Dirt Bike Boots For Wide Feet
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Our editorial content is reader-supported. If you click on some of our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more here.Riders with wide feet or who are suffering from bunions know that buying comfortable dirt bike boots can be a very frustrating experience, especially if you need a hard-core professional MX boot. This is because broad toes press against the thin narrow walls of the boots causing discomfort and pain.
To be honest, there are not many options available in the market as it is quite a niche segment and boot makers won’t ever agree to cater to the needs of 1 or 2% of target customers rather than the remaining 98 or 99%. However, there is some good news as well – while I was out to explore some big calf boots in the market, I had the opportunity to speak up with many retailers to know the available options for someone who has wide feet as well.
So, in this blog – I will be sharing all my knowledge around this topic including fitment, width, comfort, and durability. Like always, I will also compare these boots against each other to give you more clarity.
In other words, if you are someone who has a really big toe – don’t go anywhere coz I have all the answers for you today!
Note: From top to bottom, the width increases in the toe area. So, the last recommendation in this list would be having the widest footbed.
Best Dirt Bike Boots For Wide Feet
Alpinestars Tech 7 Boots
Alpinestars made its name when it first started making protective boots back in the 60s, so they have roughly six decades of experience in research and development. In terms of protection – nothing beats this brand. In fact, Tech 7’s are the gold standard in the motocross industry and you are going to see a lot of these out there in your dirt park.
For those who are new to dirt biking – this brand has three main motocross boots in its lineup as of now – Tech 3, Tech 7, and Tech 10. The one I am talking about is right in the middle and the pricing is kind of in the middle of the road too.
But first, let’s talk about the most important deciding factor: They have great width, they fit wider feet around the toe box quite well and you get an extensive range of sizes from 5 to 16. So, if you have a big foot, you’ll probably end up pretty comfortably in one of these.
Tip: To ensure a proper fit, it’s best to choose the same size for these boots as the regular size you typically wear for running shoes.
As for the design, you don’t get a stitched sole, but an injection-molded; which gives it a nice ergonomic slim body that sits as close to your foot as possible. This gives you more control over your shifter and the rear brake.
Plus, it features a four-buckle design and a 3D mesh lining for comfortable extra padding in the ankle area.
In terms of breathability, the chassis of this boot is made of a synthetic leather material that is lighter as well as durable. So, you get all the ventilation you will ever need.
Price: $414
Top Features:
- TPU shin plate and medial protection are made from a single part for greater stability
- Dual closure system for a precise fit with Velcro and a precision adjustable buckle
- Honeycomb rubber insert in the medial side panel provides excellent grip and impact protection
- Wide entry aperture allows for easy adjustment and support of calf fit
- Innovative buckle closure system with memory settings and quick release/locking system for improved riding performance
- Redesigned instep and Achilles accordion flex zones for superior comfort and control
- Extended microfiber gaiter to prevent water and dirt from getting inside the boot
- Anti-slide microfiber suede lining on the heel to keep the foot in position
Leatt GPX 5.5 FlexLock Boots
The FlexLock boots are Leatt’s first foray into the motocross boot market. If you follow Supercross Championship races, you may have seen riders like Vince Friese and Benny Bloss wearing these boots in their 2021 supercross season. So, yes these are pro boots that are surprisingly quite affordable! At about 399 bucks it is the least expensive boot in this list aimed at competing with the popular Alpinestars Tech 7.
And for this price range, the level of protection provided by these boots is unmatched.
So, the first important feature of these boots is its Flex Lock system offering a first-class fit for riders even with wide feet. Moreover, this feature provides up to a 37% reduction of ankle forces and a 35% reduction of forces to the knee.
The boots offer bracing, flex technology, Achilles protection, and hinge systems that are not available in cheaper alternatives.
Fitting true to size these boots are made with a combination of TPU, soft TPU, leather, and suede. The front of the boot features asymmetry and a gripper panel on the left side for shifting. They also have a massive wrap-around TPU section and a solid gripper on the midsection of the sole, with a nice slide feature on the toe.
As for the sole: I will personally give them 10 out of 10!
The closure system incorporates a four-buckle design on the side, forged with aluminum that are replaceable if they break. The hinge system, on the other hand, incorporates the same technology used in their knee braces and thus allows riders to change the degree to which the knee brace will allow movement.
Surprisingly, the 5.5s are well-ventilated as well thanks to the breathable mesh 3D inner liner with anti-slip reinforcement for zero heel lift, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods.
