Walking in the air: Best winter motorcycle boots

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As we head into winter, those of us who ride year-round often turn our attention to biking kit that will provide the best warmth and weather protection, and a good quality pair of winter motorcycle boots is fundamental.

All-season textile jackets, trousers or suits are of course also important, along with winter gloves, neck warmers, thermals and perhaps even heated gear. Keeping your core warm and dry is vital, but so is looking after your extremities, especially when it comes to maintaining machine control. Your hands and feet are particularly vulnerable to cold and wet and if not protected adequately, it can make a trip miserable.

To guard against that you need either winter, or at least multi-season, boots that are not only waterproof, most likely via the use of a membrane, to keep out both rain and road spray, but also have thermal liners or insoles to keep your tootsies warm.

Related: Best aftermarket heated grips

There’s a huge choice available, covering all budgets and styles and even for men and women. But which are the best? What styles and specifications are out there and what do you get for you money? To help you decide, here’s our pick of some of our favourites.

Price: £208.84
Amazon Amazon Prime

Description

Italian brand Sidi specialises in motorcycle boots and have a quality reputation. The Gavia are winter sports/touring motorcycle boots that have a Gore-Tex waterproof but breathable membrane lining, rubber sole and rubber-treated outer for maximum protection from the rain.

There’s also a microfibre synthetic thermal lining. Closure is by zip and Velcro flap, they come in black only and are available in sizes EU40-50.

Pros

  • Quality winter-specific design
  • Respected brand
  • Impressive features

Cons

  • Not the cheapest

Description

The Zenith waterproof touring boots are part of Richa's budget range and are claimed to be 100% waterproof with an inner waterproof membrane and feature a strong, durable and long-lasting mixed textile and leather construction.

They have an easy-to-access inner zip and Velcro fastening, rugged, grippy rubber soles, stretch panels for extra comfort and also reflective rear panels for added night-time visibility.

Pros

  • Trusted brand
  • Waterproof membrane
  • Reasonable value

Cons

  • Not the most stylish

Description

These Scout boots from another familiar, long-established motorcycling clothing brand, Akito, give another, more stylish option in winter boots in a short urban design for added comfort both on and off-bike.

Even so, there are still waterproof leather uppers, fully waterproof and breathable lining, reinforced ankles for extra protection, a moulded gearchange panel, a calf-expansion joint, twin zipper opening and a non-slip, petrol, oil and water-resistant sole.

Pros

  • Waterproof features
  • Stylish urban design
  • Good value

Cons

  • Less protective than longer designs
Price: 229.99 (was £299.99)

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

Description

Big, hefty, motocross-inspired adventure boots can make decent all-year boots due to their rugged, chunky designs. This Corozal design from premium Italian brand Alpinestars also benefits from its Drystar waterproof membrane system, not to mention PU-coated leather, microfibre and suede upper, breathable textile lining for maximum comfort and warmth and chunky rubber sole.

Although bulky and a little clunky, there are extensive flex zones and adjustability for impressive comfort and, when it comes to protection, not much comes close.

Pros

  • Rugged, protective adventure design
  • Waterproof features
  • Impressively warm and comfortable

Cons

  • Not cheap
Price: £197.99
Amazon

Description

These boots are not only from quality, respected Italian motorcycle clothing brand Dainese, they're also purpose-designed for women and are waterproof and intended for year-round use.

Their exclusive D-WP membrane delivers a snug, 100% waterproof fit on even the rainiest days, there’s front and rear joints to ensure maximum flexibility and comfort, a waterproof microfibre outer, a zip closure plus ankle protectors and shin reinforcement to ensure maximum protection.

Pros

  • Women-specific design
  • Quality brand
  • Year-round use

Cons

  • Slightly pricey
Price: 79.99 (was £119.99)

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

Description

Another boot from a long-established, well-respected motorcycle clothing brand that's designed to be 100% waterproof and used year-round. The Druids have a PU-coated leather waterproof upper, a storm flap for added weather protection, TPU moulded shin protection and a micro-ratchet adjustment system for an optimum snug fit.

They also have a reinforced toe and heel along with a toe slider and a zip and Velcro flap to help keep out the elements. There are even reflective panels for maximum visibility at night.

Pros

  • Water-resistant features
  • Year-round design
  • Decent price

Cons

  • Not as warm as some
Price: £239.95
Amazon

Description

Another top-flight year-round, waterproof boot from Italian specialists Dainese. The TRQ-Tours are certified to CE EN13634 safety standard and are waterproof with a breathable Gore-Tex membrane and made from Dainese's D-Stone fabric.

They also have a thermal microfibre lining, numerous TPU protective panels, a grippy rubber sole, calf adjustment via a hook and loop closure, gear shifter guard and also Dainese’s D-Axial joint system for extra flexibility. And on top of all that, they look great, too!

Pros

  • Stylish design
  • Waterproof and protective
  • Proven brand

Cons

  • Premium quality – but premium price!
Price: 119.99 (was £159.99)

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

Description

These best-selling boots are from TCX and are a full-grain leather waterproof touring boot with a Gore-Tex breathable and waterproof membrane. They also have an anatomical and replaceable footbed, a touring sole with superior grip, CE-certified protection, front and rear padded areas for extra comfort, an ankle protection system and shin plates with embossed logos. They're even decent value.

Pros

  • Good all-round value
  • Lots of features
  • Gore-Tex protection

Cons

  • Not the most stylish
Price: 316.07 (was £434.99)

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

Description

A real top-of-the-range winter boot, with the top-of-the-range price to match. German brand Daytona has long been at the top of motorcycle boot production and the Road Star is its flagship road touring boot.

This version features a Gore-Tex membrane so is waterproof and they are made from fully hydrophobic cow hide. They also feature anatomically formed climatic insoles, twin zip fasteners and their quality and reputation is second to none.

Pros

  • Prestigious brand
  • Fabulous features
  • Top quality construction

Cons

  • Quite pricey

- Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.