Supermoto Boot Style
After a crash helmet the purchasing of correct Supermoto boots will be one of the most important investments any Supermoto rider can make.
Foot and ankle damage are the more common injuries associated with Supermoto riding so getting good quality boots that are comfortable and fit right is essential.
Supermoto riders generally wear either a motocross boot that has a sole which is slidable on the asphalt or a road racing boot. Both boots are designed to provide excellent protection from impact and abrasion.
Some manufacturers now make specific supermotard boots that will tick all the boxes for serious riders. However, these maybe a little OTT for the casual Supermoto rider where road racing boots may suffice.
Whether you opt for supermotard boots, motocross boots or road racing boots, you will need to think about your riding style, comfort, durability, protection and value.
What Sort Of Riding Will You Be Doing?
Will you use your Supermoto for just the street or combine it with off-roading? Do you put your “leg out” or “knee down” for cornering? Maybe you do neither and have a more relaxed style of riding?
If you ride in the traditional Supermoto style of “leg out” for cornering then a purpose made supermotard boot or motocross boot with a replaceable Supermoto sole are ideal choices.
The same boots apply for street riding that’s mixed with off-roading. The supermotard and motocross boot offer the very best protection for your feet, ankles and shins.
On the other hand if you are using the Supermoto for just street use and tend to have your “knee out” for cornering then you might find motocross boots to bulky and heavy.
Many Supermoto riders are quite happy wearing road racing boots which are lighter, more flexible and give much better feel for gear changes and braking.
Motocross Boots
These boots offer the most protection over any other boot you can purchase.
When you go off-roading you need as much protection as possible to ensure safety and enjoyment. Your boots get subjected to all the elements and varied terrain.
A good motocross boot for Supermoto should have excellent protection. The primary protection being shin, ankle, sole, heel, achilles and toe cup.
The secondary protection is what you can’t see which is torsional and metatarsal control, hyper-extension, hyper-flexion, lateral extension and ankle brace systems.
These type of boots need to be comfortable and often the weight and breathability are factors in this.
Motocross boots are usually made by combining metal, plastic and different types of composite materials.
Boots with aluminium and steel plates offer the best protection but they can be heavy. Plastic plates are much lighter and still do a great job in protecting your feet.
Replaceable soles that are slidable on the asphalt will be required if you put your leg out on corners. These are normally fixed on by Allen headed screws for easy replacement, which is just as well as they quickly become worn out.
Features to look for:
- BS EN 13634:2017 European standard
- Full-grain leather
- Unyielding protection in the toe box, rear and main sections of the boot, ensuring stability and abrasion prevention
- Velcro and high-impact buckle closure systems
- Replaceable buckles, soles and booties
- Gaiters to prevent dirt and water from entering the boot
- Steel shanks to support the foot and protect against continual flexing
- Torsion control bracing systems
- Removable footbeds
Sport And Racing Boots
Racing boots are specially designed for sport bike racers to wear on racetracks. These type of boots are protective, comfortable, and more technically designed than any other motorcycle boots.
They are much lighter and provide better ventilation than motocross boots yet still maintain a certain level of stiffness tailored for track racing. The design allows just the right amount of flexibility to feel the tactile feedback.
Sport boots have toe sliders on the outside of each foot, for those of you who like to get your Supermoto horizontal.
Ergonomically the sport boots are designed to be used in a tuck position with the foot pegs bias towards the rear. That said there are many Supermoto riders that simply prefer the lightness and feel compared to motocross boots.
In terms of protection, sport and racing boots are on the cutting edge. They should have the utmost in abrasion resistance, impact dissipation and exoskeletal rigidity.
Premium models will also have replaceable armour panels. This allows the rider to buy new plates after a crash, rather than replacing the whole boot. Look for screw heads on the boot’s exterior – they are indicative of replaceable components.
Features to look for:
- BS EN 13634:2017 European standard
- Replaceable toe sliders
- Contoured heel, shin and ankle protection
- Torsion control
- Zippered or buckled closure
- Lightweight construction
- Superior abrasion resistance
- Flex for proper articulation
- Double and triple stitching
- Ventilation
- Shock absorption
- Built-in shift pads
Boot Fit
Getting comfortable boots that fit snugly is essential for safety and your enjoyment. Having bad fitting boots can ruin a rideout and be potentially dangerous if you come off.
