Gear Guide: Best Dirt Boots

Updated March, 2019

Other great options: SIDI X-3, TCX Baja, SIDI Agueda

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When you think about purpose built riding boots, dirt boots are likely to be the most durable and versatile in terms of the environments that they can handle. These boots are designed to provide the same high level of impact and abrasion protection as all riding boots but they must be able to do it in any type of weather and in the more rugged terrain.

Off-road riding introduced not only dirt and debris but also rocks, tree roots, mud, water, and even snow in some cases. This means that grip and solid footing are critical as is added support for the foot and ankle. And while other riding boots are expected to meet the riders need through a single accident, dirt boots must be able to repeatedly sustain the blows and impact of slides, full on wrecks and constant abrasion throughout the course of a ride or race, without compromising their protection, function, and comfort.

In short, dirt boots see as much action and abuse in a single ride as many other types of boots endure in an entire lifetime of use. So durability is a must not only from an economic standpoint but also because riders need to have confidence in the gear that they are wearing so that they can push themselves and their gear to the raggedest point of the edge without sustaining injuries.

Be sure to check back regularly with us here at wBW to read about our latest hands-on reviews of motorcycle boots and other great products for riders.

Dirt Boot Buyer’s Guide

Looking cool and sporting some great colors is a nice bonus when you select a pair of dirt boots, but the truth is that they are very likely to look totally different after just a single off-road adventure.

Comfort is actually very important in the case of dirt boots because limited mobility or fit issues can result in blisters or other injuries just from the boots themselves. Besides that, no one wants to be distracted by sore feet or ankles when they are tackling an off-road course or race. But by far, the biggest concern of every off-road rider is safety and the protection of his or her feet, ankles and legs.

Dirt boots not only provide the armor that will keep riders safe but they also are the point of connection between the bike and the rider. A sure and stable grip on the pegs is a necessity on rough terrain, jumps and most importantly, nailing the landings. In addition, a secure and stable plant foot can be the difference between yanking the bike around a tight curve or landing face down in the dirt as the bike leans too far and dumps the rider.

Solid and reliable dirt boots will handle all that the rider, the track, and the environment can dish out without any sign of failure.

Best Overall

The Forma Predator 2.0 use the dual pivot ankle brace design to allow for more freedom of movement while still offering the support found in traditional but more restrictive brace systems.

Construction & Fit:

Construction begins with the heat gripper inserts to provide insulation as well as a secure grip. Continuing on with four locking straps that keep these boots cinched down for stability and comfort along with the assistance of a VELCRO brand collar closure.

Lastly, the quick dry inner lining and the antibacterial insole add to the comfort and wicking capabilities of the Predator boots to keep your feet as dry and secure as possible in even the most unforgiving environments.

Safety Features:

The support features are made from nylon reinforced with fiberglass and carbon fiber. The benefit of the dual pivot connector is maximum resistance and elasticity while following conforming to the natural shape of the ankle to avoid bruising or abrasion injuries.

With all of this focus on ankle safety and mobility, Forma had to follow up with some awesome protection in the rest of the Predator 2 boots.

• Upper leg and heel are covered by injection molded protective armor and the pro motocross anti-slip sole is reinforced with steel midsole shank
• Toe is protected with a stainless steel toe cap

At under $350, the Forma Predator 2 boots offer riders professional-level quality and protection at a very fair price, making them the selection for the Best Overall Dirt Boots 2019.

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Best Value

Not every rider can afford the $500+ price tag that is found on many dirt boots. But for riders who don’t want to compromise on quality, the $200 price tag on the TCX X-Blast is very doable for the professional level protection that these boots offer.

Construction & Fit:

• Rubber sole offers great durability as well as more flexibility than a harder sole surface
• Microfiber heat guard on inner calf also helps to eliminate the discomfort from the heat of the bike on the legs
• Microfiber upper and Air Tech breathable lining promote ventilation and aid in natural cooling through evaporation to keep the feet and lower legs as comfortable as possible

The moisture control of the TCX X-Blast also helps to provide a more secure footing and reduces the potential for blisters.

Safety Features:

CE Certified is all that you need to see to know that these are quality dirt boots that offer the protection that especially entry-level riders need to have as they learn the ups and downs of off-road riding.

• PU heel and ankle guard, as well as the PU toe guard, offer a great deal of impact protection in critical areas
• Shin plate and the padded front and ankle areas also help to lessen the blows that are a part of the learning curve when riding off-road
• PU internal plate offers increased grip on the bike frame which is especially helpful for new riders

At $200, the TCX X-Blast offers entry-level riders a great option for a safe and very functional dirt boot at a price that fits into almost any budget making them the 2019 selection for Best Value Dirt Boots.

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Fully Loaded

The TCX Comp EVO 2 boots are a professional level boot that is combined with a Michelin sole that is as tough and durable as, well, a bike tire. With a dirt boot that functions this well, you can only hope that it also offers a few comfort features, which the TCX Comp EVO 2 Michelin does.

