designed using a unique fabric different from traditional motorcycle boots. The unique fabric allows for greater stretchiness and recovery and an ultra-soft feel which in turn provides incredible breathability performance. The stretchiness allows the boots to adjust to the user’s feet which takes away the hassle of having to purchase gel insoles in order to provide maximum comfort.
Moisture Transport System
Few things are more uncomfortable than having sweaty feet. Fortunately, these boots have the solution to that problem. These boots have a built-in moisture transport system that efficiently and effectively wicks away sweat, leaving the user dry and light.
Cost and Value
Under Armour Men's Stellar Tac Boots provide incredible value at an affordable cost to riders and motorcycle enthusiasts. These boots operate from a position of uniqueness as they are designed, unlike any other traditional motorcycle boots. This uniqueness makes them well worth the time and investment.
- Designed with a unique fabric that provides stretchiness, recovery, ultra-soft feel, and incredible breathability performance
- Moisture transport system that provides a unique solution for wicking away sweat and keeping feet dry
- Drop-tail hem that provides additional coverage which allows for better protection
- Designed with high-quality leather which provides longevity and durability
- Susceptible to discoloration over long-term periods
- Susceptible to irreversible wear and tear if not maintained and cared for properly
3. Harley-Davidson Josh Boot
These boots are designed with conveniently placed inside zippers for easy access and removal. These inside zippers help set these boots apart from other boots. While other boots may have zippers on their backs or no zippers at all, these boots make access and removal hassle-free.
Slip Resistant Rubber Outsoles
Another great thing about these boots is the slip-resistant rubber outsoles which provide great traction when walking on potentially hazardous surfaces caused by adverse weather conditions such as snowstorms and rainstorms.
Cost and Value
Harley-Davidson Men’s Josh Boots provide maximum value at an affordable cost. These boots fill a tall order as they are designed to provide maximum style, comfort, security, and durability. If this is the criteria that riders and motorcycle enthusiasts are looking to fill, then these boots will not disappoint.
- Provides a unique harness silhouette that sets it apart from other boots
- Conveniently designed inside zippers on each boot for easy access and removal
- Provides a tough slip resistant outsole for walking on potentially hazardous surfaces
- Designed with Goodyear welt construction for incredible dependability and performance
- Narrowness in the foot and calf area can make wearing the boots uncomfortable for some users
- May have to order a size up or size down depending on the user in order to get a proper fit.
4. Harley-Davidson Bill Steel Toe
The built-in steel toe provides additional protection and durability to users. The steel toe provides a unique solution to safety concerns regarding users’ toes. The steel toe is uniquely designed to prevent and withstand any accidental injuries to users. No more worrying about your toes once you slip a pair of Harley-Davidson Men's Bill Steel Toe Harness Boots on.
Premium Leather
These boots are designed with 100% premium leather which is the highest quality of leather you can get. Being designed with premium leather means that these boots were designed to last. Very few boots are designed with the kind of quality that these boots are designed with.
Cost and Value
Harley-Davidson Men's Bill Steel Toe Harness Boots provide maximum value at an affordable cost with a combination that cannot be beaten. The uniqueness of these boots is unprecedented. A built-in steel toe inside a pair of boots designed with 100% premium leather is a winning combination that is sure to win many riders and motorcycle enthusiasts ever.
- Designed with 100% premium leather
- Designed with shock-absorbing technology to withstand any bumps and dings
- Provides a tough slip resistant outsole for walking on potentially hazardous surfaces
- Provides a peace of mind regarding safety concerns with the built-in steel toe
- Narrowness in the foot and calf area can make wearing the boots uncomfortable for some users
- May have to order a size up or size down depending on the user in order to get a proper fit.
5. Forma Adventure Off-Road
Forma Adventure Off-Road Motorcycle Boots provide maximum value at an affordable cost. With its unique design and ability to withstand all kinds of terrain, you cannot go wrong with these boots. These boots are well worth the time and investment.
Inner Drytex Lining
These boots are designed with inner Dry-tex lining which makes them waterproof and breathable. This inner Drytex lining makes them unique as no other boots are designed with this kind of lining. This keeps all the wetness out while keeping all the comfort and protection in.
Memory Foam
This technology makes the boot conform and adjust to the unique shape of the user’s feet. This also makes the boots unique as no other boots are designed with memory foam. The memory foam makes sure that the user never has to adjust the boots to maximize comfortability as the boots already do that.
