Best Adventure Motorcycle Boots For Those Looking to Go Further
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. Alpinestars Toucan Gore-Tex
The Alpinestars Toucan Gore-Tex are one of the longest running feather's in Alpinestars' ADV cap, offering solid protection in this rugged adventure touring option. They are fully CE certified and constructed from a mix of leather and suede with a 100% waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. Protection is provided by a steel shank in the sole for arch support, TPU reinforcements in the heel counter and toe box, a molded external heel protector, reinforced toe outer panels, and a contoured shin guard with a vertical blade system. The boots feature lateral ankle protection linking the upper and lower parts of the boot, and a medial suede calf panel for grip and heat shielding.
Comfort is addressed with accordion flex zones at the instep and Achilles, a wide entry aperture, and adjustable calf fit using a hard polymer and Velcro closure. A buckling system with slim, replaceable aluminum clasps uses memory adjustment and quick-release locking. The footbed is removable EVA foam, the lining includes breathable mesh, and the sole uses a specialized rubber compound for grip. These are a great option for those looking to lean a little heavier into protection, without sacrificing touring comfort.
3. KLIM Adventure Gore-Tex
The KLIM Adventure Gore-Tex boots aim to offer adventure riders a blend of protection, weatherproofing, and walkability in challenging terrain and long-distance rides. The boots are CE certified to EN 13634:2017 standards for motorcycle footwear. Their outer construction includes a Gore-Tex membrane to keep water out while maintaining breathability, and a Michelin rubber outsole for grip and durability. The outsole is one of several interesting features as it has a grippy "hiking boot" pattern, which helps when scrambling up loose or soft surfaces. Those that act as the "trail nanny" and assist their fellow riders up climbs or through tricky spots would do well to utilizes these assisting riders pick up bikes or get up climbs. Internal support features include a polycarbonate lasting board for structural integrity, reinforced shin plate, reinforced toe and ankle protection, and 5 mm XRD impact-foam pucks at the ankle plus padding over the mid-foot. They're some of the sturdier boots on the list.
Fit and closure are handled through a BOA dial system for precise tightening, Velcro calf closure, plastic ankle cam buckle with deflector, and open lace guides to reduce debris interference. Flex zones at the Achilles and calf improve mobility. The lining is moisture-wicking and breathable, with antimicrobial and gel-stable insoles included for comfort. A half-size insert is supplied to fine-tune fitting. Those that want protection and touring comfort could benefit from the KLIM Adventure Gore-Tex boots.
4. 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.
5. Protection Pick: Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro
There are times when your standard ADV boot isn't enough: enter, the Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro! A boot originally designed for dual-sport and enduro riding, but perfect for riding heavier ADV bikes off-road. The Tech 7 Enduro is a wise choice as its built tough, earning an EN 13634:2017 CE Certification, assuring compliance for motorcycle footwear impact, abrasion and rigidity protection. They're stout and have the most lateral protection of any boot featured in this lineup. The upper is built of PU-reinforced microfiber, blending flexibility, abrasion resistance, and reduced weight, with accordion flex zones across the instep and Achilles for comfort during high bend or while crouching over rocks. A biomechanical ankle linkage connects middle and lower sections of the boot to help manage torsional forces that are common in adventure crashes. The sole is a dual-compound Enduro-spec design, rigid enough for control and shifting yet textured for grip off-bike and on pegs. However, these are stiffer than most ADV boots and suitable for hardcore ADV rides. Drystar (waterproof) options are available, too.
The toe box has a hard-coated protector, and there are replaceable buckles including aluminum frame, a steel shank in the foot shell, a TPU shin plate with dual-closure, and medial side protection with a honeycomb insert for grip and heat guard. Fit includes a wide entry aperture to accomodate knee braces that extend into the shin region. We've included the Tech 7 Enduro boots as our protection option because let's face it, if you're serious about riding ADV bikes off-road, then you should reach for something that will be able to withstand dealing with heavier ADV machines.
6. 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
September 22, 2025: We updated this article with recent market offerings. The Alpinestars Toucan Gore-Tex, Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro, and KLIM Adventure Gore-Tex were added.
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’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.
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Super happy with my Forma's!
Forma Terra for cross-country touring. All day riding and walking comfort. Waterproof and current pair has 30k miles across Harley touring, ST1300 and DL1000 platforms. Tested once and still going strong. Ankle protection, toe protection and ease of don and doff beat my former steel-toed combat riding boots.