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From heavy-duty motorcycle riding boots to lighter more versatile footwear, here are six motorcycle riding boot reviews from the editors at Motorcycle Classics to keep you safe and comfortable on the road:
1.Aerostich’s Combat Lites are a shorter, lighter version of their standard Combat Touring motorcycle riding boots, and unless you do a lot of offroad or adventure-tour riding, they’re the better choice for everyday urban riding and all-day street and general purpose wear. Incorporating the same heavy-duty materials, design features and construction quality of the original Combat Touring boot, they feature top grain leather and are fully leather-lined. Compared to most general purpose and riding boots, the Lites have fewer individual leather pieces and fewer seams for a stronger boot. The inner speed laces combined with an instep buckle provide a better and more secure fit than a normal “engineer”-type boot, and they’re available with a replaceable wedge or cleated sole. Like any Aerostich product, these look like they’re going to wear like iron, but they will require a bit of break-in time before they’ll be comfortable for long stints. Friends with more miles on theirs love them, and when we ask if we can borrow them, the response has normally been a grumbling noise that includes the words “cold dead hands.” Yeah, they’re that good. Price: $247.00.
2. Though we don’t recommend it, we know people who substitute high-top basketball sneakers in place of a pair of motorcycle riding boots. Set Up’s Urban motorcycle boots look more like a light hiking boot or a sneaker than a motorcycle boot, but they’re a great cross between a motorcycle boot and something you can also wear as everyday footwear. Perfect for when the weather is warm, these fully vented boots feature a cotton/poly lining and a nylon shield in the inner ankle for protection — and they’re the most affordable pair of riding boots we sampled. Price: $59.99.
3.Cruiserworks’ Defender motorcycle riding boots are a shorter (8in), more aggressive version of the company’s popular 10in Commando model. Featuring a high-quality turned and sewn top, they also have a military toe cap for armor up front and Kevlar ankle armor. These boots have 90-degree heels to hang comfortably on your pegs, along with V-Grip outsoles, air-injected cushion insoles, ankle armor, a removable lace-retention strap and just enough lift in the toe of the boots to make walking easier and keep the instep uncreased, yet not enough to interfere with your shifter. They’re also waterproof. We attacked the last pair we had here with a pressure washer and our tester’s feet were still dry. Price: $259.00.
4. TheVega Nitro Touring Boot comes in toward the bottom of the price scale, yet impresses with its high-dollar design. Though someone in our office suggested they looked to be from the Lucas School of Design (really George, we meant it as a compliment), we’ve been surprised by the boots’ features given the price. The boots feature sturdy waterproof leather uppers, double zippers (one on both the inside and outside of the ankle), a hook-and-loop adjustable calf, and a tough rubber sole. We’re looking forward to putting some serious miles on these comfortable road boots. Price: $69.99.Â
5.Xelement’s Supremacy motorcycle riding boots are a little tough looking for our tastes, but if their style is your thing, they’re an affordable and sturdy option. They feature an 8in shaft and a 1.5in heel, and their double zippers make them easy to get into and out of. The full grain leather uppers are water-repellent and the boots also have an oil-resistant lug sole. They feature synthetic Cambrelle fabric lining, which absorbs odors and manages moisture. They’re not light, but looking this tough is never easy. Price: $69.95.
6. Puma’s been making shoes since 1948 when Rudolf Dassler split from his brother’s company, Adidas, to form Puma. Newly available in the U.S., the Puma Bonneville and Puma Bonneville M (Mid) have become some of our new favorites. Available in both standard and medium heights, and GoreTex and non-GoreTex versions, the boots feature bilateral ankle and toe box reinforcements, a soft foam tibia crash pad that molds to the body for superior fit and enhanced safety, a reinforced molded leather shin guard, full-grain leather uppers, a removable, vented and anti-bacterial footbed, and a Velcro and zipper opening. Both left and right boots have shifter protection, and the boots are also available in a chestnut brown/off-white color combo, along with the black/dark grey scheme you see here. Editor Hall has put over 1,000 miles on a pair of the GoreTex Bonneville Ms in the last couple of weeks and has had nothing but compliments about their comfortable fit, high quality and stylish good looks. Price: $215-$270. MC