Best Waterproof Motorcycle Boots

John Burns
by John Burns

Just because we’re California weenies doesn’t mean we don’t get rained on now and then. In fact, our arid lifestyle makes us even more

Just because we’re California weenies doesn’t mean we don’t get rained on now and then. In fact, our arid lifestyle makes us even more sensitive when our dogs get dampened. You don’t have to be a veteran of trench warfare to know your feet are happiest when they’re dry. Especially if it’s not particularly warm, and especially if you’re whipping up a nice wind-chill factor for yourself at the same time. Now that Gore-tex and copycat breathable waterproof membranes are here, the days of plastic bags over your feet are over. Though that’s still an option. Naturally, these all come in various sizes to fit most feet, and many come in womens’ sizing as well. Here’s a light sprinkling of our favorite waterproof motorcycle boots.

Table of Contents

Alpinestars Men's Campeche Drystar Motorcycle Riding Boot – $250

Alpinestars alone makes a veritable plethoria (sic) of alleged waterproof motorcycle boots, “Drystar” being its own version of Gore-tex (“Campeche” being a Mexican state on the Yucatan peninsula adjacent to the Mexican Alps). We can’t vouch for all of them, but our dogs have stayed dry through a couple of reasonable deluges in Campeches. (And E. Brasfield can vouch for the A’Stars Supertouring Gore-Tex numbers he’s wearing in our lead photo.) Features include thick, oiled leather construction, easy entry via zipper and Velcro for a snug fit (avoid these if you don’t really enjoy lots of Velcro), reinforced toe box and heel counters, polypropylene insole with steel shank, and soft, grippy, replaceable anatomical EVA footbeds that make these quite comfy but also quite warm. CE certified.

Bottom Line

  • Waterproof and warm too

Sidi Adventure 2 GoreTex Mid Boots – $350

Our Sidi Canyon GoreTex boots have been going strong for a couple of decades now, and are still a fine choice. But for adventurous riders who’d like a bit more protection,  there’s these newer Adventure 2 GoreTex numbers – basically a shorter version of Sidi’s full-height Adventure 2 Boot. Shorter shafts and lighter weight make these way better for off-bike activities. But there’s a rigid, shock resistant, anatomically shaped heel cup and stronger toe boxes for serious foot protection. Genuine Gore-Tex means really good ventilation and waterproofing.

Bottom Line

  • Sidi, never seedy

TCX Explorer EVO Gore-Tex Boot – $215 - 251

This latest EVO version is updated with a wider metatarsal and lower to enhance comfort, while still providing the CE-level protection you want. That means malleolus reinforcement, a reinforced heel counter, and micro-injected shift pads and shin plates. Elastic zippers and wide Velcro-brand fastener bands make for easy ingress/egress. Once inside, your feet will enjoy replaceable, anatomic foot beds and that Gore-Tex Extended Comfort lining behind abrasion-resistant Cordura uppers with micro injected inserts that provide breathable coolness and dry feet.

Bottom Line

  • Another Italian winner

Tour Master Solution 2.0 WP Women's Boots – $130

Water-repellent leather and PU uppers outside, a HiPora waterproof, breathable membrane inside, and preformed orthopedic insoles combined with stretch panels are all about keeping your feet snug, warm and dry. Molded nylon shin and ankle guards backed with shock absorbing material, and TecnoGI thermoplastic heel cups and toe caps bring the impact protection. Easy in-and-out comes courtesy of auto-lock zippers covered with adjustable Velcro flaps, and 3M ScotchLite out back adds night time safety.

Bottom Line

  • Solid, fashionable, and affordable

Stylmartin Cruise Boots – $265

For those looking for something in a more cruiserish style in waterproof motorcycle boots, here you go. In addition to the full-grain water repellent leather upper and waterproof/breathable liner, the Cruisers offer internal malleuolus protection on both sides of the ankle, anatomic, antibacterial, and replaceable footbeds, and anti-slip, oil-resistant rubber soles.

Bottom Line

  • Looking good is also important

KLIM Outlander GTX Motorcycle Boot – $300

These look more like something you’d put on your Sherpa, but we’ve been impressed with just about everything Klim makes, and they’re getting lots of good reviews. Half motorcycle boot and half hiking boot, with a Gore-Tex lining, these sport D30 protection in the ankles and tongue, reinforced toes and heels and reinforced rubber in high wear areas. Nestfit technology with a quick BOA lacing system with open lace guides make the Outlanders a snap to get in and out of quickly, while a full-length lasting board provides support when you’re standing on the pegs.

Bottom Line

  • Top-quality and genuine Gore-Tex

Dainese Fulcrum GT Gore-Tex Boots – $300

Dainese makes very nice stuff, and these cowhide supple full-grain leather uppers are backed up by a genuine Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, as well as CE-certified inserts for both weather and crash protection. Like most of these boots, there are reflective inserts. Elasticated inserts provide a secure fit, a thermoformed insert protects the shin, and the differentiated design rubber soles provide secure footing in the wet.

Bottom Line

  • Full-length protection and dryness

Forma Adventure Low WP Boots – $230

When you find yourself riding more on fire roads than freeways, says Forma, you might be ready for these Adventure EVO Lows. Oiled full-grain leather uppers are jam-packed with moto levels of protection, but comfortable thanks to soft polymer padding with memory foam. Also, you’ll find a Drytex membrane inside to keep rain out and let sweat evaporate. Replaceable footbeds sit atop double density anti slip/rubber soles that are stitched on, making them also easily replaceable.

Bottom Line

  • Rugged and dry is a good combo

FLY Racing M16 Waterproof Riding Shoes

Well, more shoe than boot, but these offer way more protection than your Nikes thanks to dual-density ankle protectors and reinforced toe and heel boxes. And dryness, too, via waxed black leather uppers and a HYDRAGuard waterproof breathable membrane. They also sport a breathable mesh liner, removable comfort insoles, and a composite shank to isolate your feet from vibration.

Bottom Line

  • Look cool, be dry

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John Burns
John Burns

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  • Stuki Moi Stuki Moi on Apr 05, 2021

    I don't think they are formally "waterproof", but the Combats that Aerostich sells, are nicely water resistant and, as opposed to most of these, have an almost complete lack of seams for water to make its way through as they age and wear.

    I don't consider myself _that_ weird, and I can't for the life of me understand wanting full-on rainboots on a motorcycle. At least not for recreational use. Natural leather breathes soooo much better, and don't turn your feet into a slab of sourdough in short order. On a motorcycle, 1)don't people try to pick reasonable weather windows for riding, and 2)as soon as you are through the shower, there is sooo much airflow on the boots, that any wetness dries out reasonably quickly. Or is this just a hopelessly SoCal perspective? (I doubt it, as Aerostich is located in the coldest, most rainsoaked spot on the planet, and they still sell their boots sans plastic liners....)

  • Holly R. Thanthou Holly R. Thanthou on Apr 12, 2021

    My Alpinestar Drystars are perfect for me. Love mine. 10/10 would buy again.

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