CE Level 1 vs Level 2 Motorcycle Boot Certification Explained 2026 | UK

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

Table of Contents

• Same Standard, Different Performance Tiers
• The Four EN 13634 Protection Zones
• Level 1 vs Level 2 — Full Comparison
• How to Read the CE Label
• Which Certification Level Do You Need?
• Certified vs Uncertified Footwear
• Castiron Ride — CE Level 1 Certified Lineup
• FAQ
• External Resources

Same Standard, Different Performance Tiers

CE Level 1 and CE Level 2 are not two separate standards — they are two performance tiers within EN 13634:2017, the European standard for protective motorcycle footwear that remains applicable in Great Britain following Brexit. Both tiers require independent third-party testing across the same four protection zones. The difference is the minimum performance threshold required to pass each zone. Level 2 demands higher abrasion resistance, greater transverse rigidity, more heel energy absorption, and a taller ankle shaft than Level 1.

No equivalent British Standard (BS) exists specifically for motorcycle footwear protection. EN 13634:2017 is therefore the most rigorous, independently verified benchmark available to UK riders. See our full guide to motorcycle boot safety standards for UK riders for the complete EN 13634 breakdown.

The Four EN 13634 Protection Zones

Level 1 vs Level 2 — Full Comparison

How to Read the CE Label

Every EN 13634 certified boot has a label sewn inside showing four numbers — one per protection zone — in this order: ankle height / abrasion resistance / transverse rigidity / heel energy absorption. Each number is either 1 (Level 1 threshold met) or 2 (Level 2 threshold met). A fully Level 1 boot reads 1 1 1 1. A fully Level 2 boot reads 2 2 2 2. Mixed ratings are also possible.

If a boot has no EN 13634:2017 label with four zone ratings, it is not CE certified — regardless of marketing language. Some boots sold in the UK use terms like “protective” or “moto-inspired” without carrying any certification. The GOV.UK guidance on motorcycle protective clothing recommends CE-certified footwear — always check the label before buying.

Which Certification Level Do You Need?

For UK road riders — whether commuting in London, touring the Scottish Highlands, or riding A-roads across England and Wales — CE Level 1 is the correct and sufficient choice. The Level 1 thresholds are calibrated for road riding scenarios: slides on tarmac at road speeds, lateral impacts from low-sides, and heel impacts from dismounts and falls.

CE Level 2 is engineered for sustained high-speed circuit riding — track days at Brands Hatch, Silverstone, or Donington Park — where slide speeds, impact forces, and risk profiles are significantly higher than road riding. The additional protection comes with added stiffness, weight, and cost that provides no practical benefit for road use.

Certified vs Uncertified Footwear

The most important distinction for UK riders is not Level 1 vs Level 2 — it’s EN 13634 certified vs uncertified. A CE Level 1 certified boot has been independently tested and verified to a defined standard. An uncertified boot — regardless of how it’s marketed — has no verified protection data. Work boots, fashion boots, and “moto-inspired” footwear without EN 13634 certification provide no independently tested abrasion resistance, ankle protection, or heel energy absorption.

All Castiron Ride models carry CE Level 1 certification to EN 13634:2017 — from the RoadCast lifestyle shoe to the IronRider touring boot. Every model ships to the UK.

Castiron Ride — CE Level 1 Certified Lineup

FAQ

Do I need CE Level 2 motorcycle boots for road riding in the UK?

No. CE Level 1 certified motorcycle boots meet the EN 13634:2017 standard for road riding, commuting, and A-road touring. CE Level 2 is designed for track days and circuit racing at venues like Brands Hatch and Silverstone, where slide speeds and impact forces are significantly higher than road riding. For all road use in the UK, CE Level 1 is the correct and sufficient choice.

Is CE certification still valid for motorcycle boots in the UK after Brexit?

Yes. EN 13634:2017 remains the applicable standard in Great Britain following Brexit. CE-certified motorcycle boots continue to meet UK protection requirements. Always look for the EN 13634:2017 label with four zone ratings inside the footwear.

What does the label "1 1 1 1" mean inside a motorcycle boot?

The four numbers correspond to the four EN 13634 protection zones in order: Zone 1 (ankle height) / Zone 2 (abrasion resistance) / Zone 3 (transverse rigidity) / Zone 4 (heel energy absorption). A rating of 1 in each zone means the boot meets CE Level 1 thresholds. A rating of 2 means it meets the higher CE Level 2 thresholds.

Is CE Level 2 better than CE Level 1 for UK riding?

CE Level 2 meets higher performance thresholds — but for UK road riding, Level 1 provides independently tested protection calibrated for road scenarios. Level 2 adds stiffness, weight, and cost without practical benefit for road use. It is the appropriate choice only for track days and circuit racing.

Which Castiron Ride boots are CE Level 1 certified for UK riders?

All Castiron Ride models carry CE Level 1 certification to EN 13634:2017 with a 1 1 1 1 zone rating — from the RoadCast lifestyle shoe to the IronRider touring boot. All models ship to the UK.

External Resources

• MCIA — UK Motorcycle Industry & Safety
• IAM RoadSmart — Motorcycle Rider Safety
• GOV.UK — Motorcycle Protective Clothing
• Bennetts BikeSocial — Motorcycle Gear Reviews
• Visordown — UK Motorcycle News & Gear

Written by T-K