13 Best Shoes for Riding a Motorcycle

Riding a motorbike requires you to wear special footwear. They’re supposed to have better abrasion resistance and impact protection. But back in the day, the best shoes for riding a motorcycle translated to a bulky, unattractive pair of shoes. As time goes by, the industry is increasingly aware of the importance of balancing aesthetics and functionality. As a result, you’ll have no trouble finding the best sneakers for riding a motorcycle in almost any marketplace these days.

Today we invite you to explore some good motorcycle riding shoes available. You’ll quickly notice that most of them share some similarities. But if you look closely, you’ll notice some details that make these shoes stand out among their inferior counterparts. So, without further ado, let’s check out our reviews!

Alpinestars J-6 WP Shoes

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Alpinestars J-6 WP Shoes are packed with tons of incredible features. You get nothing less than a layered internal toe box, a reinforced midsole, a fully removable EVA footbed, and an advanced non-slip rubber sole. They also boast a range of safety features to make your riding experience more enjoyable. There’s a layer of waterproof membrane to prevent your feet from getting wet during the trip. To shield your ankle, there’s a special protector placed between the shoe’s chassis.

Most reviews on Amazon mention that these best shoes for riding a motorcycle are both clean and classic. These riding sneakers boast a minimalist design and casual look. So if you’re looking for something with a modern look plus tons of safety features, the J-6 WP won’t let you down.

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Alpinestars Speedforce Shoes

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Alpinestars Speedforce Shoes managed to impress us. The 8mm drop, silhouette, and contour combination make this shoe look like a legit pair of running sneakers, which is great if you want to pursue a casual look. Like most of the best sneakers for riding a motorcycle, the Speedforce is packed with an impressive array of safety features. That includes the Softprene sock-fit style uppers, ultra high-grip lugs, and our personal favorites, reinforced toe and heel counters.

Utilizing the Matryx as its primary construction, the Speedforce is a tough motorcycle riding shoe. They intelligently combine the best of modern riding shoes with the aesthetics of the latest running shoes. As a result, you get a pair of riding shoes that aren’t only casual and boast a unique look.

Dainese Street Darker Gore-Tex Shoes

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Dainese Street Darker Gore-Tex Shoes are both CE-Rated and fully waterproof. They also boast many impressive features, including a microfiber liner, a nylon insole, and a full-length high-top lace closure. Ride to your heart’s content, as these shoes are made to handle just about everything. They come with plenty of protective elements. There are special inserts to protect your ankles. There’s a reinforced TPU structure to shield your heels. And to deal with elements, these boots have a full Gore-TEX membrane and a rubber sole.

Offering the perfect combination of complete protection and a remarkably stylish design, these boots are good motorcycle riding shoes that you shouldn’t miss. They’re simply stunning and tough. The material is one of the best on the market. Meanwhile, the construction uses the famous Italian standards.

Alpinestars Sektor

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Alpinestars Sektor comes in two different models. One is vented, while the other isn’t. But don’t worry, as the fitting between the two is almost identical. We’ve done a series of test rides with them, and these shoes seem to fit consistently. We wouldn’t say they’re the slimmest riding shoes we’ve ever tried, but they’re not as wide. But most importantly, these boots wrap around our feet comfortably.

The Sektor would be perfect for those who love something low-profile and comfortable to wear for hours. Apart from that, this lightweight riding shoe also boasts an impressive lacing system. Instead of metal rings, they have a strong fabric to hold all the shoelaces. This allows you to have an impressive personalized fit. So if you’re considering getting the best shoes for riding a Harley, Sector won’t make a bad purchase.

Alpinestars SMX-1 R Boots

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Just like the Sektor, the Alpinestars SMX-1 R Boots also offer both vented and non-vented models. If you’re having difficulty deciding between them, just think about the weather. For fair-weather riders, the fully-vented version is recommended. Meanwhile, the non-perforated version works best if you’re not that sensitive to airflow. They’ll be perfect if you want to ride in colder climates.

