Motorcycle riding can be an exhilarating experience. It does, however, come with a bit of discomfort. Yes, the wind will be whipping your hair back and you will see sights that are breathtaking, but sitting in one position for hours – leaned over, most likely – bugs flying at you, the motor vibration, keeping your body and the weight of the bike balanced along with the obstacles that can get in the way.

With these challenges, good motorcycle wear can make a big difference in making your ride what you’ve always dreamt it would be - out on the open road with nothing but your bike. Motorcycle boots play an important role.

Why wear motorcycle boots instead of ordinary boots?

Unlike ordinary boots, motorcycle boots are specifically designed to keep riders safe and comfortable for long hours on their bike.

When looking for motorcycle boots, look for ones that have molded ankle protection. Aside from the safety factor, this particular feature can reduce weariness during your ride by preventing sore ankles. There are also motorcycle boots that have increased torsional stiffness to keep your legs steady and secure. Motorcycle boots are designed to be stiff as they are typically used in one position – on the foot peg. Using soft-soled shoes during a long ride can make your feet sore which is exactly what the motorcycle boot avoids. Additionally, the stiffness of the boot minimizes the transfer of vibration from the bike to your foot.

Some motorcycle boots also have oil-resistant soles. These keep your feet steady on your motorcycle and prevent you slipping on the road when you dismount.

There are motorcycle boots that have built-in shifter pads and buckles to prevent them from snagging. The typical motorcycle boot will have a very low heel (no more than ½ inch) as this offers better control of the motorcycle.

Motorcycle boots are also built to be extra tough. They usually have triple or double stitching to ensure they do not easily break and are made with materials that can stand up to the natural elements that you will encounter on the road – whether this be rain, wind, heat or snow. If you’re doing a lot of riding on wet terrain, you might want to consider boots that have waterproofing fabric like Gore-Tex or SympaTex or those that have soles especially made for wet riding conditions. On the other side of the spectrum, there are also specific riding boots that are meant for warmer climates – those with venting or perforated panels.

Aside from boots specific to weather conditions, note that there are also specialized boots for other types of motorcycle riding. There are those that are meant for road racing, those for sportbike street riding and those for motocross and off-road conditions.

Motorcycle boots can be stylish and cool, but most of all they are there to make your ride more comfortable. Though these may seem simple, it can help prevent rider’s fatigue and offer a more enjoyable trip.