Motocross riders need a lot of gear before they hit the track.
Riding on dirt and gravel is dangerous enough, let alone some of the heights that can be achieved on some of the jumps.
Naturally, to protect yourself, you need a helmet like you would any cycling activity.
You also need gloves, goggles, a breastplate, and lumbar protection.
But what about footwear?
Most extreme sports involving bikes require specific shoes, so what about motocross?
Is it necessary to own a pair of motocross boots?
If you are going motocross riding, it’s recommended that you invest in a pair of motocross boots. They serve a purpose while riding and can protect you from serious injuries. While you might be tempted to wear another pair of durable shoes, motocross boots are specifically designed for the nature of the extreme sport.
Sure, it might seem trivial, but there are several reasons to own a pair of motocross boots.
They might need to appear as important as a helmet or other pieces of clothing that every motocross rider wears, but they are still necessary.
Not only are Let’s take a closer look at what makes them a must-own item if you’re going to go motocross riding.
What Makes Motocross Boots Necessary?
Motocross boots are necessary for your safety.
Their sole purpose is to protect all of the bones and muscles below your knee, which can be one of the most painful areas to get injured.
Motocross boots primarily protect your ankles.
When you’re traveling at high speeds, it’s possible to get your foot caught between the ground and the footpeg.
This can cause a nasty injury to the ankle.
The boots can also protect your calves.
These parts are incredibly close to the engine, which can reach high temperatures while riding.
The thickness and durability of the boots protect your legs from getting any burns from these parts, causing an accident while riding.
While there may not be any performance advantages to wearing motocross boots, it’s necessary for your safety to wear them.
When you’ve finished your ride, you want to be free of any cuts or burns.
That’s why they’re an essential item.
Is It Necessary To Wear Motocross Boots To Avoid Injury?
Statistics show that, on average, 35% of all broken bones that occur from motocross riding happen below the knee.
It’s been hypothesized that a significant portion of these breaks is because the rider was not wearing adequate boots.
If you’re unlucky enough to crash while riding, wearing motocross boots can protect your shins from the impact of the crash.
Most riders wearing quality motocross shoes can avoid injury from a smash and get back up to ride.
They can also protect your ankles from twisting, which is another common injury that occurs.
A lot of durable boots can have their ankle support wear away after a few rides.
But motocross boots can provide proper protection with thermoplastic TPU material.
This substance will run from your toes to your knee and protect all the bones in between.
Suffering a severe injury from motocross riding can keep you off your bike for a long time.
If you’re prone to crashing or just starting to learn how to ride, it’s worth investing in a pair of motocross boots to avoid any serious medical bills.
Is It Necessary For Motocross Boots To Be Comfortable?
On the shelf, motocross boots look like they would be too uncomfortable to wear compared to a pair of sneakers or boots.
There is a lot of stiff plastic combined with mesh that makes them look like you wouldn’t be able to walk properly in them, let alone ride a high-speed motocross bike.
However, it is necessary for your motocross boots to not only fit correctly but also feel comfortable.
It will feel uncomfortable to wear your full motocross gear, including your shoes, in the hot summer sun.
But that could be said about a lot of outfits.
Wearing a pair of comfortable motocross boots will allow you to remain focussed on the track, which is essential when you’re traveling at such high speeds.
If you’re wearing a pair of boots that are too tight or are pinching your ankles, these sensations can distract you from the track and lead to an accident.
You motocross boots don’t need to be the flashiest style.
They just need to fit your feet properly that they feel comfortable and don’t cause any pain to your feet.
Anything that can take your mind off the obstacles on the track could be hazardous to your health.
How Do You Choose The Necessary Motocross Boots For You?
There are several considerations when choosing the right pair of motocross boots for you.
You should always try them on to ensure they feel comfortable and fit correctly.
You might need to try on multiple types before you find the right one.
An essential part to look out for is flexibility in the ankle.
This allows you to use the brake and gear shifter easier.
If you can’t rotate your ankles properly, it will be challenging to feel the gear shifter, and you won’t be able to sense the click at the top of the movement of the shifter.
Boots that are too wide are also something to avoid.
This is because they can get caught on things when you’re reaching forward with your right foot on the brake.
You should ensure that your boots have adequate crush protection.
If your boot features thermoplastic TPU material, then this will protect you from the top of the boot all the way up to your shin.
Some shoes will only offer protection for the toes and ankle, but it’s essential to have shin protection too.
Especially if you happen to have an accident.
It might take you some time to find your perfect pair of motocross boots, but it’s crucial to find the right shoes.
If you can find ones that provide adequate protection for your shins, ankles, and toes as well as feel comfortable, then you’ll ensure not only a safe ride but also a pleasant one.
What Type Of Motocross Boots Are Considered Necessary?
There are several brands of motocross boots available for purchase.
All of them have their pros and cons but come highly recommended by many professionals.
If you’re new to the sport or in the market for a replacement pair, it’s hard to look past these motocross boots.
Fox Racing Instinct Boots
Fox Racing has a reputation for producing high-quality motocross gear.
These boots come up to the mid-shin and have four large buckles evenly spaced on the boot.
The best part about these boots is you won’t need to break them in.
They’re more than comfortable out of the box.
AXO Drone Boots
These boots are a perfect fit if you need a shoe with larger calf support.
The toe box is also a little bit bigger than average to allow for extra comfort.
The top of the boot is made with vinyl and foam to keep the dirt and dust on the outside of your shoe.
Alpinestars Men’s Tech 10 Motocross Boots
These boots have the most advanced comfort and safety features on the market.
They include a Frontal Flex Frame, asymmetrical dual-pivot arms, and dynamic heel compression.
The buckles are even made of a special aluminum for more comfortable use and increased durability.
Gaerne Balance Pro-Tech Boots
While the price tag might put some riders off, these boots are worth every cent.
They are a quality built boot that is light on the feet, allowing for more flexibility.
They’re an all-leather construction with a gum rubber sole, giving you a much more comfortable feel than many other shows on the market.
There are plenty of different styles and models of motocross boots available.
It’s important that you try on different types and find the right one that will not only feel comfortable while you ride your bike but protect you from a serious injury.
Are Motocross Boots Necessary For You?
Just like helmets, motocross boots are a necessary safety item for you to own if you plan on participating in the extreme sport.
As most of the injuries that occur from motocross riding happen below the knees, a good pair of shoes will keep your shins, ankles, and toes safe from breaks and sprains.
If you plan on purchasing all the other types of safety equipment, then you should cap it off with a good pair of motocross boots.