Construction & Fit:

• Constructed of breathable water-resistant microfiber and reinforced with a Polyurethane frame
• Breathable fabric liner with double compound PU solid padding around the ankle area adds to the cushion and comfort of these boots
• Liner assists in wicking moisture away from the skin to provide greater comfort, temperature control, and more secure footing
• Calf adjustment also allows the rider to create a custom fit each time the boots are worn
• Four ergonomically designed micro adjustable aluminum buckles located at the instep, ankle, mid shin, and collar ensure a secure fit

Safety Features:

The Double Flex Control System that helps to prevent torsion injuries and supports the ankle without binding or gouging as some ankle braces do. This gives riders a wide range of motion but in a protected manner.

Additional safety features on the TCX Comp EVO 2 Michelins includes:

• PU adjustable shin plate, a PU toe guard and rear heel reinforcement
• Steel toe cap
• Internal high grip zone heat guard
• Ankle and malleolus reinforcements

And the final bit of amazing protection comes from the Michelin soles of these amazing boots. You are wearing a sole that is a product of years of testing, trials and technological advances.

The TCX Comp EVO 2 Michelins are ready to provide riders with the highest level of protection, comfort and functionality making them the 2019 selection for Best Fully Loaded Dirt Boots.

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The SIDI X-3 boots offer all the bells and whistles of the professional boots but without the huge price tag that requires a sponsor!

Construction & Fit:

• Base material for these boots is laminated Technomicro and there is a full Cambrelle lining for added comfort
• Non-bootie design which is much cooler for arid climates.
• TA sole is made of anti-skid rubber and can be replaced by a cobbler (his formula of sole material is found to provide superior rear brake feel)
• Insole reinforcement in the X-3 is nylon so there is never a worry about an injury from a steel shank mishap
• Removable arch support also adds to the level of comfort as does the inner heat shield

Safety Features:

• Internal malleolus plastic guard with an ergonomic closed cell foam padding provides enhanced protection of the smallest and most tender of the 38 bones in the foot
• Added layer of protective plastic covers the toe
• Rigid, shock resistant, anatomically shaped heel cup provides maximum protection for the heal and the Achilles

From a durability standpoint, all of the bolt on protective pieces and closures are replaceable which includes the micro adjustable cam lock buckle system with memory straps.

At under $350, the SIDI X-3 dirt boots offer riders top quality features, function and protection at a bargain price making them a great dirt boot to consider.

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TheTCX Baja Waterproof boots are designed to meet the needs of riders who are facing even the greatest challenges of climate and environment.

Construction & Fit:

• Full grain leather uppers provide durability, while the suede front and rear padded areas increase comfort
• Padded collar also adds to the comfort when riding or walking a trail in these boots
• Anatomical footbed makes these boots a great choice for a long day of riding and trail hiking (footbed is replaceable)
• High-performance rubber compound sole with differentiated grip areas provide great stability and traction on any terrain you will encounter

Safety Features:

CE Certified the TCX Baja offers:

• Ergonomic shin plate reinforcement for added protection of the lower leg
• PU malleolus, toe and heel inserts for taking care of all of the small bones in the foot
• 3 interchangeable, micro-adjustable ALU6060 aluminum buckles allow for customization for a superior fit and comfort level

At $300, the TCX Baja Waterproof dirt boots are the perfect selection for the off-roader who is going to take on any terrain in any kind of climate and expects total protection and comfort from his or her boots.

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The SIDI Agueda is the off-road dirt boot that offers great durability and protection in a lightweight, nimble format. There are tons of great dirt boots out there that offer total protection, but the drawback is that the boots make you feel like your feet are encased in cement.

Construction & Fit:

• Constructed of laminated 3mm thick Technomicro material with a Cambrelle lining
• TA sole is made of anti-skid rubber and can be replaced by a cobbler. In addition, this formula of sole material is found to provide superior rear brake feel
• Insole reinforcement in the X-3 is nylon so there is never a worry about an injury from a steel shank mishap
• Removable arch support also adds to the level of comfort as does the inner heat shield

Safety Features:

• Added layer of protective plastic covers the toe
• Rigid, shock resistant, anatomically shaped heel cup provides maximum protection for the heal and the Achilles

From a durability standpoint, all of the bolt on protective pieces and closures are replaceable which includes the micro adjustable cam lock buckle system with memory straps.

In comparison, the SIDI Agueda could be considered the little brother of the SIDI X-3 as the Agueda is lighter in armor and in the price tag. But for overall protection and great durability the Agueda lives up to the ever-high standards of the SIDI line of boot making them a great choice for a rider who believes that at times, a little less is more.

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Can’t decide on your favorite Dirt Boots? Acquire all the information you need with our handy infographic to decide later or on-the-go. Download and save all our top picks for best Dirt Boots of 2019.