For vegan motorcyclists, it’s not always clear which boots don’t use leather. But fear not, loads of boots are made using vegan-friendly alternatives.
Our guide to five of the best vegan motorcycle boots has been compiled using ratings from Sportsbikeshop customer reviews. No animals were harmed in the production of these boots, but they look just as good and perform just as well as those with ‘regular’ leather.
We've included the top-rated boot from five different styles - adventure, touring, race, waterproof sports and casual short boots.
Alpinestars SMX-6 V2 Gore-Tex Boots - Black
Customer rating:
The Gore-Tex version of Alpinestars' SMX-6 V2 boots are the best regarded waterproof sports boots on Sportsbikeshop, with 44 five-star ratings from the first 49 customers to leave a review. The Alpinestars SMX-6 V2 Drystar boots are a little cheaper, and are only a sniff beyond the Gore-Tex version in the customer satisfaction stakes. Whichever you choose, the upper is made from microfibre and the boots blend rigidity and comfort for sporty road riding. Reviewers rave about comfort, though some say they needed to order a size bigger than they would normally take. For women, the nearest equivalent is the more recent Alpinestars SM6-V3 Drystar boots, which have the same list price but are less frequently discounted than the older V2 model.
Sidi Adventure 2 Gore-Tex Boots
Customer rating:
Adventure boots don’t come any more popular than these Gore-Tex boots from Sidi, which picked up 282 five-star ratings from the first 314 reviews. The upper is all microfibre synthetic leather and there’s plenty of bracing to keep the ankle secure for those who want to indulge in light off-roading. The Gore-Tex membrane gives reliable (and guaranteed) waterproofing and there’s a grippy sole for grip when walking on loose surfaces. Like good off-road boots, these fasten with clasps up the side and a velcro wrap around the top, including a gaiter to keep out debris.
Alpinestars Supertech R Boots
Customer rating:
If it's race boots you're after then they don't come much racier than the Alpinestars Supertech R, which top our customer feedback charts for non-leather sports boots. With 88 of the first 91 reviewers giving the full five stars, that makes for an impressive 4.96 average rating. The boots are praised for exceptional comfort, premium build quality and top-tier protection. Many reviewers describe them as the best boots they’ve ever owned, with a strong track bias. Many reviewers bought them specifically for track use and trust them implicitly at speed. The general consensus is that these are best suited to track and fast, sporty riding.
TCX Explorer.4 Gore-Tex Boots - Black
Customer rating:
Subtlety is the order of the day for the Explorer.4s, which sit top of the touring category on customer ratings. The waterproof boots win points from reviewers for blending into everyday life in terms of appearance and comfort. Some owners put these on for the ride to work and leave them on through the working day and for the ride home too. The uppers are made from a combination of robust microfibre with inserts made from abrasion-resistant textile to give increased flexibility. They’re reinforced with hard sections for the toes, heels and shins, but they remain light and flexible as well as simple to put on and take off. A Gore-Tex membrane is effectively a guarantee that your feet will stay dry.
Alpinestars Faster-3 Rideknit Shoes
Customer rating:
Our highest-rated shorties are the Alpinestars Faster-3 Rideknit shoes, which owners praise for outstanding ventilation and all-day comfort in a lightweight, stylish package. Only one rider from the first 32 reviewers docked a star when rating the Faster 3s. Riders say they're ideal for commuting, casual rides and hot-weather use rather than spirited or winter riding. Fit is generally described as true to size, though a few riders report needing to size up, particularly if they have wider feet. Ventilation is the standout feature as riders consistently mention excellent airflow, keeping feet cool even in 27-30°C heat. Reviewers appreciate the natural feel on the pegs, good feedback through the sole and the ability to walk comfortably off the bike. Many commuters like that they don’t need to carry spare shoes. Helpfully, there's a women's version called the Stella Faster-3 Rideknit shoes.