Five of the best... vegan motorcycle boots

There are three versions of Alpinestars’ SMX-6 V2 boots - these have a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane and are highest rated by owners, with the first 35 customers to leave a review all leaving a five-star rating. The cheaper waterproof SMX-6 V2 Drystar boots and the non-waterproof SMX-6 V2 both also impress, with average customer ratings of 4.82 and 4.88 respectively. Whichever you choose, the upper is made from microfibre and the boots blend rigidity and comfort for sporty road riding. Reviewers rave about comfort, though some say they needed to order a size bigger than they would normally take. The waterproof models both go from size 4.5-14.5 (36-50) and the non-waterproof from 4.5-13 (36-48). The non-waterproof Stella SMX-6 V2 for women are very popular too, with an average 4.94 rating from the first 16 reviews.

Subtlety is the order of the day for TCX’s touring-style boots that win points from reviewers for blending into everyday life in terms of both appearance and comfort. Some owners just put these on for the ride to work and leave them on through the working day and for the ride home too - including one owner who spends his days driving a heavy goods vehicle. The uppers are made from a combination of robust microfibre with inserts made from abrasion-resistant textile to give increased flexibility. They’re reinforced with hard sections for the toes, heels and shins, but they remain light and flexible as well as simple to put on and take off. A Gore-Tex membrane is as close as you can get to a guarantee that your feet will stay dry.

Adventure boots don’t come any more popular than these Gore-Tex boots from Sidi, which picked up 234 five-star ratings from a total of 259 reviews. The upper is all microfibre synthetic leather and there’s plenty of bracing to keep the ankle secure for those who want to indulge in light off-roading alongside their road duties. The Gore-Tex membrane gives reliable (and guaranteed) waterproofing and there’s a treaded sole for grip when walking on loose surfaces. Like good off-road boots, these fasten with clasps up the side and a velcro wrap around the top, including a gaiter to keep out debris.

These womens-fit touring boots are very popular with customers, collecting an average rating of 4.87 from the first 15 riders to post a review. The upper is made from microfibre synthetic leather and RST’s Sinaqua sits on the inside to keep feet dry. They’re available in UK sizes 3-8 (EU 36-42), though owners suggest they are smaller than expected, so perhaps that’s realistically a range from 2-7.5. Owners highly recommend the Axioms for comfort, fit, and quality as well as the sense of protection while remaining lightweight and non-bulky. Some reported snugness around the ankle that eased with use. There’s an RST Axiom for blokes that’s not as popular as the womens version, but has a respectable average rating of 4.56 from the first 16 reviews.

The latest evolution of RST’s popular Tractech Evo boots have sold in huge numbers and score very highly with customers. These ankle-length versions are the highest-rated of three options, taking an average rating of 4.84 from the first 99 reviews. There’s also a full-length non-waterproof version (average rating 4.78 from 306 reviews) and a waterproof full-length boot that rates at 4.76 from the first 170 reviews. All three models are constructed from abrasion-resistant microfibre and the two shin-length models have a hinged ankle brace to stop over-extension. Customers appreciate the quality, affordability, comfort, and performance in warmer weather, though some had to purchase a size larger than normal. Some felt they slipped up by not going for the Tractech Evo 3 Waterproof Short Boots instead, but getting a seal between trousers and a short boot is difficult - and without that, water gets in through the top of the boot.