Trends come and go, but moto boots are here to stay — especially in 2025. In fact, the "moto-boho" look that’s achieved by pairing chunky, leather moto boots with flowy and feminine skirts was predicted by Pinterest to become even more popular in the new year. Plus, according to Google Trends, the term "moto boho" has had about 2,000 searches this past month and is trending upward.
Not to mention, on the fashion runways last fall, we saw moto boots get an elevated feel with designers like Chloe and Fendi pairing the low-key boots with high-end runway looks.
Stylists note that moto boots with heels and boots that hit at the ankle with more feminine hardware details are popping up at retailers more than ever before.
Whether you’re curious about trying this look or feel like it’s too intimidating to work, we've broken down everything you need to know about styling and purchasing moto boots. That way, you can adopt a bit of edge into your fashion arsenal.
Best moto boots with a heel$undefined$79.00
What are moto boots?
According to stylist Lauren Richardson, “the key difference of a moto boot is how high it comes on the calf — about halfway — combined with a relaxed, comfortable fit.” These boots are made to look looser and chunkier for a more relaxed and grungy feel.
“They are inspired by the boots popular in motorcycle culture and can be seen as a sort of iteration of a cowboy boot,” she adds.
Stylist and style coach Nikki Venus adds that moto boots are also typically defined by hardware that sits around the ankle. This was originally intended for protecting your feet and ankles from the heat and metal that comes off of motorcycles as you ride, but nowadays, moto boots are often worn as a stylistic choice.
Best moto boots, according to stylists
Best ankle moto boots: New York and Company Carson Ankle Boots
- Rhinestone glam detail
- Limited sizing
Sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 1 | Material: Suede
The classic moto boot style has been adopted into an ankle-boot cut, and this pair has a touch of glam since a rhinestone band wraps around the ankle portion. These are also a pair Venus recommends to her clients since they are affordable, versatile and come in black and brown shades.
Best heeled boots: Dolce Vita Keeler Harness Moto Engineer Chain Heeled Boots
- Heeled, chain details
- Limited sizing available
Sizes: 6-10 | Colors: 2 | Material: Faux leather
Stylist Ashley Afriyie recommends these boots to her clients since they emulate a more upscale moto look found on the runway, thanks to their heel. “My favorite way to style moto boots is with a sweater dress and tights during colder weather season and with a leather jacket or cropped jacket,” she says.
Best versatile boot: DSW Crown Vintage Sidonia Boots
- Minimalistic style
- Limited widths available
Sizes: 6-11 | Colors: 2 | Material: Leather
These under-$90 boots are a recommendation from Richardson. “I like the length of these boots, they’re unique and easy to style from fall to winter into early spring,” she says. These are a great intro pair to pick up if you’re new to the moto boot scene since they have a more minimalist flair for moto boots.
Best on-sale boots: Michael Kors Crosby Suede Moto Boots
- On sale
- Only available in one color
Sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 1 | Material: Suede
Venus loves these on-sale boots that feature chunky hardware both at the ankle of the boot and where the calf hits. Plus, you can’t really beat scoring on a designer boot that’s almost 70% off.
Best tall moto boots: Steve Madden Rocky Brown Distressed Moto Boots
- Versatile shade options
- Have a break-in period
Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 4 | Material: Leather
Afriyie loves that even those with a preppy fashion style can get in on the fun. “If your style is preppy I’d pair it with skinny denim jeans, button up or simple T-shirt and a blazer,” she says. “So you accomplish the preppy look but with a twist. In the summertime pairing it with denim shorts and a simple tank and tee is an easy wear.” These boots have buckles going all the way up the calf and come in five different shades.
Best unique moto boots: Free People Almost Vintage Moto Boots
- Wide size range
- Splurge-worthy pick
Sizes: 6-11 | Colors: 1 | Material: Leather
Afriyie also recommends Free People as a go-to moto boot destination. Not only can you find unique-looking silhouettes, but you can also take a page out of the model’s book for "moto-boho" boot styling. Nearly all models pair them with something frilly and feminine, and just browsing the site will inevitably lead to styling inspiration. These boots with the contrasting color zippers are a stand-out among their offering.
Best moto boots, according to editors
Discount alert: Aldo Ryderr Ankle Boots
- Inner zipper
- Genuine leather
- Adjustable buckles
- Buckles jingle; tighten
Sizes: 6-10 | Colors: 1 | Material: Leather
Audrey Ekman, a Shop TODAY production associate, explains that "ever since these trendy boots came in the mail, I've been wearing them at least twice a week." She continues, "Since they're pretty edgy, I wasn't initially sure how I would style them, but I've discovered that they're actually super versatile; they're kind of like your go-to leather jacket, but in boot form."
