Buyer’s Guide: TOURING BOOTS

Here are the basics to help you pick your perfect pair of touring boots...

With so many boots available, choosing a pair to suit you can be challenging, and when the specification sheet and list of technical fabrics are as long as the ride out, it can be pretty confusing. Touring boots are – as the name suggests – boots designed for touring. However, you don’t have to be planning a trip around the world for them to be suitable. Designed to be worn for a long time, with good levels of grip and able to tackle all weathers, they’re a great allrounder and suit a variety of bikes. Here’s what you need to know…

HEIGHT

Touring boots come in a variety of lengths – short, mid or tall – and it’s down to personal preference and bike type. Mid-length are often popular as they provide a good seal from the elements as they can be tucked under trousers and offer high levels of protection for ankles and shins.

MATERIAL

You may want to opt for leather or textile technical fabrics. Nowadays many boots are a mixture of both, combining the benefits and cancelling out the disadvantages of each.

WATERPROOF

The weather is one thing that can’t be guaranteed so choosing waterproof boots is always a good idea. The boots pictured feature a Gore-Tex liner, providing longlasting, comfortable weather protection. Other technologies are available too, so it’s worth doing your research before buying.

CE-CERTIFIED

While it’s not law to wear CE-certified footwear while riding, it’s definitely recommended and also a way to see how seriously footwear brands take safety. Any boots that have been CE-certified are clearly marked to show this.

PROTECTION

As with all riding boots, protection is extremely important, both from the weather and also in case of an accident. Be sure to look for ankle and shin protection as well as a waterproof, breathable liner.

FASTENING MECHANISM

Look for a secure fastener. Many will have a side zip on the inside of the boot and then a Velcro patch over the top to secure the zip fastener and ensure it doesn’t scratch the inside of the bike.

FIT AND COMFORT

Designed to be worn for long periods of time, comfort is important for a touring boot, so you can expect more ‘luxury’ than in a race boot. Try them out for size and see how they fit you. If you can, take your riding trousers with you to see if they fit under/over the boots comfortably.

SOLE

While it’s not the most exciting part of the boot, it can make a great amount of difference. Look for anti-slip and abrasion-resistant treads. These can ensure a good grip on the footrests while riding and promote stability. It’s important that they’re comfortable to walk in, too.