The definitive safety standard for protective motorcycle footwear is EN 13634. This European standard establishes a clear, verifiable system for testing a boot's ability to protect you from the specific risks associated with a motorcycle crash, such as abrasion, crushing, and impact cuts.
Choosing motorcycle boots can feel overwhelming, with every brand claiming superior protection. The EN 13634 standard cuts through the marketing noise by providing a transparent, data-driven rating system for a boot's core safety features, allowing you to objectively compare products.
What is EN 13634 Certification?
The EN 13634 standard is not a simple pass/fail test. It subjects boots to a series of controlled, machine-based tests that simulate real-world accident scenarios. The results determine a specific performance level.
The Three Core Safety Tests
Every boot seeking certification must pass three mandatory tests:
- Abrasion Resistance: This test measures how long the boot's material can withstand being scraped against a grinding belt before a hole wears through.
- Impact Cut Resistance: This test determines how well the boot can resist being cut by a sharp object, simulating an impact with shattered vehicle parts. A blade is dropped onto the boot material from a specified height.
- Transverse Rigidity: This measures the boot's ability to resist being crushed from side to side. It simulates the force of a motorcycle falling on and pinning the rider's foot, a common cause of serious injury.
The Two Levels of Protection
For each of the core tests, a boot receives a rating of either Level 1 or Level 2.
- Level 1 indicates the boot meets the minimum standard for protection. It offers a good balance of safety and flexibility for casual riding.
- Level 2 indicates the boot meets a higher performance standard. These boots offer significantly more protection but may be stiffer and less comfortable for walking.
How to Read the CE Label
The certification label, typically found sewn inside the boot, contains all the critical information. It features a motorcycle icon to show it's for motorcyclists, the standard number (EN 13634), and a series of numbers and letters.
Decoding the Rating Numbers
You will see a sequence of four numbers on the label. The most important are the last three, which represent the core test results in a specific order:
- Boot Height (1 for ankle-height, 2 for taller boots)
- Abrasion Resistance Rating (1 or 2)
- Impact Cut Rating (1 or 2)
- Transverse Rigidity Rating (1 or 2)
A boot with a 2 2 2 2 rating is a tall boot that offers the highest level of certified protection in all mandatory categories.
Understanding the Optional Ratings
Manufacturers can also submit boots for optional tests. If a boot passes, a corresponding letter code is added to the label.
- IPA / IPS: Impact protection for the ankle and/or shin.
- WR: Resistance to water penetration.
- FO: Resistance of the sole to fuel and oil.
- SRA / SRB / SRC: Slip-resistance of the sole on different surfaces.
- B: Breathability of the boot.
- WAD: Water absorption/desorption of the inner materials.
Common Pitfalls and Considerations
Understanding the standard is only the first step. Navigating the market requires awareness of regional differences and marketing language.
Certification is Not Required in North America
The EN 13634 standard is a European requirement. Boots sold exclusively in the United States and Canada are not legally required to be certified.
This means many high-quality, protective boots from reputable brands may not have a CE label simply because the manufacturer did not pursue certification for that market.
Level 1 vs. Level 2: A Balancing Act
While Level 2 offers more protection, it often comes at the cost of comfort and flexibility. For daily commuters or tourers who spend time walking, a Level 1 boot may provide a more practical balance of certified safety and all-day wearability.
Making the Right Choice for Your Riding Style
Use the CE rating to match your gear to your specific needs.
- If your primary focus is maximum track day or aggressive canyon riding: Seek out a boot with a
2 2 2 2rating, preferably with the additionalIPA/IPScodes for ankle and shin impact protection. - If your primary focus is daily commuting or touring: A boot with all Level 1 ratings offers a certified baseline of safety while prioritizing comfort, and optional ratings like
WR(water resistance) may be more important. - If you are shopping in the US or Canada: Remember that the absence of a CE tag doesn't automatically mean a boot is unsafe, but its presence guarantees a verified level of protection.
Understanding this standard empowers you to look past marketing claims and choose footwear based on proven safety performance.
Summary Table:
| Safety Feature | Test Description | Level 1 (Standard) | Level 2 (High) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abrasion Resistance | Time until material wears through | Good protection | Superior protection |
| Impact Cut Resistance | Resistance to sharp object impact | Good protection | Superior protection |
| Transverse Rigidity | Resistance to side-crushing force | Good protection | Superior protection |
As a leading manufacturer, 3515 produces a comprehensive range of CE-certified motorcycle boots for distributors, brand owners, and bulk clients. We ensure every pair meets rigorous EN 13634 standards for maximum rider safety. Whether you need Level 1 boots for commuting comfort or high-performance Level 2 race boots, our production capabilities cover all types of protective footwear. Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements and benefit from our expertise in certified safety footwear.
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