How to Choose Riding Shoes for Indian Roads

How to Choose Riding Shoes for Indian Roads

Reviewed by Sandeep Reddy
Founder, Clan Shoes · 15+ years of riding experience · 5 years in footwear development

Quick answer: For Indian roads, choose motorcycle footwear that fits securely, protects the ankle, toe and heel, provides dependable wet-road traction, and remains wearable after you park. Check the exact certification status of the model—not just the presence of a branded protector.

What should you check before buying riding shoes?

1. Whole-shoe protection

Look beyond ankle padding. Purpose-built riding shoes should combine ankle protection with a reinforced toe and heel, lateral sole protection and an upper designed for riding use. Protective footwear reduces risk but cannot prevent every injury.

2. Certification status

BIS and CE describe different standards and markets. Clan Scout, Torque and Stealth are BIS certified to IS 15298 (Part 4):2024. Stealth is also certified to EN 13634:2017. Torque has passed the applicable EN 13634 laboratory tests and is awaiting formal CE certification. Scout is not CE-certified.

3. Fit and sizing

A protective shoe should hold the heel and ankle securely without painful pressure. Measure both feet, use the larger measurement and check the model-specific size chart. Do not size up automatically unless the fit guide recommends it.

4. Waterproofing and heat

A waterproof membrane helps with rain and road spray, but water can still enter through the opening if it rises above the collar. Waterproof footwear can also feel warmer than ventilated footwear, especially during long stops in Indian summer conditions.

5. Sole and walking use

Check the outsole material, wet-surface test information and how the shoe feels off the motorcycle. Riding shoes are a compromise between motorcycle-specific protection and the walkability of everyday footwear.

Clan Scout, Torque and Stealth at a glance

Model Physical construction Certification Size range
Scout PU microfiber upper, D3O ankle protection, DryTech membrane, TPU-reinforced toe and heel, TPR outsole BIS certified; not CE-certified UK 6–11
Torque Matte-finish PU microfiber upper, D3O ankle protection, DryTech membrane, TPU-reinforced toe and heel, rubber outsole BIS certified; EN tests passed, CE pending UK 7–11
Stealth Premium matte-finish coated leather upper, DryTech membrane, rubber outsole, D3O or rigid TPU ankle option BIS and CE certified UK 7–13

Which one should you choose?

  • Choose Scout if you want the most accessible Clan riding shoe, UK size 6 availability and a PU microfiber/TPR construction.
  • Choose Torque if you prefer a matte PU microfiber upper, D3O as standard and a rubber outsole.
  • Choose Stealth if you want coated leather, current CE certification, the widest size range or a choice of D3O and rigid TPU ankle protection.

Use the Clan riding-shoe comparison for a side-by-side view, or browse all Clan riding shoes.

Frequently asked questions

Are all Clan riding shoes CE-certified?

No. Stealth is CE-certified. Torque has passed the applicable laboratory tests and is awaiting formal certification. Scout is not CE-certified.

Are all Clan riding shoes waterproof?

The current Scout, Torque and Stealth range uses a DryTech waterproof membrane. Waterproofing helps with rain and road spray but does not make footwear suitable for submersion.

Do riding shoes replace full-height boots?

No. Riders who need maximum shin coverage or footwear for track or technical off-road use should choose equipment designed specifically for those conditions.

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