Trial Boots

Trials Boots: Flexible Support For Optimal Rider-To-Bike Communication

Gearing up for moto trials riding? Ready to buy a new pair of trials boots? Get tips for selecting the BEST trials bike boots! Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of trials riding or a seasoned pro, ready for a gear upgrade, trials boots are one of the more costly gear items associated with this sport. It’s worth taking your time and doing a little research before you make the investment. Questions to ask yourself, when choosing trials boots, include:

What kind of riding will you be doing?

Not everyone who buys trials boots uses them for trials riding. Some riders are willing to give up the protection offered by a stiffer, heavier motocross boot to gain the comfort and flexibility provided by a trials boot. With their flexible soles and lighter-weight design, Trials boots are well-known for providing better rider-to-bike feedback than a typical MX-boot. So you may see riders wearing them for adventure touring, dual sporting, and even trail riding. Just be aware–while some trials boots offer limited waterproofing and protection, most aren’t suitable for high-speed travel in rainy or particularly wet conditions. And again, they don’t offer the same crash and injury protection as a full moto boot as it’s assumed you’ll be riding technical terrain at much slower speeds.

What style of sole would you prefer?

You will notice that the style of sole varies by trial boot brand: Some offer lugged tread, which can be useful for safety and traction when you’re walking or riding a section of trials course that features steep or slippery terrain. Some feature a flat sole while others feature a bit of a heel; a flat sole is preferred by most trials riders who like the freedom to slide their feet easily on the pegs. However, some riders like the heel for additional traction. And finally, the rigidity of a trials boot sole varies by brand – some offer more flexibility than others. Consider how much protection you’d like from the boot (more flexibility means less protection) and how much you value the increased rider-to-bike communication with the more flexible sole.

Is waterproofing important to you?

Some brands of trials boots offer better waterproofing features than others, like built-in gators or waterproof lining. Depending on the season and terrain you ride, this may or may not matter to you.

How much ankle support do you want?

If you’d like more ankle support, look for boots that offer ankle padding for increased protection and stability. Obviously, this increased protection may impact the flexibility and weight of the boot, but again, rider preference will guide you.

How much flexibility do you want?

Trials boots are designed primarily for performing low-speed, high-tech maneuvers. So trials riders often favor a more flexible boot because the sport demands you twist and contort your body in various positions on the bike to navigate particularly challenging terrain, obstacles, and course sections. Of course, as mentioned earlier, more flexibility means less protection if you crash or make contact with an obstacle. So overall boot flexibility will be a matter of personal choice for every rider.

What materials are used to make trials boots?

Trial boots are typically made of some combination of suede, synthetic leather, leather, and Teflon – and usually feature a rubber sole. Some boots also include 3D mesh fabric with foam for added air circulation and comfort.

Ready To Shop? We’ve Made It Easy:

If you’re like most trials riders, you’ll want a boot that offers optimal rider-to-bike communication. Again, consider the terrain and conditions you’ll be riding – as well as how much you value flexibility and comfort versus overall protection. 24MX is proud to offer a selection of trials bike boots from the top brands in the industry, including Alpinestars, Sidi, Stylmartin, Hebo, and more. And remember–24MX offers a generous 60-day return policy, giving you plenty of time to try the boots on at home and decide if you’re happy with the overall fit.