Ekman says, "Thanks to the low heel and adjustable buckles, they're really comfortable, and I can slip in and out of them easily with the inner zipper. I've been loving pairing them with skirts and dresses to add some edge to more feminine outfits..."
Easy-to-secure Velcro: Harley-Davidson Women's Joella Waterproof Riding Boot
- Great quality
- Waterproof, snow resistant
- Velcro closures
- Uncomfortable after a while
Sizes: 6-11 | Colors: 1 | Material: Leather
Vivien Moon, a commerce editor, recommends these heeled Harley-Davidson boots. She says, "I grew up riding on the back of my parents' Harleys, so it's a brand I trust and love for all things motorcycle-related."
Moon continues, "While I know this pair is meant to be worn on the bike, I love it for other activities as well and am not surprised that they've withstood some crazy weather in New York. The heel is just the right height and the quality is great for keeping me warm during the colder evenings."
She goes on, "When I was growing up, I never looked at my parents' boots as stylish and here I am, in my 30s and shopping the same products they did. I will note, these are not meant for long walks or being on your feet for hours on end. I wore them for a night out and my feet did feel tired after about 4 or 5 hours. I especially love that there are no zippers or laces and that all the closures are Velcro which makes them easy to put on and take off. I will say, when going up and down stairs, sometimes the side Velcro will become undone which isn't a big deal but is something that happens."
Moon's motorcycle-riding father, John Moon, also weighed in on his Harley-Davidson moto boots.
He tells us, "I've been wearing Harley boots for over 20 years. This is my second pair that I'm showing here; they offer good protection for my feet and ankles. The leather soles are not too thick and non-skid. The boots offer all-weather protection against the rain and snow [and] keep my feet warm."
All-day comfort: Harley-Davidson Women's Korsen Waterproof Tall Riding Boot
- Durable design
- Comfortable all day long
- Fits better with insoles
Sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 2 | Material: Leather
Amanda Fama, a commerce editor, says she loved these boots "from the second" she tried them on. Fama continues, "I don't know how to ride a motorcycle, but I do love the 'moto-boho' trend. These are super roomy (perfect for my wide feet) and are made with leather that's noticeably durable. I'm usually worried about being too hot in leather boots, but these have a nice, breathable lining that doesn't get too warm. I really like the buckle details, too."
Why are moto boots trending?
Although moto boots are currently trending, they’ve been a mainstay in fashion for a long time. “While we have seen 2000s trends pop up throughout the years, we have recently been shifting into early 2010s fashion,” explains Richardson.
“You might remember the iconic Jeffrey Campbell moto boots that everyone had in 2011. [...] Now we are entering an era of more comfortable shoes, and the moto boot offers a comfortable yet stylish option.”
People who live in larger walkable cities love moto boots because they keep the dirt and grime off of their feet and ankles while the flat sole allows them to walk comfortably in them all day long.
Frequently asked questions
Even stylists admit that moto boots can be tricky to style, but whether you’re into the "moto-boho" vibe and want to pair your chunky boots with a feminine, flowy skirt or want to rock moto boots with tights, shorts and an oversize tee, the possibilities are endless if you jump into it without fear.
“If you are one of those people who feels like the moto-boot cut is weird, try layering a knee-high sock that goes just above the boot,” suggests Richardson. “This gives the illusion of longer legs and makes the calf look smaller.”
Richardson says there are two ways to style moto boots with skirts. “First, try a long denim skirt with a slit so the boots peek out, paired with a cool leather belt and a cardigan or sleeveless turtleneck,” she says.
“Alternatively, style them the same way cowboy boots have been styled in recent years — with a mini dress. The key is to incorporate the edge that the boots bring while balancing the femininity of the dress. My tip when styling moto boots with dresses or skirts is to avoid anything that ends exactly where the moto boot starts.”
“When going the pants route, my biggest recommendation is to style them with tailored wide- or straight-leg pants or jeans that go over the boots,” suggests Richardson. “This way, the boots add an element of edge that the outfit might need, while still being a comfortable, fashionable option.”
How we chose
We first talked to fashion stylists about what moto boots are and why they're trending. These experts recommended their favorite pairs and offered advice about how to style them. We also included editor-favorite picks, as well as input from a seasoned motorcyclist.
Meet the experts
- Nikki Venus is a stylist and business style coach.
- Lauren Richardson is a stylist and senior wardrobe creative associate for Tory Burch.
- Ashley Afriyie is a stylist and fashion brand consultant.
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