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The 10 BEST Adventure Motorcycle Boots

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Welcome to the Top 10 Best Adventure Motorcycle Boots Guide! This guide is packed with info, features, pros, cons and links to the best adventure motorcycle boots on the market. You’ll also find a short and mid-height adventure boot guide here too as well as links to more in-depth gear guides.

Adventure bike travel water crossings in Mongolia
The importance of good boots!

Contents

Adventure Bike Boots

What are adventure bike boots?

Adventure motorcycle boots are a hybrid (like everything else in the adventure bike genre) of off-road and touring gear.

Adventure boots take their styling and protection cues from heavy duty motocross and enduro boots with multiple hard-wearing buckles, added ankle and shin protection and reinforced soles for standing on pegs. And they dial it back a little so they can be walked in, are more comfortable like a touring boot and can be worn on longer days in the saddle. This makes adventure boots the perfect compromise for motorcycle travellers who need support, protection and comfort in one. 

So, to make it easier to pick the right pair of adventure bike boots for your needs and trip, we’ve collected 10 of the best, most highly rated boots on the market and listed them in this one easy-to-read guide.  

Below, you’ll find our top 10 full-height boots first and then a selection of short and mid-height boots after. 

Top 10 Best Adventure Motorcycle Boots

Forma Adventure Boots 

Forma are an Italian boot manufacturer that have been going since 1999. They specialise in and only produce motorcycle boots for off-road, MX, touring, racing, urban and boots specifically made for women (as most brands only offer unisex boots). The Forma Adventure boots are probably the brand’s best sellers and are one of the most popular pairs on the market today. 

forma adventure boots brown 2.jpg3
forma adventure boots black
Sportsbikeshop (UK)
FC Moto (EU)
Revzilla (US)

Alpinestars Corozal Adventure Boots

The Alpinestars Corozal boots are an excellent offering. You get a lot of bang for your buck with these boots. There’s also the brilliant Alpinestars Toucan boots, which are Gore-Tex (as opposed to the Corozal’s DryStar) and somewhat beefier than the Corozals too. They’re extremely durable, superbly well-made, all-day comfortable and offer plenty of protection. 

READ MORE: Alpinestars Corozal Boots Review

alpinestars corozal adventure boots brown
alpinestars corozal adventure boots#
Sportsbikeshop (UK)
FC Moto (EU)
Revzilla (US)

Alpinestars Toucan Adventure Boots

Alpinestars get two spots on this list with the Corozal and Toucan boots. The Corozals (listed above) are the more budget friendly all-round adventure boot. While the Toucans are just that much more beefier. 

You’ll find higher quality materials on these boots from the buckles to the sole and clasps. A big difference is the Gore-Tex lining in the Toucans as well. Overall, for everyday adventure riding you can’t go wrong with either boot. But if you ride harder off-road and want something with a little more oomph, then the Toucans are probably one of the very best adventure boots out there. 

READ MORE: Alpinestars Toucan Review

Alpinestars Toucan Boots
Alpinestars Toucan Boots
Alpinestars Toucan Boots
Sportsbikeshop (UK)
FC Moto (EU)
Revzilla (US)

Sidi Adventure 2 Boots

The Sidi Adventure boots are perhaps the most well-known pair in this list. The Italian firm has been operating since 1960 and is synonymous with quality footwear. The first Sidi Adventure boots were extremely popular and the second version are proving just as good. These premium boots are ultra rugged with a high level of build quality. 

sidi adventure 2 boots brown
sidi adventure 2 boots grey
sidi adventure 2 boots black
Sportsbikeshop (UK)
FC Moto (EU)
Revzilla (US)

TCX Drifter Boots

The TCX Drifter adventure boots are similiarly styled to the Forma Adventures. The Drifters use vintage brown leather, look a tad more retro thanks to their weathered finish, include a waterproof lining, shin and ankle support, gear protection, three adjustable buckles, a velcro strap and a suede heat guard on the inside of the boot. 

tcx drifter adventure boots
Sportsbikeshop (UK)
Revzilla (US)

Falco Avantour Adventure Boots

Falco are an Italian motorcycle boot manufacturer. Their boots are stylish and well-made and these Avantour adventures are a perfect example. They almost look like a sport adventure boot and are packed with protective features like shin plate, decent ankle protection, enduro sole and gear pad protector. 

falco avantour adventure boots brown
Sportsbikeshop (UK)

Gaerne G-Adventure Boots

Italian brand, Gaerne, has been going since 1962. They produce a variety of motorcycle boots for different genres with the most popular being their motocross range, which the G-Adventure is modelled on. It’s one of the lowest priced boots in this guide, comes with a waterproof and breathable liner, three buckles, full grain leather, plenty of protection and is produced by one of the world’s most notable brands. 

