Beyond the mandatory safety standards, CE certification for motorcycle boots includes a series of optional tests that verify specialized performance features. These optional ratings, indicated by specific letters on the CE label, assess a boot's suitability for particular environments and challenges, such as impact protection, water resistance, slip resistance, and breathability.
The mandatory CE rating confirms a boot's fundamental protective capability. However, it is the optional test codes that reveal its true specialization, empowering you to select gear precisely engineered for your specific riding conditions.
Decoding the Optional CE Test Ratings
While all CE-certified boots meet baseline requirements for abrasion, cut, and transverse rigidity, the following optional tests signal a higher level of performance in specific areas. These are indicated by letters added after the primary rating codes (e.g., "EN 13634:2017 - 2 2 2 2 IPA WR").
IPA and IPS: Impact Protection
These codes signify that the boot includes certified impact protectors. This is a critical feature for performance, track, and adventure riding.
- IPA: The boot is fitted with certified Impact Protection for the Ankle.
- IPS: The boot is fitted with certified Impact Protection for the Shin.
WR: Water Resistance
This rating indicates the boot has passed a specific test for water penetration, not just that it's made of "waterproof" material.
The test involves either a walking machine with the boot in water or having a person stand in water for a set period. A WR rating is essential for commuters, tourers, and all-weather riders.
FO: Fuel and Oil Resistance
This test applies specifically to the boot's sole.
A boot with an FO rating has a sole that resists degradation, swelling, or damage when exposed to hydrocarbons like fuel and oil. This is a key durability feature, especially for those who work on their own machines.
SRA, SRB, and SRC: Slip Resistance
This is one of the most critical safety features for road riders who frequently put a foot down at stops.
- SRA: Tested for slip resistance on a ceramic tile surface wetted with a soap solution.
- SRB: Tested for slip resistance on a steel surface with glycerol.
- SRC: The boot has passed both SRA and SRB tests, offering the most comprehensive and verified level of slip resistance.
B: Breathability
For riders in warm climates or those on long tours, comfort is directly linked to safety. The B rating addresses this.
This test measures the boot's ability to allow water vapor (sweat) to escape, helping to keep your feet dry and comfortable over many hours of riding.
WAD: Water Absorption and Desorption
This rating focuses on the performance of the boot's insole.
A boot with a WAD rating has been tested for its ability to absorb and then release moisture, contributing to hygiene and comfort during and after a long ride.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Selecting a boot isn't about finding one with every possible rating. It's about understanding the compromises inherent in gear design and choosing the features that matter most to you.
Protection vs. Comfort
Boots with high levels of impact protection (IPA/IPS) and rigidity are often stiffer. This provides maximum safety on the bike but can make them less comfortable for walking around off the bike.
Water Resistance vs. Breathability
Achieving a high WR rating for water resistance can sometimes compromise breathability. While modern materials like Gore-Tex excel at both, there is often a trade-off, especially in lower-priced boots. A fully waterproof boot without a B rating can lead to sweaty feet in hot weather.
Specialized Features vs. Cost
Each optional test passed represents an investment in materials, technology, and design. A boot that is fully loaded with every optional rating (SRC, IPA, WR, B, etc.) will naturally command a higher price than a boot that only meets the mandatory standards.
Matching the Boot to Your Riding Style
Use the CE codes to make an informed decision based on your primary needs.
- If your primary focus is daily commuting or urban riding: Prioritize SRC for slip resistance on unpredictable surfaces and WR for all-weather capability.
- If your primary focus is long-distance touring: Look for WR for weather protection and B for all-day comfort to manage heat and sweat.
- If your primary focus is track days or performance riding: The most critical ratings are IPA and IPS for maximum impact protection at high speeds.
- If your primary focus is fair-weather weekend rides: While optional ratings are always beneficial, a boot meeting the mandatory standards along with a B rating for breathability will provide a great balance of protection and comfort.
By understanding these codes, you move beyond marketing claims and select a boot that is verifiably engineered for the way you ride.
Summary Table:
| Optional Rating | What It Stands For | Key Benefit | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPA / IPS | Impact Protection (Ankle/Shin) | Certified impact protectors | Performance, track, and adventure riding |
| WR | Water Resistance | Protection against water penetration | Commuters, tourers, all-weather riders |
| FO | Fuel and Oil Resistance | Sole resists degradation from hydrocarbons | Riders who work on their bikes |
| SRA / SRB / SRC | Slip Resistance | Superior grip on wet/slippery surfaces | All road riders, especially for urban stops |
| B | Breathability | Allows water vapor (sweat) to escape | Warm climates, long-distance touring |
| WAD | Water Absorption/Desorption | Insole manages moisture for comfort/hygiene | Long rides for enhanced comfort |
As a large-scale manufacturer, 3515 produces a comprehensive range of CE-certifiable footwear for distributors, brand owners, and bulk clients. Our production capabilities encompass all types of motorcycle boots and boots, engineered to meet both mandatory and the specific optional ratings your target market demands. Let us help you develop high-performance, specialized footwear that riders trust. Contact our team today to discuss your manufacturing needs.
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