There are many factors that influence our decisions on what riding gear to wear. When it comes to motorcycle footwear, your destination and day’s activities are key factors. If you’re off to hang with your mates, a pair of trainers might suffice. Commuting to the office? You’ll probably want something that looks smart.
In the past, this would have meant wearing regular footwear as opposed to dedicated riding gear, but these days, we’re spoiled with options. Whether you’re chasing a set of classic boots, smart-looking work shoes, or casual trainers, there’s a manufacturer out there making a riding shoe in that style. Here are 10 of the Best Cafe Racer Boots available in early 2023.
Forma Legacy Boots
Packed with style, these boots keep you looking cool, while keeping your precious toes safe & sound. These brown leather boots are a timeless style that will last for forever, and based on the stellar specs & ratings, these Forma Legacy Boots should share the longevity.
The Legacy boots are made up of a Full-grain leather upper, with a “city” compound rubber sole. Inside they have a reinforced ankle, and memory foam padding throughout. The entire shoe has a 12-month warranty to make sure you get the best possible experience with your Forma boots and prevent any hiccups from the manufacturing process
The inclusion of an Anti-shock EVA mid-sole makes these just as comfortable to walk around in as they are to ride in. A dual Zipper & lace closure with reinforced eyelets makes sure these stay on your feet in the worst case scenario. A Drytex inner lining makes the Legacy boots waterproof and about as breathable as possible. Last but not least, these boots carry a CE rating, meaning they really are more than a pretty pair of leather boots.
- Features: timeless styling / comfort oriented features.
Where to Buy: Revzilla
Cortech Slayer Riding Shoe
Anyone who used to skate will appreciate the styling of the Cortech Slayer Riding Shoe. These classic mid-height trainers are an ideal addition to your casual riding garb, offering the perfect balance of style and performance.
The Cortech Slayer Riding Shoes feature a slick leather lightning bolt motif across each suede sidewall. High impact zones such as the toe and heel are made from 1.0–1.2mm drum dyed leather and are backed by thermoplastic cups to take the brunt of any hard knocks. Additional protection comes in the form of dual-density contoured ankle protectors and a reinforced anti-twist midsole.
To keep your feet firmly planted, the skate-style sole uses an anti-slip design, and the shoes come with both white and black laces to suit whatever look you’re going for. Available in both all black and black/gum colourways, you’ll find yourself reaching for these shoes even when you aren’t planning to ride. SLAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYEEEEERRRRR!
- Features: classic skate shoe style / toe and heel armour
- Where to Buy: RevZilla
Icon El Bajo2 CE Boots
In Spanish El Bajo means “The Short One” and this boot is indeed the shorty version of Icon’s much beloved Elsinore 2 boot.
The materials have been improved over the original, but the badassery has also found a way to step it up. The Motocross meets Mad Max style could be just the look your Cafe ride requires. Impact-resistant nylon buckles, heavy top-grain leather chassis, and reinforced toe box and heel make for a serious piece of riding footwear.
- Features: water-resistant leather upper / Icon 1000 styling / reinforced shifter overlay
- Where to Buy: RevZilla
Spidi X-Village Boots
Riders who live and breathe Moto GP are sure to recognize the Spidi brand. Along with their extensive range of technical riding gear, Spidi also offers a wide range of motorcycle boots under the XPD name. Amongst the power ranger-esque racing boots in the XPD catalogue, you’ll find a collection of classic, urban-style footwear that includes the X-Village Boots.
These stylish mid-height boots are as appropriate for the office as they are for the bike. Available in either dark brown or black colorways, they feature a contrasting white vulcanized rubber sole. The outer chassis uses oiled, water-repellent 1.4mm cow leather with 0.8mm thick panels at the rear for unrestricted ease of movement.
The boot’s oiled laces offer additional water resistance, and polyurethane malleolus protectors keep your ankles safe. Reinforced toes and heels round out these solid safety features, while side access zips allow you to slip them on and off without the need to struggle with laces.
- Features: side access zipper / contrasting sole / water-repellant
- Where to Buy: RevZilla
Dainese Street Rocker D-WP
Many people share the opinion that Italy is synonymous with style, and that sentiment is just as true when it comes to bike gear – Italian manufacturer, Dainese, has long been known for producing some gorgeous pieces of gear, ranging from race suits worn by the lines of Rossi, all the way to urban-based boots like the Dainese Street Rocker D-WP
These Street Rockers are built with a full grain cowhide leather upper, complete with a pre-worn “vintage” look that gives them the perfect, well-loved style that we all desire. Dainese says each pair is unique thanks to the handcrafted aspect of them. A simple lace-up closure keeps things easy and classic, while making sure these shoes hang on to your feet. The D-WP interior lining makes the Street Rockers waterproof so that you don’t have to worry too much about the weather when you ride.
