Five of the best Gore-Tex motorcycle boots

Daytona are one of motorcycling’s premium brands, with a reputation for tip-top build quality and high-end materials. These boots held up in the horrid remnants of Hurricane Oscar in 2018 and kept one reviewer’s feet completely dry, which convinced him he’d spent his money wisely. His review was one among the first 56, which saw the Road Star GTX hit a 4.9-star average. Other reviewers say the boots are as comfy as slippers, and that they’re good for use both on and off the bike. A wide-fit version is also available for those who need it and there’s also a Road Star Pro with a superior sole and improved ankle protection. 

These boots are by far the most popular Gore-Tex boots among adventure riders, who want a blend of comfort for riding long distances and elements of the support and protection that comes from a dedicated off-road boot. There’s comprehensive bracing and impact protection across the microfibre upper of the Adventure 2 Gore-Tex as well as a heavily treaded sole to give good traction on loose surfaces. They fasten with twin motocross-style clasps and a Velcro band around the calf. They offer exactly what most adventure riders are after - reassuring support and protection and top-line rain protection with the Gore-Tex membrane. Their protection credentials are high, with a superior Level 2 pass in all four elements within the CE safety standard. The customer reviewers are very complimentary about these boots, giving a 4.9 average score from the first 184 reviews. On sizing it seems those who have wider feet or like thicker socks may wish to size up by one.

These boots are a motorcycle stalwart and it’s 10 years since the first pair were despatched from the Sportsbikeshop warehouse. They’ve gathered 170 reviews since then and have built a huge reputation with a highly respectable 4.8 average from that cavernous well of customer reviews. They’re made with genuine leather uppers - though the accordion section across the front of the foot is made from durable microfibre. They’re easy to put on and take off thanks to the simple zip and Velcro fastener, and they give a good balance of comfort and protection. In that final regard, these boots pass every aspect of the CE protection standard at the higher Level 2. There are more owners who feel the boots fit true-to-size than those who suggest going up a size, but a notable portion do suggest the latter - especially those who like leaving room for thicker socks in winter.

If you’re after something sporty and waterproof  that’s not track-focused then these Sidis are well worth a look. They combine a microfibre upper with a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane and plastic reinforcements in key areas. The toesliders complete the sporty credentials, helping to protect the upper in case your angle of dangle becomes particularly acute. The protection levels are independently proven, too - the Performer Gore-Tex boots meet the highest Level 2 in all four categories of the CE safety standard for bike boots. They’re popular with owners, many of whom are longstanding Sidi customers who know and trust the brand. After the first 33 reviews these boots were sat on a commanding 4.9 average score. Some common advice for Sidi boots seems to hold true with these boots… size up if you have wide feet or like thick socks.

For long-distance touring that will take in high temperatures these boots from TCX are a great option. They allow a large amount of airflow through mesh sections on the uppers and there are also channels that allow it to circulate between your feet and the soles of the boots, for even better cooling - yet you still have the rain protection you need when on tour. The uppers are made from synthetic leather with breathable Cordura inserts to bring flexibility and airflow while maintaining abrasion resistance. They’re very light, comfortable for walking around in, and have proven popular with the first eight customer-reviewers, who all left five-star scores. If you need boots for year-round use, these are less than ideal as the airflow is very high and will likely give you chilly feet in winter, but for dry feet in spring, summer and winter these are well worth checking in detail.