Riding Shoes
- Motorcycle Gear Reviews
- Feb 7, 2024
- 5 min read
Riding shoes offer the comfort of a sneaker with added protective features required for riding a motorcycle. They are a great option for a rider looking for something to wear on and off the bike. By the nature of being a shoe, a motorcycle riding shoe does not offer the same level of protection as a boot. They are, however much safer than wearing a sneaker. As the saying goes, the best protective gear is gear you will wear. So, if a traditional motorcycle boot doesn't fit your style or desires a motorcycle riding shoe might be the perfect option.
I usually wear riding boots, but I do have riding shoes that I wear. I usually choose riding shoes when I am going somewhere where I will spend a good amount of time off the bike. They are great for rallies, beach trips, or if my wife wants to drag me to the mall (yes, those still exist).
There are a lot of considerations when finding your perfect motorcycle riding shoe. Like most things, style is usually the first obstacle. It has to pass the eye test, which is to say, you like the look of the shoe. Obviously, this is entirely subjective. If you like the look of the shoe, there are several features, that you should look for. You want to find a shoe that goes over your ankle, offers good traction, has a stiff toe box, and is made from durable materials.
Street & Steel Kickstarter Riding Shoes
The Kickstarter Riding Shoes by Street & Steel offer a casual look with a lot of the safety features you should look for in a good motorcycle riding shoe. They are a high top design that goes over your ankle. There isn't much in the way of ankle support or protection though. They do offer a reinforced sole, which provides a stable platform that provides torsional rigidity. They are made of suede and mesh. This provides the durable materials you should look for, while still being a lightweight riding shoe that provides good air flow. The Kickstarter does have a reinforced toe box. A stiffer toe box not only adds to the protection level of the shoe, but makes it more comfortable when shifting. They tend to run a little small and wide, so keep that in mind when ordering. If you have wide feet, this is a great option for you. I wish there was more ankle and heel protection, but for the money, this is an option worth considering.
Highway 21 Axle Shoes
The Highway 21 Axle shoes are constructed from a durable textile material. This style is very appealing because it has that canvas shoe look with the added protection of a riding shoe. I love the added support and protection that this shoe offers, while maintaining the casual shoe look. To start, it is an over the ankle design and does offer added dual density ankle protection. It also has reinforced toe and heel boxes. By adding this support in strategic areas, Highway 21 is able to maintain the flexibility and comfort of the shoe. The Axle has a composite shank. The shank of a shoe runs between the out sole and mid sole of the shoe. It provides the stiffness that you want in a motorcycle shoe. Highway 21 claims that this also helps to isolate engine vibrations. Another big plus on this shoe is the oil and crush resistant sole. This ensures that you are sure footed when you stop at a light. As with most oil resistant bottoms, they can be a little squeaky when walking on tile and concrete floors. The comfort level of this shoe off the motorcycle could be better, but it does offer a removable insole. So, if you find you need more cushion, you can simply swap that out for one of your choosing. The Axle is available in two color choices as well.
REAX Fulton Air Riding Shoes
The REAX Fulton Air Riding Shoes are a great casual style shoe that offers the protection you need for riding. Like all of our recommendations, it is a high top shoe to provide the needed ankle support. There are ankle cups to provide additional support. These shoes also offer a composite footbed, which adds to the stiffness of the shoe. They are made from full grain leather, which is exactly the type of rugged material you should look for in a riding shoe. The leather is perforated in key areas to promote air flow. This makes the Fulton Air better suited for riding in warmer weather. It also has a moisture wicking liner for those hot august days. The Fulton Air has a reinforced heel and toe box to provide the support needed in a good riding shoe. I really like that there is an additional piece of leather for to protect the shoe from shifter wear.
These shoes are very lightweight, which make them much more comfortable off of the motorcycle. The insoles are cushioned and removable. If you do not feel they provide enough cushion, though I found them more than adequate, you can replace them with something more to your liking. As I have said before, style is subjective. Personally, I really love the look of these shoes. They have a rugged yet casual appearance and look at home on or off the bike. I prefer the black and gum, but there are three color combinations available. They are a little on the narrow side, which fits me well. If you have wide feet, this may not be the best option for you.
Alpinestars J-6 WP Shoes
The Alpinestars J-6 WP Shoes are a lightweight street style riding shoe. They are made from a full grain leather and suede. They offer all of the things we look for in a quality riding shoe. They are a high top design that comes over the ankle. The J-6 WP has a reinforced midsole and toe box, which makes them rigid. They have added protection in the heel and ankle areas.
To be honest, I am not the biggest fan of this shoe. Mainly, because it is just not my style. I don't really love the look. Of course, that is subjective, and I realize you may love them. That's great! I find the shoe to be a little bulky in appearance, though they are still fairly lightweight. So, why are they on my list of recommended riding shoes? They are waterproof! It is very rare to find a waterproof riding shoe. That, by itself, warrants their presence on the list. There is a internal membrane to keep your feet dry. If you do not have gators waterproof footwear is a must.
The J-6 WP does run a little narrow, which for me is great. If you have wide feet, you might find this a bit uncomfortable.