We have updated this article with the new Gaerne G-Dakar boots listed below. 

gaerne g-adventure boots black
Sportsbikeshop (UK)
FC Moto (EU)
Revzilla (US)

Gaerne G-Dakar Adventure Boots

The Gaerne Dakar boots are the successors to the popular G-Adventure boots listed above. They’re pricier at £292 (recently reduced from £320), come in brown or black and are Gore-Tex. They’re harder wearing, come with beefier protection and support than their predecessor and we reckon these will soon be exceptionally popular. 

Currently, they’re only available in the UK but we’ve added a link below to the current Gaerne line-up available in the US too. 

The Best Adventure Bike Boots Gaerne G Dakar
The Best Adventure Bike Boots Gaerne G Dakar
Sportsbikeshop (UK)
FC Moto (EU)
Revzilla (US)

RST Adventure X-CE Boots

The RST Adventure-X CE boots pack a punch for their asking price. They’re the second lowest priced boots in this guide, but are absolutely rammed with features. The reinforced leather boots have a waterproof lining, abrasion resistant panelling, external shin guard, ankle (internal and external) and heel protectors, two-buckle closure, calf expansion panel, heel cushion, arch support and ant-twist mid-sole.  

rst adventure boots
Sportsbikeshop (UK)
FC Moto (EU)

Richa Adventure Boots

The Richa Adventure boots are the lowest priced boots in this guide. Of all the boots here, these sit the furthest on the touring side of the fence because they lack the same protection as the other boots. However, that may not be a huge concern for some riders as there are plenty of adventure travellers out there who are after pliable and less rigid boots. And many people travel in ankle high boots with no protection at all. If you’re after a budget pair of adventure boots without all the bells and whistles, these may be for you.  

richa adventure boots
Sportsbikeshop (UK)

The Best Short Adventure Bike Boots 

Short and mid-height adventure boots are perfect for those who need more flexibility in their footwear. Perhaps you’ll be spending more time off the bike or just don’t need something as heavy duty as the ten boots listed above – if so, then take a look at these options. 

Forma Adventure Low Boots 

Forma offer both a full-length adventure boot and low boot option. Forma’s low adventure boots are hugely popular and come in black and brown options. They’re only slightly cheaper than the full length boots by about £10. They share all the pros and cons with the full size boot listed in the main guide above.   

forma adventure boots low brown jpg
Sportsbikeshop (UK)
FC Moto (EU)
Revzilla (US)

Alpinestars Belize Drystar Adventure Boots   

The Alpinestars Belize adventure boots are the short boot alternative of the Corozal listed above. These boots are very similar and share the same pros and cons. 

Alpinestars Belize short adventure boot
Sportsbikeshop (UK)
FC Moto (EU)
Revzilla (US)

Sidi Mid Adventure 2 Gore-Tex Boots

The Sidi Mid Adventure 2 is the short boot version of the classic Sidi Adventure boots listed above, which are around £50 more expensive. 

sidi adventure 2 mid boots
Sportsbikeshop (UK)
FC Moto (EU)
View on Revzilla (US)

Richa Colt Short Adventure Boots

The Richa Colt short boots are the cheapest option on this list, but they still come packed with features including waterproofing. 

Richa Colt Short Adventure Bike Boots
View on Sportsbikeshop (UK)

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Read more on motorcycle gear

Thanks for checking out our 10 Best Adventure Motorcycle Boots Guide. We hope you enjoyed it! Here’s a few more articles on adventure motorcycle gear that we recommend you read next. 

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Let us know what you think of this Top 10 Adventure Motorcycle Boots Guide in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

 

17 thoughts on “The 10 BEST Adventure Motorcycle Boots”

    • Hi Bill! Ha, decisions decisions ey. They’re both good boots, i’d say Sidi offer greater protection while the Formas sway more towards comfort, so it depends on what you’ll be using them for? Long-term trips, the occasional off-road and green-lane bimble or your everyday boot etc? I’d suggest just ordering both from sportsbikeshop (or any company that offers free returns) and trying them on to see which you prefer.

      Reply

  2. I’ve got the Sidi Aventure 2. Great boots…except they won’t work with some bikes (eg. Yammy FJR1300).

    See if you can try before you buy.

    I’ve also used Sidi Couriers with great success. Not reviewed but well worth a look.

    As for short boots, they give me the s*its. Once saw a guy lose his left leg in a low speed filtering accident (12 mph tops) because he was wearing shoes and he got a van fender through his shin.

    So no thanks…at least most long ADV boots have got shin protector plates on ’em.