Based on what we read on Amazon, the SMX-1 R’s sizing is fairly accurate. One user said he’s used to wearing a size 12, and by Alpinestars standards, that’s 11 and a half. So yeah, you won’t have a hard time deciding what size to get. As for protection, these boots are probably one of the most technologically advanced. The heel counter is ergonomic, while the textile material offers better breathability. And for added comfort, these best sneakers for riding motorcycles also come with reverse zip closure.

Dainese Street Rocker D WP

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Dainese Street Rocker D WP is best for urban riding. Thanks to their versatile design, these shoes will be great for various situations. Considered by many as a good shoe for riding a Harley, these waterproof and breathable boots also come with a set of CE-compliant features. Meanwhile, the full-grain leather gets a special finishing that makes it look unique.

Released as part of the 36060 lines, the Street Rocker D WP is made for riders passionate about modern aesthetics. Judging from how these shoes have received so many positive reviews on Amazon, it seems safe to say they have been quite successful. So do yourself a favor. Click the link below and get a pair of these fantastic riding boots now!

Alpinestars CR-X Drystar Riding Shoes

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Alpinestars CR-X Drystar Riding Shoes promise a comfortable fit through their microfiber construction. As a result, you get a pair of riding shoes that are super breathable, fit, and feel forgiving. Meanwhile, the PU foam collar gives you much-needed ankle protection. If that’s not enough, there’s a full-length TPU soleplate for added safety features. Most riders complain about how uncomfortable it is to wear riding shoes while walking. Luckily, the CR-X Drystar has flex grooves to keep you comfortable with every step.

Water resistance is crucial in any riding shoe. This is why we’re glad to know that Drystar comes with a specific membrane to ensure that not a single drop of water will penetrate your feet. So if you’re looking for the best shoes for riding a motorcycle and comfort is your main concern, the CR-X Drystar will make a great choice.

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Bruno Marc Military Motorcycle Combat Boots

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Bruno Marc Military Motorcycle Combat Boots are the perfect pair of footwear for both intense riding and semi-formal gatherings. They’re tough enough for long bike trips and appropriate for business meetings, as long as they’re paired with the right outfit. In terms of price, these classic boots are one of the most affordable on the market. You only have to spend around $50 on them, and you don’t have to make a lot of compromises on comfort and safety.

If you’ve worn cheap sneakers to ride a motorcycle, you’ll know they tend to create blisters and chaff. Luckily, you’ll get none of that with Bruno Marc Military Motorcycle Boots. They come with reinforced ankles and a sturdy exterior. Apart from that, there’s a trifecta of laces, buckle, and zipper for the perfect fit. Anyone l

Joe Rocket Big Bang 2.0 Motorcycle Riding Boots

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Need new footwear that won’t disappoint in urban riding or touring? The Joe Rocket Big Bang 2.0 Motorcycle Riding Boots are one of your best bets. These boots are packed with tons of safety features without making your feet feel dragged down. The crossover design allows you to wear this footwear in almost any situation. They’re tough enough for off-road situations and cool enough for everyday wear.

We’ve done some testing on these boots, and we can confidently say that they’ll be able to handle road collisions. If you consider yourself a serious motorcycle rider, you should know that a tough pair of boots can make a massive difference between minor and serious injuries. Overall, the Rocket Big Bang 2.0 is an option worth considering. These durable boots will be great if you’re still looking for good motorcycle riding shoes for your next bike trip.

Speed and Strength Moto Shoe

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The Speed and Strength Moto Shoe was made with versatility in mind. These casual-looking sneakers come with toe, heel, and ankle reinforcements, making them more than just ideal for touring. But on the other hand, the casual design will make these shoes perfect to wear to a weekend night around the town or a quick gym session. If you’re not a big fan of bulky and heavy riding boots, these are the best shoes for riding a Harley that you’re looking for.

The Speed and Strength Moto Shoe will look like ordinary sneakers to the untrained eye. Nevertheless, they have a reinforced heel, toe, and ankle to take on some of the toughest roads. If you’re looking for a riding shoe that is lightweight and comfortable without compromising on safety, these anti-slip boots are perfect. But please remember that they are not recommended for offroad riding or wet weather.

