Five of the best race boots

These boots are spectacularly popular with those who’ve bought them, with 68 of the first 70 customers to leave a review giving a full five-star rating. They’re perhaps the archetypal race boot, comprising a braced inner boot and an abrasion-resistant outer. Comfort is praised unanimously and descriptions that liken these boots to trainers and slippers are relatively common. Sizing is described by owners are generally true, but if you’re on the borderline between two sizes then we’d suggest going for the larger of the two.

Sportsbikeshop customers have praised these Alpinestars boots for the fit and comfort, with several reviewers pointing to the inner boot as one of the reasons for the high level of comfort, as well as providing extra support. Customers have also been impressed with the build quality of the boot. A small percentage of reviewers noted that they needed to order a size larger for a better fit, but that may be misleading as we find customers more likely to return them for being too big. The reviews show there’s loyalty from riders who’ve owned older versions, sometimes for 15 years, and are returning for the latest model of SMX Plus.

Sidi’s ST has been in the company’s range since 2011 and has built an enviable reputation among Sportsbikeshop customers over those years. Of the first 99 reviewers only eight deducted a star from their score – one of those because the sturdy and protective Sidis weren’t as comfy as his trainers! The praise is unanimous for protection and comfort, though many say they require a little breaking-in time. General advice from customers is to go up a size from your normal shoes, and our data shows they are more likely to be returned for being too small than too big. These are now a golden oldie model and the only colour option left in the range is red/black. For those who suffer with warm feet, the vented Sidi ST Air boots are regarded just as highly by owners.

With 24 five-star ratings from the first 27 reviews, for an average of 4.89, the RT-Race have proven very popular. They’re solidly constructed with plastic bracing around a synthetic leather outer. They fasten with a fixed inner boot that pulls tight around the foot before the outer zips around it and the plastic shinguard wraps around the top. Customers like the comfort and reassuring feel of protection from the RT-Race boots, and general consensus from owners leans slightly towards ordering a larger size than normal. It’s considerably more likely for a pair to be returned for being too small than too large, so if you’re on the cusp we’d suggest going for the bigger of the two sizes.

Sportsbikeshop customers have awarded these boots an impressive average rating of 4.79 stars from the first 303 reviews. Owners find the boots to be well-constructed, comfortable, and they’re confident in the level of protection. Most say the boots run true to size, but some advise sizing up if you want to leave room for thicker socks. Our data shows customers are more likely to return boots for being too small, so we’d suggest going for the bigger size if you’re undecided. Some owners noticed some design flaws, such as a rough interior where the zip ends and the bulky nature of the toe box. With plastic around the shins and heels, as well as an anti-twist midsole and nylon shank for extra durability, it’s no surprise customers have described the boots as sturdy.