    Reply

    • Hi Speedy,
      Yeah you’re right the Sidi Adventure 2 and Couriers are both great boots! And agreed on them not working with certain bikes, they’re really suited for upright adventure style bikes.
      Haha yeah fair enough on the short boots. Most people say that it depends how ‘hardcore’ you’re riding and short boots are fine unless you’re going proper off-road, but your story of the guy at such a slow speed is nasty! Poor bloke!

      Reply

  3. Super list…..BUT…..

    Would have been super nice if safety ratings was part of this :-)))

    I see nothing about CE 13634:2017 certification, which at this time, is the only thing we have to compare boots safety wise. Otherwise it is just companies saying, “Well, our boots are really really safe. We have been making boots for decades etc.”…..and all that amounts to precisely no evidence to the quality when it comes to safety. We have also seen this with helmets, jackets, trouser and gloves.

    Before the new CE standards, some gloves were certified at the same level as garden gloves :-/ after the old standards like 89/686/eec which is practically worthless.

    Btw….great website with lots og golden nuggets 🙂

    Reply

    • Hey Jack,
      Thanks for your comment! And that’s a great point!
      I believe all of these boots are CE certified, and as they’re sold in Europe they’ll meet the EN 13634:2017 or an earlier year standard as they’re new boots, however, it would be good to list what level protection 1 or 2 they have achieved for safety comparisons. I’m going to look into researching further into it.

      And thanks for your kind words! Much appreciated 🙂
      Andy

      Reply

  4. 🙂

    Fast answer….cool 🙂

    But you have to go even deeper than just level 1 or 2 – in the 2017 version they have 4 parameters: Height (not so difficult to see *s*), Abrasion resistance, Impact cut and transverse rigidity.

    We (as in YOU *S*) need to get people to focus on this. It’s the only way to force the companies to focus on our safety. The more people know the more they ask and the more they demand….

    It’s the same with all PPE – Take helmets as an example. Very few helmets are actually CE 22.06 certified and they are way way better than all the old helmets, when it comes to protecting your brain.

    I just had a mail conversation with Held, because they have just about zero info about Levels of certifications on their products. It was a very sad answer. I have also had that conversation with the Danish agent for RUKKA…..even worse. Revit, I think is the only brand that handles this with respect as far as I can see. On their website, you can search for the different levels of ce.

    Anyway…..hope you will do your part in the coming blogs and mention this for your colleague 🙂

    Reply

    • Hi Jack,
      Wow, you do seem very knowledgeable on safety ratings! Impressive! And very interesting too. I hear what you’re saying in getting companies to take note on being more transparent with the specifics of safety ratings.
      Everything you’re saying sounds like it should be more of a standalone article on its own… which may be a good idea actually!
      I’m flying out of the country tomorrow for a few weeks, so this is something i’ll return to when i’m back.
      Thanks again for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts on this.
      I’ll be in touch,
      Cheers,
      Andy

      Reply

  5. Hi Andy,
    again worthful tipps and also the comments of experienced riders!

    Thought, it would be a good idea, to take a small ride last week with short bike boots. What a s*it! Had a hard break, while a methusalem car driver came out of a field track without looking left or right. The breaks were stronger than my arm muscles and I crashed with my leg on the motor protection (1150 GSA). The whole skin down to the bone was away. Because of the bump I really didn.t feel big pain, but when taking off the trousers, I saw the result: All full of blood. So this was the last time in entire life to ride with shorties.
    So I will take ALWAYS my Forma Adv’s further on, for sure (for me they are great stuff)!!! The legs looks still terrible!
    As several times mentioned: Your HP is the best, I ever read. Every time I open it, I’ll always find worthful advices! Thanx a lot for your effort, Andy!
    Be always safe on the bike,
    kindly, Henry 🙂

    Reply

    • Hi Henry,
      Thank you very much for your kind words and comments!
      Sorry to hear you had a bad experience with the short boots, that sounds like a really nasty crash! But hopefully no broken bones?
      And yes, I agree – a wise choice to wear boots with shin protection especially on a big adventure bike and if going off-road too.
      Hope you heal up well mate,
      Take care and all the best!
      Andy

      Reply

  6. Thanx, Andy!
    If I summarize the choice of short boots last week (quicker to step in, feeling more easy), the price I payed is not worth! If it’s a very old or very young driver: I have to take FULL RESPONSIBILITY for myself!!!

