Top 10 summer boots in association with GetGeared
Looking for some inspiration for your next pair of summer boots? Step this way.
IDEALLY, a pair of summer boots won’t have to contend with keeping your feet dry and warm, as well as protected. But that doesn’t mean they won’t be in for a hard time thanks to track days, back road scratching and loads of epic rides, which is why there’s a lot to consider when looking for a pair of boots to use when the big orange ball is high in the sky.
Protective features should be top of the list, and any decent summer boot will have some kind of protection at the heel and toes, in the form of internal reinforcements and/or external sliders or pieces of armour. Boots will often have armour that protects shins and backs of the legs too and if you spend a bit more money, you’re also likely to get an additional strucutre or brace-style system that offers additional support and protection to the ankle in the event of an accident.
Boots obviously need to be comfortable, both in terms of fit and temperature. That means a safe and secure fitting mechanism - which at its most basic will be a zip and velcro closure and on more advanced boots could encompass an internal boot, or a system of wires to secure the boot on the foot. Decent venting should allow air to get in a circulate to keep you feet cool when riding.
And even though we’re talking about summer boots here, we're talking about summer in the UK, so have included some with Gore-Tex to keep you dry in case the skies open when you’re far from home.
10. Spada Curve Evo – £119.99
The Spada Curve Evos look net and do the job without breaking the banks. The TPU moulding on the shin and heel and the TPU density insert on the ankle provide impact protection and the Hipora membrane makes them water resistant, which is always a bonus in UK, even during the height of summer. A multi-density sole and accordion panels provide comfort and ease of movement. The Curve Evo's also come in a variety of colour-ways too.
9. Held Epco Tex - £189.99
We know Held aren't renowned for their motorcycle boots, but they should be...they haven't put a foot wrong, geddit? These race boots from Held have an Outdry membrane, which means they’re waterproof, windproof and breathable so should be capable of seeing through any kind of weather scenario. Protection-wise, the Epcos have dual ankle and shin protection with hard plastic reinforcement in the boots to take the brunt of any impacts.
8. Forma Hornet - £189.99
Protection is the aim of the game with these Forma boots. For maximum safety they feature a rear ‘Flex Control System’ which allows the ankle to bend naturally, while limiting the the amount that it’s allowed to bend backwards. The injected plastic protection visible on the outside of the boot is to stop feet from making direct contact with the ground in the event of a slide. The heel and sole is made from triple density rubber for impact absorption. Inside, there’s memory foam, an anti-bacterial foot bed and ventilation to help keep these cool, comfy and stink-free.
7. RST Tractech Evo - £119.99
The Tractech Evo boots are built for sportsbike riders and have all the protection you'd expect; in fact the Tractech Evo is fully CE certified to EN13634 thanks in part to the molded TPU shin plus ankle and heel protection. To ensure excellent grip on the foot pegs, the Tractech Evos feature an anti-slip multi-density sole, and they’re also vented to keep cool during track days, racing or summer road rides.
6. Alpinestars SMX 5 - £134.99
When the Alpinestars S-MX 5s were launched, they became a benchmark boot for road riders. It’s not difficult to see why because they offer track boot protection for every day road use. The ingredients for these motorcycle boots are taken from the legendary S-MX Plus race boots, but put into a shape that can be used every day and include a thicker sole for walking on, with a wider fit for comfort. The protective features have also been enhanced with a small rear fin and exaggerated heel shell to protect from Achilles damage. The external and internal PU protection is CE certified and comfort is delivered by the breathable and vented inner linings plus the venting system.
5. Sidi Roarr - £199.99 – £229.99
With just over 40 years of experience, Sidi specializes in motorcycle boots for on and off the road, and this experience shows in the Roarrs, which are the most expensive boots in this list so far. These sturdy but subtle boots are equipped with armour and comfort to keep you protected and comfortable on the road while looking like you're ready to line up on a grid. The upper is made of Technomicro fibre and lined with air Teflon mesh for superior impact protection and abrasion resistance. A fixed shin plate works together with a replaceable slider to navigate damaging kinetic energy around the boot. The anti-twist ankle supports your ankles and the heel cup improves the impact absorption. The boot also comes with removable arch support for those who want it and the venting system is designed to keep feet cool.
4. TCX S-Speed Gore-Tex - £199.99
These TCX boots are top-of-the-range in every way: from protection to function, they'll see you through a season of tough racing with no troubles. The Gore-Tex lining means that they’re 100% waterproof and breathable, and ventilation is further aided by the mesh venting. The exterior leather-effect material offers abrasion resistance, while replaceable toe sliders mean that you can easily refresh S-Speeds after a long day on track. There's also shin plates, a heel guard and integrated shift pad to offer reinforcements in the areas you need them.
3. Merlin Aragon - £99.99
At just under £100, the waterproof Aragons don’t leave a huge dent in your bank balance. In terms of protection, they offer plenty compared to similar products at this price level. A TPU shin protector is supported by protection at the toe, ankle and heel good all-round coverage in the event of a slide. The outer is leather too, which offers abrasion resistance, while the anti-slip, oil resistant sole should ensure good grip and longevity. The Merlin Aragons might be an entry-level boots, but they look understated and elegent and are well suited to everyday use and touring, so they’re really practical for when you need a boot that you can rely on every day.
2. Dainese Nexus - £189.99
The Nexus boots from Dainese are second on our list, so what makes them awesome? Well, if you're used to wearing mid-range sports boots, have all the features you'd expect, but there's one thing that makes them stand out - the zip and Velcro of these boots is on the back. That means no catching on your bike, and it makes these easier to wear under jeans and too. Protection comes from the nylon reinforcement at the heel, toe, shin and ankle and the Nexus boots are CE approved.
1. Alpinestars SMX 6 Gore-Tex - £218.49
Every part of the Alpinestars S-MX 6 boots has been carefully constructed, so it's no surprise they have come in first place. From a bio-mechanical outer bracing system to a sole that disperses water, the S-MX 6 boots are everything you would expect from Alpinestars. Other features like large accordion flex panels on the front and the back of the boots make these extremely comfortable to ride in. The Gore-Tex membrane means these boots are 100% waterproof and breathable, so are perfect for when the weather catches you out.
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