The Best Motorcycle Shoes & Sneakers for Riding in Style (2024)

egular footwear lacks the necessary abrasion and impact protection needed to be considered adequate for motorcycle riding. While traditionally this has meant having separate pairs for your time in and out of the saddle, the advent of more fashion-forward pieces of protective riding footwear is changing this by affording riders a single product that offers the best of both worlds; modern, design-conscious aesthetics backed by robust levels of equally modern protection. And it’s this group of stylish moto-specific footwear that we’ll be exploring today in thisguide to the best motorcycleriding shoes and sneakers you can buy.

Far more than just the length of the cut, motorcycle boots and motorcycle shoes and sneakers differ in a myriad of key ways. Shoes and sneakers are obviously shorter than their full-length counterparts. This allows for a less restricted range of ankle movement, though more importantly this factor enables moto shoes to be more comfortably worn when off of the bike. Unlike traditional motorcycle boots, most riding shoes and sneakers are designed for all-day use, affording wearers the ability to gear up with them for their ride, keep them on all day, and leave them on for the ride home —eliminating the need to swap shoes/boots when arriving and departing from the home or office. Not unlike gauntlet-style riding gloves, full-length riding boots do afford better protection than their shorter counterparts, however, modern riding boots are able to deliver impressive levels of fortification for your feet that includes achieving CE ratings.

There are a lot of similarities between the vast majority of today’s riding shoes, though there are still a handful of crucial areas that set these pairs apart and separate the truly worthwhile models from their inferior counterparts. Below, we’ll briefly explore nine of the most pivotal factors to consider before pulling the trigger on your purchase.

Style:Typically speaking, robust riding boots will almostalwaysoffer greater levels of protection than riding sneakers, however riding shoesdohave the ability to afford solid protection while boasting a markedly more fashion-forward appearance that doesn’t readily announce itself as a piece of moto-specific footwear, could easily pass for a regular pair of high or low-top kicks, and can comfortably and confidently be worn off the bike. And, while most riding shoes will sport a generally more casual and style-consciousaesthetic, these pieces of footweardo comein a wide variety of styles, ranging from modern streetwear-inspired sneakers torunning shoe-derivedmoto shoes to moto hiking boot hybrids. Considering that style is one of the main reasons one would consider buying a pair of riding sneakers, this category isextremelyimportant.

Construction:No matter what type of footwear you’re purchasing, the materials used to construct it will play a pivotal role in the pair’s overall quality, performance, and durability. As such, when purchasing moto sneakers, it’s always well worth your while to explore the different materials used to craft the shoe. Real and synthetic leathers and textiles are all commonly-used constructions in this space, as are some more technical materials such as GORE-TEX. And, while the primary construction will almostalwaysbe the most important, it’s still worth reviewing the other materials used to supplement the main construction for items like liners and trim pieces.

Armor:When it comes to the ability to survive a slide (i.e. abrasion resistance), moto sneakers owe their protection to their main construction(s). However, the footwear’s ability to protect its wearer from impacts is owed to the use of integrated armor. Most commonly installed to protect the wearer’s ankles and heels — though supplementary metatarsal protection is also fairly commonplace — the armor on moto riding shoes is at times made from TPU or dual-density foams, though D30 continues to be the gold standard in the motoriding gear space, with footwear being no exception.

Weatherproofing:On top of shielding its wearer from impacts and abrasions, a great many of today’s best motorcycle riding shoes are also partially or completely impervious to the elements. This is made possible through the use of breathable yet waterproof membranes, weatherproof finishes and treatments, and sealed or taped seams. Waterproofing on a pair of riding shoes is an especially important factor to consider if you plan on commuting daily on two wheels, rain or shine.

Footbed & Liner:Just like with any other type of footwear, the overall comfort afforded by a pair ofmoto riding shoeswill largely boil down to the type of footbed and midsole that’s being used. Plush memory foam and other types of breathable padding are frequently used, though it’s also not uncommon to see insoles from third-party brands like Dr. Scholl’s and Ortholite. A great many of today’s best riding sneakers also feature equally premium liners, many of which are quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and/or antimicrobial.

Internal Frames:Though they may resemble your average pair of sneakers from the outside, underneath the surface, riding sneakers are often equipped with underlying integrated chassis systems that enable them to afford markedly higher levels of protection and greater structural integrity. This includes the use of metal forefoot transversal bars, PU-reinforced elements, transversal protection frames, and axisymmetric shanks, just to name a few of these hidden structural elements.

