The Best Motocross (Dirtbike) Pants for 2025
We'd know - we've reviewed 110+ pairs of motorcycle pants since 2000!
Our picks are based on waterproof pants that offer the best blend of safety/performance, function/features, and price.
Last updated February 2025 by Devan Martel.
About Our Motocross Pants Recommendations
What separates our recommendations from others? Well, for starters, we've hands-on reviewed more than 110 pairs of riding pants. That's a lot of butts in seats!
Founded in 2000, our team at wBW has collectively tested more than 2,500 helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, intercoms, accessories, and more. We do not fluff reviews. A riders safety is heavily dictated by how they ride and what they wear while doing so. Our goal is to help riders make informed decisions about the gear they invest in to protect themselves.
wBW is funded by our audience. Our recommendations and reviews may contain affiliate links that earn us a small comission if you make a purchase after clicking them. This is the primary way we fund our website and pay our review team (and comes at no additional cost to you). We disclose our relationship with brands or manufacturers for transparency. For more information about our extensive review process, see our review policies.
Best Entry-Level Motocross Pants
Priced under $100.
BILT Velocity Air
Price: $70
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
What’s cheap and gets the job done? BILT’s Velocity Air Pants.
The Velocity Air MX Pants are made out of a heavy-duty 600D polyester chassis for long-lasting use and abrasion protection. BILT puts your comfort first with stretch knit panels on the crotch, inner thighs, rear yoke, back of knees, and calves.
Key Specs
• Heavy duty 600D polyester chassis
• 100% airflow mesh throughout for max airflow in hot or humid conditions
• Laser perforations in polyester chassis
• Stretch knit panels at crotch, inner thighs, rear yoke, back of knees/calves
• Quick release ratchet waist closure
• Silicone inner waistband maintains placement
• YKK zippers
Protection & Safety
• Pre-curved padded knees
• Triple stitching in impact areas
Fly Racing F-16 Pants
Why?
The F-16 pants bring much of Fly Racing’s knowledge and expertise down to an entry-level bit of kit that is hard to label as budget.
Featuring full 600D abrasion and ripstop construction and double or triple sewn seams, these pants are designed to be both comfortable, with a mesh liner, as well as handle the nastiest of bumps and wipeouts without shredding themselves to pieces.
TPR badging and adjustable fit through a ratcheting fly closure and stretch-fit panels ensure the pants stay where they need to be to help protect you as well as possible.
Key Specs
• 600D construction for strong and outstanding durability
• Single adjustable belt for maximum fit and comfort
• Ratcheting Fly closure allows for additional adjustability and a secure fit
• YKK main zipper for maximum durability
• Stretch ribbing strategically used where pant flexibility is most important
• Mesh comfort liner helps keep you cool and comfortable
• Fully integrated TPR (Thermoplastic rubber) badges
• Ergonomically pre-shaped knee contoured to accommodate most knee braces and guards
• 600D inside knee panels protect from hot exhaust systems
• Low profile stretch leg cuffs
Protection & Safety
• TPR sections for light impact protection and grip
• Pants are designed to fit over kneepads and tall motocross boots
Thor Sector Minimal Pants
Price: $75
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Less fluff, lightweight, more speed - that's what makes these pants a good option if you're looking for great dirtbike pants on a budget. Built with a breathable mesh liner combined with a pre curved shape for comfort in every riding position. The Thor Sector Minimal Pants also feature double and triple stitching for extra durability.
Key Specs
• Athletic mesh liner
• Purpose built TPR
• Buckle closure
Protection & Safety
• Abrasion tolerant materials
• Double and triple stitching for durability
Best Mid-Range Motocross Pants
Priced between $100 and $200.
Alpinestars Fluid Wurx Pants
Why?
Alpinestars never fails to impress and the same holds true for their newest MX release - the Fluid Wurx Pants.
These pants are made for riders looking for maximum comfort and performance whilst riding. The lightweight chassis, lower waist stretch panels, and pre-curved leg design all contribute to a surreal riding experience.
Key Specs
• Stretch fabric panels on crotch, knees and rear waist for enhanced rider comfort
• 3D pattern construction for additional rider comfort and unparalled freedom of movement
• Ratchet closure for a secure, personalized fit
• Comfort mesh lining for superior breathability
Protection & Safety
• High performance synthetic leather on knees for heat resistance, grip and comfort
• 600D poly-fabric main chassis construction that is PU coated for strength with a technical yearn for durability
Klim XC Lite Pants
Price: $170
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The entire Olympia Moto Sports brand was developed by riders for riders, and their designs always convey that in the finished garments. What do I mean? Well, the Airglide 6 pants use the best Cordura fabric with Ballistic Airflow mesh panels for the outer shell. The zippers are all top-spec Metaluxe® YKK zippers.
