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This is a comprehensive guide that gives a very easy-to-understand analysis of the Dual sport boots and MX boots. This article will help you to understand which one should be used in what area.
Both the dual Sport boots and the MX boots boots are different motorbiking boots that have different features. They are tailored to function in different terrains. And unless they are used in their intended areas of design, they may not exactly live up to the best of their functionalities.
What boots are great for pavement? Are there boots that are great for off-road use? Can a boot possibly find relevance in both of these areas? If you have ever asked any of the above questions or ever wondered which is the best between Dual Sport boots vs MX Boots, then this article is for you.
Tabular Comparison Between Dual Sport Boots Vs MX Boots
| About | Dual Sport Boots | MX Boots |
| First Glance | Simple and unique. Sleek look. Fine outer linings. | Looks sophisticated. Obvious protective features. Looks good. |
| Major Difference | Both on-road and off-road motorbiking. | Off-road motorbiking. |
| Durability | Durable. | Very durable. |
| Size And Fitting | True to size. Allows for a customized fit. | True to size. Come in different fitting ranges; from small, medium, and large. |
| Fashion Quality | High fashion quality. | Good fashion quality. |
| Comfort Level | Very comfortable. | Comfortable. |
| Material | Less sturdy material. | Sturdy material. |
| Overall Quality = Tie |
Major Difference Between Dual Sport Boots And MX Boots
The major difference between Dual sport boots and MX boots is that dual sport boots are built to be used on both off-road and on-road motorbiking, whereas MX boots are fashioned to find more relevance in off-road motorbiking.
Experience has taught me that comparatively, on-road motorbiking is not faced with too many hurdles as it is done on a defined path to follow, safe from the crookedness of some of these paths.
Nonetheless, it is always done on paved roads that are smooth with little or no bumps, without a high probability of accidents.
Whereas off-road motorbiking is done off the tarmac roads. The landscape for off-road motorbiking is contoured and an embodiment of unevenness. It has sharp curves, bumps, and sloppy and slippery paths that can get you crashing in the next minute.
This gives you a clear picture of the hurdles involved in off-road motorbiking, and how there is a need for its boot to have a pretty complex design.
Reason For Comparison
The reason for the comparison of these boots in this article is because newbies, and a few other people use these boots interchangeably, and as such, do not exactly get value for their money.
However, having biked on both terrains, I’ve had my fair share of experience. Hence, this article is tailored to help motorbiking enthusiasts and intending persons know the ideal boot to use in different places.
Dual Sport Boots Vs MX Boots: First Glance
Dual Sport Boots
MX Boots
Dual Sport Boots Vs MX Boots: Construction similarities
2019 was my most adventurous year when I was filled with so much gusto and very much active in motorbiking. I noticed that despite the different designs of Dual sport boots and MX boots, they still have several features in common. For instance, they have the same:
Height
- Yeah. Both boots have higher heights. This adds to their weight, making them a tad heavier than conventional motorcycle boots. Although this allows for better shin protection. Plus, they have waterproof lining, so that I do not get my feet wet when in puddles or pods during my off-road motorbiking.
Buckles
- Both boots have nice buckle construction. They are quick-release and adjustable clasps that help for good and secure fitting as both boots are pretty big on safety features. Even though MX boots are more safety-inclined.
Gear Shifter Pads
- Initially, I always wondered about the essence of these pads, until in the long run, I figured out that during up-shift, the gear lever causes the leather to wear off due to the constant friction involved. So these pads serve as abrasion-resistant features to the boots. However, they function better when placed in their correct positions; right underneath the gear lever so that they do not dig up during use.
Shin Protectors And Ankle Inserts
- These boots are big on protection, and this is the leading cause of their not very good comfort levels, especially MX boots. The more protective feature a boot has, the less comfortable it is likely to become. Nonetheless, from having used both, I could tell that the designers found an almost middle ground to balance this so that while they seek to protect the legs from flying debris or the effect of possible fall, the boots shouldn’t be excessively discomforting. Somehow, they seem to have achieved this.
Soles
- These boots have the most aggressive soles that I have ever used. The sole designs of both boots are made to cover a larger surface area. In some of their models, the sole is either stitched or glued to the upper. Other models blend both.
Dual Sport Boots Vs MX Boots: Materials
MX Boot
I was particularly curious about the slight difference in the feel of Dual sport and MX boots, so I did some findings and discovered that MX boots are tailored toward a sole use on terrains with more complexity; precisely motocross, so the materials used have a high density. This is so that they can be a bit sturdy to meet the needs of their place of use.
Dual Sport Boots
I also noticed that on the other hand, for Dual sport boots, the materials do not have the exact sturdiness like MX boots, nor do they have the softness of the conventional motorcycle boots, they’re just an intermediate between these two.
