Best Motorcycle Boots for Cruisers

I’ve had a pair of the male version of these forever, like 30 years, and they’re still completely wearable as well as fashionable. Frye made boots for both sides during the Civil War, and they’re still around so what does that tell you? Made in the USA, these all-leather classics weld a 7-inch shaft atop a 1.5-inch stacked leather heel, with rubber outsoles and Goodyear welt construction. They’re not motorcycle boots, per se, but they are “moto-inpsired,” and their heavy-duty construction provides reasonable protection. These are available in several finishes besides Black, including Charcoal Old Town.

These waterproof grain-leather Italian jobs get great reviews for style, comfort and protection – and they’re also resoleable. Zippers along the instep make them easy to get in and out of and snug-fitting. An Ortholite footbed is said to provide long-term cushioning and high breathability. Toes and heels are reinforced, as are double-layered shift pads. TCX was acquired by Dainese in 2020 – who are kind of the Ducati of motowear – so you know you’re putting quality footwear on your feet.

If Harley doesn’t make more money selling gear and clothing than it does on its motorcycles, it’s got to be close. And when it comes to boots for both sexes, the Motor Company offers a cornucopia of choices. These Distortions are as cool as any. Full grain leather uppers with 6-inch shafts (that’s plenty) have a mesh lining and 1.5-inch heels. The skulls and buckles offer psychic as well as some physical protection. YKK locking metal zippers in the insteps make for easy in- and egress. Oil-resistant outsoles and Goodyear welt construction mean these are in it for the duration.

Sidi’s known for its excellent high-tech racing boots (both road and offroad). These aren’t them. These are a “Sidi Design Series” boot, intended for more casual riding and off-bike profiling. The uppers are a combination of leather, suede and cordura panels, that, along with the breathable air mesh lining, let your feet breathe reasonably free in hot weather. The laces are really only for show (always tuck them in so they can’t snag on your foot controls): After you’ve adjusted the laces once, the zippers make these super-easy to get in and out of. And once on your feet, they’re super comfortable. Internal padding to the top of the shaft makes socks redundant if you swing that way, and these are quite light and so not bad for hiking. They do offer reinforced toe boxes and malleolus padding, but the price sort of reflects that these boots favor fashion over protection.

Another entry from Italy, your Tamba would look right at home on a cruiser, but it’s inspired by the boots worn by Paris-Dakar racers back in the day when cool dudes actually rode from P to D. As such, this is another CE-certified boot, containing rigid ankle inserts to protect that important joint, along with a thermoformed shin insert – inside a cowhide upper atop a thick rubber soul. Sole. Accordion panels and a mesh liner are said to make these cool and great for walking, as comfortable off your bike as on it.

Not to be left behind, Indian has its own expanding line of excellent footwear for people who prefer its American V-twin products. This 13-inch Tall Engineer features an internal YKK zipper for easy pulling-on and off of this premium cowhide leather boot, complete with suede back panel and original Indian Motorcycle buckles. Wooden soles might not give the best traction, but they do give massive style points and make you taller.

For me, the jury is out on white soles; luckily these also come in black with black oil-resistant grippy soles. Inside the hand-finished leather uppers, you’ll find protection in the form of reinforced toe boxes and heel counters, as well as dual-density TPU ankle disk protectors. Also inside, your dogs will appreciate the plush 3D breathable mesh liners and removable microfiber footbeds with anatomically shaped arches, and Lycra top layers in the heels for excellent comfort and coolosity. A’Stars says the toes are “uniquely patterned to work excellently with the gear shifter,” and the subtle heels are just right for “registering the foot pegs.”

Another bike-kicking Italian faux lace-up job, with zippered insteps for easy in- and egress. Full-grain thick water-repellant cow leather uppers with supple full-grain calf leather linings combine tough military fashionism with Italian comfort. Red stitching and accents, including the rear flex panels, provide flexibility with flair. The Vulcanized rubber lug sole provides traction, and composite reinforcements in toes and heel add protection.