How to Choose the Best Waterproof Motorcycle Boots for Your Riding Style

The best waterproof motorcycle boot for:

• Commuting: Alpinestars J-6 Waterproof Riding Shoes
• Touring: Alpinestars Web Gore-Tex Boots
• Track days: Alpinestars SMX-6 V3 Gore-Tex Boots
• Cruising: TCX Blend 2 Waterproof Boots

Soaked socks suck. Nothing blows like frozen toes. Wet feet = ride ruined.

It's not just a matter of comfort either – the cold can be so distracting that it dulls your reaction times.

Keeping your feet dry should be a priority for every rider. For some that means avoiding wet-weather riding altogether; but with the help of the latest and greatest waterproof motorcycle boots, it doesn't have to.

At Bikebiz we've spent over a quarter century testing the world's best motorcycle gear in Sydney's unique conditions, from hot and humid summer downpours to frozen, drizzly mid-winter mornings.

In this guide, we break down the best waterproof motorcycle boots on a style-by-style basis, to help you find the pair that will keep you totally dry while suiting the way you ride.

Understanding the tech: Gore-Tex vs proprietary membranes

The best wet weather and winter riding footwear features a sandwiched construction: a leather or textile outer, a waterproof membrane in the middle, and a soft and spongy inner. The filling of the sandwich – that middle layer – is where the magic happens, and comes in two main flavours:

• Gore-Tex: The gold standard for breathable motorcycle boots, Gore-Tex features over a billion pores/cm², which are 20,000x smaller than a water droplet, but 700x bigger than sweat vapour. The result: humidity gets out, but water can't get in, so your feet can breathe while being protected from the weather.
• Proprietary membranes: TCX T-Dry and Alpinestars Drystar motorcycle boots are excellent (and typically more cost-effective) alternatives to Gore-Tex. They can run slightly warmer than Gore-Tex during summer storms and long hauls, but are every bit as waterproof.

Realistically, when you buy waterproof boots from a quality brand, you can be confident of staying dry and comfortable in even the most severe storms. And at Bikebiz we deal exclusively in the most proven brands.

The perfect boot for 4 riding situations

Which boot will suit? It depends on how you ride. The best waterproof footwear for track days will be different to the best for touring, cruising or commuting, so here are our recommendations for which shoe will fit, based on your riding style.

1. The urban commuter

The situation: You ride 20 minutes to the CBD, you park, you head into the office. You need a 100% waterproof boot that doesn't look odd or feel uncomfortable off the bike.

Our recommendation: Alpinestars J-6 Waterproof Riding Shoes

Why it wins: This boot features a lightweight, sneaker-style profile in full-grain leather, stealthy CE-rated ankle protectors, and an integrated waterproof membrane.

2. The long-distance tourer

The situation: You're in the saddle for eight hours straight, crossing state lines and riding through all sorts of weather. You need a tall boot that can handle torrential downpours and potential slides while providing all-day comfort.

Our recommendation: Alpinestars Web Gore-Tex Boots

Why it wins: This legendary piece of touring footwear features a Gore-Tex liner to keep your dogs protected from the rain, while also feeling surprisingly airy for a tall, full leather boot.

3. The track and twisties enthusiast

The situation: If you ride a sportsbike on weekends, you want an aerodynamic, high performance, highly protective boot (toe sliders, rigid heel cups) that won't make your toes freeze through wet mountain passes.

Our recommendation: Alpinestars SMX-6 V3 Gore-Tex Boots

Why it wins: These all-weather waterproof sportbike boots are for riders who don't let conditions decide their track days. The SMX-6 features a biomechanical ankle brace and Gore-Tex membrane within an aggressive profile.

4. The classic and cruiser rider

The situation: If you're tossing your leg over a cruiser, chopper or hog, a synthetic pair of neon racing slippers just won't do. You want waterproof cruiser boots that fit the vibe and are as comfortable in the cafe or bar as they are on the bike.

Our recommendation: TCX Blend 2 Waterproof Boots

Why it wins: A rugged, vintage, combat-boot aesthetic, TCX's Blend 2 boots are crafted from full-grain leather lined with the T-Dry membrane for waterproofing, and D3O ankle armour for the most comfortable protection possible.

Pants over boots: the golden rule of wet weather riding

All waterproof motorcycle boots, no matter how clever their design, have one glaring weakness: a giant hole at the top, where you put your foot in.

The most waterproof boot in the world can't keep water from dripping down your leg and into the boot. And the latest and greatest Gore-Tex motorcycle boots can't remove the moisture that can collect in such a situation.

Hence the golden rule: never tuck your pants into your boots. Always pull them over the top, and if rain is on the way, secure the cuff of the pants tightly around the ankle of the boot (most waterproof pants come with Velcro tabs to help you do exactly that).

FAQs: waterproof motorcycle boots

Do waterproof motorcycle boots make your feet sweat in summer?

They can if they lack a breathable membrane. Entry-level boots with a basic plastic coating trap heat and moisture – a recipe for swamp foot in the Sydney summer. Look for breathable motorcycle boots with Gore-Tex, Hipora or high-quality proprietary membranes (Alpinestars Drystar, TCX T-Dry) that let sweat float out while keeping the rain at bay.

How do I clean and maintain leather waterproof boots?

Don't use harsh detergents to clean them or high heat to dry them, as this can damage both the external leather and the internal waterproof membrane. Just wipe them down with a damp cloth after a ride, and once they're dry, rub in some leather conditioner. You can also apply a DWR (durable water repellent) spray to keep the leather from getting waterlogged.

Should I size up when buying winter motorcycle boots?

We recommend coming in-store to try on your boots, but if you're ordering online it's best to stick with your standard size. Keep in mind that brands often design winter riding footwear with more internal volume to accommodate thicker socks. There can be some variation between brands, but if you're unsure what to go for, our brand-by-brand motorcycle boot size guides might help. The right fit will feel snug, with enough room to wiggle your toes. Leather boots will give a little over the first few weeks, gradually moulding to your foot.

Keep your hooves high and dry with Bikebiz

We're not World War I soldiers marching through muddy trenches – we live at a time when wet feet are entirely avoidable, even for committed riders powering through torrential rain.

Don't let cold, wet feet ruin your next journey. Don't let Mother Nature decide when you can and can't ride. A pair of quality waterproof motorcycle boots is one of the best investments you can make, allowing you to ride in total control, comfort and style, no matter the weather.

At Bikebiz we deal exclusively in the world's leading motorcycle boot brands. Browse our market-leading range of waterproof motorcycle boots online, or drop into our stores in Parramatta or Granville to find your perfect pair today.