The Best Cruiser-Style Motorcycle Boots For 2024
We’d Know: We’ve Hands-On Tested 2500+ Pieces Of Riding Gear Since 2000
Our picks are based on boots that offer the best blend of safety/performance, function/features, and price.
Last updated November 17, 2023 by Simon Bertram.
About Our Recommendations
Founded in 2000, our team at wBW has collectively tested more than 2,500 helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, 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.
Find The Right Boots To Cruise The Miles Away
The conditions you ride in and the length of your rides will have some impact on the boots you select. Weather, temperature, and the need for comfort should always be considered when deciding what boots to invest in.
As an all-weather rider, you will need a more waterproof and insulated boot, but a rider who is only out on nice days might opt for a lighter weight boot without the added density of a liner.
In addition, the height of the boots you invest in should depend equally on your aesthetic preference and the boot’s ability to protect you in different use cases. Riding back roads with loose rock and debris calls for a taller boot that offers some protection from rocks and projectiles that could split open a shin.
Conversely, sedate rides around town might be more comfortable in a shorter boot. Your personal taste and needs along with our information about features and comfort levels will serve as a great guide for you when selecting your next pair of cruiser boots.
We’ve selected boots that offer the best blend of safety, comfort/performance, and value. There are great riding shoes and boots out there at every price point—and who knows, your future self may thank you for having the foresight to invest in foot and ankle protection.
– Chase
Best Entry Level Motorcycle Cruiser Boots
Priced under $200.
Street & Steel Oakland Boots
Price: $120
Where to Buy: RevZilla | J&P Cycles
Why?
Street & Steel have it on point style-wise with this classic black all leather boot perfect for Cruisers. Offering great protection, there is a composite midsole, and TPU ankle and heel inserts.
Between the waterproofing Hipora membrane and the moisture-wicking lining, your feet will stay dry and comfortable. Both on and off the bike, these boots are just right.
Key Specs
• Full leather construction with double and triple stitch construction
• Waterproof Hipora breathable membrane
• Classic reinforced cap toe design
• Reinforced ankle cups, toe box and heel cup
• Moisture wicking lining
• Flat laces with hooked speed eyelets at the top of boot
• Composite reinforced midsole with a lug outsole
• Heavy duty reinforced leather pull
Protection & Safety
• Protective internal reinforcement at the toe box.
• To meet the demands of Cruiser riders these boots are a full leather construction with double and triple stitching.
• S&S includes TPU ankle and heel inserts, also, to compliment the list of protective features.
REAX Tasker Waterproof Boots
Price: $180
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Form and function come together nicely in the REAX Tasker Waterproof boots. It’s a boot that doesn’t look out of place on your cruiser, and it also means business if the weather turns nasty.
The Tasker has a nice, rugged, work boot style that transitions nicely into off-the-bike wear, and it also boasts reinforcements at the toe, heel and ankles to ensure you are protected while riding. A reliable Goodyear welted stitched sole is paired with a shock absorbing insole for all-day comfort. What more could a Harley or Bonnie owner ask for?
Key Specs
• Oiled full grain oiled pull up leather upper construction with textile inserts
• Waterproof inner membrane
• Goodyear welt stitched construction
• High traction long lasting lug sole
• Nappa leather lined padded interior
• Asymmetrical leather shift pad on left boot
• Anatomic shock absorbing removable insole
Protection & Safety
• Reinforced heel and toe box
• Internal malleolus protection on medial and lateral
• Padded and gusseted tongue
• Reflective detail at heel
Best Mid-Range Motorcycle Cruiser Boots
Priced $200 - $300.
Alpinestars J-6 WP Shoes
Price: $210
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon
Why?
The Alpinestars J-6 WP Shoes have been completely designed with style and safety in mind. The heel and ankle area of this shoe has been designed around Alpinestar’s successful MX boot lineup. Despite the casual appearance, these boots also have a waterproof membrane to keep them dry in wet riding conditions.