Additional Moto Amenities:Alongside internal frames,breathable and waterproof membranes, and integrated armor, there are additional amenities that make a piece of footwear even better for riding applications and daily commuting. The most common of these elements are reinforced, supplementary toe shifter pads, though there are also riding sneakers with components like bike-linked integrated LED lighting, reflective details, vibration-absorbing outsoles, and Kevlar overlays, just to name a few.

Fit:Whether it’s gloves, riding jackets, or motorcycle helmets, in order for motorcycle gear to properly do its job and be as effective as possible, it needs to precisely fit its wearer — and moto-specific riding sneakers arefarfrom an exception. While you’re obviously going to want to get a pair in your size, some models offer fitment systems that allow for a more snug and accurate fit — areas made possible through the use of traditional lacing systems being supplemented via items like BOA or MOZ fitment systems, side zippers, or other adjustable elements that allow the pair’s fit to be more precisely dialed-in.

Off-Bike Use:One of the biggest factors that separates riding sneakers from regular moto boots is the former’s ability to lend themselves to use when off the bike — both in terms of blending in visually and actually feeling like apair of regular sneakerswhen not in the saddle. So, while most modern riding sneakers do offer genuine all-day comfort — on or off the bike — some are engineered for more specific uses such as hiking or running.

Now that you’re privy to what to look for when shopping for a pair, let’s dive into our picks for the best moto-specific riding shoes and sneakers currently on the market.

ICON Hooligan Riding Shoes

Best Value Pick: Engineered from the ground up to be theultimate urban commuter motoshoe, ICON Motorsports’ Hooligan model is constructed around an abrasion-resistant textile and mesh chassis that’s structurally reinforced via transverse beam rigidity plates, Aramid toe overlays, axialmetric shanks, and D30 ankle guard inserts. Alongside a mesh bootie base stacked atop a custom, low-profile ICON outsole, the Hooligan shoes also sport a clever footpeg interface arch designed for freely and comfortably moving around on the bike’s pegs or rear sets.

Primary Construction: Abrasion-Resistant Textile & Mesh
Armor: D30 Ankle Guards
Waterproof: No
Fitment/Closure: Laces

John Doe Shifter Riding Shoe

Best Vintage-Inspired Pick: Despite their unmistakablyretro-inspired appearance, the John Doe Shifter Boots hide an impressive suite of modern materials and technologies. Handmade in Portugal, this CE-approved pair is built atop a set of oil-resistant, vibration-mitigating outsoles and equipped with premium 1.1mm cowhide leather uppers, a “Waterstop” tongue design, toe shifter pads, and a waterproof XTM membrane — John Doe’s own proprietary material that’s comprised of layers of Aramid fibers, Coolmax, and Lycra. Additionally, this model also features a side-entry YKK zipper closure, and John Doe’s “Threepoint Protection” setup which further fortifies the shoe’s ankle, heel, and toe.

Primary Construction: 1.1mm Premium Cowhide Leather
Armor: Reinforced Ankle, Heel & Toe
Waterproof: Semi
Fitment/Closure: Laces & Side Zipper

Dainese Metractive Air Shoes

Best Warm-Weather Pick: The Dainese Metractive Air Shoes can best be described as a footwear equivalent to warm-weather textile riding jackets, with a knit textile construction that’s fortified via armor in key areas. Certified to CE Level II standards, the Metractive Air kicks feature a knit upper construction supplemented via synthetic suede inserts, PU toe shifter pads, a mesh liner, and rigid ankle inserts lined with Dainese’s own proprietary D-Foam. Capped off with a snap-secured elastic band to neatly store the footwear’s laces, these riding shoes also sport a breathable Ortholite footbed set atop an ultra-grippy Groundtrax rubber outsole with an asymmetrical tread pattern with differentiated gear and brake areas.

Primary Construction: Ventilated Knit & Synthetic Suede
Armor: Reinforced Ankle, Heel, & Toe
Waterproof: No
Fitment/Closure: Laces

REV’IT! Jefferson Shoes

Best Overall Pick: CE and EN-certified, the REV’IT! Jefferson Shoes were designed to provide ample protection while on the bike and to look great whether in or out of the saddle. The shoes feature a partially-perforated Nubuck and artificial leather primary construction supplemented via washed canvas patches before being equipped with thermoformed reinforcements at the ankle and heel cup. The Jefferson shoes have also been outfitted with a padded and gusseted tongue, reinforced side panels, leather toe shifter pads, and ultra-plush OrthoLite X40 foam insoles. Available in a trio of attractive color options includinga fully blacked-out pair, this model is also sold with a second pair of color-contrasting laces.

