City slickers: Best urban motorcycle boots

These short boots from Alpinestars have a definite 'trainer' look to them but a motorcycle-boot level of protection. The upper is finished in camo though other colour schemes are also available and the boot is secured with laces and a Velcro-equipped flap at the ankle. The rubberised outer provides abrasion resistance and there are TPU discs over the ankles. The boots are fitted with Alpinestars' Drystar waterproof and breathable membrane to keep the feet dry and cool.

The name Momo has been around in car motorsport for decades and these boots from the Italian manufacturer represent that experience. The mesh outer layer allows the foot to remain cool in hot rides but the waterproof membrane prevents water from entering if the heavens open. They are done up by a quick-lace system with retaining clips and the extra lace length is stored in the pouch at the top of the tongue. The Z-plate shank helps prevent the ankle bending in an accident and there is reinforcement over the malleolus and the heel and toes. Seal of Approval - we've tested this product and have found it performs well. Read our in-depth review here.

With a leather upper and fitted with TCX's T-Dry waterproof membrane, these old-school urban boots offer a surprising level of hidden protection and we've reviewed them in full here. The full-grain leather upper, lined with Nubuck, is secured with laces and is fitted with a rubber sole for good grip on the bike as well as off it. The mid-sole features a reinforced shank for stability and there is D3O protection on the malleolus area hidden inside the boot's profile as well as additional reinforcement to the heel and toe areas.

Available in suede as shown here as well as leather, this boot from RST forms part of their Isle of Man TT heritage range and combines style with performance. The Suede upper is backed by a Hipora waterproof and breathable membrane to keep the weather out while a mesh lining helps to keep the foot cool on warmer rides. There's an anti-twist polycarbonate shank in the sole and the toe box is reinforced while there is internal ankle protection as well.

These ankle-height boots from Oxford are built with perforated leather to make sure the rider's feet stay cool in warm weather and come with padded tongues and padding by the ankles for protection. There's reinforcement around the heel and the mid-sole is also reinforced to prevent injuries from the foot twisting in an accident. The sole is also reinforced with a shank and rubberised for grip on and off the bike.

Available in black, grey or this classic camel brown, these ankle boots from Falco pack a serious specification. The upper is oil-treated leather and this is backed with a 'High Tex' waterproof membrane to keep the feet dry. There are reinforced heel and toe boxes as well as D3O protective panels around the ankles while the sole is also reinforced. There are laces at the front though there is also a side zip to make putting them on easy and there are also Mycro-Synth padding around the ankles.

These ankle boots from Spada are available in black or Java (brown) and also in a smaller ladies' fit and offer both style and protection. The Leather and Nubuck upper is backed with a Hipora waterproof and breathable membrane and there's a gear-change pad on top to protect against wear. The heel and toe boxes are reinforced to keep the feet safe and there are also TPU inserts to protect the ankle bones. They lace up at the front over a full storm tongue to keep the elements out.

These stylish boots from Dainese are available in a perforated and cooler 'Air' version as shown here or a waterproof alternative (for £155.95) for those who prefer dryness to cooling airflow and a ladies version in smaller sizes. The leather upper is formed from cowhide suede with gear-shift panels over the toes and there are rigid inserts on the ankles for protection. The mesh liner further helps to promote air flow on warm rides and the boots are closed with laces at the front.

Inspired by fashion but with protection built-in, these boots are designed to come up just above the ankle and provide protection to the foot. There is reinforcement in the ankle area and the heel is also strengthened while the gear-shift pad offers additional protection to the toes. The outer material upper is backed with a Gore-Tex membrane to ensure the feet stay dry but can breathe in warmer weather and there is a zip on the outside of the foot to make getting them on and off easier.