Your feet are two of your critical control methods on a normal motorbike so it’s important to keep them protected from both the weather and any untimely accidents. With the weather changing it’s high time to sort out your weather protection.
Your basic option is one that a lot of bikers will have resorted to in the past – carrier bags in your boots. This is truly a last resort with no breathability and obviously your boots themselves will get soaked and take forever to dry out. Your best option? A pair of boots with a waterproof membrane to allow for any sweat to evaporate and to stop your boots becoming saturated.
You’ve a wide range of styles of boots to choose from nowadays, from race style boots with extensive physical protection to boots that look no more remarkable than a pair of hi-top trainers, and a lot of these options have waterproof versions you can take advantage of.
First up, one of the best mid-range semi-sporty boots available that’ll suit a wide range of riders; the Alpinestars SMX-6 v2. Unusually this comes in three versions; a non-waterproof one, and two waterproofed ones utilising different tech – Goretex or Alpinestars’ own Drystar membrane. Both waterproof versions are effectively the same, however Goretex’s reputation for performance precedes it and this is why you pay a touch more than for the Drystar membrane. An ankle brace, shin protection and a full microfibre upper round off a great boot – ideal for those wanting to avoid leather in their boots.
Moving onto casual style boots and TCX is arguably one of the most diverse in this arena, especially when it comes to including waterproofing, although it’d be remiss to not mention Dainese, RST, Rev’It and Alpinestars in this segment.
For a ‘proper’ casual boot then the TCX Hero Goretex may well be the boot for you, with multiple motorcycle specific features and an all-important Goretex membrane. An ankle armour insert, gear change pad and side-zip for easy on and off make this an easy boot to live with and will offer solid protection in the event of a spill.
For something that truly looks a pair of trainers that’ll put up some resistance in a crash then the Rev’it Delta H2O could be the ideal boot for you – a denim and suede upper look great, while a toe cap, heel cup and ankle armour will provide ample protection if things go wrong. Rounding off the package is a Hydratex membrane to keep the weather at bay. Reasonably priced, this is a great pair of boots if you’re concerned about looks as well as performance.
No list of decent waterproof boots would be complete if there was no mention of the grand-daddy of touring boots – Daytona. Their Roadstar GTX is a longstanding favourite of many tourers, commuters and couriers thanks to the bombproof performance they offer. A Goretex membrane alongside a hydrophobic treatment for the leather takes care of waterproofing, while protection in the shin and ankle will keep you safe if you come off. You pay a premium for such a well-regarded boot, however if you’ll get the use of them they’re well worth the investment.
For a solid budget option then look no further than RST and their Tractech Evo 3 Waterproof. It includes all the feature you could want from a solid waterproof boot. Solid ankle support, shin protection and toe sliders take care of crash protection, while a SinAqua waterproof membrane will keep the water out. They’re not the most showy of boots but they get the job done admirably for the price.
The Bike Stop shop in Stevenage has reopened in accordance with the latest Government guidelines, and we're open for 7 days a week. Our online shop is also still alive and well and taking orders. We’re even doing a 10% off promotion – just enter the code ‘TOGETHER’ at checkout. You can check out our full range on our website with free delivery for any order over £50 on the UK mainland, and delivery possible to almost anywhere else. Not only that but our ‘No Quibble’ returns policy allows for returns within a 365 day period – see our returns page for more details.
