Adventure boots sit between a full-on enduro/off-road boot and a road touring boot.
They need to offer more protection than a regular road boot, but the last thing you want is a heavy, too stiff, and uncomfortable enduro boot when riding long distances on various terrain.
So we have pulled together the best adventure motorcycle boots around to help you find the right pair for your next adventure, followed by a short buying guide so you know what to look for.
Let’s get started.
Here are our top adventure motorcycle boots.
Sidi Adventure 2 Gore-Tex Boots
Unquestionable Quality, Comfortable, Waterproof
Gore-Tex waterproof adventure boots, constructed from the best materials to be as comfortable as they are protective
Forma Adventure Boots
Solid, Comfortable, Great Value
Solid adventure style boots, ready for anything at a great price
Best Motorcycle Adventure Boots Reviewed
Sidi Adventure 2 Gore-Tex Boots
Right from the get-go, we have some fantastic boots from Sidi, the Adventure 2 Gore-Tex boots that look the absolute business.
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Gone are the old days of looking like a spaceman with your adventure gear; these boots are understated in the style department, focused solely on the task at hand.
Sidi has used a Gore-Tex membrane to waterproof these boots, so you can guarantee that your feet will stay dry while still being able to breathe no matter the weather.
There is plenty of adjustability with a velcro calf closure and two adjustable buckles so you can get them set up right for you.
A mechanical ankle system allows for flexibility to aid comfort when riding and walking around.
A non-slip rubber sole provides all the grip you need, and there is a removable arch support in the boot.
The boots need breaking in, but most good boots do to get really comfortable, and the protection offered is more than suitable for all your adventure needs.
Pros:
- Gore-Tex membrane
- Adjustable
- Quality construction
- Premium materials
- True to size
Cons:
- Not cheap
Forma Adventure Boots
The Forma Adventure boots bring a vintage flavour to the category and for those who like to add a little style to their bike gear.
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It isn’t all style without substance, however, as the boots have plenty to back them as excellent value for money and pretty great all around.
In terms of comfort, we have:
- Drytex waterproof liner
- Lightweight, adjustable straps
- Velcro closure and buckles
- Polymer padding with memory foam
- Anti-bacterial replaceable insole.
Internally there is a TPU injection moulded ankle protector, a nylon midsole with steel shank and on the outside, a plastic shin guard and grubber gear lever protector.
The boots are comfortable to walk around in once worn in and offer a lot for the money.
Pros:
- Stylish
- Comfortable
- Good value
- Drytex waterproof liner
Cons:
- Not Gore-Tex
- Sizing comes up a little small
Forma Adventure Low Boots
If long boots aren’t your thing, then the Adventure Low boots from Forma could be a good option, but you need to note there is less protection with them being short boots.
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However, you get all the same good stuff found on the full-size boots, including a Drytex waterproof liner, TPU ankle protector and steel shank in the nylon midsole.
The vintage styling is the same, and being a shorter boot, they are more comfortable walking around at your destination off the bike.
There is plenty of adjustability, with a velcro closure and two high-grade plastic buckles.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Good value
- Short boots are easier and comfier off the bike
- Drytex liner
- Steel shank in the midsole
Cons:
- Less protection than full-size boots
TCX Explorer.4 Gore-Tex Boots
The TCX Explorer.4 Gore-Tex boots are more of an unassuming adventure boot.
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The simple all-black slim design is much more subtle than other adventure riders’ options.
They are constructed of a vegan microfibre paired with a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane which makes for a lightweight, waterproof and breathable pair of boots.
In terms of protection the Explorer.4 have the following features:
- Durable and abrasion-resistant construction
- Malleolus area, shin, toe and heel protection with plates, counters and reinforcement zones
- Reflective inserts for low-light visibility
- Wear-resistant rubber sole with excellent grip for stability
The boots have been built to be comfortable to wear for long periods. They are suitable for walking in, with front and rear flex panels and an Ortholite footbed providing cushioning and breathability.
Pros:
- Gore-Tex membrane
- Vegan microfibre construction
- Subtle styling
- Comfortable
- Suited for road-based adventures
Cons:
- Snug fit
- Not suited for heavy-duty off-road adventures
Daytona Travel Star Pro Gore-Tex Boots
Daytona makes some of the best premium motorcycle boots on the market.
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When working in the motorcycle clothing store, I would often slip on a pair of Lady Stars and just walk around in them while working. I was also known to serve customers in leather race suits too, but that’s another story.
The Travel Star Pro is more of a touring boot than a straight-up adventure boot, but they shouldn’t be ruled off your list, as they have some great qualities that make them suitable for any adventure.
Firstly let’s look at protection:
- Solid, non-slip rubber sole
- Anatomically correct ankle protection with special cell foam
- Padded shin protection
- Reinforced inner sole
- Hot-dip galvanised steel inlay
- Reflectors
- Abrasion-resistant outer materials
They slightly fall short as they will not be as rigid as full-on adventure boots, so should you drop your bike, your ankle and foot will likely be protected, but your upper leg will suffer more than if you went for something like the Sidi boots.
In terms of comfort, the Gore-Tex membrane guarantees to keep you dry. The boots are adjustable in several ways, and the insole is anatomically formed for comfort.
Depending on how hardcore your adventure riding is and how much of it is off-road, the Daytona’s might be worth considering.
They are boots that will last a lifetime; on several occasions, I have sent 10, 12 even 15-year-old boots off to Daytona to be resoled, and they come back as good as new.