Key Specs
• Lightweight upper combining full grain leather and suede
• Waterproof membrane subtly built into chassis
• Top tongue and collar constructed from leather
• Padding on tongue and heel area
• Dual density, ergonomic MX-derived ankle and heel protector is applied between the upper and padded lining
• Advanced rubber compound cup sole is molded to the upper
• Reinforced mid sole inserted between the upper and the sole
• Removable and replaceable EVA and Lycra foot-bed is anatomically profiled
• Internal toe box and heel counter reinforcement is layered under the upper for more ergonomic design
• Metal eyelet lacing closure
• Metal logo detailing
• CE certified
Protection & Safety
• The heel of this shoe has been derived from Alpinestars MX boot lineup and features dual-density protectors. The upper also has padded lining.
Forma Bolt
Price: $230
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Forma has been active in the motorcycle footwear sector exclusively since 1999, so it’s no surprise their Bolt boots are understated but exceptional. Full-grain Italian leather gives it the classic cruiser style, while a Drytex liner makes them fully waterproof.
The heel and toe are both supported with reinforced areas, while the ankle malleolus gets full inside and outside TPU armor. YKK zippers with a safety closure ensure the boots stay on, and the lug-style sole gives superior grip on all control surfaces as well as the road when you need to walk inside the clubhouse to meet up with all your riding buddies.
Key Specs
• Full-grain oiled leather
• Drytex waterproof
• Urban sole
• Leather gear shift pad
• YKK zippers
• Safety lace closure
• Ankle malleolus TPU
• Technical insole
Protection & Safety
In addition to the full-grain, abrasion-resistant Italian leather, extra protection comes from:
• Medial and lateral malleolus TPU armor
• Toe and heel counters
• Thick and durable lug sole
TCX Blend 2 WP
Price: $240
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
TCX is one of those brands that likes to offer great protection but also keep their gear looking like it's not actually riding gear. The Blend 2 WP boots are a perfect example of this, as they appear to be just a normal pair of work boots, but hide a lot of features cruiser riders want within.
Full-grain leather? Check. Waterproof membrane? Check. High grip sole? Check. Toe and ankle reinforced armor? Check.
It also has an OrthoLite insole to give your feet a soft and comfortable place to rest. Just to put that last special touch on being a completely capable pair of stealth boots, there are no fancy zips or velcro here, just a good, old-fashioned set of laces. Even up close, it's hard to tell that these are motorcycle boots, hence the name: Blend
Key Specs
• Waterproof and breathable
• Grain leather with pull-up finishing
• T-Dry waterproof membrane
• Rear reflective inserts for high visibility
• Reinforcements on ankle toe and heel
• Fastening with laces
• OrthoLite footbed with long term cushioning and high levels of breathability
• Groundtrax rubber outsole
Protection & Safety
• Full grain, "vintaged" leather to give it a worn in look but still offer excellent abrasion resistance
• Reinforced toe and ankle
• Thick, grippy sole so your feet don't slip off the floorboards or pegs when it rains
Merlin Drax II D3O
Price: $280
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Merlin Drax II D3O boots are perfect for the long-distance highway cruiser. 2.4 mm full cowhide leather provides unrivalled abrasion protection, and that's before you find out that these boots have a triple-layer Hipora waterproofing membrane that is highly breathable but will keep your feet dry even in a hurricane.
Then comes the D3O part of the name, some of the best armoring you can that is flexible in normal situations, but harder than steel during an impact. Add on the high grip sole, padded tongue so your feet don't feel compressed during long rides, and an anti-bacterial sole insert to keep your feet comfortable on the floorboards, and you have one rockin' pair of cruiser boots!
Key Specs
• 2.4mm premium cowhide leather upper
• Amara contrast panels
• Merlin-exclusive Hipora triple liner waterproofing
• Comfort mesh inner lining
• High grip sole
• Padded tongue for added comfort
• D3O impact protectors
• Reinforced footbed
• Gear change overlays
• Lace fastening and adjustment with speed hooks
• Anti-bacterial sole insert
Protection & Safety
• D3O armoring throughout, on the toe, heel, and malleolus areas
• High-grip sole
• Padded tongue for comfort and added safety should something bounce off the road and hit the front of your boot
Best High-End Motorcycle Cruiser Boots
Priced over $300+.
TCX Fuel WP Boots
Price: $310
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
The classic look of the TCX Fuel cruiser boots makes them a favorite long before riders learn about all of the great features that are subtly included in these boots.