It’s worth popping into a shoe store and getting your feet measured with a Brannock device to get an accurate size.
The size and shape of feet differs from person to person. All boot manufacturers use a cutting system specific to them.
For example racing boots from the Italian specialists tend to have narrower footbeds in order to create a tighter bond between the outer shell of the motorcycle boot and the foot of the rider.
Foot width is a frequent issue for many riders. A boot may fit nicely from heel to toe but foot width measurement is just as crucial. Riders with wide feet are going to struggle with many sport boots, especially ones from Europe.
Another problem is too much space at the heel. A boot might feel great all the way around, but a gap remains at the back of the heel. But before exchanging those boots take a look at what socks you wear, thicker ones for motocross can make all the difference.
Riders with larger calves can have a hard time finding boots that fit. Look for boots with more adjustability from the ankle to the top of the boot. If the boots are not adjustable there’s not much you can do to make them fit.
Whether you buy supermotard, motocross or racing boots they will feel very stiff until you break them in.
Best Supermoto Boots
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The Sidi Crossfires SRS are a very popular choice with Supermoto riders. These motocross boots have removable soles and Sidi sell specific Supermoto soles just for this boot.
The technical features make this boot a real gem of technology and design. Developed and moulded on the experience and competence of Sidi technicians combined with feedback from the racing field and pilots from the Sidi Sport stables.
Crossfire 2 SRS represents the evolution of the Crossfire SRS boot which in these past years has managed to stand out at the most victorious and multi-titled footwear in the off road sector, thanks to the extraordinary enterprises of Tony Cairoli and other Sidi champions.
“SRS” stands for “Sole Replacement System” making it possible to replace the soles of these boots.
Not only are the soles replaceable, but all other bootparts are as well – all done with standard tools.
Features:
- Lined with air Teflon mesh and Cambrelle
- Upper in leather and Microfibre material
- Replaceable shin plate
- Micro and replaceable Adjustable buckles
- Dual Flex System
- Adjustable Calf System
- Replaceable Metatarsus Inserts
- Thermoplastic defender on the toe area
- Anatomically shaped heel
- Assembled and replaceable boot leg, it is stitch-free
- Nylon Inner sole with removable arch support
- Rubber sole
Sidi SMS Replacement Supermoto Soles in Red.
The Sidi SMS Supermoto Soles feature two different compounds, which have been specially created after studying riders at Supermoto events.
This new special blend is designed to withstand wear and tear exceptionally well. Designed to be easily replaceable and compatible with Sidi SRS Boots.
This sole is also available in a yellow compound, which offers a slightly softer feel than the red ones.
Features:
- Available for Sidi Crossfires SRS Boots only – Sold in Pairs
- Motocross Boot Replacement Soles
- Specially blended to withstand wear and tear
- Simple and easy to fit
- Red Sole compound is a slightly harder feel than the Yellow Sole
These are fantastic boots if you do a mixture of street with some off-roading and don’t have your foot out for cornering.
The revolutionized Alpinestars Tech 7 MX boot incorporates innovative materials and technology in a completely new design for a lighter, more anatomically profiled performer.
This boot promotes core stability and flex via a biomechanical pivot while offering excellent ankle protection.
The boot chassis has been designed to give complete feel and optimized interaction with bike controls, while the innovative buckle system allows easy, precise closure.
Features:
- New dual compound sole is seamlessly integrated into the base structure for superior durability and features high performing rubber grip patterning and enhanced feel. The sole and footpeg insert are replaceable
- The anatomically profiled shin plate features a dual closure system with an internal microfibre flap attached with Velcro. For a precise fit closure while the rugged and durable shin plate is attached securely with a precision adjustable buckle
- Wide entry aperture for convenience and allows broad ranging calf fit adjustment and support
- Innovative buckle closure system includes high-impact aluminium bridge closures, with memory settings and a quick release/locking system with self-aligning design for easy, precise closure and improved riding performance. All buckles are replaceable
- Redesigned instep and Achilles accordion flex zones construction for superior comfort, control and support
Gaerne SG10 Supermotard Boots
The boot that is specifically made for the Supermoto rider.
