Best Adventure Motorcycle Boots For Those Looking to Go Further

Ryan Adams
by Ryan Adams

Stepping in(to) the unknown

Adventure boots are designed in a similar vein to adventure motorcycles, ready to handle the rigors of off-road, yet still be comfortable enough to use day in and day out. Adventure boots are made to be protective, but not as stiff as a motocross boot so that you can comfortably walk around the interesting places you may find along your way. Our list of the best adventure motorcycle boots shows what adventure riders have to choose from with but one click of the mouse.

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Table of Contents

1. Editor's Pick: Sidi Adventure 2

We initially didn't understand the appeal of adventure boots, but after logging over 1,500 miles in the Sidi Adventure 2 boots, we've come to appreciate their versatility. They strike a balance between off-road and street/touring boots, excelling in both on- and off-road situations, as well as being comfortable for daily use.


In terms of comfort and fit, the Sidi Adventure 2 boots impressed us right from the start. Contrary to the traditionally narrow fit of Italian brands, these boots offered a perfect fit for our regular width feet, with enough space for movement and thicker socks. Walking in them was comfortable, even during long rides and walks through towns. The lugged sole provides excellent grip, and the insole remains comfortable throughout. The only downside we noted was the warmth in summer due to the Gore-Tex liner, which is a trade-off for waterproofing.


The boots' design includes a hinge point on the ankles for controlled movement and resistance to overextension. The microfiber material of the boots ages well without showing much wear. Leather paneling on the inner side enhances grip on the bike. The large gusseted opening and stretch fabric at the calf make the boots easy to wear, and the cam lock style buckles ensure a snug fit.


For protection, the boots combine microfiber and hard plastic TPU components, offering abrasion resistance, tensile strength, and tear resistance. The ankle flex system and protective plastic parts safeguard against impacts.


The Gore-Tex lining in these boots makes them waterproof yet breathable, extending up to 11 inches from the ground. We believe these boots could also be comfortable in colder temperatures with thicker socks.


Overall, the Sidi Adventure 2 boots have shown us the true value of adventure boots. While they might not be our first choice for predominantly off-road adventures, they are our go-to for almost everything else.


Check out Ryan Adams’ full review of the Sidi Adventure 2 for more info.

2. TCX Infinity 3 Gore-Tex Boots

We found the TCX Infinity 3 GTX Boots to be a versatile choice for adventure tourers, blending features essential for strong touring boots with qualities suited for adventure-touring. Key highlights include their Gore-Tex waterproofness and a unique dial fastening system, which places these boots in the premium category. Their grippy sole and tall upper with a beefy shin plate offer solid impact protection, and the elasticized gaiter over the calf helps prevent rock and sand ingress.


The construction of the Infinity 3 boots is robust, featuring synthetic leather-like material and technical fabric. The rotary dial fastening system allows for an adjustable fit, ranging from firm to loose. The shin plate is designed to accommodate different calf sizes, and the inner suede cover provides better grip against the bike. The top enclosure is versatile, suitable for both over and under pants wear.


Inside, the boots are lined with a Gore-Tex membrane and a fleece-like liner, with OrthoLite padding in the footbed for extended comfort. The Groundtrax rubber outsole ensures grip on various terrains.


On the motorcycle, the boots felt great, especially when standing on dual-sport foot pegs. Shifting became easier over time, and braking was never an issue. However, walking in these boots revealed a discomfort at the front of the ankle joint due to stiffness in the fabric. This issue, possibly more pronounced due to our narrower feet, has improved with wear but hasn't completely resolved.


During an atmospheric river test ride, the boots proved exceptionally waterproof and kept our feet warm and dry, living up to the Gore-Tex reputation.


Overall, while the TCX Infinity 3 GTX Boots excel in touring and light off-road conditions, their stiffness and crease formation might be an issue for those with narrow feet, particularly during extensive walking. They are a strong option for extended rides in varying weather conditions.


Read Evans Brasfield's full review of the TCX Infinity 3 GTX Boots for more info.

3. Premium Pick: REV'IT! Expedition GTX Boots

While we haven't had the chance to extensively test the REV'IT! Expedition GTX Boots ourselves, they come highly recommended by peers and fellow motorcycle enthusiasts. These boots are a culmination of advanced features and design, blending the protection of motocross (MX) boots with the comfort and waterproofing of breathable Gore-Tex.


The REV'IT! dynamic support frame (DSF) system is a standout feature, ensuring freedom of movement in the ankle while preventing tendon and muscle hyperextension. The reinforced toe box, Seesoft protection in the tongue, and a hard shell shin plate collaboratively safeguard the feet from impacts.


