How do these Dr. Martens Awley Boots work as motorcycle boots?
I love good leather boots, and I’ve always found Dr. Martens boots to be really nice-looking. So, recently I purchased a pair the Dr. Martens Awley Boots.
They’re cool boots, but I was curious to see if they provided enough protection for me to feel like my feet were safe when riding my motorcycle.
Awley Boots Details
So before I jump into my impressions of the Awley boots, I wanted to give the details of them really quickly.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Round toe
- Lace-up closure
- Leather construction
- Combat style
- Signature topstitched welt construction
- Back pull-tab
- Lightly padded removable footbed
- Classic PVC DMC Air Cushioned lug grip sole
- About a six-inch shaft height
These details are only part of what the Awley boots are all about, though.
I spent some time wearing them on my motorcycle to see how they worked on the bike. Keep reading to see my impressions.
My Impressions of the Dr. Marten’s Awley Boots
I didn’t get the Awley boots to wear on my motorcycle but after walking around in them for a few days, I figured I’d evaluate them from a motorcycling standpoint and post about it here.
They are, after all, a pair of leather boots with a sturdy sole, and secure lace-up design, so they have some of the details I look for.
I wore them on my bike a few times when I went on some shorter, around-town rides. I also wore them for one long ride.
The boots are comfortable when walking around, and they’re equally as comfortable on the bike. The thick sole means you can wear these things for hours and your feet will not feel tired or sore.
I love these as an everyday boot and was hoping they’d work well on the bike.
A note on fit, they fit a little big. I usually wear a size nine. The boots I wore were a size nine, but I had plenty of room. Dr. Martens doesn’t really do half sizes, so I wonder if it would be better to buy a size down and let the leather stretch over time.
The sole gives you good grip at stops and the boots aren’t too bulky to easily operate the foot controls to either side of the bike.
They protect your feet reasonably well from the elements, too. Although they’re not advertised as waterproof, I did go out when there was a light sprinkle and my feet stayed dry.
In an all-out downpour, your feet would get wet, but with some light precipitation, as I encountered, they did pretty well.
In terms of protection, I have two things to say. First, the soles of these boots provide ample protection. Second, While I have little doubts about the sole of the boot, the rest of it isn’t going to provide much protection at all.
There’s little ankle support and hardly any toe protection beyond the leather construction of the boot.
In short, these boots aren’t designed to handle a crash on a motorcycle. The only real protection they can provide is what any other leather boot can.
So, are the Awley boots actually good for motorcyclists? They’re certainly better than a pair of typical street shoes. With that said, there are thousands of better boot options designed for motorcyclists.
Also, some heavy-duty general work boots from Red Wing, Wolverine, Carhartt, or another reputable brand would likely perform better in a crash. If, however, you’re looking for a stylish and simple leather combat-style boot to wear on your bike, these deliver from a comfort and styling standpoint
I do have to say there are similarly styled boots that are designed for motorcyclists that cost a similar price. Off the top of my head, the Black Brand Stomper Boots and the Speed and Strength Bikes are in My Blood Boots come to mind. Your money would be better spent there.
Check out that Awely Boots at Amazon
Dr. Martens Awley Image Gallery