The SG10 is built around a traditional stitched sole with dual compound materials and an internal memory foam foot liner that keeps your foot ridiculously comfortable.
Externally, you get full grain leather construction that has been hand sorted for quality, large protection panels on the shin and toe box, and a set of four replaceable alloy buckles that positively lock your foot down.
Most importantly, you get the Razorback Pivot System that aligns your ankle and limits the amount of hyperextension and hyperflexion, preventing injuries to your foot and ankle.
The vibram sole is moulded from a special compound which is highly resistant to wear and has a special feature of replaceable sliders which protects and limits damage to the sole.
Visit Gaerne for further details – www.gaerne.com
Features:
- Traditional stitched sole design
- Four replaceable alloy buckles
- Hand selected full grain leather construction
- Razorback Pivot System allows natural movement with increased protection
- Dual composite rubber sole
- Shock absorbing internal foot bed liner
- Elastic top gaiter
- Protective panels around ankle, shin, and toe box
- Made in Italy
A highly technical road racing boot featuring the amazing Tecno VR closing system which allows accurate adjustment of the calf area for a perfect fit.
Plus the Tecno-II wrap around system on the bridge of the foot with the added Tecno instep tensioner prevents the foot from moving in the boot. This boot also features a shock absorbing heel cup.
The polyurethane shell with two anti-impact shock absorbers give 3 mm of impact movement. Teflon coated, perforated Lorica for unparalleled ventilation and protection.
The boot also features a removable insert in front of the arch area where much wear and tear normally occurs due to sharp metal brake pedals and shift levers.
Features:
- Tecno tensioning system
- Tecno instep tensioner
- Replaceable Nylon shin plate
- Ceramic inserts in toe slider to reduce wear
- Air ventilation system
- Racing SRS polyurethane/rubber blend sole
- Removable arch support
- Perforated Lorica outer
- All removable parts are replaceable
Forged on the racetrack, the Alpinestars Supertech R are the top-of-the-line road racing boot and benefits from the feedback of elite MotoGP and WSBK riders.
The Supertech R motorcycle boots are constructed from durable microfibre offering superb levels of flexibility. This offers high levels of water resistance, durability and improved weight-savings.
Microfibre is easy to clean and has proven longevity. This boot also offers redesigned front flex area with breathable mesh. The top gaiter follows leg contour and is made of flexible high-grade synthetic leather reinforced with PU.
A lightweight rubber compound sole offers excellent grip and feel which allows for natural flex when the rider changes position and the pressure on the foot-peg.
Newly designed external TPU shin protection is ergonomically shaped and wraps around to the outer calf. This is engineered to spread and dissipate impact energy across the entire surface while remaining compact.
These is also an accordion stretch for ease of movement and comfort. The separate internal bio-mechanical ankle brace works with the outer structure of the boot to form a protective system allowing full and free movement of the foot, ankle, and leg
Features:
- Soft TPU mesh front flex area
- Flexible accordion leather at Achilles
- Full-length microfibre panel on inner side of the boot
- Lightweight rubber compound sole for excellent grip
- Flexible, lightweight toe shifter allows feeling for changing gears
- Ventilation in the heel and shin TPU, and soft TPU mesh
- Zipped closure mounted on accordion stretch panel
- Micro adjustable ratchet top closure stows tab end inside calf TPU
- The removable anatomic footbed is sculpted for a precise fit
- The entire sole is of the Supertech R Boot is replaceable
- Fibreglass charged polyamide and technical mesh Bio-mechanical ankle brace
- Polyamide compound mouldings around the footbed provide impact protection
- External TPU shin protection wraps around to outer calf
- The separate inner brace works with outer boot to form a protective system
- Clip-on toe-slider (replacement magnesium slider are available)
- Replaceable TPU heel plate slider protects from impact
Final Thoughts
Choosing Supermoto boots may seem a bit daunting as there is so much choice on the market but hopefully this guide has proved useful with showing some of the key features to look out for.
The trend these days seems to be going towards wearing race boots as opposed to motocross boots for Supermoto riding.
Like all motorcycle gear you get what you pay for. The boots which are the most expensive are packed full of features that cheap boots just don’t have. They are made of better materials, have more safety built in and are usually much more comfortable.
Safety should be your number one priority!