Best Protection: Fox Racing Men’s Comp Motocross Boot

Next to a helmet, the second most important safety gear you can buy for dirt bike riding is a good pair of boots—and they can save you from injury in case something goes wrong. When we asked our readers for their top picks in this category, one name came up time and time again: Fox Racing. This model is a good example: note the quality construction, with an excellent toe cap.

What We Liked

• Very good fit and finish.

• Comfortable.

• Durable.

• Good for rocks, roots and other riding.

What Needs Work

• Sizing can run a bit on the small side.

• Buckles could be easier to adjust.

Best Budget Friendly: O’Neal 0325-111 Men’s New Logo Dirt Bike Rider Boot

Yes, dirt bike boots can get pricey—but one brand is both good quality and easy on the wallet. These boots by O’Neal hit all the right points (note the easy-to-adjust buckle system). 

What We Liked

• Water resistant.

• Well made.

• Durable.

• Loosens up when broken in.

• Affordable.

What Needs Work

• Angle flex could be improved.

Best for Women: Fly Racing Adult Maverick Boot

Most dirt bike boots we researched best fit men, thanks to their construction. But we did find one brand (after asking our readers) that works well for women too: Fly Racing. Perhaps thanks to a somewhat more narrow footbed, these boots do the job for female riders, said the experts we interviewed for this article.

What We Liked

• Excellent protection and fit.

• Comfortable.

• Sturdy.

• Affordable.

What Needs Work

• Can run small.

• Not great if you have large calf muscles.

Best For Youth: O’Neal 0332-104 Unisex-Child Element Dirt Bike Boots

If you’ve got a young dirt bike aficionado, this pair of boots would be our pick: O’Neal’s 0332-104. These boots have an articulated rear ankle and excellent overall protection.

What We Liked

• Good for beginners.

• Affordable.

• Durable.

• Look great.

• Comfortable enough to walk around house.

What Needs Work

• Sizing can be a bit confusing.

About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

How We Pick Products To Recommend

We often turn to our readers (3 million strong!) to find products to recommend. We ask our parent readers for their favorites and consider their real-world experiences in our recommendations.

When we test a product, we always purchase it with our own monies. We do not take free samples, as we believe that compromises our independence.

We also fact check manufacturer information with our own measurements. If a maker claims a product weighs X pounds, we will weigh it to make sure. If the battery life is supposed to be six hours, we will see how it stands up in the real world.

In some cases, we will do interviews with experts in the field to get additional feedback on products.

To get hands-on time with products, we regularly meet one-on-one with gear companies and even tour manufacturing facilities. (When we do this, we pay our own travel expenses).

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

We make our living from affiliate commissions, but we always recommend what we think are the best bets for our readers (not the ones that are the most expensive). We are always looking for products that offer the best bang for the buck.

Our independence is a key reason why we have been doing this so long. As we mentioned above, when we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!