- Designed with 100% premium leather
- Designed with shock-absorbing technology to withstand any bumps and dings
- Provides a tough slip resistant outsole for walking on potentially hazardous surfaces
- Provides a peace of mind regarding safety concerns with the built-in steel toe
- May not be suitable for kick-start bikes or bikes with aggressive motocross style foot pegs
- Susceptible to irreversible wear and tear if not maintained and cared for properly
6. Harley-Davidson Boxbury
Harley-Davidson Men's Boxbury Work Boots provide maximum value at an affordable cost. Aesthetics, slip-resistant rubber outsoles, dual-locking zipper system, Goodyear welt construction are just some of the things that make these boots so phenomenal. These boots have it all. You cannot go wrong with these boots. These boots are well worth the time and investment.
- Designed with slip resistant rubber outsoles
- Designed with dual-locking inside and outside zippers
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Goodyear welt construction suited for riding
- Narrowness in the ankle and calf area can make wearing the boots uncomfortable for some users
- May have to order a size up or size down depending on the user in order to get a proper fit
7. Harley-Davidson Barton
Harley-Davidson Men's Barton Lace-To-Toe Boots provide maximum value at an affordable cost. Slip resistant rubber outsoles, 100% premium leather, durable heels, and Goodyear welt construction are just some of the things that make these boots stand out. These boots provide a winning combination in terms of value and cost. These boots are well worth the time and investment.
Premium Leather
These boots are designed with 100% premium leather which is the highest quality of leather you can get. Being designed with premium leather means that these boots were designed to last. Very few boots are designed with the kind of quality that these boots are designed with.
Slip Resistant Rubber Outsoles
Another great thing about these boots are the slip resistant rubber outsoles which provide great traction when walking on potentially hazardous surfaces caused by adverse weather conditions such as snowstorms and rainstorms.
- Designed with 100% premium leather
- Designed with slip resistant rubber outsoles
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Designed with classic lace to toe motorcycle styling
- May be too heavy for some users to wear
- Narrowness in the ankle area may make wearing the boots uncomfortable for some users
8. Tourmaster Response 2.0
Tourmaster Men's Black Leather Response Waterproof 2.0 Boots provide maximum value at an affordable cost. Ruggedness, toughness, style, and quality are just some of the things that make these boots so outstanding. These boots are well worth the time and investment.
Hipora Waterproof, Breathable Membrane
No other boots are designed with Hipora waterproof, breathable membranes. This unique feature sets these boots apart from other boots. This technology allows users to keep the wetness out and dryness and comfort in.
Orthopedic, Vibration-Absorbing Foot Beds
No other boots have orthopedic, vibration-absorbing footbeds. This is another unique feature that sets these boots apart from other boots. This technology provides additional protection and comfort by absorbing shocks and vibrations.
- Designed with water repellant leather
- Designed with 3M Scotchlite for nighttime safety
- Designed with HiPora waterproof, breathable membrane
- Designed with an orthopedic, vibration-absorbing foot bed
- Susceptible to irreversible wear and tear if not maintained and cared for properly
- Susceptible to bumps and dings
9. Gaerne G-Adventure Off-Road
Gaerne G-Adventure Adult Off-Road Motorcycle Boots provide maximum value at an affordable cost. Padded interiors, waterproof interiors, and breathability make these boots unlike any other. You cannot go wrong with these boots. Just like the name implies, if you are looking for an adventure then these boots are a great choice and well worth the time and investment.
Padded Interiors
These boots never compromise anything in the name of comfort. That is why these boots are designed with padded interiors. Part of making riding as smooth as possible is making sure that you are as comfortable as possible and these boots do not fail to deliver on this aspect.
Waterproof
There is nothing more uncomfortable than wearing a pair of motorcycle boots that are wet on the inside. Good thing these boots are waterproof. This keeps the wetness out while keeping the dryness and comfort in.
- Designed with padded interior for comfortable fit
- Designed with plastic reinforcer shifter pads
- Waterproof and breathable to keep feet dry and comfortable
- Designed for optimal performance
- May not be suitable for kick-start bikes or bikes with aggressive motocross style foot pegs
- Susceptible to irreversible wear and tear if not maintained and cared for properly
10. Bates Adrenaline Performance
Bates Adrenaline Performance Men's Motorcycle Boots provide maximum value at an affordable cost. These boots were designed for optimal comfort and performance which makes that a winning combination in terms of value and cost. Just like the name implies, these boots perform well in high-adrenaline situations and are well worth the time and investment. These boots are unlike any other.
High-Performance Leather and Nylon
You will not be getting less than the best in terms of quality. These boots are the epitome of quality. Other boots are designed with typical materials found in other boots. These boots may be a lot of things, but typical is not one of them. These boots were designed with high-performance leather and nylon to guarantee long-term durability and style.
