Best Value Adventure / Dual Sport Boots 2023
Planning your next adventure motorcycle trip? Don't forget to plan your boots. Find the boots you need here.
Adventure touring or dual sport motorcycle boots can offer excellent protection, comfort, and performance.
They are perfect for riders who want to explore the world and take in the sights of its beauty without the worry of ruining their ride on a dangerous terrain. The construction of the right pair of boots vary, but, the goal of these boots is to offer you protection and comfort while maintaining a high level of performance.
Don’t settle for any old boot. Especially not an old pair of hiking boots, or and old pair of US Air Force flight line boots like I did (Hey, they are steel toed!). Ensure the provide excellent protection while providing superior comfort, so it'll be easy to enjoy the ride through all kinds of terrain. The ultimate dual sport or adventure boot will provide you with capabilities equal to your trip if you plan and buy properly.
Research and find the right pair today!
Adventure Touring (ADV) Boots
Let’s face it, we often spend a ton of time dreaming and planning of where we will be riding next. Browsing YouTube to see if the places others have ridden are right for us. Research for the right gear does happen, but unfortunately, it is often as a result of a bad experience we had on a ride from not having the right gear. It happens.
The right pair boots is a great investment for any person who enjoys exploring new places and wants to not be distracted by faulty gear of any kind. Keep in mind, boots are the only piece of gear that stays on at gas stations and restaurants until we reach our first destination. Comfort and protection for the task are both equally important. Whether it is almost 100% street riding to a motocross track, there is a pair of boots that works for you.
Adventure touring boots offer protection from rocks, wrecks and hopefully even weather if needed. They provide support for different surfaces by distributing you weight onto larger calf and leg muscles and away from your feet, especially if you are riding off-road. Boots are part of the biggest part of your bikes suspension; you!
If you ride primarily on the road, the stiffness and stability are much less important so your walking comfort rises to the top of the list of needs. These boots are the other end of the spectrum from off-road boots but still need to provide protection from road debris, weather and potential spills.
Ron Knezek
How we choose
When you're adventuring around the world and through the woods and trails, it's important to have a quality boot that will keep your feet comfortable and safe. Though there are multiple different varieties of boots to choose from, the team at Outdoor Verified has done the work for you and found the best value boots available today that are perfect for all of your outdoor motorcycle adventures!
There are tons of options when it comes to finding quality riding boots, but we've done some digging and found the top best value options that we're confident in recommending!
Pair your boots with any number of complimentary riding gear, like a waterproof rain suit, armored pants and jackets, and you'll be set for an amazing adventure able to focus on creating great memories instead of those of all the gear you wish you had.
Keep in mind, we consider the use of the backpack with features and benefits and THEN price when recommending the best value. We do NOT simply find the least-expensive backpack out there and suggest it is a good value. The purpose being accomplished reasonably well is always first and foremost.
The Sedici Vertice Waterproof boots are our choice for the best value ADV boot. What this mean is that on the scale from motocross (MX) on one side to street riding on the other, these boots fall right in the middle. They are not the most flexible for walking around comfort if you are almost exclusively road riding. Gassing up and a restaurant stop will work just fine, but you are not going to want to walk long distances in these boots. The off-road riding capability of these boots is limited to fire roads and mild 4wd trails.
What we like
The Vertice waterproof boots from Sedici are a mid-calf touring boot that combine full leather construction with a breathable Hipora waterproof liner. Hipora is a waterproof membrane, similar to Gore-Tex, but proprietary. It keeps water from entering through the lining while allowing moisture from sweat to escape. The leather upper also helps with the water and weather proofing.
Two adjustable heavy-duty buckles allow the boot to be fit to your leg shape to give the confidence needed when travelling off-road. There is a hook a loop closure that secures the full length gusset to keep you dry. This also allows the boot to be tailored to different calf sizes. TPU inserts at the reinforced ankle, heel and toe box keep you protected though not enough to use as an MX boot. The toes are reinforced to prevent wear from the gear shifter while the midsole is a 7 on the stiffness scale.
These boots have a more stylish and high end look and feel to them while providing the support and comfort needed for the. job at hand. Our editor owns a pair and is quite fond of them.