At just over $300, the TCX Fuel WP cruiser boot offers riders a great many comfort and safety features and the functionality to wear them when riding or when out exploring the town. All of these benefits make the TCX Fuel WP a great choice when looking for some affordable high-end boots.
Key Specs
• Full grain leather upper with a vintage look
• Padded rear area
• Waterproof lining
• CFS Comfort Fit System
• Toe and heel counter
• Malleolus inserts
• Leather shift pad
• Lateral zipper and VELCRO® brand band fastener
• Adjustable steel buckles
• Anatomic and replaceable insole
• Sole tread offers a superior grip on any terrain
Protection & Safety
In addition to the incredibly durable leather upper, extra protection comes from:
• Medial and lateral malleolus discs
• Toe and heel counters
• Thick and durable lug sole
REV'IT! Copperhead GTX
Price: $400
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Rev'It is a brand that specializes in adventure and sport riding gear, so what are they doing on a cruiser boot list? The answer is that the Dutch gear-makers are expanding their lineup, and bringing a lot of the lessons learned in the other segments to the cruiser market.
Following on from their ADV expertise, these boots are fully waterproof with a Gore-Tex membrane, as well as the boot itself being water resistant with waxed suede leather on the uppers. The soles are Vibram rubber, and have been specifically designed to offer the best grip on and off the bike. As Rev'It! puts it, if you find a cool trail you want to explore, you can hike it in these boots without any worry.
Key Specs
• Timeless style
• Specially designed sole reduces weight and increases walking comfort
• Ortholite insole
• Oiled waxed suede leather and mesh textile upper upper construction
• GORE-TEX membrane, is breathable and waterproof
• Reinforced toe
• SEESOFT ankle disc protection
• Subtle reflective material at rear
• Vibram rubber outsole
Protection & Safety
• SeeSoft malleolus ankle armor on both inner and outer malleolus bones
• High-grip sole
• Reinforced toe armor
Rokker Urban Rebel Boots
Price: $449
Where to Buy: RevZilla | J&P Cycles
Why?
If you are going to pour big money into your V-Twin, you have to make sure you’re equally drippy (Urban Dictionary). Rokker hand-makes these boots in Portugal with vintage greased cowhide leather, because yes—they are that friggin’ awesome.
Not only will you be one step ahead of other riders; you will be well protected at the same time. A shock-absorbing insole, heavy-duty rubber outsole, and ankle, heel, and toe protection mean that your fresh pedicure stays fresh.
Key Specs
• Robust, waterproof, greased vintage cowhide leather 100% leather lining
• Shock absorbing insole
• Toe and heel protection
• Durable, abrasion, oil and non-slip rubber profile sole from VIBRAM®
• Embossed ROKKER logo
• Goodyear welted
Protection & Safety
• A shock-absorbing insole.
• Durable, abrasion, oil and non-slip rubber profile sole from VIBRAM®
• So damn classy you will never be tempted to use them on a track day.
Belstaff Endurance Boots
Price: $495
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Belstaff Endurance cruiser boots are constructed of water-repellent black-buffalo leather for its amazing durability and comfort. Don’t let the classic look of these boots mislead you, the soles are cutting edge Vibram rubber.
While these boots look great, they also function equally well when it comes to protecting a rider’s feet and ankles. For riders looking for extreme comfort and quality, the Belstaff Endurance will not disappoint.
Key Specs
• Water-repellent waxed full grain buffalo pull-up leather upper 1.4mm-1.6mm thickness
• Vibram rubber sole, rock-gripping, anti-slip and hard wearing
• Internal waterproof and breathable membrane
• Branded removable fussbelt
• Malleolus protectors on medial and lateral sides
• Toe and heel reinforcements
• Protective inserts rated CE Technical Standard EN 13634:2010
• Removable molded insole
• Zip fastening
• Buckle on top and across foot
Protection & Safety
• Protective inserts qualify these boots to be rated the CE Technical Standard EN 13634:201
• Malleolus protectors on the medial and lateral sides for impact protection as well as toe and heel reinforcements
• Insole of the Belstaff Endurance are molded to fit the contours of the foot and can be removed as well as replaced as needed
• Full zipper and hook and loop tab make the Endurance an easy boot to put on and take off, while fine-tuning to the fit can be done with the ankle and collar buckle straps
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Cruiser Boots
What defines a motorcycle boot as being “Cruiser-style?”
