The Best Dirt Bike Boots for Trail Riding – Top Picks for 2024
The best dirt bike boots for trail riding will give you that protection, support, and comfort you need as you head off on your ride.
They should be covering the ankles and have slip-resistant soles with heels to grip the bike’s footpegs. They also have protective armor above the ankle for extra protection. But if you check online, you’ll be overwhelmed by the number of choices available. And if you’re new at dirt bike riding, you probably don’t sure what to look for.
To help you find the model that best meets your requirements, we did detailed research and tests on the trails and found five top models that are worth the money. These dirt bike boots tick all the boxes in terms of support, comfort, and protection.
Table of Contents
Top Pick
Best Overall
Alpinestars Men’s Tech 7 Enduro Boots
Best Overall
Fox Racing Instinct X Boots
Best Overall
O’Neal 0325-111 Dirt Bike Boots
Alpinestars Men’s Tech 7 Enduro Boots is our top pick. These boots have a mid-level price point with exceptional features that are admired by top-level off-road riders. They offer maximum protection, comfort, and support. Not to mention that the extended microfiber gaiter prevents dirt and water entry.
The Best Dirt Boots for Trail Riding Are:
1. Alpinestars Men’s Tech 7 Enduro Boots — Best Overall
Our number one choice for trail riding boots comes from one of the most reputable brands in protective riding gear.
Aplinestars is well known for its quality riding gear, and the Tech 7 trail boots are no exception to their stellar reputation. These motocross boots provide good interaction with the controls of the bike while still providing top-notch protection from trail debris.
The Tech 7 also features a breathable, waterproof membrane to ensure a dry and comfortable feel in any conditions. CE (EN-13634) certification means that these dirt bike boots have passed the rigorous European standards to be considered “protective equipment,” and that means that these boots have not just been engineered but tested as well so that you can have confidence in their quality.
Pros
- Excellent, certified protection from Alpinestars
- Very comfortable fit
- Excellent all-weather protection in any conditions
- CE certification
Cons
- Tends to produce a squeaking sound when walking
- Costs
Verdict: Best Overall
lpinestars delivers a maximum quality product with no compromises. These are top-quality boots offering the best in comfort as well as protection.
2. Fox Racing Instinct X Boots
These dirt bike boots from Fox Racing are another of the no-compromise, maximum-quality options available for serious riders.
As a global leader in motocross and dirt bike equipment, Fox Racing has a proven reputation for producing the very best dirt track and trail equipment in the industry.
The exclusive Duratac rubber compound used on the outsole and the burn guard is designed to provide the best possible grip and interaction between the boot and the controls, ensuring that every shift and every brake is handled with precision.
A hinge lockout feature also protects the rider from hyperextending, while a slim toe box ensures precise and purposeful interaction with the foot controls of any dirt bike.
Pros
- Excellent feel for bike controls
- Top quality protection
- Specially designed structure reinforcement protects against hyperextension and bending
Cons
- Tight fit
- Cost
Verdict: Best Control Feel
This offering from Fox Racing is an excellent option for the serious rider and excels when it comes to interacting with the bike’s controls. By using a specialized rubber compound that provides superior grip, Fox ensures that their performance is second to none. However, the specialized features come at a higher-than-average cost, and the tighter fit takes some getting used to.
You can also check out our article on best women’s motorcycle boots.
3. O’Neal 0325-111 Dirt Bike Boots
For a more casual approach to riding gear that still provides good protection and quality, O’neal is one of the go-to names in the industry, specializing in providing solid performance at a lower price point than some of the more hardcore brands.
These 111 motocross boots continue O’neal’s trend of balancing quality and price for a satisfying product, and are some of the most popular among entry-level riders. The structure of the boots is reinforced to protect against hyperextension, while injection molded plastic helps to deflect dirt and debris.
Pros
- Good option for riders on a limited budget
- Boot provides good cushioning and comfort while riding
Cons
- Dirt bike boots run a bit larger which can result in a looser fit than expected
- No color options can limit the style-focused rider
Verdict: Best Budget Option
While these boots are priced very modestly, they do not make any serious compromises to the protection that they offer. For this reason, they are an excellent option for riders just getting started who may not need the special materials and features of the top-end brands like Fox or Alpinestars.
4. Fly Racing Maverik Boots
For riders that are looking for style as well as solid protection at a good price, these motocross boots by Fly Racing are a great option. Featuring a one-piece outsole design to maximize structural support while minimizing weight, as well as rubberized compounds to ensure good interaction with the bike’s controls.
These boots are also available in several different colors to match the style of your bike, which is a nice option for riders that prioritize looks alongside protection and comfort. The molded plastic is a stylish option, however, it also may be more affected by exhaust heat than other materials, and for that reason, it may not be the absolute best option for long rides where exhaust heat may be a factor.
Pros
- 3D molded plastic provides decent protection from debris and attractive style
- Multiple color options for riders who want to match their gear with their bike
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Molded plastic can melt if exposed to excessive heat
- Very stiff boots can be constricting before breaking in
Verdict: Best Style Option
These boots provide the best options for riders who want good protection, but also care about the look of their gear. With options in white, black, gray, and red, the Fly Racing Maverik boots provide more options than most to get the exact look you want while also providing the protection that you need.
5: ILM MX3 Motorcycle Boots
These are top pro-level boots that you’re going to get from Gaerne. The brand has made a couple of changes from the older model that have made these boots stand out.
