Best Motocross Boots

Any serious motorcycle rider knows that your choice of footwear will play a significant role in your overall riding experience, and different styles of bikes and riding will require a specific type of footwear or boot to make sure you have the safest and most comfortable experience possible.

The earliest forms of protective footwear used by motorcycle riders were thick high-top leather boots that were a direct carryover from the days of riding horses. These boots were heavy and bulky, but provided ok protection on the early unpaved roads and dirt paths that riders would have been subject to over a century ago. Early motorcycles were technological marvels of their time, but those bikes produced a hundred years ago are extremely basic by today's standards. These early bikes were often little more than motorized bicycles, but as technology began to advance, motorcycles and the roads they traveled began to change and improve along with the gear used to ride them.

Motorcycles have continued to evolve over the years, and today there are numerous styles of bikes on the market to suit any riding style imaginable. There are cruisers, baggers, and choppers for riding around town and traveling the highways, sport bikes and race bikes are purpose built for the track but are often used on the road, and adventure bikes and dual sport bikes are regularly used to travel all over the globe through terrain that larger four-wheeled vehicles can’t traverse. But one of the most popular styles of motorcycle is one that many modern riders most likely had as their first motorized bike, a dirt bike.

Dirt bikes are fun, easy to maintain, are usually very affordable, and can travel almost anywhere, which makes them a popular choice for outdoor recreation. Dirt bikes are not only fun to ride, but they can also be used in competition against other riders in one of the most popular forms of motorsport, motocross.

What is Motocross?

So what exactly is motocross? Motocross can be described as an off-road motorcycle race where riders use dirt bikes to compete on a course whose surface usually contains dirt, mud, and grass, so basically a motocross is an off-road dirt bike race. Motocross is similar to enduro riding, but motocross bikes usually feature higher gearing for quicker acceleration, while enduro bikes feature a higher top speed and tires suited for off-road as well as paved surfaces and often travel longer distances in completion.

Motocross tends to be a general term that encompasses all forms of dirt bike racing such as supercross where dirt bikes are often raced on courses constructed inside a stadium, freestyle dirt bike riding, supermoto racing where multiple styles of surfaces are covered, and even off-road sidecar and pit bike racing.

Motocross is an extremely popular sport here in the United States, and while many trace the origins of the sport to motorcycle trials and hare scrambles that began in Europe over a hundred years ago, riding and racing bikes off-road and on dirt has been a popular pastime in the US for just as long.

Motocross Boots

So to compete in motocross, do you need specialized gear such as mx boots? The answer is yes! Besides a motocross helmet, boots are one of the most essential pieces of safety equipment that a rider needs. Having the proper footwear is an integral part of riding any motorcycle, but especially so when it comes to motocross and other forms of off-road racing. Off-road motorcycle racing is a thrilling experience, but the risk of injury is greater than in many other sports, so specific safety gear will need to be used to help keep a rider healthy and injury free. Motocross boots offer protection while racing and training and are designed to protect a rider's feet and lower legs from impact, abrasion, heat, and to provide stability and grip.

So what sets motocross boots apart from other styles of motorcycle boots and boots in general? Long gone are the days of racing in heavy leather boots, while these are stylish and do offer basic protection from debris and road rash, they will not cut it on a motocross course. A good pair of motocross boots need to be lightweight, but still made of ultra-strong materials to protect a rider. They should feature a reinforced heel and have good grip, which allows a rider to control their foot's contact with the bike’s footpegs, and they should feature a padded insole with mesh internal features, which allows for comfort and some release from the heat.

So what really sets motocross boots apart from other styles of riding boots is that they are specifically designed for off-road use, and they really aren't that suitable for other styles of riding. When it comes to serious off-road riding, hunting-style boots or work-style boots will not offer the protection or comfort a rider needs. If you plan on doing any off-roading or trail riding, you will need a motocross boot, but if you are sticking to the pavement, motocross boots might be a bit overkill.

Types of Motocross Boots

While many motocross boots have a lot of the same features, there are different styles available for specific kinds of off-road riding, and what style of riding you plan on doing will help you narrow down what style boot will be the best choice for you.

Racing motocross boots are made specifically for completion. They are built extremely strong with safety on the race track being their most important function and also tend to be lighter weight than other models due to the fact that saving even a little bit of weight can go a long way on a race track. Recreational motocross boots still have extensive safety features, but they also offer a little more comfort and padding compared to race-only versions. This makes them easier to wear over long periods of time while out riding trails and exploring.

Adventure boots are a popular style of off-road boots due to the fact that they are more "all-purpose" than some of the other styles. They are not designed specifically for the racetrack, so they are often more comfortable to wear over long distances, and while safety is their primary function, they also provide more all-weather capabilities, which makes them a popular choice for riders of adventure and dual sport bikes.

The types of terrain you will be coming into contact with will also play a role in what boots you choose. Riding on dirt offers a different set of challenges than sand, so you will want a boot that is best suited for your terrain. The style of off-road riding you are competing in should also play a role in what boot you choose. If you are focusing on enduro riding, you will want a boot with more grip and flex because your feet will be on the ground more and may need traction to push your dirt bike if you get stuck. If motocross is your goal, you will want a boot with a firmer outsole for added strength when landing big jumps, and a smooth sole to slide your foot through the corners.

What to Look for in Motocross Boots

The number one thing to keep in mind when searching for a pair of motocross boots is safety. You will want a boot that offers excellent ankle support and that will protect your feet. Protective features like a shin plate, toe cap and heat resistance are all things that will help you stay safe while having fun. You will also want a boot that is comfortable and offers great ventilation to keep you cool, and you will also want a boot that has a good sole. A motocross rider's direct connection to the ground plays a big role in bike control and safety, so your boots must be up to the task. Some boots even feature a sole replacement system which allows for even greater fine tuning to get the feel that you want and allows you to use replacement parts if yours become worn from extended use.

One major thing to look for when purchasing a pair of motocross boots is that they are high quality. There are a lot of low-quality cheap boots out there that might look good, but if they can't hold up under stress, they will put your safety at risk. There are a lot of expensive boots out there, but just because they cost the most doesn't make them the best, and many of the top manufacturers produce high-quality boots at an affordable price. Find the perfect boot for you based on your experience and intended use as well as factors like price and comfort.

Motorcycle Closeouts Best Selling Boots

There are several manufacturers making high-quality motocross boots, and here are a few popular choices that riders love.

When it comes to larger size adult boots, Thor Blitz XP, Fly Racing Maverik, and Fox Racing Boots all make motocross boots that focus on safety and comfort. It's no surprise that youth-size boots are also extremely popular due to the fact that dirt bikes are many rider's first experience on a motorcycle, and brands like Thor Youth Blitz XP, Answer Youth AR1, Alpine Stars, and Gaerne are all top choices when it comes to motocross boots for younger riders.

Shop the Best Motocross Boots with Motorcycle Closeouts

Now that you know what to look for in a motocross boot and which brands are the most popular and trusted, where is the best place to find these boots? Look no further than Motorcycle Closeouts. Here at Motorcycle Closeouts, we carry the best dirt bike gear & previous models at some of the lowest prices you will find. We have high-quality brands including Alpinestars, Fly Racing, Thor, Fox and more. We also offer free shipping on orders over $99 and always seem to be running a sale.

So if you are looking for the best dirt bike boots on the market, or any other motorcycle riding gear that you might need, head on over to Motorcycle Closeouts, order the best quality gear at the best prices, and hit the trail to enjoy many hours of safe and comfortable riding!