If you need a new jacket or pants, you’re usually better off going for something gender-specific. Something designed to accommodate the anatomical differences between men and women.
But what about boots? Does it really matter if a woman buys a pair of boots designed for men – or vice versa?
Well, this got me scratching my head. Because while there are subtle anatomical differences between the lower extremities of men and women, my head says there wouldn’t be any significant differences between the two.
But what if I was wrong?
So after pondering this question for a few days, I contacted some leading manufacturers to fathom out if there were any discernable differences between men’s and women’s boots.
Daytona and TCX were incredibly helpful in our quest to fathom the differences between men’s and women’s motorcycle boots.
We also contacted Alpinestars – who passed us from pillar to post before ignoring us completely.
Make of that what you will!
Men’s And Women’s Motorcycle Boots: Style & Colour Palette
Perhaps the styles and colours are the most obvious differences between men’s and women’s boots.
Women’s motorcycle boots (like women’s clothing) can sometimes have more feminine designs, including pinks, pastels, flowers etc.
They can also have a more ‘flowing’ form that makes them appear more feminine.
On the contrary, men’s boots tend to be black or use muted colour palettes.
Daytona stated in their email that their female-specific boots “have a feminine look and fit.” But it still stands to reason that styles and colours can’t be used as a significant differentiator between men’s and women’s boots.
Like everything else in life, look and style is entirely subjective to the wearer.
Anatomical Differences
Some manufacturers make boots for women based on anatomical differences.
TCX told us “the construction of [their] boots accounts for anatomical differences. And the sizing is different, as the female anatomy is finer.”
Daytona stated something similar before pointing out their Lady Pilot GTX and SL Pilot GTX boots as examples. “Both have been designed with the female form in mind and incorporate a raised heel and a feminine design.”
Men’s And Women’s Motorcycle Boots: Sizing
Size differences between brands can vary dramatically. And if you’re a woman buying men’s boots (or vice versa), sizing can become even more complicated.
In general, female sizes tend to be around 2 sizes smaller than the male equivalent. I don’t why, exactly. I can only assume it’s because men’s feet are (generally) larger than women’s.
For example, if you’re a woman who wears size 8 women’s boots, you will likely need a size 6 when choosing the male equivalent. The opposite is true if you’re a man buying women’s boots.
Using European sizing can often help. But seeing as though sizing varies wildly between brands, we recommend trying boots on in the shop where possible.
Don’t Let The Heel Confuse You
Until Daytona pointed it out to me, I was completely unaware that some manufacturers include raised heels on their men’s boots.
I’d always assumed that raised heels were specific to women’s designs, but this isn’t always the case.
Whilst their women’s boots “have a feminine look and fit with a visable heel for a higher stand”, Daytona also pointed out that they make boots with raised heels for men, too.
These include the M-Star GTX boot and the short-shaft Max Sports GTX.
Men’s And Women’s Motorcycle Boots: The Materials & Construction Are The Same
One thing worth noting is that manufacturers utilise identical processes and materials to make their men’s and women’s boots.
So if you were to buy the male and female equivalent of the same boot, both would be made in exactly the same way – one would NOT be better than the other.
TCX pointed this out by stating, “It is important to mention that there is no difference in terms of the materials and technologies used.”
Is There Any Difference Between Men’s And Women’s Motorcycle Boots?
After speaking to TCX and Daytona, it appears there is very little difference between men’s and women’s motorcycle boots.
Sure, the styles and colours may differ. But these are down to personal preference rather than any significant differentiators.
Even a raised heel isn’t enough to differentiate between men’s and women’s boots, as some manufacturers (such as Daytona) make men’s boots with raised heels.
Whilst it may be conceivable that boots designed with the female anatomy in mind could be more beneficial for women, Daytona stated that ALL of their boots are unisex – except for those with ‘Lady’ in the title.
These incorporate particular features designed around the female form. But it stands to reason that men’s boots are unisex – and can be worn by men and women.
With thanks to TCX and Daytona for their help and guidance.
Top image: Cottonbro
An 8 in UK is the same size in men or womens, also true of EU and Japan, it’s only our cousins across the pond and those delightfull aussies that have a two sizes difference, there is probably some more.
Width seems to be the main difference in some footware between men and women sizes.
It also seems that in general us Brits have wider feet than those on the continent, something to do with our ancient bloodstock.