Xelement Harness Motorcycle Biker Boots

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Xelement Harness Motorcycle Biker Boots are the shoe that’ll last for the rest of your life. These heavy-duty boots feature a neoprene heel and sole. Both are oil-resistant, so you’ll get an unmatched grip. On the other hand, the 13-inch harness will give you the extra protection you need to tackle any type of road. Meanwhile, the longer design is great for guarding your feet against exhaust pipes and harsh weather.

As we mentioned earlier, these boots are as solid as a brick. The leather is sewn to the rubber outsole to prevent tearing. Furthermore, the soles have a unique pattern to provide excellent traction. So if you’re looking for the best shoes for riding a motorcycle and prefer a long-term investment, this product will be excellent.

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Joe Rocket Atomic Boots

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Imagine having a riding boot with the comfort of a tracking boot. That’s exactly what you get from Joe Rocket Atomic Boots. This footwear has everything an urban rider could want yet is casual enough for everyday wear. The relaxing design is best paired with jeans or a flannel t-shirt. So whenever you want a relaxing evening or day off your bike, these shoes will be ready to elevate your style.

Offered at around $100, the Joe Rocket Atomic Boots are one of the most affordable riding boots you can get right now. Not only that, but this footwear also offers excellent comfort and an impressive array of safety features. So if you want the best sneakers for riding a motorcycle but don’t plan on spending a lot, Atomic Boots should be a no-brainer.

TCX Street 3 Air Shoes

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TCX is a brand that has released dozens of riding shoes with casual street designs. TCX Street 3 Air Shoes is no exception. This footwear looks exactly like other skateboard shoes or sneakers. But beneath their unassuming construction lies a series of tough features to help you tackle any type of road.

For starters, you get crush-resistant soles to protect your feet from impact. Meanwhile, the D3O grade toe, ankle boxes, and reinforced shifting pad give you a range of safety features that most riders can only dream of. Available at around $159, these sneakers would be great for touring and everyday wear. So if you’re planning to invest in good riding shoes, these suede shoes will be awesome.

How to Choose The Best Shoes for Riding Motorcycles

Finding the best shoes for riding a motorcycle is easier said than done. That’s because riding shoes need to do two jobs at once. First, they must be able to protect your legs from crashes and impacts. Second, they should allow you to walk comfortably as if you were wearing regular sneakers or shoes.

If you’re having a hard time looking for the best sneakers for riding a motorcycle, don’t worry. All the riders out there have gone through that. But to make your life easier, here are our three tips for choosing good motorcycle riding shoes.

Style

Best shoes for riding a Harley come in a variety of styles. You need to decide based on your personal needs or style. For example, tall biker boots will be great for protecting you from the excessive heat that builds up around the exhaust pipe area. However, they’re not recommended for riding in hotter weather as they can cause your feet to sweat profusely.

Shaft

This will completely depend on what type of motorcycle you’re riding. You see, some motorcycles come with high shafts. This bike requires extra effort to operate, especially in your shin and knee areas. Therefore, wearing the best sneakers for riding a motorcycle with a higher shaft is recommended.

Getting the best boots is crucial to a great climbing experience. If you’re looking for one, check out our best boots for ice climbing.

Soles

Good motorcycle riding shoes should give you good traction. Thus, your feet will remain protected in an accident or impact. See if your shoes came with oil-resistant soles, and ensure they have an excellent grip.

Do Bikers Wear Sneakers?

Yes. In fact, most of the younger riders started swapping their riding shoes for tennis shoes simply because they were more comfortable. According to an article, these young bikers feel that they have nothing to prove to anyone. Therefore, they decide to wear something they think is more comfortable and practical.

Can You Wear Trainers on a Motorcycle?

Well, this depends on what kind of trainers you wear. Some of the riding gear out there is designed to look like casual wear but with plenty of safety features. This type of clothing is safe for riding a motorcycle.

Are Doc Martens Good for Riding Motorcycle?

No, they don’t. Even though they look tough and solid, Doc Mart boots are not the best choice for riding a motorcycle. They lack ankle protection and don’t come with the insoles needed to provide excellent grip. So, think again if you’re planning on using your Doc Mart to ride a motorbike.