While there isn’t really a dictionary definition of these boots, for the most part they offer a “classic” look, are often made of leather or leather-type material, and almost always provide ankle coverage. Some boots may have taller uppers, others might resemble work boots or hiking boots. Closures are also almost always lace up or buckles, with very few zips found on these boots
How safe are cruiser motorcycle boots?
As with all gear that is sold as motorcycle personal protective equipment, cruiser boots need to attain a CE certification. That said, a cruiser boot is very different from a sport boot, and more often than not features only toe armor and ankle protection, due to the flexibility needed in the heel for forward controls. They also do not sport their armor on the exterior of the boot, with it often hidden between the inner liner and outer shell.
Are cruiser motorcycle boots always waterproof?
Not necessarily, but as with touring and ADV boots, cruiser boots have been designed for extended ride lengths in variable weather conditions. By that token, many cruiser boots are at the very least water resistant via the materials used to make the boot, and if the boot features “WP,” “H2O,” or names a waterproof membrane in its name like “Gore-Tex,” then it is fully waterproof.
Can cruiser motorcycle boots be worn & used off of the bike?
Yes. As you can see in our recommendations above, many of these cruiser boots resemble the common work boot or hiking boot. They have been designed to appear normal, as cruisers are one of the more rebellious types of bikes, so they also act like a regular shoe. The only difference is that there is a toe cap, sometimes a heel cap, and malleolus (ankle) armor inside.
Is there any special maintenance that I need to do with a cruiser motorcycle boot?
It depends on the boot. As some cruiser boots gain their waterproofing via a wax layer or treated leather, sometimes these layers need to be touched up. As well, due again to the high prevalence of leather, keeping the inside of the boot dry, airing them out after riding, and generally taking good care of them should keep them ready for your feet for years to come.
Can cruiser motorcycle boots be worn for other styles of riding?
Yes. The most likely cross-use riding style is neo-retro, as those riders like to look like they’re wearing classic, casual motorcycle gear, but want modern protection. With many of these cruiser boots looking like your bog-standard short boot, they are very popular with the “stealth” crowd.
What To Think About When Shopping For Motorcycle Cruiser Boots
When considering cruiser boots, the first thing that comes to mind is a casual but utilitarian look. This fits the bill, as most of these boots are designed to be comfortable for extended periods in the relaxed standard riding position that most cruisers use. Even on cruisers with forward controls, these boots will offer the best mix of protection and comfort for that specific riding style.
When considering a cruiser boot, there are multiple decisions that have been made for you already. It’s incredibly difficult to find cruiser boots that are not waterproof, as well as it is very hard to find boots that aren’t leather of some type: full-grain, suede, microfiber synthetic, and the like. What you do need to look for, however, is how much armor they carry and ease of off-bike use.
Armor: The cruiser boot market is interesting in that some boots come with just a toe cap and that’s it, while others are fully armored with toes, heels, ankles, and shins all protected. You will find in our recommendations that all of the boots we have listed have at minimum toe, heel, and malleolus protection.
A consideration for those that ride with forward controls is also the durability of the sole, as the soles of your feet are likely to be the first thing that encounters road debris kicked up by other vehicles. All of our recommendations above have high quality soles, specifically because of this thought process, on top of having good grip for off- and on-bike use.
Off-Bike Use: Much like ADV boots, cruiser boots are often worn off-bike for extended periods of time. Just look at events like Sturgis, where you rock up on your cruiser and are spending the entire day in your boots. For this reason, many of the more casual boots have specifically designed soles that make them feel more like hiking boots than big, heavy bits of armored footwear.
A perfect demonstration of exactly what to look for is provided by the TCX Blend 2 WP boots. They look like a sturdy pair of work boots, but are fully waterproof, have a robust and durable sole with an Ortholite insole for comfort, and have toe, heel, and malleolus armor. They also have nylon-core laces so that even if you wrench on them when putting the boots on, they won’t snap.
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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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