So, if you’re looking for a premium motocross boot that caters to wide feet on more of a budget – definitely these boots are the ones that you should check.
Price: $399
Top Features:
- Unparalleled comfort with a first-class fit, specially designed to accommodate the widest feet
- Innovative one-way sliding closure that automatically locks in place, providing a superior seal at the top of the boot
- Forged aluminum buckles feature an Over-lock system and stainless-steel base, ensuring a secure fit every time you ride
- Personalize your riding experience with adjustable lower boot flex feature
- Flat and grippy insole for optimal bike feel
- Low-profile toe box allows for easy gear shifting
- Accommodates both arch and on-the-toes riding styles
Gaerne SG-10 Boots
Third on the list is the SG-10 from Gaerne.
So, the thing about Gaerne’s is that they are built to last and they are intended to be high-wear resistance boots. Of course, this means that they have to sacrifice weight and perhaps some mobility for greater durability.
In terms of size and fit, these boots are quite roomier. A lot of people do not know that Gaerne offers two half sizes (9.5 and 10.5). So, they are generous both length-wise as well as width-wise.
Also, these boots are made exclusively in Italy (actually manufactured in Italy). Think about it as a brand that refuses to outsource its products and thus has pretty good quality control.
Another cool thing about these SG-10s that you’ll notice that separates them from the rest is their stitched soles (traditional shoe-making technique). This is why you always see a little edge with the exposed stitching on Gaerne boots, definitely done on purpose, to create a unique bumper around the boot that provides extra protection and improves overall durability.
In comparison to Tech 7, the SG-10s are wider. This is because of polyfoam surrounding the ankles in the Tech 7s which really takes up a lot of space. In fact, the SG-10s’ are even roomier than the SG-12 (that’s why the SG-12 is not on this list). This allows riders with wider toes to even wear a moto sock on the SG-10s for extra comfort and cushioning.
Price: $449
Top Features:
- The closure system consists of 4 replaceable buckles made of light alloy
- The first two buckles on top can be unscrewed and moved to fit bigger legs or knee braces
- The razor back pivot system provides lateral support while maintaining flexibility
- The instep area is lined with soft microfiber for added comfort
- The dual composite rubber sole has traditional Goodyear construction for durability and superior grip on the bike.
- Larger toe box in comparison to SG-12 and Tech 7
- Can easily accommodate calf sizes up to 21 inches in circumference
For The Widest Feet - Gaerne Fastback Endurance Boots
Now the above three boots (GPX 5.5 FlexLock, Tech 7, and SG-10) are our top recommendations, but if you still feel that none of these are close to the width of your feet or in case you are having a bunion right around the toe – I would recommend to drop the idea of motocross boots altogether and switch to Gaerne Fastback Endurance Boots.
Trust me, these are the widest boots you will find in the market and even the ankle is a little bit wider. But yes, these are enduros and not hard-core motocross boots, so you will have to compromise here, unfortunately (don’t get disheartened – learn about the differences between MX & Enduro boots).
And not just the width, the top of the boot is highly expandable as well, allowing you to comfortably wear them with a variety of knee braces and calf sizes. You can adjust them to fit up to 20″ calf circumference, so you don’t have to worry about finding the perfect fit.
They come with steel toe caps and alloy buckles, adding an extra layer of durability and protection. And the trademark dual-composite anti-shock sole provides excellent stability and support for your feet, especially when riding for long hours.
But as I mentioned in the SG-10s, Gaerne’s have this stitched sole that although is more durable and long-lasting, the extra lip at the base does change the length of the boot (from the outside). Not a deal breaker but if you’re coming from a boot that does not have stitched sole you will notice that you have to move your foot back to maybe a couple of millimeters on the peg.
Why I Don't Recommend SG-12 For Riders With Wide Toes
Nothing beats Gaerne and Alpinestars – agreed. The SG12 and Tech 7 are in fact two of the most popular options for dirt bike riders. And when it comes to comfort, both boots have a lot to offer.
However, the Tech 7 in comparison to the SG-12 has a slight edge when it comes to width. Moreover, it has a reputation for being super comfortable, so it comes as no surprise that riders absolutely love it.
In fact, many riders who have toured with me have said that Tech 7 is one of the best boots to wear all day. Its nice wide-toe box makes it a great choice for riders having a bony protrusion that sticks out from the big toe (also known as a bunion). Plus, the length falls true to size, so you don’t have to worry about any surprises here.
