Sport-Riding Motorcycle Boots For Women

Women aren’t just passengers on bikes any more––they’re riders, too, and they’re asking for the same sort of rugged and protective footwear as men. A host of companies are answering the call with women’s sport boots that offer protection, comfort, and style to match anything the guys can get. Here are eight selections to get you started in your search for the right fit for you and riding style.

Alpinestars Stella Kaira Gore-Tex The Stella Kaira is designed especially for women to ensure comfort for long or short rides. It's made of full-grain leather with an integrated waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex membrane. The large side closure uses a zipper and Velcro for a personalized fit, and the zipper has a leather pull to protect the bike from scratches. A double-density ankle protector and a leather reinforced shift pad are standard. The removable EVA footbed and Lycra lining on top provide comfort and moisture wicking. (36-43, $299.95, www.alpinestars.com)

Dainese Nexus The Nexus has a microfiber upper, a nylon heel with a shock-absorbing insert, a reinforced nylon toe, and thermoplastic polyurethane inserts on the shin. Flexible joints make walking easier, and replaceable plastic sliders are sold separately. A shifter guard and rubber sole are included, as is a set-screw wrench for adjustments. Calf adjustment is via a Velcro fastener, and there's a zipper closure at the back. (36-43, three colors, $289.95, www.dainese.com)

Firstgear Zenster WP The Zenster has a waterproof and breathable full-leather upper with hardened ankle, toe, and shin protectors. An expander panel at the back of the legs adds comfort, and double-highlighted double stitching looks great and increases durability A reflective patch at the back of the heels adds visibility, and the 6-inch entry is secured with a zipper and hook-and-loop. The boot is 11 inches high measured at the back. (36-40, $149.95, firstgear-usa.com)

Icon Elsinore 1000 HP The Elsinore has a 12-inch top-grain leather upper, a Goodyear welt, and a street-specific sole. Aluminum shin and heel plates, an internal ankle plate, and cast metal buckles are included. A heat-pressed leather shifter panel and a heat-pressed leather shin plate are also standard, as are high-quality YKK zippers. (5-10, $285.00, www.rideicon.com)

Joe Rocket Heartbreaker The Heartbreaker has a perforated leather chassis and a large articulated suede front for maximum mobility. A 2.-5-inch hidden wedge provides an extra boost in height, and a non-slip soles adds grip at stops. There's double stitching in all high-stress areas, a padded leather shin guard, and internal toe and heel reinforcements. Heavy-duty calf expansion panels have hook-and-loop adjusters. (5-10, $119.95, www.joerocket.com)

Sidi Fusion Lei The Fusion Lei boot is made of a technomicro microfiber lined with an Air Teflon mesh. Other features include a rubber sole, a fixed shin plate, internal ankle pads, and a rear calf-support system. The toe slider is replaceable, and there's an elastic panel adjacent to the closure on the calf area. A nylon inner sole and removable arch support are standard. (4.5-10.5, two colors, $195.00, www.sidi.com)

Speed and Strength Speed Society The Speed Society boot comes with a leather upper with a side-zip opening and an anti-slip rubber outsole. The toe and ankle are protected by internal molded reinforcements, and there's an elastic stretch panel to increase comfort. (6-10, $139.95, www.ssgear.com)

Tourmaster Solution WP Air The WP Air has a water-repellent leather and PU upper, backed by a HiPora waterproof membrane to let hot air out but stop water from coming in. There are leather stretch panels for better comfort, and a VR single-density compound sole for reliable grip. The molded nylon shin and ankle guard is backed with shock-absorbing material, and there's shock-absorbing latex foam on the flex panels. The heel cup and toe cap are made of thermoplastic. (6.5-10, $129.95, www.tourmaster.com)