The pants have great ventilation thanks to the mesh but have a unique waterproof liner that can be worn under or over the trousers. A perfect solution when you are set for warm weather and a storm comes up.
There are 3M Scotchlite™ reflective details and full length zippers down the legs. Overall this is a pair of pants that can handle anything you want to ride through.
Key Specs
• Lightweight mesh main body
• Low bulk materials inside the boot
• Genuine leather at inside of knees for grip, durability, and protection
• Vented TPU at knees
• TPU at fly and waist adjustment tabs
• Moisture-wicking mesh liner
• Side waist adjustment for a fine-tuned fit
• Easy-access, zippered thigh pocket
• Silicone inside the waist helps keep your pants up and your jersey down
• Anchored liner at knee area reduces bunching
Protection & Safety
• Vented TPU at knees and fly
• Leather on inside of knees for grip and protection
• Lightweight mesh liner keeps pants in place, so it does not ride around on your legs, while also allowing airflow and backing the Cordura external shell
Alpinestars Venture R Pants
Why?
The Alpinestars Venture R Pants feature a rip-stop nylon and polyester main fabric construction that is both heavy duty and lightweight. Strategically located stretch areas (inner thighs, knees and yoke) make it easy to get into position on the bike, and also make walking around very comfortable. Zippered air intake vents draw air into the pant and enable quick adjustments on the fly as temperature or weather conditions change.
Key Specs
• Rip-stop nylon and polyester fabric construction for excellent abrasion resistance
• Main shell incorporates a water resistant treatment for improved weather performance
• Extended stretch area on inner thighs, knees and rear yoke
• Zippered air intake vents
• Lightweight ventilated mesh liner
Protection & Safety
• Knee PU reinforcement for additional abrasion resistance
• Stretch panel on calf
• Pre-curved knee construction reduces riding fatigue
Best High-End Motocross Pants
Priced over $200.
Leatt Moto 4.5 HydraDri Pants
Why?
Leatt are no strangers to the Motocross world and their expertise is on full display with the release of their Moto 4.5 HydraDri Pants.
The lightweight, waterproof and durable pants are made out Ripstop stretch panels. The pants have a pre-curved, classic in-boot fit with multi-layer inner knee reinforcement.
The clever material of the pants allows moisture from your body to be expelled to help keep you cool on those extra hot riding days.
Key Specs
• Lightweight, waterproof and Breathable with stretch materials for mobility
• HydraDri EVO
• 2 Storage pockets plus Yoke Storage and 2 zipped ventilation points
• Pre-curved classic in-boot fit
• Ripstop stretch panels
• Waist with micro adjuster and 360° heavy duty silicone grip
• Top Quality YKK Japan Waterproof Zippers
Protection & Safety
• Multi-layer inner knee reinforcement with leather for bike grip backed with waterproof membrane
• Constructed with multi-row reinforced stitching
• Brush guard reinforcement in knees
FXR Helium MX
Price: $220
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Helium MX pants are, at the very core, all about mobility. Perforated 600D polyester creates a lightweight chassis that stretches and breathes with you as you ride.
Leather on the inner knee provides protection from heat and rubbing against the bike’s body.
Lightweight, breathable mesh inserts for the knees provide some protection and extra airflow.
Note: These pants are designed to be used with external knee and shin armor, as they are tapered to fit into a race boot.
Key Specs
• Chassis design for improved fit and comfort
• Durable perforated 4-way stretch fabric provides class-leading fit and mobility
• Knee design provides a slim fit
• Rib-knit stretch insert above the knee for extra mobility
• Lightweight breathable mesh inserts for added ventilation, and flexibility
• Leather panel at the inner knee for heat and abrasion protection
• Hook and loop adjustable waist
• Silicone-printed inner elastic waist for extra grip and security
• TPR knee logos
• Fade-free sublimation print
Protection & Safety
• 600D polyester is highly abrasion and impact resistant
• Triple stitching on critical areas ensures that if you do get thrown, the pants will stay intact.
Klim Dakar Pants
Price: Up to $270
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Klim Dakar Pants have long been a proven partner for dual-sport, light adventure and trail riding around the globe. While not strictly motocross pants, Klim keeps pushing the envelope with the Dakar and the latest iteration has more intuitive features, better mud-resistant pant closures and stronger fabrics.
Add in breathable stretch panels that offer excellent mobility, and large zippered vents to regulate temperature and you have a pant that is not out of place on any MX course. Whether you want to conquer a Dakar Rally stage or roost your buddies on an all-day local ride the Klim Dakar has you covered.
