Riding a Motorcycle in Cowboy Boots [Factors to Consider]

Let’s start this article with a fact: motorcycle riding is a dangerous activity. If a rider is to invest in riding gear, it has to be the recommended ones. 

Cowboy boots are traditional men’s footwear worn for decades. They’ve become a symbol of rugged style and a character of cowboy culture. In addition to being comfortable, cowboy boots are designed to withstand rough terrain and provide protection from mud and rain. But they are not without their drawbacks.

Can wearing cowboy boots for motorcycle riding actually hurt you or cause damage to your motorcycle? Let’s talk about that in this article. 

The Cowboy Boots

Cowboy boots are made to protect the foot from the outside world. They are made of leather and have a strong sole and a rubber heel most of the time.

Cowboy boots were initially designed for men to wear while horseback riding, working on the ranch, and walking on the hot, rocky, sandy, or wet ground. And, because of their sturdy structure, cowboy boots are made to protect the foot and calf from possible injuries (e.g., brushing against a thorny plant, a snake bite, etc.).

These boots may be equipped with spurs to help control the horse during horseback riding. It’s important to know that cowboy boots are high-quality leather, like bull hide or sharkskin. They also have a small heel, a rubber sole, and a rounded toe.

In the early 20th century, they were worn by cowboys on the range, but as time went on, the cowboy boot became a fashion item for men and women alike. Today, the cowboy boot symbolizes rugged style and is often worn with jeans, a T-shirt, a jacket, and a cowboy hat. 

Just Because You Can, Should You?

Can you wear cowboy boots during a motorcycle ride? It looks fantastic, of course, but it’s not recommended. While cowboy boots are designed to be worn under challenging conditions, some of their variants do not provide the safety and protection required by your feet, ankles, and legs during a motorcycle ride. Also, cowboy boots make operating the gears and brakes of your bike more difficult.

Riding Boots Are Better and Highly Recommended

Not all footwear can be worn during a motorcycle ride. An example of this would be running shoes, Crocs, sandals, and certain types of cowboy boots. Why? During a high-impact accident, wearing these types of footwear can result in a broken leg or ankle. On the other hand, a good pair of quality riding boots or shoes offer excellent protection for your feet, ankles, and legs. 

Factors to Consider When Looking for Riding Boots

Read on if you’re thinking about using cowboy boots while riding your motorcycle.

The following are cowboy boots features that are bad for motorcycle riding:

• High-heels
• Leather soles

The following cowboy boots feature excellent for motorcycle riding:

• Made from quality, durable, and water-resistant material
• Smaller heels
• A rubber sole
• A more rounded toe

The reality of wearing cowboy boots while riding:

• The leather soles of cowboy boots can make the bottom section slippery, resulting in a slip-off. To avoid slipping under a heavy motorcycle, use cowboy boots with ribbed soles.
• A pair of boots with a high shaft made from leather or synthetic material will shield you from the heat coming off the motorcycle’s engine.
• A pair of high-quality boots are reliable and durable enough to last you 10 years.
• They have no shoe strings, which means your foot won’t get stuck on the pegs. 
• They have non-slip outsoles, which helps with gear shifting. 
• They come in several options: stockman, roper, western work boot, and riding boot. 

What Are the Best Cowboy Boots for Riding a Motorcycle?

1. Ariat Men’s Heritage Roughstock Western Boot

The ATS technology in the Ariat Men’s Heritage Roughstock Western Boot lets you concentrate on riding and not worry about being uncomfortable. It is an ideal boot for riding and great for walking around or casual wear. 

These Ariat Heritage Roughstock boots are made to be excellent motorcycle riding boots. They feature a rugged leather upper with a pull tab closure for easy on and off and a pull tab toe cap. The rubber outsole provides traction and durability.

2. Wolverine Men’s Rancher

If you’re a biker or just want some extra comfort on your feet, you need to invest in a pair of Wolverine Men’s Rancher Boots. These boots are made of durable leather with steel toes for protection. The steel toes make the boots extra safe if you ever have to hop off your motorcycle and run away from an attacker. You can also easily change the outsole to become waterproof for rainy days.

3. Ariat Men’s Sport

Ariat Men’s Sport Boots are designed for men who want a great boot for outdoor activities such as motorcycle riding. These leather and mesh boots are ideal for those looking for a comfortable boot for all of their adventures.

The Ariat Men’s Sport has DuraTread technology that allows the boot to flex and bend more efficiently while riding your motorcycle. It helps the boot conform to the shape of your foot, providing a better fit.

4. Ariat Women’s Legend

Ariat Women’s Legend has been designed to be comfortable. At the same time, you ride, and with its soft leather lining, you won’t feel any discomfort on your feet. The 4-row stitch pattern is perfect for making your boots look elegant. This Ariat boot is not only functional but also attractive.

5. Ariat Women’s Heritage Roper

The Ariat Women’s Heritage Roper Cowboy Boots are comfortable and versatile. They have a durable leather upper with a rubber outsole that provides the best traction on the trail. The Ariat Women’s Heritage Roper Cowboy Boots also have a slip-resistant polyurethane insole

Conclusion

Can you wear cowboy boots for motorcycle riding? Cowboy boots are not a suitable choice if you’re going to ride a motorcycle. These boots are made with smooth leather soles that won’t provide the necessary grip you need for safety. Additionally, cowboy boots aren’t made with the same reinforced protection as other motorcycle boots. They won’t have the abrasion resistance necessary in case of an accident.

So, if you want to keep your feet safe on your bike, consider wearing motorcycle boots or the cowboy boots recommended above. They’ll keep you safe and comfortable when riding, and they’re great for everyday wear and riding activities.