Trail riding and trail riding boots are an essential part of your gear as an off-roader or mountain biker.
This article is a comprehensive review of the best performing enduro boots for trail riding and off road racing.
As the author, I make objective assessments, looking at quality (I explain how), fit, durability and a number of features compared to make the best choice for your needs.
The best enduro boots will be effective in the rough conditions endured by off-road riders. For this reason, these boots also make great dedicated trail riding boots and are highly sought after.
So whether you're trail riding or racing XC or downhill, you deserve a good pair of boots.
Very informative review of the top enduro boots – recommended for people hunting down a pair in this niche.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| O'Neal Men's New Logo Rider Boot | Best Overall |  |
1. O'Neal Men's New Logo Rider Boot
Pros:
- Waterproof: very comfortable for riding
- Durable, real leather
- Excellent knee and ankle protection
This pair of boots is the most protective of the O´Neal range and thus the heaviest, but protection from falls is where it counts. All the other models are extremely light and have excellent performance, but a couple are not protective.
The only boots in O´Neal’s range that protect the ankle and surrounding area from falls are this model and the MX model. However, unlike the MX model, the Logo Rider has the added protection of elastic knee shells in the back.
The boot is made of leather and comes with an adjustable Velcro closure system for a perfect fit. It has an internal gaiter to help keep water out.
2. Gaerne SG-12 Boots
In this review, we will be taking a detailed look at some of the results after one of the most extensive reviews for offroad boots you’ll find on the web and what we believed are the best off-road mountain biking boots in 2018. And finally, after weeks of intensive testing, we’ve assembled a list of the top 7 best mountain bike shoes of 2018.
How The Best Off-Road Mountain Bike Boots Are Chosen:
- Every type of riding is taken into consideration, including street riding, trials riding, dirt jumping, cross-country riding, cross-country marathon riding, free riding and more.
- Each type of off-road biking may have their preferences in different things that are easy to miss. I tested and researched the boots needs of each type of riding. From the top part of the boots that would hug your ankles down to the bottom that would press against the pedal.
3. O'Neal Rider Boots
If you are thinking of choosing the best enduro boots for trail riding and off-road racing, the products made by O’Neal are certainly worth considering.
These tough and durable enduro boots feature several of the characteristics that are expected of this type of boot.
They provide excellent protection of the lower legs with protection over the ankle and lateral side of the foot. They will hold up well to the rigors of an off-road ride. The material is lightweight and flexible for easy walking and riding.
4. Fox Racing Comp 5 Men's Off-Road Motorcycle Boots
Pros:
- Designed for offroad riding
- Perfect for mountai biking, enduro racing, and backcountry exploring.
- Featuring a high quality leather construction from upper to toe
- The boots are protective yet lightweight, providing a strong, comfortable fit.
- Has a plastic composite chassis which gives you a solid support to the feet.
- They have an oversized “Comfort Fit” padded tongue.
- Full boot construction and protection
- They have CE-certified shift pad protection
- Constructed of water resistant, abrasion resistant leather
- Internal plastic shin protection
Limitations:
- Cannot be worn in very hot weather
- Can be difficult to put on
- Can only be worn with light riding socks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best enduro boots?
The market for off-roading boots is continuously growing and so is the variety of boots on offer. Enduro boots have to fulfill particular requirements: they need to protect your toes, ankles, and heels. They have to provide stability, traction, and grip. Above all, though, they have to be comfortable enough for hours on end of riding.
What are the most comfortable motocross boots?
There is a big market for off-road boots because they are a little different than their street-only counterparts. These boots are built with comfort in mind, so many riders like to wear them for street riding, too, in addition to off-road riding.
When it comes to off-road boots, comfort really comes down to a couple factors:
Design flexibility: The boots need to be broken in and allowed to conform to your heel, ankle, and leg in all the places they touch. Usually, this takes about a full season of riding, if not more, depending on how much you ride and how much time you spend with your boots on. Offroad boots have closer-toed designs than street-only boots, which is part of the reason they are more comfortable.
Flexibility and mobility: Off-road boots can have all kinds of features for a ride that might involve a lot of walking/hiking/exercising.
Can you use a motocross bike for enduro?
While both are technically forms of motorcycle riding, enduro and motocross differ in a couple key ways. First, enduro is almost always done on two wheels, whereas motocross refers to riding off-road on a motorcycle. While enduro can be done on a motocross bike, it’s technically more suited to a different kind of bike, called an enduro bike.
So Which Bike Is Best For Enduro?
Enduro bikes are significantly larger and heavier than motocross bikes due to the rugged terrain they are primarily used on. They are made for tackling rough terrain and traversing obstacles like rocks, roots, and mud with ease. Enduro bikes are typically much more forgiving than motocross bikes and are designed for comfort and stability over speed and acceleration. Enduro bikes also typically feature three gears, while motocross bikes have four to six gears.
What do you wear to enduro riding?
You will want to wear essentially the same type of gear, equipment, and clothing that you wear on your regular street bike. Regular, offroad shoes for riding would be most appropriate, and no one will object if you wear your riding or motocross boots. They protect your feet as well as promote stability. Generally, your shoes will be sufficient when it comes to warmth and to keep the rocks and dirt out.
Highly recommended are over-the-ankle boots. This prevents your feet from getting the occasional pinch from the rear pedals of the bike. They also protect your ankles and shins from the occasional brush with trees and branches. Lastly, it provides the extra protection necessary when going downhill at high speeds over hazardous terrain as there are fewer obstacles for your feet to hit.
Conclusion
Purchasing the best off road boots found on the sport of off-roading can be a little confusing, especially for newcomers. However, if you’re willing to invest your money in a good, quality, and durable pair of boots, your experience in the sport of off-roading will be made much more fun and exciting. Make the right call by going with a high quality option that will last you a while.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| O'Neal Men's New Logo Rider Boot | Best Overall | |