Verdict: MX boots have a more complex design. For instance, the shin guards and the clasps buckles of MX boots are more rigid and hold more firmly and snugly to the feet. Dual sport boots have more flexible midsoles and softer ankle regions.
And while this is good to allow some cushioning and leg movement range, in the occurrence of an accident, there’s a high probability that you’re going to suffer an ankle twist while wearing a Dual sport boot than you would while wearing MX boots.
Dual Sport Boots Vs MX Boots: Durability
MX Boots
MX boots are more durable. It is not in any way debatable. Although the durability margin isn’t very broad, here’s the thing; durability in motorbiking boots means being able to withstand pressure, resist tear and wear, and stand through the test of time while going through intense rigors showing not very much pronounced fading or defect.
What accounts for motorbiking boots’ durability is the sturdiness of the materials used, how the molecules of these materials are closely packed, or how these materials are mutated with other materials such as hybrids and composite materials to function better.
And all of these are the basis upon which MX boots are designed. Aside from the experiential use of both, simple logic tells that from the material development and construction, MX boots are more durable than Dual sport boots.
Dual Sport Boots
Dual sport boots are quite durable too, however, compared to MX boots, they are no match. The materials used for most dual sport boots are usually kevlar, plastic, and a blend of quality, precisely full grain leather in some of the areas. This means they’re equality boots too. Plus, they use energy-absorbing leathers too. They’re of far more quality than most on-the-counter boots.
Dual Sport Boots Vs MX Boots: Fashion Quality
Dual Sport Boots
Dual sports boots have very good artistic detailing and outward beauty. Even though they have some features that make them double up as being suitable for both off-road and on-road motorbiking, their designs are not very much centered on safety. So this gives room for good aesthetic appeal where they are beautified in certain areas for solely artistic purposes.
For instance, some models have rubber uppers with fine stripes, this feature is also found at the back of the heels too. Whereas, in MX boots, those areas are reserved for safety features. Do you get the difference?
MX Boots
MX boots are good-looking, but fashion is not the main thing here. When it comes to MX boots, it is always a safety feature over the aesthetic appeal. On the priority list, safety is tops.
However, they neither have terrible designs as they are nice to behold. They mostly come in nice dark hues. I’d say they have a more mature and sophisticated design that shows confidence and rigidity to face the worst of rigors.
Dual Sport Boots Vs MX Boots: Comfort Level
Dual Sport Boots
Dual sport boots are comfortable boots. Their design is a nice blend of balance between strength and weight to offer the rider confidence and comfort.
Most of their iterations have the nubuck leather upper and soft plastic protection panels. They also have an inner lining that is breathable, yet waterproof. I could walk in them comfortably without the fear of skidding because of the oil-resistant outsole.
You know, the midsole is the heart of the comfort of every shoe regardless of the design. Most dual sport boots feature a layer of either polyurethane or EVA in the midsole. This not just serves a cushioning purpose, but also helps in vibration absorption during biking. Plus, the fact that they are breathable and lightweight as well makes them cool.
MX Boots
MX boots have a standard comfort level. They are not exceptionally comfortable like most soft motorbiking boots. I’d be right to say MX boots are not as comfortable as you’d want them to be. However, they are a delight to use. They have good sole height. The ankle is a bit stiff, but then, it’s safer that way.
Dual Sport Boots Vs MX Boots: Size And Fitting
Dual Sport Boots
Dual sport boots have a good fitting. They can get as snug as you’d want them to be. This is because the straps allow for a customized tightness. They have nice and functioning midsoles. They’re true to size too. But then, you must consider socks space when making a purchase. It depends on your preference.
MX Boots
MX boots are also true to size and fit snugly. Although they come in different fitting ranges. It depends on your preference according to your foot type. They come in small, medium, and larger sizes. Some have narrow toe areas while others are round.
Dual Sport Boots Vs MX Boots: Overall Quality
The overall quality of these boots, following the principle of criteria of valid inference and judgment, is a tie. Yes. None beats the other. This is because while you may want to choose MX boots for their durability and sturdiness, you’d realize that Dual sport boots are more comfortable and lightweight.
Also, Dual sport boots have a better fashion quality, MX boots give you the confidence you need.
Final Verdict
Aside from putting these shoes in their places so that they are known for what they are, I wouldn’t compare them based on which is better when they weren’t in the first place exactly built to be used or function in the same place.
I’d liken these shoes to football players; you do not compare a player who’s a defender and another that plays in defensive midfield. Simply put, Dual Sport Boots have an intermediate construction between on-road and off-road motorbiking, while MX boots are fashioned to be used off-road. Understand this and use them accordingly.
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