There are a lot of riders looking for a boot in a casual urban style, and there are just as many boots for them to choose from.
In this article, we’ll take you through some of the best options available in the category and examine what makes each of them tick.
Richa Slick Waterproof Boots
Casual, Comfortable, Great Value
A simple well-constructed pair of boots that are waterproof and protective, offering excellent value.
TCX Blend 2
Vintage looks, Modern materials
Full leather with a vintage style and great protection. A perfect all-rounder and great for everyday wear.
Best Casual Motorcycle Boots Reviewed
Here are six we recommend.
Richa Slick
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced boot that offers ample protection and casual styling, look no further than the Richa Slick.
The waterproof membrane is unusual at this price point and sets this boot apart from its rivals.
Check Prices on SportsBikeShop
This boot is ideal for an everyday commute.
Pros
Top levels of security protection- Waterproof, unlike similar boots
- Amazing Price
- Lightweight
Top levels of security protectionCons
- Won’t offer as much protection as a heavier boot
- Narrow fit might be uncomfortable for riders with wide feet
- Weak lateral support
Won’t offer as much protection as a heavier bootTCX X-Blend 2
These vintage-styled boots will offer excellent protection compared to the lighter entries on the list.
Check Prices on SportsBikeShop
The TCX X-Blend is a tall boot designed to be lightweight and stylish whilst offering excellent foot and ankle protection. They are full leather and come with a waterproof lining and a replaceable inner sole.
Great for use on and off the bike.
Pros
- Full leather
- Reinforced for better protection
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Leather requires more care than a synthetic boot
- High price for the category
- Heavier than other casual boots
Forma Hyper Dry Boots
Striking high-top styling, perfect for the urban rider.
Check Prices on SportsBikeShop
These are made from full-grain leather, which provides a decent level of waterproofing whilst still allowing the feet to breathe.
We like the sturdy zip closure and the reinforced ankle, heel and toe protectors.
Pros
- Quality materials
- Urban styling
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Expensive
- Protection is only OK
- More of a trainer than a boot
TCX Street Ace
The TCX Street comes with a full leather upper, removable soles, and reinforcement in all the right places.
Check Prices on SportsBikeShop
Probably the best-looking boot at its price, it’ll keep your feet safe and dry on the bike and save you the hassle of changing shoes when you get off.
Great value for a solid product.
Pros
- Good price
- Nice styling
- Good for everyday use
Cons
- Not as much reinforcement as heavier boots
- Shallow tread
- No shifter protection
TCX Rush 2
In the urban sport boot category, the TCX Rush boots guarantee waterproofing with a dedicated lining.
Check Prices on SportsBikeShop
They have a replaceable insole and high-wear sole for longevity and ventilation in the ankles to facilitate airflow in warm weather.
Pros
- Good protection
- Waterproofed
- Easy-to-use velcro fasteners
Cons
- High price for this style of boot
- Not strictly ‘casual’ looks
- Long breaking in period
Buyers Guide
What should we look for in a pair of casual motorcycle boots?
Types of Casual Boot
Within the subcategory of Casual Boots, there are subcategories.
No, really.
There are examples of most in our reviews, but here’s a general outline of the different types.
- The Trainer: Designed to look like your average skate shoe. Dainese and Alpinestars are the frontrunners of this look. Some designs will compromise on protection for style.
- The Mil-sim: This boot has a thick sole and a high rim. They’re the closest in class to a full-on riding boot. Designed to echo the looks of soldier’s footwear.
- The Chelsea: Many brands offer a more formal-looking boot. Like The Trainer, this type of boot may lack the protection of others.
- The Racer: Stripped-down versions of race boots like the iXS Sharky also fall into the casual category. You won’t find any in the list since they’re so close to regular boots. The focus here is on casual styling.
Cost
Casual boots follow the same pricing as the rest of their foot-saving cousins, so a pair will cost you anywhere from £60 to £200.
Price is usually a good indicator of quality, but some of the bargains on this list will give you a lot of bang for your buck.
A recommended spend would be in the £100-£150 range, so you can be sure that the boots you’re buying will last you a long while and offer good protection from rain and the road.
See our guide to the best cheap motorcycle boots for more budget options.
Caring For Your Boots
Different boots will need different care regimes. They can be roughly divided into leather and non-leather; of the two, the former will require much more input from the owner to perform correctly.
Non-leather boots usually require little to no maintenance and can be looked after like a pair of trainers or other shoes.
Leather will require treatment and should be cleaned and polished frequently to maintain its integrity.
Waterproofing
Most boots are waterproof to some extent. Even a hi-top trainer will provide some protection against light rain.
The best boots, though, will keep your feet dry in a hurricane.
The styling of casual boots often means compromising waterproofing, and you should consider this when choosing which ones to buy. After all, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear.
If you’re regularly facing heavy rain, invest in a full riding boot or one of the heavier options available in other categories. For most riders, though, casual boots will more than suffice for everyday use.
Protection
A boot in this style will never offer the same protection as a racing or road boot.
Casual boots also have varying levels of protection depending on the style- some only feature soft padding in the ankles and heels, whilst others have full armour in those areas and others.
Bear this in mind when choosing which is for you, and always check the EU safety ratings of the product you’re looking at.
Despite this, there are still options in the category that will provide ample protection for a rider on a daily commute or using their bike for less intensive duties.