The foot and ankle are among the most frequently injured areas in motorcycle crashes. When the motorcycle goes down on its side, your foot can be trapped between the motorcycle and the road, your ankle can be twisted, or the gear lever and footpeg can strike your foot. Trainers give almost no protection against these. A proper motorcycle boot, on the other hand, supports the ankle against sideways bending, protects the heel and malleolus bones with hard armour, and has a sole that resists crushing. In this guide we explain how to choose your boot size, how shaft height changes with how you ride, and what to look for on the label.
How to measure your foot
Your shoe size is a starting point, but motorcycle boots can fit differently from trainers because of their rigid construction. The most reliable method is to measure your foot length in centimetres.
- Take the measurement in the evening; the foot swells a little during the day.
- Measure with the socks you will wear when riding. There can be half a size of difference between thick winter socks and thin summer socks.
- Place a sheet of paper on the floor against a wall, put your heel against the wall and stand.
- Mark the tip of your longest toe on the paper. Measure from the wall to the mark.
- Measure both feet and use the larger one.
Most brands give the EU size and the corresponding foot length in centimetres in their size chart. Match your measurement against this chart; a difference of half to one size between brands is normal.
Should the boot size be the same as your trainers?
Usually yes, but not always. Some brands' lasts are narrow and long; people with wide feet may have to go half or one size up in these brands. Some brands also offer a wide-fit option. At the right size:
- There is about a finger's width (8–10 mm) of space at the tips of your toes.
- The heel does not slide up and down inside the boot when you walk.
- The hard protection inside the boot sits right over the ankle bones (malleoli).
- You feel no pressure at the side at the widest part of your foot.
A new boot feels stiff; leather boots adapt to the foot within a few weeks. But toes pressing against the end of the boot or a sharp pressure at a single point will not be fixed by wear.
Shaft height: short, mid, tall
| Type | Who is it for? | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short (above the ankle, city boot) | City use, scooter, daily use | Comfortable to walk in, civilian look | Shin and area above the ankle unprotected |
| Mid (touring) | Long distance, four-season use | Good ankle support, mostly a waterproof membrane | A bit heavy to walk in |
| Tall (sports, adventure) | Track, sports riding, off-road | Shin protection, mechanical support against ankle bending | Hard to walk in, expensive |
On adventure boots it matters that the sole has a tread suitable for standing on rough ground, and on sports boots that the toe slider on the end of the foot is replaceable. You can see price ranges and standout models on the boot recommendations and prices page.
Checking the label: EN 13634
Motorcycle boots are tested in Europe to the EN 13634 standard. On the label you will see four digits; these show, in order, the level achieved for boot height, abrasion resistance, impact and cut resistance, and the sideways rigidity (crush) test. Each can be 1 or 2; 2 is higher protection.
- Height: short boots are marked 1, tall boots that rise above the ankle are marked 2.
- Abrasion and cut: resistance to friction on asphalt and to sharp objects.
- Lateral rigidity: the resistance of the sole and boot body to crushing.
- Additional marks: IPA indicates ankle protection, IPS shin protection, and WR that it has passed the waterproofness test.
Unlabelled "biker boots" or shoes that look like military boots do not pass these tests. If looks matter, there are also labelled city-style motorcycle boots.
Gear lever and brake compatibility
A motorcycle boot has reinforcement at the toe, where the gear lever rubs. When trying them on, look at the following:
- Toe thickness: in adventure boots with a very thick toe, you may find it hard to get your foot under the gear lever. If necessary, a service centre can adjust the gear lever height.
- Sole feel: you should be able to feel the rear brake pedal. A very thick sole makes sensitive braking difficult.
- Ankle flexibility: you should be able to move your ankle up and down to change gear. A boot that is too stiff spoils the gear-change feel in the first weeks.
If you ride a scooter, toe reinforcement becomes unimportant because there is no gear lever; but ankle protection and a non-slip sole are still important.
Waterproofing and season
Boots with a membrane (waterproof) keep your foot dry in rain but are hotter in summer. If you will use them in all four seasons in Turkey, a mid-shaft touring boot with a membrane is a good compromise. If you ride only in summer, ventilated, perforated boots are more comfortable. In rain, wearing the trouser leg outside the boot prevents water running into the boot; so it is a good idea to try the trousers and boots on together.
Common mistakes
- Buying one size up: in a loose boot the foot slides and the ankle protection moves away from the bone.
- Trying them on with thin socks: if you will wear thick socks in winter, the try-on should be with them too.
- Leaving laced boots loose: laces can catch on the chain or a pedal. Laced models should have a lace cover or a hook-and-loop closure.
- Trying them only briefly: walk in the shop for at least 10 minutes and go up and down stairs.
Boot care and lifespan
A good motorcycle boot can be used for years with correct care. After rain, dry leather boots at room temperature with newspaper stuffed inside; do not put them near a stove or on a radiator. Apply leather care product regularly and use a water-repellent spray. On boots with a membrane, heavy greases that completely seal the leather can reduce the membrane's breathability; choose the care product recommended by the manufacturer. If the sole is worn and slippery, the hook-and-loop or buckle closures have weakened, or the shell of the ankle protection has cracked, it is time to replace the boot. Have boots that have been in a crash checked, on the assumption that their internal structure may be damaged even if the outside looks sound.
Rubbing from the gear lever wears the leather surface over time. Some boots have a replaceable guard on the toe section; if not, a rubber sleeve fitted over the gear lever protects both boot and lever. For shorter riders, some brands make boots with a slightly thicker sole; this can make it easier to put your foot flat on the ground when stopped, but it also affects rear brake feel. If you are short, the guide to low-seat motorcycles will also be useful.
Conclusion
To choose a boot, measure your foot length with your riding socks, find the size from the brand's chart and pick the size that leaves a finger's width of space at the toes. A short shaft for the city, mid for long distance, tall for sports and off-road; whichever you choose, the label should say EN 13634. To plan all your gear, see the gear guide, and for trouser compatibility the jacket and trousers size guide.
Frequently asked questions
Should you buy motorcycle boots one size up?
Generally no. The right size leaves about a finger's width of space at the tip of your toe. If you will wear thick winter socks or the last is narrow, try half a size up.
Can you wear trainers instead of motorcycle boots?
It is not recommended even for short distances. Trainers do not protect the ankle against sideways bending and crushing, and their laces can catch on the chain. At the very least, use a short city boot with an EN 13634 label.
What does 2 2 2 2 on the boot label mean?
It indicates that level 2 has been achieved in height, abrasion resistance, impact and cut resistance, and lateral rigidity, in that order. Level 2 is higher protection in each area.
How long does it take for a new motorcycle boot to get used to your foot?
Leather boots generally soften within a few weeks of use. But toes pressing against the end of the boot or a clear pressure point will not go away in time; in that case the size or last is wrong.