This model comes with a heavy-duty buckle system that conveniently attaches to an adjustable strap. It is a tried and true design that makes putting on the boots incredibly easy. The system is easy to use, just take the top strap and stick it over the buckle.
The footwear comes with a thermoplastic shin plate, which is good because it is anatomically shaped to provide a superior fit. You can effortlessly widen the opening to accommodate a bigger knee brace by removing three screws.
We truly appreciate the dual stage pivot system that provides exceptional lateral support and ensures the upper is in an upright and firm position. The Swiss breathable fabric gaiter has a superior shape that prevents debris and sand from getting in.
Key Features
- Dual pivot system
- Thermoplastic shin plate
- Acronos gaiter
- Tried and true buckle system
- Slim toe box
- Heavy-duty heel cup
- Redesigned toe cap
Pros
- Highly adjustable velcro and buckle closure system allows for a flexible fit
- Waterproof design ensures dry, comfortable fit, even in very wet conditions
- TPU shin and ankle plates provide solid protection from debris
Cons
- Heavy boots can take getting used to in order to wear for long periods of time
- Exposed lower buckle runs the risk of catching during heavy-duty trail riding boots
Verdict: Best Waterproofing
While the dual-closure style of these boots provides excellent fit flexibility, the main design focus here is water resistance. Microfiber leather is a good material for this, and even the closure assists in keeping the rider dry by ensuring the most secure fit possible. These boots do run a bit heavier than most, though, and riders that prefer a lightweight feel to their boots may not enjoy the added weight.
Read this article on the Best Winter Motorcycle Boots.
Things to Consider When Looking for Dirt Bike Boots for Trail Riding
Here are the most important things to consider:
BRAND
Several of the most recognizable brands have an established relationship with the world of motorsport and usually provide gear for professional riders. The two most widely recognized brands are Fox Racing and Alpinestars, which both use special materials and well-refined manufacturing techniques to provide the absolute best gear available today.
Other brands like O’neal and Fly Racing are well known for their price-conscious offerings and typically offer more general quality to ensure the best protection at the lowest cost. While these are not in the same league as the very specialized equipment from high-end brands, they do provide solid protection for the price.
If you see an interesting product but have never heard of the brand, it may be a good idea to check in with other riders around the track or your local bike shop. While experienced riders will always have their own preferences, they will also be familiar with quite a few brands as well, and know which have good, bad, and ugly reputations.
PROTECTION
The first priority of trail boots is protection. While these tall, armor-plated boots may not be the sort of thing you would want to wear around the house, the height and tough construction is there to ensure that you are protected when dirt biking. This is especially true of trail riding, where you are much more likely to encounter debris than on a track or freeway.
Choosing a dirt bike boot with solid armor plating and stiff construction is key. Be aware that plastic or TPU panels are not the only the element of the dirt bike boot that protects you. A stiffer construction helps keep your ankle from hyperextending, and the taller the boot is the more surface area it can protect.
SUPPORT
As briefly mentioned, support is also an important element to look for in a good trail boot. Unlike regular boots or sneakers, which allow a greater range of motion for your ankle when walking, trail boots are meant to keep your ankle stationary to avoid hyperextension and breaks. For this reason, a good pair of trail boots may not be all that comfortable to walk in.
Many boots will use composite or metal inserts to help the boot retain its shape, with the composite options being a bit lighter and the metal inserts being a little sturdier. The armor plates on the dirt bike boot may also help provide additional support as well.
SIZE AND FIT
Just like with regular footwear, having a pair of trail boots that fit well is absolutely critical. In order to get the most out of your gear, you should always make sure that it is properly fitted and not too loose or too tight. A tight, uncomfortable fit is not only painful but can be distracting. On the other end, a fit that is too loose can result in clumsy interaction with the controls, and that can cause a dangerous situation when riding. And in case you don’t know there is a big difference between Motorcycle Boots and Shoes.
Ideally, a good pair of trail boots should fit snugly, not shifting or moving freely when closed, while also not being painfully tight. Using a brannock device to determine the best size can help to get an idea of where to start when determining the right fit for you.
FAQs
What Is a Brannock Device?
This is a foot-size measuring device that you can use to keep track of your dirt bike boot size.
What Is a Tipping Size?
This is a size that you can adjust to find the ideal fit, especially if the available sizes tend to run small or large.
Are UK and US Boot Sizes the Same?
The two boot sizing systems are incredibly close. But the size difference for women is around 2 and for men is about 0.5.
What is a brannock device?
A brannock device is a measurement tool for finding a person’s shoe size, whether sneakers or motorcycle boots.
Are US and UK boot sizes the same?
No. The UK and the US, as well as the EU, use different standards to measure sizes. Beyond that, the US has a different size for men and women. For example, a US Men’s Size 9 would be US Women’s 10.5, UK Size 8.5, and EU Size 41.5. There are several conversion charts available online, including this one from Zappos.
Final Thoughts
In this list, we’ve looked at 5 of the very best options available today in trail boots. From top of the line, no-nonsense offerings from Alpinestars and Fox Racing to more budget friendly options, there are definitely options for every kind of rider, no matter what the main focus may be.
We’ve also gone over a few of the major considerations to keep in mind when deciding between the different options available. So whether you’re a seasoned rider with thousands of miles under your belt or just getting started on two wheels, you can always find the option that fits you and keeps you safe for many more rides to come.
