Unlike helmets, North America has no official safety standards for motorcycle boots. Europe uses CE/EN13634 certification, which guarantees tested levels of abrasion, crush, and impact protection. CE-rated boots are ideal, but even without certification, focus on these key features:
Abrasion Resistance: Full- or top-grain leather preferred; avoid split leather. Look for durable construction (double/triple stitching, stitched soles).
Armour Plating: Reinforced toe, heel, and ankle support. Shin protection is a plus. (Myth busted: steel-toe boots do not increase risk of toe injury.)
Rigidity & Controlled Flex: Prevents overextension, twisting, or crushing of the ankle and lower leg in a crash.
Grip & Anti-Tangling: Slip-resistant soles and no loose laces (hidden or strapped-down only).
Heat Resistance: Tall boots with heat-resistant materials protect against both engine heat and friction burns.
Fit: Boots must stay secure; if they can be pulled off, they won’t protect you.
👉 If you don’t own proper boots, buy some before an expedition or rent some from us at Training Camp. You can also check our Slack #used-gear channel for deals or Facebook marketplace if you’re not wanting to buy new.