The SG12 is also comfortable, but in this respect, it is just behind Tech 7. It has a semi-wide toe box, so the hard plastic around the toe box can rub on the inside, which can be uncomfortable after prolonged wear. This is not a problem for everyone, but only for those who have broad feet.
Even the Sidi Crossfire 3, which by the way is my top recommendation for someone who has a big calf, is wider than the Gaerne SG-12.
And for those who would compare the Leatt 5.5 to the SG-12, let me tell you that the 5.5 is a completely different kind of boot, so I wouldn’t even compare it with the SG lineup. Leatt is a machine-made boot, while the SG-12 is a hand-made boot manufactured in Italy. So, when it comes to durability, I would put the Leatt in the same league as the Tech 7 and not Gaerne.
But since we are primarily addressing a specific concern here, Leatt will definitely give you more in that area than the SG-12. So, with the Leatt 5.5s your toe area won’t feel cramped and squeezed. Then again, if you need even more width – I would recommend you to consider the SG-10 but not the SG-12 for sure.
Leatt GPX 5.5 FlexLock or Alpinestars Tech 7: My Recommendation
While I was checking out the Tech 7 and the Leatt 5.5 in the store, I couldn’t help but appreciate their strikingly similar design. Both these boots have a sleek look and felt just like a comfortable pair of running shoes. I was particularly drawn to their precise fit, which I also cross-checked with one of my riding mates who wears a size 12, and he was also satisfied with how they felt.
However, what set the Leatt boots apart from the Alpinestars was their wider toe box, boasting an extra eighth of an inch of wiggle room, making them perfect for those with wider feet. The height of the toe was still slim, like the Tech 7s, to offer enhanced control and feel.
Both boots include a four-latch system with similar cam lock buckles – the only difference being the direction of the first and last buckles (Tech 7 facing forward and the 5.5 facing rearward). I don’t think this should be a decisive factor as long as they do their job.
And while the Alpinestars has a Velcro strap on top to keep the boot in place, Leatt has a slide lock feature that allows for easy cinching. Once Velcroed, the slide lock ensures that the boot stays in place – this is a considerable advantage with Leatt.
Now both boots feature a flat design to grip the bike, but the 5.5 has a thicker, softer rubber surface that makes gripping even easier. The ankle and arch of the foot have hard plastic on both boots, but the design differed between the two brands. Overall, both boots have similar fit and comfort.
But when I slipped on the Leatt series, it was then I realized that my ankles were getting a protective embrace. A snug fit truly is like having a trusty companion by your side, and that’s precisely what the Leatt boots provide – 100% comfort and protection.
To be honest, Tech 7 is a great boot but I’m in love with Leatt. These boots offer the protection and style I need to conquer any adventure that comes my way.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls When Choosing Broad Feet Boots
Have you ever bought a pair of boots that were a bit tight, with the hope that they would stretch and become more comfortable over time? While it’s true that some boots may become more supple with wear, it’s not a reliable strategy for finding the right fit. In fact, by wearing boots that are too tight you run the risk of deformities that may require surgery to correct.
Likewise, another common mistake riders with broad feet make is by buying a larger size. While it may seem like a quick fix, buying a boot that is too big can cause slipping and lead to blisters and premature wear. Instead, focus on finding boots that are comfortable from the start.
Also, if you suffer from bunions or a bony protrusion, it’s important to avoid putting pressure on the affected area. Look for boots that have a soft cushion inside with minimal seams running on the affected area to prevent irritation.
Bottom Line
Finding comfortable boots that can accommodate a big foot can be daunting. The options are limited as most manufacturers do not cater to this niche segment. However, there are some specific models available from Leatt, Alpinestars, and Gaerne that you can check out. All of my recommendations offer excellent protection and fit wider feet comfortably.
In case you missed this crucial information – the list shared here moves from wide to widest as you go down the page. So, based on your foot size – choose what suits you best.
With this, we’ve reached the end of the road for this post. And I am pretty confident that you will be able to choose your next pair of dirt boots with confidence and style. So, put your pedal to the metal, stomp your feet, and hit the trails. It has been a pleasure sharing my “boot-tastic” wisdom with you. Until next time, ride safe and keep those feet happy!
Extra Resource: Get the lowdown on dirt bike boots in our comprehensive MX boots buying guide!