The boots also feature a specially developed Vibram Apex sole, known for providing excellent grip, stability, and control both while riding and walking. The BOA closure system is another key element, offering an easy-to-use mechanism for a snug fit and contributing to the lightweight nature of the boots.


For comfort, the REV'IT! Expedition GTX Boots include an OrthoLite insole, enhancing the comfort level both on and off the bike.


In terms of construction, the outer shell comprises microfiber, nubuck leather, omega leather, rubber, and SuperFabric, with a 3D Mesh lining for additional comfort. The boots are 80-percent leather, 10-percent polyamide, and 10-percent rubber. Additional protective features include an external TPU shin plate, injected ankle cup, thermoformed heel cup, and toe cap. For visibility, there is reflection at the heel, adding to the safety features.


The REV'IT! Expedition GTX Boots offer a combination of protection, comfort, and advanced features, making them a solid choice for motorcycle enthusiasts looking for premium adventure boots.

Which boots are most comfortable?

That’s the thing about adventure boots, they bridge the gap between ultra-protective heavy motocross boots and all-day comfortable touring footwear. For some of the options on this list – particularly the Gore-Tex-equipped models – they’re also designed to handle whatever mother nature throws at them. In terms of all-day comfort, you can’t go wrong with any of the boots on our list. That being said, we’ve been through a lot (no crashes, *knocks on wood*) with the Sidi Adventure 2 and still wear them when applicable.

Are combat boots good for motorcycling riding?

Look, everyone has their own preference and the freedom to use whatever footwear they want for whatever type of riding they may do. Does a traditional combat boot offer the type of protection that the boots included in this article provide? No. Having tall leather boots is definitely a safer option than sneakers, but motorcycle-specific boots have a lot of reinforcement, and in some cases technology, that makes them stand out when compared with traditional footwear.

What’s the best adventure motorcycle boot?

That’s a loaded question, so to that, we’ll say: The ones you’ll wear! This list showcases some of the best on the market. We have put thousands of miles in some of these and continue to do so. We would suggest starting with this list, but identifying what’s most important to you in a boot whether that be comfort, protection, waterproofness, or a mix of all three, will help you narrow down your search. For us, if we’re touring or doing a mix of riding, you’ll find us shod in one of the boots above, but if we’re pushing the limits of the adventure bike we’re testing off-road, you’ll likely find us in motocross boots for the added protection that they offer.

Recent Updates


February 2, 2024: Updated our top two picks based on hands-on review testing, while our third recommendation comes highly recommended by peers and fellow motorcycle enthusiasts. Also removed our other recommendations to reduce our list to three.

Additional Resources

We do a lot of motorcycle testing here at MO, which means we consequently do a lot of gear testing. If you’re looking to round out your adventure touring wardrobe from helmets to suits, to gloves and boots, we have you covered. Looking for suggestions on what rubber to swap onto your ADV machine next? We’ve got your back there too. Have a question you can’t find an answer for? Drop it in the comments section and we’ll get an answer or suggestion for you.


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Ryan Adams
Ryan Adams

Ryan’s time in the motorcycle industry has revolved around sales and marketing prior to landing a gig at Motorcycle.com. An avid motorcyclist, interested in all shapes, sizes, and colors of motorized two-wheeled vehicles, Ryan brings a young, passionate enthusiasm to the digital pages of MO.

More by Ryan Adams

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2 of 4 comments
  • WFO WFO on Feb 04, 2024

    MX, Off-rad, trials guy here and the best boot is the one that gives you the most protection. I almost always were my Gearne SG 12's when riding anything other than trials or the street bike. If I need to walk I throw a pair a slip on Sketchers in the bag.

  • Greg Ess Greg Ess on Feb 05, 2024

    Here's the unvarnished truth -- any boot with the word 'Adventure' in their name, is a compromise that is not suitable for actual adventure.


    None of these boots has sufficient protection against overrotation or underrotation of your ankles in the event of a hard hit -- only boots with a really stout external ankle support that controls both side-to-side and up and down rotation within the range before bones break is sufficient. Of the three featured here, the RevIts are the closest, but cost more than some motorcycles I've owned.


    As to the Sidis -- I've worn a set of Sidi City boots as my day to day street boots for over 20 years. I purchased a set of Sidi Adventures and within 30 minutes of putting them on in my office both feet were burning. 'They Aren't Narrow' my @ss. They are beautifully made, but they went back.


    If you really want protection, look at the Alpinestars Tech7 Enduro Drystars -- competition level protection, and they feel like bedroom slippers when worn.

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