Waterproof
There is nothing more uncomfortable than wearing a pair of motorcycle boots that are wet on the inside. Good thing these boots are waterproof. This keeps the wetness out while keeping the dryness and comfort in.
- Designed with high performance leather and nylon
- Designed with waterproof membranes to keep feet dry
- Designed with XRD Side Impact memory foam to prevent ankle injuries
- Designed with slip resistant rubber outsoles
- May be difficult for users to access and remove
- Narrowness in the ankle and calf area may make wearing the boots uncomfortable for some users
So there you have it. These are the top 10 recommendations for motorcycle boots/shoes for all you riders and motorcycle enthusiasts out there. These are the best of the best. I truly believe that motorcycle footwear is indeed a rider or motorcycle enthusiast’s best friend. It all comes down to your individual taste in motorcycle footwear and what specific criteria you grade your motorcycle footwear on before making an informed buying decision. That is what this list is for.
This list descriptively lists all the information on each motorcycle boot/shoe that you need to know as a consumer. You cannot go wrong with any of the motorcycle footwear on this list. They all have their similarities and differences that distinguish them from each other. But one thing that is for sure is that they all high-quality and provide maximum value for their individual costs. Motorcycle footwear is not something that should be bought cheap. Cheaply made motorcycle footwear does not last long and none of the footwear on this list fit those criteria. So get out there and buy the motorcycle footwear of your dreams!
Looking Deeper
Let’s set up an image really quick: You work constant hours at the office that never seem to end. You’ve got to take your kids to school and always end up getting there late. You’re constantly in and out of meetings that appear to serve little to no real purpose. You’re constantly working or running around and hardly ever get a break to yourself. These situations seem to pop up for people more and more often as our lives get busier and busier, and as much as you may dislike it, there’s little you can actually do to get around it.
Even with that being the case, it’s not to say that we can’t and shouldn’t take breaks to have fun and enjoy the world around us. So many people get caught up in the rat race of constantly working and not thinking about ever taking a break, and while this might seem like a good move to get ahead of the game, it actually does little to help you at all. In fact, working in this fashion can often have disastrous effects rather than positive ones. Your body and your brain both need little breaks every now and then, and although you may think these breaks will do nothing but set you back behind your schedule, they can actually do a lot of good for refreshing your mind and recharging your batteries.
The way that you take these breaks doesn’t necessarily matter. The main thing here is to find something that you have a great and sincere joy of doing, and if you’re reading this article, you more than likely have some level of interest in the topic of riding motorcycles. Riding motorcycles has proven to be one of the best stress relievers for a ton of folks out there, and although it might not necessarily be for everyone, it’s proven to be incredibly effective for those who are interested in the subject.
Riding a motorcycle is quite empowering, and there really isn’t anything to compare it to. That might sound like a lot of fancy talking to some of you, but unless you’ve ridden a motorcycle before, you don’t truly know what we’re talking about. The feeling you get while out on an open road with the air rushing around you is incomparable to pretty much anything else out there, and although that might seem hard to believe for some, you absolutely know what we’re talking about if you happen to be a fan of hitting the road on your bike.
As much fun and joy as the act of riding a motorcycle can bring, there are still some critically important things that you need to keep in mind to ensure that your rides are as safe and as fun as possible. Taking care of your bike and ensuring that you have the proper gear before you go out on your ride are certainly very important to keep in mind, but among all of these things, one of the most important bits of info to keep in mind is the kind of footwear you’ve got on when you’re riding.
Many people out there just wear any old pair of sneakers or boots when they go out riding, and while this might be a convenient thing to do in the heat of things, these types of shoes really don’t do anything at all to give your feet the protection they really need when you’re out riding. As much fun as driving a motorcycle is, you need to make sure that you’re properly equipping yourself with the best gear and outfit possible to ensure that you stay as safe as possible. If you aren’t wearing the proper footwear, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable to serious injuries – and that’s something that you simply cannot allow for.
When you hit the road on your motorcycle, you want to make sure that you’re wearing the best motorcycle boots. Motorcycle boots are specifically engineered to provide you with both the protection and comfort your feet need while you’re out riding your bike, and although this might seem a bit silly if you’ve never put any thought into the matter, wearing specifically designed motorcycle boots when you hit the road with your bike can make a huge difference in your riding experience.
No matter your knowledge or experience with motorcycle boots, today we’re going to be looking at everything there is to know about them. We’re going to answer the most frequently asked questions surrounding the subject, factors you should consider before you purchase your next pair of motorcycle boots, and even go over the top 10 for the best motorcycle boots out there that money can currently buy. We’ve got quite a bit of ground to cover, so without any further ado, let’s get things started.