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Quality
- Premium construction
- Protective
- Gore-Tex
Cons:
- Not suitable for hardcore, rough terrain adventures
Alpinestars Corozal Adventure Boots
Alpinestars have done it again, producing a pair of exceptionally good boots that are more than fit for purpose.
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They are equipped with a polyamide insole with an integrated steel shank reinforcement, an ankle protector with a biomechanical link between the upper and lower boot, a polymer shin plate and a lateral ankle protector.
There is also a toe box and heel counter for extra durability.
Alpinestars have managed to combine many off-road features with comfort features to ensure rider comfort throughout the ride and off the bike.
The boots are reasonably lightweight, they have a Drystar membrane for waterproofing, a soft foam layer around the ankle and collar, adjustable closure systems, and an anatomic footbed.
The Corozal Adventure boots are ready for adventure riders to go the distance. They would be a good choice for adventure touring.
Pros:
- Sturdy
- Comfortable
- Packed with protection
- Quality
- Drystar membrane
Cons:
- Maybe a little too bulky for some bikes
Sidi Mid Adventure 2 Gore-Tex Boots
The Sidi Mid Adventure 2 boots are the short version of the Adventure 2 boots, with the only difference being they offer less leg protection than the full-size boots.
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They would suit someone who doesn’t get on with long adventure boots or someone who prefers under armour that would provide leg protection separate from their boots.
The mid boots are still equipped with a Gore-Tex liner and the same ankle and foot protection as the full-size model.
Pros:
- Gore-Tex membrane
- Adjustable
- Quality construction
- Premium materials
- True to size
Cons:
- Not cheap
Buyers Guide
There are several things to be aware of when buying a pair of adventure motorcycle boots:
- Protective properties
- Comfort both on and off the bike
- Durability
- Are they waterproof and suitable for a range of riding conditions?
That might seem like a lot to think about, but don’t worry, we have you covered with what you need to know to make an informed decision.
Here are the key things to look out for when buying adventure motorcycle boots:
Do they offer the right amount of protection?
Adventure riding generally entails riding over any and all terrain, whether on the road, green lanes, forest trails or beaches.
The whole point of an adventure bike is that you can go anywhere and do anything.
Many of us will have seen Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman riding all over the world on BMW GS bikes and, more recently, on the Harley Livewire and got inspired, even if it is just to ride the Triumph Tiger to Tesco’s.
So you need a boot that will protect your feet, ankles and legs in an accident, and riding off-road, the likelihood of an accident is much higher; dropping a heavy adventure bike on your leg is not fun!
The protective elements you need to watch out for are:
- Ankle protection
- Shin and calf protection
- Foot (toe) protection
- Torsional rigidity to prevent negative flex
- Durable construction for abrasion resistance and penetration resistance for any debris
- Stiff, robust sole, maybe even a steel shank embedded in the foot
- Good grippy outer sole
As a side note, all motorcycle clothing sold as Personal Protective Equipment since 2018 needs to be CE approved.
If you are unsure about protection in the first instance, it is always best to look at the inside label for a CE rating. This will confirm that the boots have met the basic tests to be deemed fundamentally protective for impacts, crushing, abrasion and penetration.
Some adventure bike riders will prefer to ride with a shorter boot, in which case there will be less leg protection. However, this can be counteracted with under armour protection or armour inserts in motorcycle trousers, etc.
Are they comfortable?
If you plan on venturing further than the supermarket, you will want your adventure boots to be comfortable.
The best adventure boots will have a system in the boot that allows for some flex both on and off the bike and yet will have protection in place so there can be no hyper-extension of the joints in an impact.
Another critical feature of a good pair of boots is a moulded anatomically correct footbed and plenty of padding to absorb vibrations.
Waterproof liners are essential for keeping your feet dry, but the best boots will use breathable liners that let the hot air and moisture escape too. Having dry, cool feet is an understated comfort on long riding trips.
Boots with plenty of adjustability are preferred so that you can tailor the boots for a comfortable fit.
Are they waterproof?
Overall, a good pair of adventure boots should be waterproof, and the undisputed king of waterproof materials is Gore-Tex.
Boots with a Gore-Tex membrane guarantee to keep the water out, and they will remain breathable.
Other waterproof membranes are pretty good; for example, Alpinestars uses their own branded Drystar technology, but Gore-Tex is the industry standard for the best waterproofing.
The very nature of adventure riding suggests riding in all weather, so having waterproof boots is an absolute must for many.
However, there may be exceptions for some riders who prefer to have dry adventures, in which case waterproofing may be less critical.
Durability
Boots made of quality components, ready for the elements, and everything the road, dirt, sand, and grass can throw at them will last you a long time.
You want your boots to be durable, tough, and rugged; not only will you get your money’s worth out of them, but the tough construction will help keep you protected.
If a pair of boots are advertised as ‘adventure’ boots, but there is very little outer protection, or they are built from soft leather, they should be considered touring boots with an adventure style.
If you mainly ride on the road, this won’t be an issue, and you can don your new boots with pride, but you will want something more durable the minute you ride off-road.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you now have what you need to find the perfect boots for your next big adventure.
My favourite has to be the Sidi Adventure 2 boots; the quality they ooze with protective and comfort properties make them a pretty awesome pair of boots that I would happily use to take me as far as I could go.
However, the Forma Adventure boots are also pretty cool-looking and offer many good features, making them great value.
Related
Our guide to the best motorcycle boots for UK riders.