Boots are the most overlooked piece of riding kit, which is odd when you think about where your feet sit on a bike: low, exposed, and first in line if the bike goes down on top of them. Trainers and work boots offer almost no protection against crushing or twisting. Proper motorcycle boots do, and you do not need to spend a fortune. Here is what matters and what to buy.
What to look for
- EN 13634 certification. This is the motorcycle boot standard. It tests abrasion, impact, crush and cut resistance, plus ankle support. A boot without it is not protective kit, however rugged it looks.
- Ankle protection and a stiff sole. The ankle is the joint most commonly hurt in a low-speed off. You want armour or reinforcement around it and a sole stiff enough that your foot cannot fold.
- Toe and heel reinforcement for crush protection.
- Waterproofing. This matters more in the UK than almost anywhere. Non-waterproof boots turn cold, heavy and miserable within minutes of British rain. A membrane (Gore-Tex or a brand equivalent) is worth paying a little more for.
A quick note on short boots: under EN 13634, a short boot can only score 1 on the height test, but it can still score well on abrasion, impact and cut resistance. So a short, trainer-style motorcycle boot is a genuine step up from actual trainers, just not as protective as a taller touring boot.
What to buy
TCX Street 3 (around £120)
The popular budget pick that keeps coming up. An urban, commuter-style boot with motorcycle-specific protection: ankle armour, toe reinforcement and a slip-resistant sole, in a design that does not scream “race boot” off the bike. A sensible first proper boot if your budget tops out around £120. Check price at Amazon UK →
Reputable budget brands to look at
If the TCX is out of stock or budget, RST, Oxford, Spada and Forma all make EN 13634-rated boots at sensible prices, including shorter commuter styles and taller waterproof touring boots. Whichever you choose, confirm the EN 13634 rating and check whether it is waterproof before you buy. Check boot prices at Amazon UK →
What to avoid
Cheap “biker-style” boots with no EN 13634 marking are fashion footwear, not protective gear. They may have a buckle and some leather, but they will not protect your ankle in an off. As with the rest of your kit, the certification tag is what separates real protection from the look of it.
Which should you buy first?
For most new UK riders a waterproof, EN 13634-rated short or mid boot in the £90 to £130 range is the sweet spot: enough protection for daily riding, comfortable enough to walk in, and dry in the rain. The TCX Street 3 is the easy starting point. Prices move around, so check the live price before buying.
For the rest of your first kit in priority order, see the complete beginner motorcycle gear guide, and if the ratings jargon is doing your head in, our gear safety ratings explained guide breaks it all down.
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