Criteria Used in Evaluation Of Motorcycle Boots
Alright, so we’ve already made it pretty clear that motorcycle boots are incredibly important when riding a motorcycle. However, you’re probably now asking yourself just why this is. If you don’t have that extensive of knowledge for riding, and even if you’ve been riding for some time now, this is completely understandable. Helmets are the most talked about a bit of gear when it comes to riding bikes, and while there’s no discounting the importance of a good helmet whatsoever, we also feel like boots don’t get the proper amount of attention that they truly do deserve.
So, why does a rider need motorcycle boots? There are numerous risks involved when you ride a motorcycle. You may not like to think about these all the time, but it’s a simple truth that you need to face to ensure that you’re keeping yourself as safe as you possibly can. By wearing a solid pair of motorcycle boots, you can help to ensure that many of these risks don’t pose any harm to you at all.
For the majority of riders out there, one of the injuries that they face first before anything else is that of a burned leg from the exhaust of their bike. You might not think of something like this, but getting burned from your bike’s exhaust can actually be quite serious. If you get burned badly enough, you’ll get a scar and often have to wait weeks for the burn to fully heal. If you wear tall boots that are rated to be considerably durable (which most quality boots are), you can help to make sure that your legs aren’t threatened by the exhaust of your bike. Again, this isn’t an issue that most bikers think of right off the bat when talking about motorcycle-related injuries, but it really is one of the most serious ones out there.
In addition to protecting yourself from these burns, proper motorcycle boots will also help to make sure that your feet and legs stay as protected as possible if you happen to endure any sort of crash. While a helmet and leather pants and jackets will certainly help in this department as well, solid motorcycle boots will also help increase the overall protection that your body has in the event of a crash. Many bikers have seriously messed up their feet and ankles as the result of a bike accident, and although motorcycle boots won’t guarantee that you won’t get any of these such injuries, they can go a long way in regards to reducing the overall seriousness of these injuries.
Factors to Consider When Buying Motorcycle Boots
Height
There’s no doubt that there’s a healthy amount of different factors to take into consideration when shopping for a new pair of motorcycle boots. However, among all of these things, one of the most important factors to keep in mind is the overall height of the boot that you’re looking at.
To ensure that you are equipped with the best possible protection possible, you’re going to want to make sure that the boot at least comes up over your ankle. This height will deliver the best protection possible – especially from things like exhaust burns that we talked about earlier. It is worth noting that higher boots are often less comfortable and a bit stiffer than lower boots, but this is a very small price to pay to ensure that you’re protecting your feet as much as you possibly can. It might be a small inconvenience, but it can prove to be a huge lifesaver when riding your bike.
Closure system
Similar to many other types of shoes and boots, motorcycle boots come with a host of different closure systems. Between laces and Velcro, there really are tons of different choices out there. All types of closure systems have proven to be incredibly effective for riders everywhere, so the choice here will ultimately come down to your own personal preference.
If you’re looking for something that will give you as accurate of a fit as possible and is easy to take off, a motorcycle boot with a lace system is going to be your best bet. However, with laces, they can sometimes have a tendency to come undone while you’re riding. Velcro and buckle type of boots can offer an even more secure fit, but this kind of boots have a tendency to be a bit more on the expensive side and are often found with racing boots. One of these options isn’t necessarily better than the other, so you’ll need to take into consideration what really matters the most to you in these regards.
Sole
Moving on to the bottom of your motorcycle boot, there’s actually quite a lot to consider here as well. There are many different types of soles that are offered, and similar to the closure systems that we just talked about above, the choice that you make here will also be a matter of personal preference and what fits your needs and tastes the best. Motorcycle boots that feature softer soles will provide with a considerably better grip on your bike’s pegs, but they also have a great tendency to wear down a lot faster.
Additionally, a boot that has a harder sole will provide you with increased durability but decreased grip. Which type of sole is best will ultimately depend on the rider. Some folks out there swear that grip is the most important factor, but others will argue that the best durability you can get will result in a better boot. As we already said, this is a matter of what’s going to work the best for you.
Sizing
When selecting a pair of motorcycle boots, you’ll absolutely want to ensure that they’re going to fit. This might seem like a no-brainer, but with so many different manufacturers of boots out there, there are tons of different sizing methods as well. Each manufacturer sizes in their own unique way, and while the majority of motorcycle boots are sized in a somewhat similar fashion, you’ll still want to look into how the creator of the boots you’re looking at sizes their products.
One of the worst things out there is ordering a pair of motorcycle boots, waiting for them to ship, and then to find out that they’re either too big or too small. And, while on the subject of size, it’s important to get as accurate of a fit as possible. The better the fit, the better the job your boot will do at offering you the proper protection. You might not think that a boot that’s a tad large or small will make that big of a difference, but in the event of a crash or other accident, it can make all the difference in the world.
