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Give yourself an instant dose of devil-may-care cool.

Motorcycle boots signal something more than simply, "I'm wearing boots." They're a declaration of an attitude, a perspective, a specific way of approaching the world. Take, for instance, a fashion moment. Pairs of motorcycle boots stomped down a makeshift flooded theater at Balenciaga's fall 2020 runway presentation in Paris, where designer Demna (née Demna Gvasalia) wanted to show an apocalyptic landscape, something drowned in chaos, leaving man (and woman) to walk the path untraveled—albeit with the utmost urbanity. Director George Miller displayed a similar kind of vibe in the Mad Max film series, his take on motorcycle boot much more worn and torn, weathered by time and strife; a world where water is almost nonexistent and desert and the road ahead is all that is left.

You're probably not stomping down a runway anytime soon. And (fingers crossed) you're probably not fleeing from a pack of War Boys, either. But you should still consider a pair of motorcycle boots. Because even if you don't actually take to the highway on two wheels, motorcycle boots are disruptive, shoes worn by rebels and independent thinkers. So, borrow a little of that devil-may-care vibe by copping one or more of the best boots below. And should the apocalypse happen sooner than later, at least you’ll have adequate footwear.

Wolverine makes durable work boots, the kinds of waterproof styles that are meant to withstand all the rigors of a constriction site. Which means that they are well suited for the road, too. This Wellington boot, for example, is made of heavy-duty, full-grain leather, and features steel toes and slip-resistant rubber lugs. What's more, the patina is absolutely fantastic and warrants showing off in any scenario.

Harley-Davidson: a name forever linked to motorcycle culture. Since 1903, the brand has been manufacturing bikes, first the self-powered kind and then, after World War I, motorcycles. From sportsters to choppers, the company dominated the market, so it just made sense to introduce apparel and accessories. It first produced graphic tees in the '60s and later authentic motorcycle boots, like the Scout right here.

Banana Republic is a brand built on styles worn by explorers and adventurers from days of yore. Think the rough-and-tough, yet elegant fits won by Robert Redford in Out of Africa. Indeed, the same could be said of these moto boots, which are made of rich brown nubuck leather that's faded to perfection, and feature a strap-and-buckle detail.

When Demna presented motorcycle boots at his runway show (see intro), he particularly riffed off the ones used for motocross racing. These shoes, unlike those worn on classic motorcycles, are not designed for the road, but for the track. And of the big names in the sport is Alpinestars, an Italian company that creates all types of gear to garner gold and glory. This boot, for example, is made with a microfiber base that ensures comfort and resistance to abrasion. It'll do the most to keep feet safe. Admittedly, most motocross options look like stuff for Power Rangers, but this all-black style, as Demna demonstrated, will work great with dark denim.

Stylmartin is another company favored by motocross racers, but it also offers options that'll definitely delight those the prefer riding choppers for hours on end. And the best in the brand's arsenal is the Legend—a style made of full-grain leather and features the standard buckles, but, owning to its tech-savvy fan base, has a waterproof internal membrane and antibacterial footbed.

Belstaff is an English apparel and accessories label founded in the '20s that's no stranger to men who like to ride motorcycles along the countryside. In 1948, the brand introduced the Trialmaster, a belted, waxed-cotton moto jacket that's been worn by icons, including Steve McQueen and Che Guevara. The topper has since been adapted into a jodhpur boot made out of durable leather and featuring embellished buckle straps. Pair it with the OG topper, and start creating your own motorcycle diaries.

Like Alpinestars, Dainese also offers the kind of motorcycle boots that make you want to say, "It's morphin' time." Just take a look at the Sport Master—a futuristic style that's made of an incredibly durable nylon, coated with a waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex membrane. It's also so comfortable that you just might want to wear it with a pair of blue jeans for day out and about.

Founded in 1863, Frye is reputedly the oldest boot company in the United States. It rose to fame when it introduced a collection of harness boots, a supposed precursor to the engineer boot, which featured ankle straps attached to metal rings below a stovepipe shaft. The leather was hard-wearing and long-lasting, and the design had edge. It's no wonder motorists took a liking to the style, making the harness boot, like this real deal right here, a mainstay among motorheads.

Most purveyors of motorcycle boots have histories that span decades, if not centuries (just check out the two above). Though a relative newbie, Ranch Road, offers the kind of styles that are certainly up to snuff. The brand was founded by Sarah Ford, a Texas native and former Marine Corps officer, which means she knows how to make a durable boot. Case in point: the Honcho, a style made of full-grain Spanish leather that features Goodyear-welted soles and solid brass hardware.

Allen Edmonds was founded in Belgium, Massachusetts, way back in 1922, so you know it has experience. It provided shoes to the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, garnering a loyal fan base in the process. To win over a whole new generation, the brand, primarily known for its formal footwear, tapped to renowned model and shoe designer Armando Cabral to design a collection that breathes new life into tried-and-true classics. One example is the motorcycle-inspired boot, which is done up in rich eco-conscious suede and features elegant top-stitched details.

For Stefan Cooke, the devil is always in the details. The London-based designer founded his eponymous label in 2017 with the goal of subverting classic styles—but not in an overt way. This biker boot, for example, looks pretty standard on the surface. But upon closer inspection, tonal topstitching is revealed throughout the black calf leather. Factor in the lustrous buckles, and you have some very spiffy boots on your hands—or in this case, feet.

Speaking of spiffy boots, Jimmy Choo, a brand celebrated for footwear worn on red carpets and other glittering events, has characteristically gussied up a motorcycle boot. Called the Roscoe, the style is made of black vachetta leather, sourced from Italy, and features two striking buckles at the heel. It is definitely durable enough to be worn on the road, but at this price, it's best to save it for a fancy shindig.

What is the history of motorcycle boots?

Greasers, Hells Angels, and anyone who’s ever ridden on a Harley IRL (alone or part of a club) fully understands the allure. The style was originally made of a tough leather, usually full-grain, with a silhouette that extended beyond the ankle. To allow for easy access, the shaft was roomy, but often featured buckles around the opening and on the instep for added security.

In the late 19th century, Frye introduced harness boots, a form of engineer boots with ankle strap attached to metal rings, which was adopted by the U.S. Cavalry. By the end the World War I, when owning a motorcycle gained steam, they proved to be effective for motorcycle rides, thanks to the way they protected them from the heat emanating from engine block and exhaust pipes.

How do you classify motorcycle boots?

Nowadays, pull-on leather boots that extend beyond the ankle and feature buckles, studs, or other forms of hardware tend to fall into the category. Some, however, are modeled after those built for motocross racing, a sport that has contestants in full-body protective suits and tech-forward, flexible boots to match. Also, many work boots and engineer boots, sans flourishes altogether, are used by riders.

What motorcycle boots really boil down to is the attitude. They are the shoes for dissidents, for easy riders, for people who want to buck the status quo—or those that just want to emulate this kind of aura every day.