More details
- Full grain leather
- Waterproof Hipora breathable membrane
- Reinforced ankle, heel and toe box
- Full composite midsole with built in flex zones for added comfort and protection
- Microfiber flex zones on upper for added durability, mobility and comfort
- Molded rubber sole
- Full length gusset with hook and loop closure
- Reinforced double layer leather shin plate
- Heavy duty buckles
- Reinforced shifter toe pad
- Reflective inserts at the heel for visibility in low light conditions
- Heavy duty leather pull
O’Neal is a well known brand that makes products from entry level to high end. The company has definitely put itself in the place of a high value for the money for the vast majority of their offerings. The O’Neal Element Squadron boots are no exception to that and is our recommendation for the best value in a more off-road oriented boot. With this boot you can easily take on more aggressive trails without worrying about having to put a foot down. Obviously, this as well as the others on this list will work on the road as well. The challenges arise when walking around.
What we like
With the Element Boot, you can't go wrong. This low entry price point boot is designed to offer the protection you need, but have all of the quality and protection you've come to expect from O'Neal. Their adjustable buckle fastening system allows the customization you need to ensure you are sure-footed on the trails. They are paired with the high-grade injection molded protection panels that really level up compared to a more touring oriented boot.
The sole is an 9 on the stiffness scale of the sole with its metal shank giving you the stability needed to transfer the pressure off your feet at the pegs and up to your calves and larger leg muscles. It is made of both genuine and synthetic leather support optimally placed for protection to make these boots a high-end worthy companion.
More details
- Injection molded plastic plates protect against impacts
- Snap-lock adjustable four-buckle closure system
- Durable Goodyear welt sole with metal shank and moderate grip
- Metal toe guard
- Air-mesh interior
- Generous heel support, padding and cushioned insole for added comfort
- Synthetic leather heat shield to prevent heat damage
- Rear pull tab
Alpinestars is another company that has done a great job over the years of producing quality riding gear that is feature-rich without the need for the customer to actually be rich. The Alpinestars Radon Drystar boots are our choice for the best value touring boot. These will be used primarily for street riding though dirt roads are still an option and rate a 6 on the stiffness scale. Of the list, these will provide the most comfort when hiking to the edge of the scenic overlook to get the best selfie possible, for posterity’s sake, of course!
What we like
Whether your bike or off, the Alpinestars Radon is a touring boot that takes keeping you comfortable serious. Not only does it just feel nice, the Drystar membrane between the upper and the lining is there to make sure your do not have soggy socks in a rain storm. There is also strategically placed armoring that will provide the level of protection expected in a proper pair of adventure motorcycle touring boots.
Three VELCRO® brand fasteners adjust to a variety of leg and ankle dimensions that make a comfortable boot fit even better with the customization. After a short break-in period, these lightweight boots will very likely become your favorites to ride in, though, they may not be the best choice if that includes rough terrain.
More details
- Main upper material constructed from advanced microfiber
- Ergonomic toe box construction
- Internal heel counter and toe box
- TPU shin plate and shift pad
- TPR design on lateral toe
- Drystar membrane layer between upper and lining for difficult weather conditions
- Three adjustable lateral VELCRO® brand straps
- VELCRO® brand closure straps feature TPR pull tip
- Internal toe box and heel counter protection
- Comfortable and durable technical textile collar lining
- Dual-density ankle protectors
- High modulus midsole follows shape of foot and incorporates structured shank reinforcement
- Weight-saving laminated technology utilized on shin plate
- Removable anatomic footbed with EVA foam
- Rear and lateral reflective inserts
- Vulcanized compound sole
- CE certified to CE EN 13634:2010
If you haven’t heard of Thor MX, you may be wondering why they make the list. Thor has been manufacturing MX gear since 1968. That is over half a century! They provide everything from entry-level gear to high-end gear and their Thor Blitz XP boots are our pick for the best value beginner boot. Now, these boots are more dirt oriented than some on this list but there is a reason we are recommending them to beginners.
Beginners are just that. They are beginning their adventure or dual sport journey and may not have what they will predominately ride nailed down quite yet. Our thought is, err on the side of protection. Since these are more well protected than street boots, the option to go more places and try out new experiences comes with the boots.
