For riders who want to go any distance – whether it’s a long day-trip, a hefty commute or for a longer, multi-day tour – a pair of sturdy touring boots is essential. They should offer decent comfort as well as waterproofing to keep your feet dry – there’s nothing worse than getting wet feet on the first day of a long tour – and keep your feet protected as well.
In comparison to sports boots, touring boots will probably be a little more supple to allow you to not only operate the bike’s controls easily but also, move around off the bike comfortably, particularly useful if you’re on a tour and want to get off and explore en route. You may end up sacrificing a little outright feel for the controls but it’s a small price to pay for day-long comfort.
Ideally, you’ll be looking for a pair of boots with a membrane – Gore-Tex is the obvious one but manufacturers may have their own. You’re also likely to see less external bracing, toe sliders or huge areas of TPU armour on touring boots as you are on sports boots.
The thinking is if you do have an accident, you are likely to be travelling at a slower speed than in sports boots, where you may be on a track for example. However, you should still expect strong heel and toe cups, and shin and heel armour of some description.
Just like other boots in fact, you should also look at the protection. They should be CE rated to either a 2015 or a 2017 standard. Basically, each will rate several areas and give either a score of ‘1’ or ‘2’. Look for as many 2s as possible for an indication of higher levels of protection.
A selection of the best motorcycle touring boots - tested by MCN
1. Alpinestars Web GTX
Description
Tested by Michael Guy, two months, 1500 miles. Quality 4/5, Value 4/5. These have proved 100%
2. DXR Skoga
Best value waterproof touring boots
Description
For £70 I was expecting to find some compromises in this fully featured pair of waterproof touring
3. Sidi Gavia Gore
MCN Rated
Description
Tested by **[Jordan
4. TCX Clima Surround
MCN Rated
Description
Tested by Alison Silcox, three months, 2000 miles. Quality 4/5, Value 4/5. With a Gore-Tex
5. Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 V2 Drystar Boots
MCN Rated
Description
**Tested by Alison Silcox, six months, 3700 miles covered. Quality 4/5, Value 4/5**. These are
6. TCX Baja Gore-Tex Boots
Description
Tested by **[Richard
7. Eleveit T Expert Waterproof Leather Boots
MCN Rated
Description
Tested by Simon Brown, three months, 900 miles - Quality 3/5, Value 4/5. If you aren’t after
Other recommended touring boots
8. Richa Zenith
Description
The Zenith from Richa is remarkable value for a waterproof touring boot that scores a 2 in all
9. Dane Esby
Description
A modern-looking boot that has zip access on both sides, making getting them on and off easy. They
10. RST Paragon 2
Description
I've used these boots through two winters and they have been impressive. There's a touch of
11. Daytona Road Star GTX
Description
A slim, subtle-looking boot, the Roadstar uses a Gore-Tex membrane inside a leather upper and was
12. Oxford Warrior 2.0
Description
A pair of short touring boots (the Tracker at the same price is taller), the Warriors are formed
13. Held Joblin
Description
The Joblins from Held are leather boots fitted with an internal Outdry membrane to keep the
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