CE Level 1 vs CE Level 2 Motorcycle Boots Explained 2026 | USA & Canada

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

Table of Contents

• Same Standard, Different Thresholds
• 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 Thresholds

CE Level 1 and CE Level 2 are not two different standards — they are two performance tiers within the same standard: EN 13634:2017. Both levels 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 requires higher abrasion resistance, greater transverse rigidity, more heel energy absorption, and a taller ankle shaft than Level 1.

No equivalent North American standard exists for motorcycle footwear protection. EN 13634:2017 CE certification is therefore the most rigorous, independently verified benchmark available to US and Canadian riders when buying motorcycle boots. See our full guide to motorcycle boot safety standards for the complete breakdown of EN 13634.

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 (e.g. 1 2 1 1) 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 US use terms like “protective” or “moto-inspired” without carrying any certification. Always check the label.

Which Certification Level Do You Need?

For US and Canadian road riders — whether commuting in New York, touring the Pacific Coast Highway, or riding the Blue Ridge Parkway — CE Level 1 is the correct and sufficient choice. The Level 1 thresholds are designed specifically 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 Road America, Laguna Seca, or Watkins Glen — 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 US and Canadian riders is not Level 1 vs Level 2 — it’s certified vs uncertified. A CE Level 1 certified boot has been independently tested and verified. 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.

Castiron Ride — CE Level 1 Certified Lineup

FAQ

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

No. CE Level 1 certified motorcycle boots meet the EN 13634:2017 standard for road riding, commuting, and highway touring. CE Level 2 is designed for track days and circuit racing where slide speeds and impact forces are significantly higher than road riding scenarios. For all road use in the US and Canada, CE Level 1 is the correct and sufficient choice.

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

The four numbers correspond to the four EN 13634 protection zones: 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?

CE Level 2 meets higher performance thresholds in each protection zone — but “better” depends on use case. For track days and circuit racing, Level 2 is appropriate. For road riding, commuting, and touring, Level 1 provides independently tested protection calibrated for road riding scenarios. Level 2 adds stiffness, weight, and cost without practical benefit for road use.

Can a boot have mixed CE ratings like 1 2 1 1?

Yes. EN 13634:2017 tests each zone independently, so a boot can achieve Level 2 in some zones and Level 1 in others. The overall boot is classified by its lowest zone rating. A boot rated 1 2 1 1 is classified as CE Level 1 overall.

Which Castiron Ride boots are CE Level 1 certified?

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.

External Resources

• Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) — Rider Gear Recommendations
• NHTSA — Motorcycle Safety Resources
• RevZilla — Motorcycle Boot Buying Guide
• Cycle World — Motorcycle Gear & Safety
• RideApart — Motorcycle Gear Reviews

Written by T-K