I was a rigorous motorcyclist at a time in my life but had to give it up for construction work. However, I just recently started riding a bike again, and I didn’t want to buy motorcycle boots.
What did I do?
Instead of relying on motorcycle boots, I started using my work boots, which exceeded my expectations.
So can you wear work boots on a motorcycle?
Even though work boots aren’t meant for riding motorcycles, you can actually wear a pair of good-quality work boots for riding. Work boots can get the job done because the main point of both work boots and motorcycle boots is the same: protecting your feet! So the minor differences between them don’t usually cause any safety hazards.
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Work Boots vs Riding Shoes for Motorcycle Commuting
Why Is It Okay to Wear Work Boots on a Motorcycle?
To understand why you won’t face any problems wearing your work boots on a motorcycle, apprehend what it is that a pair of work boots do.
What are work boots for?
Work boots are not meant for just about any kind of workplace. So working in jobs where it’s more likely to injure your feet or slip and fall requires work boots.
For example, jobs like construction work, manufacturing work, electrical work, and other jobs that can expose you to tough environments and even slippery floors require work boots.
A good-quality pair of work boots will be puncture-resistant and will give you complete metatarsal protection against harsh environments.
Does that help motorcyclists?
I’ll let you decide for yourself! Take a look at the features necessary in footwear for a motorcycle ride that could go awry at any given time:
- Protection: The first and foremost job of footwear intended for riding should be to protect your feet and ankles from potential injuries. What do you think work boots are used for? The same exact thing!
- Shock Cushion: Your footwear should be able to cushion the shock that can come from accidents. What helps that? A good footbed that’s designed for this purpose! And the soles of work boots are made with thick materials to do just that.
- Vibration Absorbtion: Another thing you’d need is the kind of structure of boot heels that will absorb the vibrations of riding a bike. Even though the heels of work boots are a bit taller than motorcycle boots, they do a great job of absorbing this vibration.
- Construction Materials: The upper of the boots needs to be constructed with really thick materials that can protect your feet against adverse conditions. Guess what? That’s the one job work boots have to deliver on anyways!
- Durability: Like most kinds of footwear, you need boots that will last you a long time for riding motorcycles. So the boots must have sturdy construction. Usually, a good pair of work boots are built to last longer. But, honestly, it all depends on the quality of the boots, even in the case of motorcycle boots.
- Heat-Resistance: For motorcycling, you need boots with soles that can resist the heat that comes off of the metal parts while keeping your feet warm on cold days. Good work boots are good at keeping your feet safe from overheating and, at the same time, use breathable materials.
- Traction: You might want to place your feet on the ground for balance or to stabilize your motorcycle. This could easily cause you to lose your footing if your boots can’t provide enough traction. Work boots are known for their anti-slip outsoles meant for exceptional grip.
- Comfort: If your footwear doesn’t fit you correctly, you won’t be comfortable in them, which can cause you pain eventually. But for riding, your boots need to be able to give your feet some wiggle room while it fits perfectly. The right pair of work boots are able to do that.
Now tell me, can you or can’t you use your work boots on a motorcycle if these features that are required in motorcycle boots already exist in work boots?
Now imagine this:
You’re facing financial issues, and you work in construction. And you want to do the thing you most enjoy and start riding your motorcycle.
But you don’t have a pair of motorcycle boots. Instead, you have your work boots. So what do you do?
I know you can answer it better than I can now! Yes, you wear your work boots for riding your motorcycle!
Work Boots to Wear on a Motorcycle
Even though you can wear work boots on a motorcycle, you should know which ones to choose for this purpose.
I’ll give you hints through a few examples of work boots that can be used in this regard:
- Carhartt Men’s Ruggedflex Safety Toe Work Boot: These work boots have everything you need to work in harsh conditions as well as ride on your motorcycle.
- Ariat Rambler Western Boots: Not only do these work boots have safety toe boxes, but they also have so many other safety features that you can’t deny the fact that they are more than safe for a motorcycle.
- Timberland PRO 6IN Direct Attach Men’s Steel Toe Boots: It’s not just the functionality of specific footwear that you wear them for. You want them to look good too! And this pair of work boots will d both for you.
- WOLVERINE Hellcat UltraSpring 8” CarbonMAX Insulated Boot: These ones are great work boots that will protect your feet well while giving you the most comfort with their fully cushioned footbed.
- CATERPILLAR Second-Shift Steel-Toe Work Boot: You need good traction from your boots when riding motorcycles. And this pair delivers on that promise with its slip-resistant outsoles.
Types of Motorcycle Footwear
Final Words
So can you wear work boots on a motorcycle? Of course, you can absolutely wear work boots as long as they are of high quality.
I went for a pair of really good-quality leather work boots for riding my motorcycle, it served me well, and continues to do so.
So whatever type of boots you get for this sport, buy the good ones!