Part of the essential must-wear package when riding dirt bikes, Motocross boots protect your feet and lower legs from roost, heat and crashes.
Helmets for your feet!
But dang it, they're not exactly the most comfortable piece of riding gear. Most riders remove them quickly after a ride and if you buy the wrong pair don't expect an enjoyable time on the bike. Overall, Motocross boots come with a pretty significant price tag and if you want a pair that fits well, feels good and allows you to cleanly control your dirt bike expect to pay a premium.
It is worth it to pay more for a pair of the best Motocross boots available especially as a racer or if you're having difficulty riding with an inexpensive pair. Manufacturers equip their higher end boots with the latest in technology for fit and form, durability, as well as the best money buys in terms of protection in the event of a crash.
Our picks for the best Motocross boots: (Click on the link or photo to see additional details)
Gaerne - SG-12 Boots
The Gaerne SG-12 boots boasts innovative features like the patented Dual Stage Pivot System that offers strong lateral support while a glide plate keeps the upper in a firm and upright position. The "Dual Composite" anti-shock rubber sole remains while the company uses a new Swiss breathable fabric called Acronos for the gaiter. And seriously, how cool is it to wear a pair of "Handmade in Italy" Motocross boots?
Other features include:
- All new rubber grip guard
- Four lightweight alloy buckle system
- Gaerne Memory Cell Foam for the interior lining
- Slimmer shaped toe area for improved feel of the controls
Alpinestars - Tech-10
Alpinestars touts its Tech-10 as one of the most technical Motocross boots ever made thanks to continuous development and testing that adds to the already innovative features. An innovative biomechanical inner brace controls ankle and leg rotation while the shin incorporates a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blade system to prevent frontal hyperextension with great flex control.
Other features include:
- Lightweight full-grain leather upper combined with abrasion resistant TPU shell
- Lateral flex zone provides front and rea flexion support
- Shock absorbing padding on sole
- New closure system features customized secure fitment
Sidi - Crossfire 3 SRS
The Sidi Crossfire 3 SRS builds upon their popular Crossfire 2 model featuring an all new ankle pivot system with a "hard" limit of foot and ankle hyperextension and an upgraded sole system with a more cupped and thicker design creating a firmer sole than any other Crossfire boot. And don't worry, Sidi brought over the much-liked buckles and traps from the Crossfire 2.
Other features include:
- Four micro-adjustable buckle system
- CF3 Flex System improves flexibility of the boot
- Anatomically-shaped, shock-resistant heel
- New inner boot gaiter has large circumference than Crossfire 2
Fox Racing - Instinct
The past four Supercross and Motocross Champions wore the Fox Instinct boot so that should tell you something. Fox makes their Instinct boot with a patent pending hinge system that provides lateral support and locks out to stop hyperflexion. The combined buckle system flexes with the boot for ease of movement. The boot also gives you better control of your dirt bike thanks to its slim medial design providing an intuitive feel of the bike.
Other features include:
- Exclusive Fox rubber compound Duratec provides grip and durability
- Low ride chassis gets rider's foot lower to the ground and closer to the foot peg
- Slim toe box provides easy shifting
- Buckle system gives flawless operation every time.
Alpinestars - Tech-7
Alpinestars is widely known for their Motocross boots so having two models on the "Best of" list should come as no surprise. The Tech-7 barely beat out the Tech-8 and it is indeed one of the most popular Motocross boots. But it's also one of the best thanks to its use of a biomechanical pivot that provides core stability and flex while offering excellent ankle protection.
Other features include:
- Soft microfiber gaiter seals out water and dirt
- Exclusive dual-compound sole
- Evolutionary shin-plate construction gives greater range of fitment
- Contoured TPU calf protector plate offers impact protection
If you're having trouble deciding or would prefer to spend less while enjoying some of the great benefits of the more expensive MX boots check out:
