Subtle safety: Best scooter boots as chosen by

Updated: 23 September 2024

For scooter riders, bikers who are hopping across town or those wanting more fashionable, comfortable biking footwear to go with a pair of motorcycle jeans, ankle boots are a great option.

One of the most vulnerable areas of your body when riding is your feet and ankles – which is why protective motorcycle boots should always be high on your list of biking ‘must buys’.

But it’s also true that conventional, shin-length, heavily-armoured biking boots can be awkward, uncomfortable and hardly casual-looking when off the bike or walking around.

The options here are casual-looking and stylish but still made specifically for motorcyclists and feature much of the armour and weather protection of full-on bike boots.

Being lace-up and often textile-based means these scooter boots often aren’t as weatherproof or protective as conventional full-length bike boots but offer reasonable protection, can be waterproof and there are many styles available for all budgets from around £50 to over £150.

But what’s out there? What features do they have and how much do these cost? To help you decide here’s our pick of some of our favourites.

Richa Krazy Horse

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Here's a quality, trendy scooter boot that offers many of the features of pricier rivals, leather upper construction, classic styling and is claimed to be waterproof, but all at a cheaper, sub-£90 price.

There’s also a reinforced ankle cup for extra protection and is available in either black or brown, each with the traditional ‘hi-top’ style white rubber sole. On the slight downside, there’s no side zipper so they’re a little bit fiddly than some to lace on and off.

Pros

Tempting price
Classic style
Waterproof leather construction

Cons

No side zipper

Alpinestars J-6

Price: 139.98 (was £179.99)

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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Italian brand Alpinestars are one of the most respected, not just for protection and technology but also for style, but you often pay a premium price for the privilege. These J-6 boots are best-sellers, highly rated and among its best scooter boots as you'd expect for the fairly hefty £150+ price.

On the plus side, they pretty much have it all: stylish, a lightweight, combined full-grain leather and suede upper, a waterproof membrane to keep you dry, a padded tongue and heel area for maximum comfort and are also have a Cat 2 CE safety rating.

Pros

Great brand and style
Waterproof and CE safety rating
Light and comfortable

Cons

One of the more expensive offerings on our list

RST Urban Ladies

Price: 112.99

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Yes, you can get scooter boots in ladies sizes and fitments, too. These ones are by well-respected British brand RST and have a brilliant blend of features, protection and value.

They’re made in full-grain cowhide, are CE-certified to EN13634 standard, have memory foam reinforced ankle support and a triple-density comfort arch support and feature a snazzy ‘RST’ logo down the sides. They’re not claimed to be waterproof but they’re highly rated, very comfortable and decently priced, as well.

Pros

Ladies sizes
Decent value
Leather upper

Cons

Not waterproof

FLM City

Price: 48.74 (was £64.99)

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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Proof that not all casual-style, scooter boots have to cost the wrong side of £100. These German-designed city boots from FLM are also highly rated yet cost well under £70. Nor are they scrimping on features and style.

They’re in the classic baseball-boot style yet feature a cowhide leather upper, have a Polyamide breathable lining, a lace retention system and soft ankle protection. Sure, they’re not claimed to be waterproof or feature as high-tech protection as some but they’re an awful lot of boot for the money.

Pros

Great price
Classic styling
Reviews claim very comfortable

Cons

Not as much kudos or protection as pricier boots

Sidi Insider

Price: 60.93 (was £114.28)

www.fc-moto.de

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Italian brand Sidi specialise in motorcycle footwear and although not quite as revered as Alpinestars and Dainese, they run them close. What's more, its top-selling scooter boot, the Insider, is great looking with a two-tone design, beautifully made with a weathered, 'vintage' finish.

It features a faux-suede outer, comes in four different colourways, has a reinforced toe and heel, a synthetic liner and a moulded, replaceable insole. On the slight downside, there’s no side zipper and they’re not waterproof – but at this price you can’t have everything!

Pros

Great style
Highly rated
More affordable than some rivals

Cons

Not waterproof

Dainese Metropolis

Price: 151.37 (was £189.95)

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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Dainese are the great Italian rivals to Alpinestars and their best-selling scooter boot, the Metropolis, boasts a similar spec, style and price. These have a combined cowhide suede and canvas upper and feature Dainese's own 'D-WP' internal waterproof membrane.

There’s also a side zipper (along with the laces) for quick fitment, rigid ankle protection, a leather gearshifter guard plus reflective details for safety at night. Again, they’re not cheap but, like the Alpinestars versions, are right up there with the very best.

Pros

Classic Italian style
Waterproof with safety features
Two opening systems

Cons

Again, among the pricier options

Spada Strider CE

Price: 59.58 (was £69.99)

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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Another quality midrange offering, this time from Italian brand Spada. This Alpinestars and Dainese rival may not quite match their style and brand value but the Strider boot boasts most of their features at a far more affordable price.

There’s a leather and nubuck upper, a waterproof ‘Hipora’ membrane liner, they’re CE certified for safety and there’s a reinforced toe and heel along with a density foam insert on the ankle.

Pros

Italian style and features
Waterproof
Affordable price

Cons

Styling not to everyone's taste

Held Aaron

Price: 68.55 (was £129.52)

www.fc-moto.de

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German brand Held are highly regarded for their quality motorcycling products without being as expensive as some of the premium Italian brands. These boots lack waterproofing but boast some excellent features and are constructed from a sturdy cowhide upper construction.

They also boast a detachable ankle protector, a soft polyester lining, a reinforced heel for extra grip and, like some others, a useful side zip as well as its laces for quick and easy fitment. At just over £100 they’re decent, mid-range value, too.

Pros

Respected brand
Quality features
Mid-range price

Cons

Not waterproof

About the author: After qualifying as a mechanical engineer, Jim Blackstock began working on magazines in the early 1990s. He remains passionate about product testing to ensure readers know what products offer good value and why. He relishes torrential rain to see if riding kit keeps water out and an hour or two to tinker on a project bike in his workshop.

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By Jim Blackstock

Product Tester for MCN and sister publication RiDE Magazine - Jim began riding motorcycles in the late 1980s while working in an automotive repair garage after earning a Mechanical Engineering degree. Initially, he used bikes for practical purposes but later shifted to cars, starting a publishing career in the early 1990s focused on car modifications and product testing. After a stint in PR and Marketing for major motorsport teams and events, Jim returned to publishing and joined RiDE Magazine in 2017 as a Production Editor. His expertise in product testing soon led him to oversee the magazine’s product content. Rediscovering his love for motorcycles, Jim earned his license through the Direct Access process and now enjoys riding his KTM 790 Adventure across various terrains.