    Better, to take a shower, whistling “Yellow submarine” after a sweaty ride, than to have pain for weeks. Again and again: Full protection on the bike! Even a small side trip can harm the health. First I got angry at the car driver, now at myself!
    The wound wets and I sleep with a long stocking to protect it. Nasty s*it!
    THANX for wishing well!
    Henry

    Reply

  7. After crunching my foot (again!) recently while wearing my Sidi Adventures I’m going with a full on enduro boot now. Enduro boots are pretty much identical to mx boots, but have more heavily cleated soles. I narrowed my choice down to Gaerne SG12 Enduro, Sidi Crossfire 3, Leatt 4.5 Dry, Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro Dry, Leatt 5.5 and a Fox Motion X. I’ve bought the lot, so I can compare them easily, altough I suspect the Gaernes will win out. Gonna be a fun time unboxing that lot anyway!

    The level of protection afforded by an MX boot is streets ahead of an ADV boot. OK, some might be a bit stiff to walk in, and some (not all) are not waterproof, but I am tired of my bike hurting my foot and leg when my talent runs out before my ambition.

    I will keep my Sidi Adventures for long rides in the rain on we tarmac, but next to even my Sidi ST Gore road boots they look a little feeble.

    Reply

    • Hi Richard, apologies for the late reply. Ah, sorry to hear that – that must have been painful!
      Good idea to buy the lot and compare. Please do report back here on your findings and comparisons between the boots – would be very interesting to hear which you go for and why!
      Haha I know exactly what you mean about ‘talent running out before ambition’ lol! Nicely said.
      All the best and looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
      Cheers,
      Andy

      Reply

      • Hi Andy

        Well it was certainly an interesting process, and a complete pain having to send the boots back (some have still to go!) I think it was worthwhile though, Ccmparing the MX/enduro boots to my Sidi Adventures was interesing, my old boots are like a pair of carpet slippers in comparison, and about as much use when a 550lb bike lands on them. That said, for road use and easy gravel why not stick with an ‘adventure’ boot? They will be more than adequate for most situations.

        However, I tend to do more than easy gravel, so: From my original haul of Sidi Crossfire 3, Gaerne SG12 Enduro, Leatt 5.5 Flexlock, Fox Motion X, Alpinestars Tech 7 Dristar and Leatt 4.5 Hydradry I quickly dismissed, to my surprise, the Tech 7s. They have a very wide opening at the top, but maybe I just have feeble calves. Just felt a bit like they had space for a knee brace and in-the-boot trews to me.

        Next were the Crossfires. Too complicated, and not very plush inside. Looked the business though. Bit of a surprise that one too, as I have had several pairs of Sidis over the years and really liked them.

        The Fox boots are about £100 more than the Leatts, for no discernable benefit, so they’re out.

        I love the feel of the Leatts. They’re both the same price, but the 4.5s are waterproof. Like slipping your foot into a fur lined Ugg boot. The 5.5s have more protection though, but perhaps the Imperial Storm Trooper look is a bit much? I was tempted to move the 5.5s into the top two, but then I remembered doing 25 river and stream crossings in one day on the Nevis in New Zealand, not to mention the deluge we encountered coming up the west coast there, so the 4.5s shade it on that basis, even though the protection is less and the buckles are plastic. The sliding velcro fastening is absolute genius though.

        The Gaernes are clearly the most bomb proof. Epic levels of protection, beautifully made and look like they’d last a decade of hard use. But they are apparently not waterproof at all…

        So, waterproof and breathable, loads better protection than my Adventures and 150 quid cheaper than the Gaernes means that the Leatt 4.5s have it. Probably. Oh gawd, just let me try on those lovely Gaernes again 🙂

        Reply

        • Hi Richard, apologies I must have just completely missed your reply! Thanks for the brilliant run down on your decision making! All makes perfect sense and I agree! Did you go for the Leatts in the end? How are you getting on with them?
          And I know what you mean about the river crossings in New Zealand – I had very wet feet after the Rainbow Road!

          Cheers,
          Andy

          Reply

          • Hi Andy, yes, I did go with the Leatts,, but actually the 5.5s because I decided at the last minute I wanted maximum protection. I suppose I can always wear waterproof socks…

            The new boots are, of course, very stiff and chunky, but fortunately I have a Touratech adjustable gear lever on the bike so I was able to find a position for it where shifting was easy enough.

            Anyway, in two weeks or so we’ll be in Chile setting off to ride up to California, so I’ll have a few miles to break ’em in. 🙂

            Cheers

            Richard

            Reply

            • Ah that makes sense to go for the 5.5s – especially if you’re going harder off-road. And yeah, Seal Skinz are a good option for waterproof socks.
              Brilliant to hear you’ll be in Chile soon. Let us know how you get on down there, we’ll be continuing our ride through the US and down to Argentina in January (left our bikes in Phoenix and flew home to the UK for the holidays).
              Cheers and all the best mate,
              Andy

              Reply

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