Key Specs
• Durable, controlled ventilation over-the-boot off-road pant
• Two large adjustable YKK-zippered thigh vents for custom airflow
• Engineered stretch material in flex zones (back of waist, above knees, back of legs and in the crotch)
• Two zippered/billoweed cargo pockets
• Adjustable waist via dual VELCRO® brand closures brand fastener cinch straps
• Glove friendly zipper pullers w/ different zipper heads to easily differentiate vents from storage
• Silicone waistband helps keep your pants up and your jersey down
• Moisture wicking breathable liner with stretch zones
Protection & Safety
• TPU vented accents on knees
• Abrasion-resistant upgraded 630D Cordura main body construction with durable water resistant (DWR) coating to deflect more water and mud
• Heavy-duty 840D Cordura knee and seat for durability
• D3O compatible hip and knee armor pockets (armor sold separately)
• 3M Scotchlite reflective material on back of leg
Frequently Asked Questions About Motocross Pants
What distinguishes motocross pants from regular riding pants?
Motocross pants are specifically designed to be used off-road, for dirt biking, trail riding, and, of course, motocross and supercross. They are typically extremely lightweight, with lots of stretch and flex panels while also being resilient enough to handle the wear and tear of motocross riding.
Do motocross pants come with armor?
Motocross pants do not come with full armor, per se, but they do sometimes have “armor reinforcement” areas at the knees and hips. These reinforcement areas are usually double layered for extra abrasion resistance, and have thin impact foam or thin TPU that work with knee armor, armored base layers, and the like.
Can or should I wear motocross pants for regular street riding?
You can wear motocross pants for street riding if you also have armor such as an armored base layer and armored knee pads or knee braces. On their own, motocross pants only provide abrasion resistance, so in general, if you want pants for street riding, it is often better to go with leather, textile, or mesh pants instead.
What kind of fitment should motocross pants have?
Motocross pants should fit on the looser side of snug. You want them to be able to fit over armor, but also not flap about like a flag in the wind and allow you maximum freedom of movement. If you fit two different sizes, such as L and XL, it is better to go with the larger one to give a little more room for armor and armored base layers
Are motocross pants adjustable at all?
Most motocross pants are adjustable to some degree. Most will have either an elastic waistband or adjustable velcro tabs to tighten or loosen the waist as needed. They are also adjustable at the base of the leg, so that they can be held tight to the leg to fit into motocross boots.
What materials are used in motocross pants?
The most popular material is polyester, usually 450D or better abrasion resistance. Some of the more premium pants will have spandura, Cordura, or leather panels in key areas to allow for maximum mobility and ventilation, while most of the time leather is used as a heat insulator on the inner leg so you don’t get too hot from the engine.
What To Look For In A Motocross Pants
Motocross pants differ from all other motorcycle specific pants in several distinct ways. While they are made of resilient materials that are able to handle the rough and tough riding that is done off-road and on motocross tracks, they rarely, if ever, have armor built in. They also have a variety of stretch zones because of the need for a motocross rider to be able to stick out their legs and stand on the pegs, among other things.
Almost all motocross and dirt specific pants are designed to be worn tucked into motocross boots, so they are meant to be snug around the ankles and calves. From just below the knees to the waist the pants will often feel a little baggy, as there is room given for underlayer armor or independent armor such as knee pads. The waist will very often be either adjustable with straps or be elasticated to ensure a good fit.
With all that in mind, there really are only two major points of concern when searching for a good pair of motocross pants, those being materials and sizing.
Materials: 99% of motocross pants will have 600D polyester material as the primary chassis for the pants, and quite often it will be perforated for high air flow. This polyester is either combined with spandex, or abrasion resistant spandura is used for many of the stretch areas. The inside of the knees on almost all pants will also have a double layer of material, both to pad against the tank and frame of the bike chafing against the leg and prevent the heat from the engine seeping through to heat up or burn your leg.
Sizing/Fitment: Because of the unique way that these pants are designed, you might need to try on a few pairs to get a good feel for them. You want to feel the pants snug to your calves, but on the looser side of snug over the knees and thighs to allow for armor being worn underneath. If you are between sizes, it’s a fairly safe bet to go for the larger of the sizes.
At WBW, “Best” Actually Means Something
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Here’s how we do things:
We disclose our affiliate relationships—We make money via advertising and affiliate relationships on our website. It’s how we pay our team and invest in things like sending Jim to Italy. And Japan. And France… wait… why do we always send Jim places?
We obsessively hands-on test—We wear and ride with gear before reviewing it, and we update reviews down the line if our opinions change. We look at real-world situations because that’s the world we live in.
We’re objective—Good gear is good gear, regardless of who made it.
We’re value-focused—Why pay $500 if something for $250 is just as good? Our review scores and recommendations reflect best value. Brand only goes so far—the gear has to stand on its own.
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