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Moto boots borrow the motorcycle boot's rugged look, but the category splits sharply between boots built for riding and boots built for fashion. This guide explains the protective construction real riding demands, the engineer boot branch of the family, and how fashion moto boots are styled.
Moto Boots
What are Moto Boots? Moto is an abbreviation for motorcycle. Does that hint help?

Motorcycle boots are associated with motorcycle riders and range from above ankle to below knee boots. They have an outside of a typical boot but a low heel to control the motorcycle. To improve motorcycle safety, motorcycle boots are generally made from a thick, heavy leather and may include energy absorbing and load spreading padding, metal, plastic and/or composite materials to protect the motorcycle rider's feet, ankles and legs in an accident.
Their are Moto boots and their are boots that wish to be Moto boots. In other words, you will find Moto boots that are truly meant for motorcycle riding, and you will also find impersonators that are actually developed simply for the "fashion look". In terms of safety and performance, casual footwear simply does not measure up to a good pair of true motorcycle boots. Some fashionable boots may look rugged enough for riding but they are a far cry from purpose built motorcycle boots. If you need a truly rugged boot, be cautious to get the real deal.
For riders, you can find motorcycle boots for street riding, dirt, all terrain, racing, and cruiser riding styles. Boots may be designed differently depending on the intended use. If you have questions, consult with a store that specializes in motorcycle fashion and footwear.
Learn more about women's biker boots.
Engineer Boots - Women's Engineer Boots guide and information resource about Women's Engineer Boots Engineer boots, also known as engineer's boots or engineering boots, are an American type of traditional leather work-boots. They are designed to protect the motorcycle rider from injury to the foot and leg in the case of a crash and to prevent the burning of the rider's calves while riding.
Learn more about women's engineer boots.
Moto Boots for the casual fashionista can be find at a wide range of shoes stores and clothing retailers.

Harley-Davidson Men's Motorcycle Footwear
Harley-Davidson Women's Motorcycle Boots

You may have interest in the UGG Moto Boots fashion blog post.
Here are a few links of possible interest:
Do you want to look like a trendy biker?

What should be worn with Moto boots?
Moto Boots for Women: Surprisingly enough, women have a wide choice of options to wear with this style of boot. Although this footwear looks rugged, it can even be paired with a ladylike dress. You don't have to work denim pants or a leather skirt to co-ordinate with these stylish boots. Although your outfits can be versatile, the number one choice would typically be denim jeans to be worn with Moto boots. Blue jeans and biker boots go well together.
Moto Boots for Men: Motorcycle boots can be worn for a wide variety of occasions (typically not for formal occasions). They are the perfect footwear for the guys that enjoy dressing with a bit of a rock star vibe. Biker boots for men are also for guys who like a sturdy but cool-looking casual boot. Most importantly, this style of footwear is actually for men that ride motorcycles.
You may want to visit the FRYE website to see a selection of men's & women's moto style boots.
If you are planning a ride, be sure to wear safety footwear and safety garments.
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The quickest field test is weight and structure. A riding boot is heavy for its size, with a stiff shank, reinforced toe and heel counters, ankle protection built into the sides, and a low heel shaped to work foot controls. Closures are built to stay shut in a slide — buckles, straps or zips backed by retaining straps. A fashion moto boot keeps the vocabulary, harness straps, buckles, worn leather and chunky soles, but uses lighter leather, softer construction and decorative hardware that is not asked to hold anything in a crash.
Neither version is a failed copy of the other; they answer different briefs. The fashion boot's contribution is that it made the silhouette an everyday option for people who never ride, pairing with jeans, skirts and dresses. The riding boot's contribution is the silhouette itself, plus a standing warning this guide keeps in front of the styling advice: anyone actually planning a ride should wear safety footwear and safety garments, and should buy boots designed for the kind of riding involved — street, dirt, all terrain, racing or cruiser — from a store that specializes in motorcycle footwear.
True motorcycle boots are built for safety, generally from thick heavy leather with energy absorbing and load spreading padding and metal, plastic or composite protection for feet, ankles and legs. Fashion versions copy the look, but casual footwear does not measure up for riding.
An American type of traditional leather work boot, designed to protect the motorcycle rider from injury to the foot and leg in a crash and to prevent the burning of the rider's calves while riding.
Options are wide: the boots can be paired even with a ladylike dress, though denim jeans are the number one choice. For men they suit a sturdy, cool casual look and a rock star vibe, and they are not typically for formal occasions.