Motorcycle Shoes: Low-Cut Shoes with Protection

Not every ride calls for a tall boot. For commuting, city riding, or a short trip, you want something you can walk in all day that doesn't look like you just came from the track. A motorcycle shoe looks like a sneaker or a lace-up shoe but has ankle reinforcement, a reinforced toe and heel, and a sole that maintains grip on the footpeg.

What you give up and what you get

Let's be honest about the difference: a low-cut motorcycle shoe protects your ankle less effectively than a tall boot, simply because it lacks the shaft. What you do get is significantly more protection than a regular sneaker, in which your foot will be scraped open in the first fall, and your ankle will have no protection. For city rides and daily use, that is a justifiable trade-off.

The majority of this collection is from Stylmartin, which focuses on motorcycle shoes that don't stand out as such. The models range from sneaker-like (Blink, Atom Evo, Zed, Shadow) to leather lace-up shoes and mid-height models (Rocket, Ace, Iron, Navajo Low, Arizona, Colorado). Pay attention to the designation after the name: WP means waterproof, Air means ventilated. That's the main choice you'll make, and they are mutually exclusive.

From Sidi, you'll find models such as the Lynx Air and Lynx Climadome, and the Stryda Dual. Sportier in cut than the Stylmartins.

What to look for when trying them on

Check if the shoe closes above your ankle bone: that's the point you want to protect. Also, check if there's a reinforced shift pad on the left instep, as that's the spot that wears out first. Unsure about the size? Use our size advisor. All motorcycle shoes at WheelsWork come from official European distributors.