Every rider has been caught out in the rain and wished we’d put our waterproofs on before leaving the house.
Gore-Tex boots eliminate the soggy struggle of riding with wet feet, and leave you free to ride with confidence all year.
Gore-Tex doesn’t come cheap, but Sportsbikeshop customers swear these five picks are worth the outlay.
We've spread our selection out across five different styles - sports, adventure, urban and both full-height and short touring boots.
Alpinestars Web Gore-Tex Boots - Black
Customer rating:
These touring boots are a motorcycle stalwart that have gathered more than 350 reviews since the first was posted way back in 2012. They've built a huge reputation with a highly respectable 4.9 average from that cavernous well of customer reviews. They’re made with genuine leather uppers - though the accordion section across the front of the foot is made from durable microfibre. They’re easy to put on and take off thanks to the simple zip and Velcro fastener, and they give a good balance of comfort and protection. In that final regard, these boots pass every aspect of the CE protection standard at the higher Level 2. There are more owners who feel the boots fit true-to-size than those who suggest going up a size, but a notable portion do suggest the latter - especially those who like leaving room for thicker socks in winter.
Sidi Adventure 2 Gore-Tex Boots
Customer rating:
These boots are by far the most popular Gore-Tex boots among adventure riders, who want a blend of comfort for riding long distances and elements of the support and protection that comes from a dedicated off-road boot. There’s comprehensive bracing and impact protection across the microfibre upper of the Adventure 2 Gore-Tex as well as a heavily treaded sole to give good traction on loose surfaces. They fasten with twin motocross-style clasps and a Velcro band around the calf. They offer exactly what most adventure riders are after - reassuring support and protection and top-line rain protection with the Gore-Tex membrane. Their protection credentials are high, with a superior Level 2 pass in all four elements within the CE safety standard. The customer reviewers are very complimentary about these boots, giving a 4.9 average score from more than 300. On sizing it seems those who have wider feet or like thicker socks may wish to size up by one.
Daytona Max Sports Gore-Tex Leather Boots - Black
Customer rating:
Shorter touring boots like these appeal to riders with chunky calves, and the Daytona Max Sports Gore-Tex have an additional party piece - raised soles. This makes these boots the go-to option for shorter riders who want a firmer footing when seated on their bike. Owners suggest the stacked soles boost standing height by two inches. They have the leather construction that has made German brand Daytona so popular over the years and a twin-zip opening combines with a elasticated heel panel to make them easier to put on. They meet the higher level of the CE protection standard in all four categories and a 4.9 average rating from the first 29 customer reviews shows how highly regarded these boots are.
Held Saxton Leather Boots
Customer rating:
These have been around for a while now, and have collected enough customer feedback to join our top five as the most popular urban-styled Gore-Tex boots. The uppers are made from leather and the combination of laces and a side zip makes them easy to put on and take off. A shorter style like this isn't the number one option in heavy rain as they're more vulnerable to ingress through the top if trousers don't overlap properly. Still, the Gore-Tex guarantee will cover you in case water starts getting through the defences. The first 11 customers to leave a review all awarded a maximum five-star rating. In terms of the CE protection standard, the Saxtons meet the basic Level 1 in all four categories.
Sidi Performer Gore-Tex Boots
Customer rating:
If you’re after something sporty and waterproof then these Sidis are the highest-rated Gore-Tex option among Sportsbikeshop customers. They combine a microfibre upper with a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane and plastic reinforcements in key areas. The toesliders complete the sporty credentials, helping protect the upper in case your angle of dangle becomes particularly acute. The protection levels are independently proven, too - the Performer Gore-Tex boots meet the highest Level 2 in all four categories of the CE safety standard for bike boots. They’re popular with owners, many of whom are longstanding Sidi customers who know and trust the brand. After the first 73 reviews these boots were sat on a 4.8 average score. Some common advice for Sidi boots seems to hold true with these boots… size up if you have wide feet or like thick socks.