Price
And, of course, we need to talk about price. Gear for motorcycle riding has a tendency to be a bit of the pricey side, and this is something that often turns people off from the idea of equipping themselves with the proper gear that they need to keep themselves as safe as possible. It seems crazy, we know. However, it’s the truth. Don’t be one of those people out there that lets this idea scare you away from getting the type of gear that you really do need to keep yourself as safe as you possibly can be.
We’re not saying that motorcycle boots are cheap, but you don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune to get a pair of boots that are going to keep you properly protected. So many people out there are under the impression that they need to shell out thousands of dollars for equipment, and while this is certainly possible to do if you want to get the best of the best, you can get a perfectly good pair of motorcycle boots for not a lot cash.
You want to be careful when not spending a lot and ensure that you’re still getting a quality pair of boots, and since this can often be a difficult process, we’ve included a list of the top 10 best motorcycle boots directly below. Some of these boots air on the more affordable side of things and others are a bit pricier. So, without any further ado, here are the top 10 motorcycle boots.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Boots
Q: What’s the best height for motorcycle boots?
As we mentioned earlier on in this guide, one of the most important factors to keep in mind when shopping for a new pair of motorcycle boots is the height of the boots in question. This is an area that so many people forget to look into, but as we learned, it can prove to be one of the most important. There’s no height for a motorcycle boot that’s the best, but in general, you’ll want to make sure that it at least covers your ankles. This will help to ensure that you’re getting the most protection possible on your legs, and this won’t leave you susceptible to injuries from exhaust burn that are far too common among many riders.
Q: Is there a brand of motorcycle boots that’s better than the rest?
When shopping for riding boots, it can be so easy to think that you need to purchase your boots from a company like Harley-Davidson. While there’s nothing wrong with purchasing boots from this company at all, don’t limit yourself to the big names. While a brand name like Harley-Davidson will help you ensure that you’re getting a quality product, there are tons of lesser-known companies out there that craft some truly wonderful motorcycle boots. Don’t be afraid to open your eyes a bit to other businesses that are out there that offer riding boots and venture a little bit out of your comfort zone. One brand isn’t necessarily better than all other brands, and the brand that you decide to opt with will ultimately come down to a matter of personal preference.
Q: What’s the difference between lace and Velcro closure systems?
As you probably noted when looking through all of the reviews, there are a ton of different types of closure systems for these boots. The two most popular ones are easily lace-up and Velcro ones, but what exactly is the difference between these two things? Lace-up systems are great for quickly and easily taking your boots off and on, but they do have a tendency sometimes to come undone while you’re actually riding with them on. Velcro closure systems can often prove to be a bit more complicated to take on and off, but they generally provide for a much more secure and tight grip on your foot. One of these isn’t really better than the other, and this is yet another issue of personal preference.
Final Thoughts
We mentioned at the beginning of this guide that we would be covering a lot of ground throughout this entire guide, and as you can now see, we weren’t joking about that at all. Being a motorcycle rider is one of the best things out there that you can do, and is one of the best ways to alleviate some of the stress that you pick up throughout your day. However, as much fun as it can be, ensuring that you’ve got the proper gear to keep you safe is critically important.
When it comes to motorcycle boots, there are a lot of things that need to be taken into consideration. Among all of the different factors out there, the most important ones are easily height, durability, and comfort. You’ll want to get a boot that comes to at least your ankles to prevent any exhaust burn, and having a boot that’s both durable and comfortable will only increase your overall pleasure and joy while out on the open road. Finding a riding boot that checks off all of these boxes can sometimes be a bit of a pain, but after reading this guide, at least you have 10 solid choices that you can choose from at the very least.
The motorcycle boots included in this guide are some of the best that money can buy, and no matter if you’re on a budget or not, they’re incredibly high quality and have proven to get the job done better than the majority of their competitors. There are plenty of other choices out there if you want to keep on looking, but if you want to get some of the best riding boots that money can buy, we strongly advise picking up something that we talked about in this guide here.
The most important thing to remember about motorcycle riding is to keep yourself safe, and that all starts by having the right gear by your side. Motorcycle boots are one of the most important bits of gear that you can get, and now that you’ve got a better understanding of why they’re so important, go ahead and pick up a new pair before you hit that open road once again.
Sources on Motorcycle Boots
- Wikipedia – Motorcycle Boots
- Think! – Essential Guide to Protective Gear for Bikers
- StreetRider – Safety Features You Need in Your Motorcycle Boots