Primary Construction: Synthetic Leather, Nubuck Leather, & Washed Canvas
Armor: Thermoformed Toecap & Heel-Cup
Waterproof: No
Fitment/Closure: Laces

Stylmartin Matt WP Riding Shoes

Best Basketball Shoe-Inspired: Made in Europe in small batches, Stylmartin’s Matt WP (Waterproof) Riding Shoes are a design-conscious piece of moto-specific footwear that combines visual elements from classic sneaker designs with someretro basketball shoe influence. — more specifically drawing from early to mid ’90s era kicks like the Air Jordan 6 and Air Jordan 7. Starting with the shell, this fashion-forward pair sports Hydro-grain leather construction uppers that have been treated to a waterproof inner membrane, a breathable air mesh liner, and a pair of removable, micro-perforated antibacterial innersoles. Making them all the more conducive to time in the saddle are reinforced toe shifter pads, interior and exterior polyurethane malleolus protection, a myriad of reflective details and laces, and an oil-resistant outsole.

Primary Construction: Hydro-Grain Leather
Armor: Polyurethane Ankle Guards
Waterproof: Yes
Fitment/Closure: Laces

Alpinestars J-6 WP Shoes

Best Skate Shoe-Inspired: Clean and classic, Alpinestar’s J-6 WP (Waterproof) Shoes are a modern yet minimalistic take on riding sneakers, with a stylish and casual appearance that conceals a host ofimpressive safety features. This includes a shell that’s crafted from a lightweight yet sturdy amalgamation of suede and full-grain leather, and fitted with a dual-density, MX-derived ankle and heel protector sandwiched between the shoe’s chassis and lining along with a fully waterproof membrane. Other highlights include a padded tongue and heel, an advanced non-slip rubber compound sole molded to the uppers, a layered internal toe box and heel counter design, a reinforced midsole, and a fully removable and replaceable anatomically profiled EVA and Lycra footbed.

Primary Construction: Suede & Full-Grain Leather
Armor: Dual-Density Ankle & Heel Protectors
Waterproof: Yes
Fitment/Closure: Laces

Klim Outlander GTX Boots

Best Hiking Boot-Inspired: Released in early 2021, Klim’s Outlander GTX model is part moto-specific riding shoe and partrugged hiking boot. Capable of surviving just about anything whether on or off the bike, the Outlander GTX Boots feature a full GORE-TEX membrane, a hardwearing leather primary construction, 3M Scotchlite C790 carbon black reflective patches, a polycarbonate lasting board, a moisture-wicking breathable liner, and a removable moisture-wicking breathable insole benefitting from proprietary Nestfit anatomically-optimized technology. Unparalleled levels of protection are afforded through the use of TPU-reinforced toe and heel caps, 5mm XRD impact protection perforated foam ankle pucks, and 3mm XRD foam tongue and met padding. The model’s BOA fit system — which uses sequence lacing — ensures a perfect fit every time, while an ultra-aggressive outsole guarantees traction on just about any surface, whether that be slick trails or wet foot-pegs.

Primary Construction: Leather & GORE-TEX
Armor: XRD Foam Ankle & Met Guards, & TPU-Reinforced Toe & Heel
Waterproof: Yes
Fitment/Closure: BOA Fit System

Dainese Dyno Pro D1 Shoes

Best Sport/Track Pick: A shoe counterpart to the Italian brand’s MotoGP-spec race boot, the Dainese Dyno Pro D1 Shoes are a top-shelf low-top pair of track-focused footwear that provide unparalleled levels of protection without inhibiting foot and ankle mobility like a traditional full-length race boot. CE-certified, the shoes are crafted around a set of uppers made from a combination of microfiber and cowhide leather with a full protective nylon inner hull and double jersey airgap liner. Sold with an included setscrew wrench, the Dyno Pro D1 Shoes also feature a TPU heel counter, a toe shifter guard, high-grip TPU inserts, a speed-lacing system, replaceable magnesium heel sliders, and an air canalization system.

Primary Construction: Microfiber & Cowhide Leather
Armor: Armoed & Reinforced Ankle, Heel, & Toe
Waterproof: No
Fitment/Closure: Speed Lacing System