Reviewed by Sandeep Reddy
Founder, Clan Shoes · 15+ years of riding experience · 5 years in footwear development
Quick answer: D3O is an impact-protection material designed to remain flexible during ordinary movement and manage impact energy when loaded. In Clan riding shoes, D3O is positioned at the ankle.
What is D3O?
D3O is a proprietary material used in motorcycle, sport, industrial and other protective products. Its flexible behaviour makes it suitable for areas where protection and mobility need to coexist.
What does D3O do in a riding shoe?
The ankle can contact the road, motorcycle or another object during an incident. A D3O ankle protector is intended to reduce the impact energy transmitted through that protected area while remaining comfortable enough for everyday movement.
Is D3O the same as CE certification?
No. D3O identifies a protector material or component. CE certification under EN 13634 evaluates a complete motorcycle-footwear sample against specified tests. A shoe can use D3O without the complete shoe being CE-certified.
Which Clan shoes use D3O?
- Scout: D3O ankle protection; the complete shoe is BIS certified and is not CE-certified.
- Torque: D3O ankle protection; applicable EN 13634 tests have passed and formal CE certification is pending.
- Stealth: available with D3O or rigid moulded TPU ankle protection; the complete tested configurations are CE-certified as specified on the product page.
Does D3O prevent ankle injuries?
No protective product can prevent every injury. D3O is designed to manage impact energy, while the outcome of a crash depends on many factors including speed, direction, fit, coverage and the forces involved.
What else should you check?
Do not choose motorcycle footwear on the ankle protector alone. Also check toe and heel protection, outsole construction, fit, waterproofing, certification status and the limits of the product category.
See the current Clan D3O riding-shoe range or compare all three Clan riding shoes.
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