What we like
The Thor Blitz XP boots have the protection you would expect from an off-road riding boot with shin plate, calf overlays, metal toe cap and a steel shank in the outsole. There are 4 fully adjustable locking straps that provide the adjustability you need to securely and comfortably customize them for you. There is a mesh inner liner that encourages airflow on hot days along with reinforced toes to protect the boots at the shifter. These are a great inexpensive way to help determine which type of riding you will be doing more of and a great backup pair after that.
More details
- Pre-curved injection molded shin plate
- 4 fully adjustable straps allow for a custom, rider specific fit
- Fully synthetic calf overlays deliver premium durability and optimal grip
- Injection molded medial abrasion plate with integrated shift protection
- Metal toe cap reinforces the outsole strength
- Uni-directional outsole with a steel shank insert
- Injection molded positive lock buckles
- Mesh liner promotes airflow
- Tested and certified according to standard EN 13634:2015
Fox Racing is a company that is hard to miss if you are in the motorcycle, biking or off-road community at all. Their logo along with their products are everywhere since their founding in 1974. They offer the full range of products from entry level to expert and top our list with the best value MX boots; the Fox Racing Motion boots. These boots are full-on MX racing boots. They will not be comfortable to visit your friendly neighborhood convenience store in. At least no more than a restroom break while skiing…
What we like
The Fox Racing Motion Boots are for riders that demand boots that are as tough as the tracks they ride. These boots have an open tread pattern made of Fox Duratec rubber. This gives them great traction and flexibility with changing conditions. They have TPU shin plates along with ankle, heal and toe caps to protect potential points of impact.
There are burn guards and shin guards along with a hinge with patented lock-out to stop hyperextension. For comfort, these boots have a mesh lining for breathability. The lining works in conjunction with the EVA footbed as they are both antimicrobial. Another great feature of these boots is when they wear out you can simply have them resoled. These are some hardcore, durable boots.
More details
- Microfiber synthetic upper
- TPU shin plate ankle, toe and heel caps
- Burn guard and calf guard
- Slim medial design and Duratec burn guard
- Low ride chassis brings the foot lower and closer to the foot peg
- Air mesh lining treated with Microban for antimicrobial and odor control
- Composite Nylon-Fiberglass cuff
- Patented Hinge Lockout
- New patented buckle closure system
- Exclusive Fox Duratac™ rubber compound
- Composite Nylon-Fiberglass Insole Board with Anti-Shock Pad at the heel
- Molded EVA footbed with antimicrobial lining
- Resoleable rubber outsole
Buyer’s Guide and FAQs for the Best Value ADV / Dual Sport Boots
What are ADV boots?
Adventure boots look like they're hailing from a long time ago and definitely take inspiration from motocross & enduro boots. They do have multiple hard-wearing buckles, added ankle protection and reinforced soles for standing on pegs.
What's the difference between motocross and enduro boots?
Motocross boots have more flexible outsoles than enduro boots. They are usually more resistant to wear and tear. and are better for low-grip terrain.
Why do motocross boots have metal toes?
Though there are additional protections to the entire foot and shin area, racing boots typically have a metal or composite toe cap. This allows for some extra protection during extreme cornering.
How should motocross boots fit at the toe?
First, motocross boots should be snug but not too tight. They should also be comfortable and allow you to move your feet and ankles freely.
Do motorcycle boots make a difference?
If you ride a bike, you should always wear motorcycle boots. It provides a lot more support and protection around the ankles from falls that may occur when riding a motorcycle.
Final Thoughts on the best value ADV boots
So there you have it! Our thoughts about the best boots for your adventure motorcycle. We have used the term for both ADV bikes and dual sports since there are many similarities of needs when riding. The bottom line to all of this is to do your research. Try on some boots. Understand they will break in after a short will to a certain extent. And, do your best to fit your boot to your riding style. Unfortunately, there is no “one” boot that does everything since there are so many incredible types of terrain to ride on.
And remember, the most important part of any ADV trip is not the gear, it really is the people with whom you spend time. Whether it is family or friends, our goal is to minimize the distractions of either not having the right gear, or the gear malfunctioning so you can focus on what's most important.
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~ Ron
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