A Nylon midsole & rubber sole helps make the street rockers a functioning pair of shoes when off the bike, while a CE – Cat. II – 89/686/EEC certification makes them a trusted piece of gear no matter what you ride.
All in all these shoes are a great all arounder, with classic good looks, tons of functionality, and the safety ratings we expect from the likes of Dainese.
- Features: Vintage worn style / waterproof / CE rated safety features.
Where to Buy: Revzilla
TCX Hero WP Boots
Take the classic Dr Martens, a little combat style, and some petrol sauce and you have the TCX Hero WP boots.
The Hero Boots from TCX include anatomically correct construction, accordion stitching at the achilles for flexibility, and TCX’s Comfort Fit System. The laces enable you to fine-tune the fit before using the zipper for easy entry and exit. The zipper is equipped with a leather zipper stay and a VELCRO® brand closing. The WP is for the fully waterproof lining, ensuring you always have comfortable, dry feet on the pegs.
- Features: waterproof liner / full-grain leather conAlpinestars Oscar Monty V2 Bootsstruction / reinforced heel and ankle
- Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon
Merlin Ether Boots
UK riding gear manufacturer Merlin is quickly becoming one of the country’s top riding gear brands. Their catalogue features items for even the most fashion-conscious rider, and the Ether Boots are no exception.
The Merlin Ether Boots are a full-grain leather, round toe boot that could easily be defined as all-purpose. With styling suited to just about any occasion, you’ll find yourself wearing them even when riding isn’t on your radar. Symmetrical shifter pads tie in nicely with the boot’s double stitched seams, and the inclusion of side entry zippers means fitting them is a cinch.
On top of looking great, the Merlin Ether Boots are packing CE approved protection. D30 armor guards the side of each ankle and the footbed itself is a CE rated item. Being a UK-based brand, Merlin also recognizes the importance of keeping water out. So to keep your feet dry, the entire boot is lined with a Hipora triple breathable liner.
- Features: waterproof lining / CE approved footbed
- Where to Buy: RevZilla
Stylmartin Matt WP Riding Shoes
Riding in inclement weather can be risking business. On top of having to deal with slippery surfaces, your visibility is often obscured—worse still, it can be difficult for other motorists to see you. In cases such as this, increasing your visual presence is good practice.
Stylmartin are big supporters of this approach, and it’s one they’ve applied to their Matt WP Riding Shoes. These purposeful waterproof boots may look stealthy during the day, but thanks to a series of reflective details, they’ll stand out when you need others to see them.
Featuring a stylish mix of matte and polished leather, the Stylmartin Matt WP Riding Shoes are the epitome of modern streetwear style. However, a quick scan over the boots feature list confirms their true purpose. Safety is offered in the form of malleolus protectors and a hardwearing, oil-resistant, anti-slip sole.
Comprehensive waterproofing is provided by hydro-grain leather and an internal breathable waterproof membrane. As for low light visibility, Stylmartin have integrated reflective panels into the rear of each boot, and they’ve even threaded reflective strands into the laces.
- Features: waterproof / reflective safety details
- Where to Buy: RevZilla
Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 Boots
Photo Credit: Hot Bike MagazineAre you looking to ride with period-correct boots that harken back to the days being fitted at the local cobbler? Alpinestars feels your vibe, check out the Oscar Monty V2 Boots.
With a full-grain leather top and Alpinestars’ oil-resistant rubber-compound sole, the Monty is CE certified (CE 89/686/EEC-CAT 2). The footwear features dual-density TPU ankle protectors on the sides of each shoe, as well as interior padding in the shift area. The rear collar is fitted with flexion inserts for improved comfort around the Achilles area, while the toe box and heel counter are reinforced for added support and impact resistance.
These boots patina so beautifully, as a perfect brown boot should.
- Features: 1.4-1.6mm bovine leather / protective ankle discs / hidden side zip
- Where to Buy: Revzilla
REV’IT! Ginza 3 Shoes
Photo Credit: stratmoto.comREV’IT! Ginza 3 Shoes are cozy, fashionable, and match almost everything in your closet. The break-in period is shorter and the fit is better than the previous Ginza 2 Shoes.
The waxed suede leather will form to your feet as you wear them, giving them a custom fit. The gorgeous leather covering is flawlessly integrated with injected ankle cups on both sides of the ankle and a thermoformed heel and toe cup.
- Features: reduced break-in period / thermoformed heel & toe area
- Where to Buy: Revzilla
