There’s not much better than riding your bike under a blue sky and the warm sun. The only thing is, the summer heat brings its challenges. This applies whether you’re riding on the open road or on a city street. If you can stay cool while you ride, it makes the experience much more enjoyable.
Sure you may have your mesh jacket and your helmet. However, adding the right footwear will up your game. A good pair of vented motorcycle boots or summer socks is an absolute must. With so many styles and fits to choose from, finding the right pair can be tricky. It’s worth finding out the best boot for you, so you can ride happily all summer long. If you’ve ever wondered which boot to buy, here’s 13 of the best summer motorcycle boots.
1. Bates Adrenaline Performance
The Bates Adrenaline Performance boots both look good and perform well. Made of cowhide and nylon, it can easily move from the bike to an office or casual outing. This is due to the classic design with a low profile that doesn’t shout “I’ve been out on the hog all day”. The material and profile also mean it’s really easy to clean. There’s strong lower leg security on the boot to give you peace of mind. Good ankle protection is one of the best features on the Bates. It won’t let you down.
2. Sidi Gas Motorcycle Riding Shoe
One of a few Sidi entrants on this list, the Sidi Gas Motorcycle features a low cut design. The upper section is ventilated to keep the breeze flowing in summer temperatures. It’s part of the Sidi Design Series that’s produced by outside suppliers from Sidi’s design. Sidi knows you want to get riding right away. That’s why there’s a rear pull strap to get the boot on quickly. Inside, there’s a light inner sole so your feat don’t get too heated. To increase or decrease support, there’s a removable arch support pad.
It’s sturdy too, with double stitching in the higher stress parts of the boot. For night riders, the rear has reflective panels.
3. TCX S-Speed Gore-Tex
The TCX S-Speed Gore-Tex are vented motorcycle boots that will last all season. They’re the perfect combo of waterproofing and ventilation. It could be said they are the ultimate breathable motorcycle boots. The Gore-Tex takes care of the water resistance and allows air to flow. The boots also have mesh for further ventilation. On the exterior, there’s a leather-effect skin. Other cool features include a heel guard and shin plates. Replaceable toe sliders are also included if you need to change them out.
4. TCX Street Ace Waterproof Shoes
TCX takes their unassuming Street Ace shoes and ups the ante. The entire shoe is covered in a waterproof coating. Whether you need protection from summer showers or large city puddles, you’re covered. This is one summer motorcycle boot that’s cool exterior hides the motherload of features inside. The Street Ace could pass for a regular high top sneaker. That’s actually part of the draw for some riders.
The smooth and refined exterior is crafted from calfskin. It integrates a number of features for motorcycle riders in its design. There are sole foot area counters. Both ankles are protected by embeds. The elastic sole is flexible but sturdy. Toe and heel fortifications mean that this is a hard wearing shoe.
5. Alpinestars Oscar Monty
For the more fashion-forward rider, it’s worth taking a look at the Oscar range from Alpinestars. The company describes the range as a merging of innovation and Italian craftsmanship. So you get both modern tech and classic style. This particular style is a throwback to the 1960s and 1970s. Or as the company calls it, the days of the Suzuki RM 370 and the Metisse Desert Racer. The Monty is ankle high and available in either black or brown. The rubber compound soles also come in a choice of black or white. On the ankle, there’s the signature Oscar logo to broadcast your good taste to the world. Its major selling point as a pair of summer motorcycle riding boots is the highly ventilated design. The boots are extremely lightweight, making them even cooler (literally). There’s also an ergonomically designed protector, great for everyday riding.
6. Sidi Roarr
Another Sidi entrant on the list, the Sidi Roarrs are pricey but worth it. In addition to its array of tough features, there’s a venting system to keep feet cool. Though the boots come with armor to protect you, they don’t sacrifice comfort at all. At the same time, the look of the boot is one that wouldn’t seem out of place on an Indy 500 racer. The exterior is a fiber called Technomicro, a thin microfiber. Sidi then lines this with air Teflon mesh. A one-two punch of both abrasion resistance and protection from impact. A heel cup further ups the impact absorption. There’s a fixed shin plate to protect as well, and the slider is replaceable. The boot also protects your ankle with an anti-twist feature.
7. Merlin Aragon
The Merlin Aragon is an affordable waterproof option that doesn’t compromise on protection. You get it all here. A shin protector, and toe, heel, and ankle protection as well. Its upper is made of leather which is resistant to abrasion. The sole is tough, oil-resistant and anti-slip with a good grip. Though they aren’t expensive, the Aragons look elegant enough to wear every day. They also hold up well for touring.
8. Sidi Mag
Sidi’s Mag-1 Airs are made in the company’s Italian factory. So you’re getting top quality materials and craftsmanship. What’s more, many of the exterior bits are replaceable. If you need to fix them up, you can just order them and repair the boots yourself. The space-age Techno 3 magnetic closure is great if you’re tired of velcro or zips. What sets this boot apart the most, though, is the amount of adjustability. You can customize the fit to your exact requirements.
9. Alpinestars SMX-1R Vented Motorcycle Boots
In some ways, the SMX-1R vented boot sets the standard for short summer boots. It’s sporty, sleek, and has a low profile. It looks like it could be designer, but isn’t just a pretty face. It’s got replaceable toe sliders, armor protection, and zip-up and buckle protection. The upper is made of microfiber that is both comfortable and breathable. Not convinced yet? Well here’s a fun fact. The impact protection is to such a high standard that the boot is CE-certified.
10. Joe Rocket Atomic Boot 2014
When the Joe Rocket Atomic Boot first arrived on the scene it was a game changer. Fast forward to now and it’s still one of the most popular choices for lightweight sports boots. It’s great value for its price point. That alone would earn it a place on this list of the best summer motorcycle boots. However, this boot has style and substance. What makes it stand out is its sleek, cool-looking profile. There’s a reinforced shifter zone, zip and buckle closure. Finally, it’s got replaceable toe sliders for your convenience.
11. Alpinestars SMX 6 Gore-Tex
Alpinestars, like TCX, do a sick Gore-Tex boot. The attention to detail is what sets the SMX 6 Gore-Tex apart. The boot also boasts water-repellent soles, as well as accordion flex panels. These are in the back and front, so they are supremely comfortable for riders. There’s also a biomechanical outer bracing system. Like the TCX boot, the Gore-Tex will keep you dry and still remain breathable while doing so. No matter the weather, this boot will ensure you can keep riding.
12. Tour Master Epic Air Waterproof Touring Boot
Looking for a sleek touring boot with full-length waterproof gaiters? Then the Tour Master Epic Air is for you. The microfiber PU upper is abrasion resistant. It beats the heat with breathable mesh fabric as well as front and rear polyester stretch panels. On the sole, you’ve got oil and petrol resistance vulcanized rubber. The boots are easy to put on and off with hook and loop closures and YKK zippers on the side.
13. Speed and Strength Run With The Bulls Moto Shoes
The fit is one of the main reasons that these street bike shoes are popular. The main safety features they have are molded ankle protectors and toe boxes. Both are reinforced. For even more protection, there are also external protectors. The overall look is of a sneaker, but the upper is made of both leather and textile. While the shoe comes with laces, they are barely noticeable due to the Under Cover lacing system.
Find The Right Summer Motorcycle Boots For You
Hopefully, this list will have inspired you to choose the right summer motorcycle boots for your needs. No matter what boot you choose, look for protective features. If you spend a bit more, you’ll get armor and shin guards. However, they will increase the heat on your feet. If you’re looking for the perfect everyday shoes, we can help. Leave a comment below if you have any other boot recommendations for warm weather.
