#Boots

Hey! Interested in opening a big can of worms? Just ask a group of riders what kind of gear they wear, and then for good measure, what kind of gear they would or should wear if they were going to “do it right.” It’s likely that the responses will have some commonalities – and some differences too. We’re here to say that this is normal because riders are individuals; they evaluate comfort and risk uniquely, and they all draw from their own unique experiences in making their judgments.

The TCX Infinity 3 GTX Boots were constructed to give adventure tourers versatile boots to handle a wide variety of conditions. While the features set includes many of the items that make for a strong touring boot, the two standout features of the Infinity 3 boots are the Gore-Tex waterproofness and the dial fastening system; these place the Infinity 3 in the premium footwear category. The grippy sole and the tall upper with its beefy shin plate impact protection, along with the elasticized gaiter over the rear of the calf to prevent rock and sand ingress, put the boot in the adventure-touring category. 

Updated 8/30/2022: Our initial negative review of the Sedici Garda Waterproof Boots in January prompted a response from the manufacturer, Comoto, and led to several in-depth conversations about the boots. After an examination of our test boots (which we returned) and several others on hand at their facilities, the designers at Comoto determined that there was an issue which allowed for too large a gap through which the adjustable strap slid.

Off-road boots are typically quite stiff to offer maximum protection in the rough and tumble world of dirt riding. Generally, they are good for riding dirt bikes and little else – especially walking. Why, then, would I decide to wear a pair of off-road boots for a 2,000 mile six day adventure tour? The simple truth is that my Sidi X-Power Boots were so comfortable while I was breaking them in that I didn’t have a second thought about it. 

Am I dating myself with my choice of footwear? So be it. My old Frye engineer boots served me well for more years than I should admit, but they’re done now. Actually I could probably have them resoled and ride in them off into the sunset, but it’s my job to review new stuff too, so how about these TCX Fuel WP boots? The Fryes aren’t really even motorcycle boots anyway, but that never stops us fashion hounds. Like I said in my 20-year old review of those puppies, you think of engineer boots on cruiser riders, but I’ve never had any problems wearing them on all kinds of motorcycles.

I am quite fond of my Dainese Torque 3 Out Air Boots, and they have been my three-season boots here in warm, dry SoCal for years. Unfortunately, the exceptional venting means they are not waterproof. When I started planning my Ducati Multistrada 4S tour in Virginia and North Carolina, I learned that, on average, there is a 30% chance of rain during the week I would be there. That’s before the current weather patterns were considered. So, I figured I better be prepared for all eventualities. What I settled on were the Dainese Axial Gore-Tex Boots. They offered the two features I was most concerned about (other than excellent protection) on this trip: venting for hot weather and waterproofing for April showers.

It’s like the feet aren’t talking to the body at Sedici: We liked their $600 Corsa one-piece race leathers, but Sedici’s Garda adventure boots were a complete fail a few weeks ago, and these Sedici Corsa vented boots we must also fling into the same reject bin.  

In motorcycles, we frequently see tremendous loyalty in consumables like brake pads and tires. Because of their long life cycle, riding gear isn’t usually thought of as a consumable (except, perhaps, from crash damage), but if you use something long enough, it will eventually wear out. Boots and gloves suffer the stresses of everyday use more than other riding gear and, consequently, fall into this category. 

Updated March 2021 

Sure you know Harley-Davidson is the goliath among motorcycle manufacturers. And in the back of your mind you knew The Motor Company has a huge apparel line. But have you ever stopped to think about how big the apparel line actually is? Probably not. It’s so big, H-D has its own Amazon store dedicated to just footwear. Yep, that’s more that just Harley-Davidson boots.

In the previous century, the manufacturers didn’t want us to call their motorcycles “cruisers,” because they were afraid to be associated with the 1980 Al Pacino film “Cruising,” which was about a serial killer preying on gay men cruising for sex. Today, that plotline could be a selling point, who knows? Things change. Anyway, as you know, cruisers in the motorcycle idiom refers to laid-back American style bikes which tend to be ridden less aggressively than sportbikes, which sort of lessens the need for titanium toe sliders, calf pucks, and Crayon-box color schemes. In other words, these are the kind of boots plenty of normal motorcyclists on cruisers, touring bikes, sport-tourers and standards, don’t mind wearing every day, on the bike and off. We selected a few of the Best Cruiser Motorcycle Boots.

The first pair of off-road boots I bought when I started riding dirtbikes were some entry-level Alpinestars Tech 3s. The low price and the relative flexibility compared to others on the market made them a great choice for a newbie. I remember how little I could feel in those when I started using them and how foreign the experience felt to me entirely.

Updated March 2020:

Riding boots. You’d be silly not to wear them, right? This is even more true if you’re on a cruiser, where your feet are in front of you, the first of your body parts exposed to the elements – or debris if something is kicked up ahead of you. And when you talk about cruisers, you naturally think of Harley-Davidson. The giant behemoth of the motorcycling industry, The Motor Company’s motorcycles are well known. But did you also know H-D has a whole collection of riding gear to boot? Wait, boot? How appropriate, as here we’ve got a small sampling of 10 Harley-Davidson boots on sale now. With choices for both men and women, there should be something for everybody.

Boots are a highly specific genre of motorcycle riding gear. Depending on the style of riding you do, or the technical features you need, different boots serve entirely different purposes. As a well-established gear brand, Dainese offers a comprehensive range of motorcycle boots and shoes with a focus on sport and touring style riding.