Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
Table of Contents
- What Is CE Certification for Motorcycle Boots?
- EN 13634 Explained
- CE Level 1 — What It Covers
- CE Level 2 — What It Covers
- CE Level 1 vs CE Level 2 — Full Comparison
- Motorcycle Boot vs Motorcycle Shoe — CE Comparison
- CE Certified vs Uncertified Footwear
- Do You Need CE Level 2 Boots?
- CE Certification & UK Riders
- Recommended CE Level 1 Boots & Shoes — UK
- FAQ
- External Resources
What Is CE Certification for Motorcycle Boots?
CE certification for motorcycle boots is a European safety standard — retained in UK law — that defines the minimum protection requirements for protective motorcycle footwear. The "CE" mark indicates that a boot has been independently tested and meets the requirements of EN 13634:2017. For UK riders, CE certification is the most rigorous, independently verified protection standard available on the market.
There are two levels: CE Level 1 and CE Level 2. Both require the boot to pass the same four protection zones, but Level 2 sets a higher performance threshold in each zone.
EN 13634 Explained — The Standard Behind the Rating
EN 13634:2017 is the technical standard that defines how motorcycle boots are tested and rated. It covers four distinct protection zones, each tested independently:
- Zone 1 — Ankle height: Minimum coverage above the ankle reference point
- Zone 2 — Abrasion resistance: How long the upper resists abrasion in a slide
- Zone 3 — Transverse rigidity: Resistance to lateral crushing forces
- Zone 4 — Heel energy absorption: Impact energy absorbed at the heel
Each zone is rated 1 or 2. A boot labelled 1 1 1 1 is CE Level 1. A boot labelled 2 2 2 2 is CE Level 2. Some boots carry mixed ratings (e.g. 1 2 1 1) — the overall level is determined by the lowest score across all zones.
CE Level 1 — What It Covers
CE Level 1 is the entry-level certification under EN 13634. It represents a meaningful baseline of protection that significantly exceeds uncertified footwear. CE Level 1 is appropriate for the vast majority of UK riders — urban commuters, A-road tourers, and recreational riders at legal road speeds.
- Ankle coverage above minimum reference height
- Abrasion resistance at Level 1 speed threshold
- Lateral crush resistance at Level 1 force
- Heel impact absorption at Level 1 threshold
CE Level 2 — What It Covers
CE Level 2 uses the same four zones and the same test equipment — but the pass/fail threshold is significantly more demanding. CE Level 2 boots are typically heavier, stiffer, and more expensive. They are designed for track days, high-speed touring, and riders who want maximum certified protection.
- Greater ankle coverage height
- Abrasion resistance at higher speed threshold
- Lateral crush resistance at greater force
- Higher heel impact absorption requirement
CE Level 1 vs CE Level 2 — Full Comparison
| Factor | CE Level 1 | CE Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | EN 13634:2017 | EN 13634:2017 |
| Protection zones | 4 | 4 |
| Abrasion resistance | Lower threshold | Higher threshold |
| Transverse rigidity | Lower threshold | Higher threshold |
| Heel energy absorption | Lower threshold | Higher threshold |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Walkability | High — flexible | Moderate — stiffer |
| Price range | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Urban commuting, A-road touring, recreational riding | Track days, high-speed touring, maximum protection |
| UK road riding suitability | ✅ Excellent for all road use | ✅ Ideal for track & high speed |
Motorcycle Boot vs Motorcycle Shoe — CE Comparison
A common question from UK riders is whether a CE-certified motorcycle shoe offers the same protection as a CE-certified motorcycle boot. The answer depends on the certification level — not the style. A CE Level 1 shoe and a CE Level 1 boot have both passed the same four-zone test at the same threshold. The key differences are ankle coverage height and overall rigidity.
| Factor | CE Motorcycle Boot | CE Motorcycle Shoe |
|---|---|---|
| CE certification | EN 13634:2017 | EN 13634:2017 |
| Ankle coverage | Higher — above ankle | Lower — at or just above ankle |
| Abrasion resistance | Certified (Level 1 or 2) | Certified (Level 1 or 2) |
| Walkability | Moderate | High — walks like a trainer |
| Off-bike comfort | Good | Excellent |
| Best for | Touring, longer rides, max protection | Urban commuting, all-day wear |
| Castiron Ride example | IronRider / ShiftCast | RoadCast / StreetCast |
CE Certified vs Uncertified Footwear — Why It Matters
The most important protection decision a UK rider can make is not CE Level 1 vs Level 2 — it's certified vs uncertified. Regular trainers, work boots, and fashion boots offer no independently tested protection in a motorcycle accident. The gap between CE Level 1 and uncertified footwear is enormous.
| Factor | CE Level 1 Boot | Regular Trainer / Work Boot |
|---|---|---|
| Independent safety testing | ✅ Yes — EN 13634:2017 | ❌ None |
| Abrasion resistance | ✅ Tested & certified | ❌ Unknown |
| Ankle protection | ✅ Certified coverage | ❌ None |
| Heel impact absorption | ✅ Certified | ❌ None |
| Lateral crush resistance | ✅ Certified | ❌ None |
| Recommended by MCIA / IAM RoadSmart | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Do You Need CE Level 2 Boots?
Choose CE Level 1 if you:
- Commute daily in urban or suburban UK traffic
- Tour on A-roads and motorways at legal speeds
- Want a boot or shoe that walks comfortably off the bike
- Prioritise a lighter, more flexible fit for all-day wear
- Ride recreationally on public roads
Consider CE Level 2 if you:
- Regularly attend track days at Brands Hatch, Silverstone, or Donington Park
- Ride at sustained high speeds on closed circuits
- Do adventure touring in remote areas with slow emergency response
- Want the maximum certified protection regardless of weight or cost
CE Certification & UK Riders — What You Need to Know in 2026
EN 13634:2017 remains the applicable technical standard for protective motorcycle footwear in Great Britain following Brexit. CE-certified boots continue to meet UK protection requirements. The MCIA, IAM RoadSmart, and RoSPA all recommend over-the-ankle protective footwear for all riders. CE-certified boots exceed these recommendations with independently tested protection across four specific zones.
When shopping for certified motorcycle boots in the UK, look for the EN 13634:2017 label inside the boot with the four zone ratings clearly marked. A boot labelled 1 1 1 1 is CE Level 1. A boot labelled 2 2 2 2 is CE Level 2. Both are a significant upgrade over uncertified footwear — and the full Castiron Ride lineup ships directly to UK addresses with free delivery over £120.
Recommended CE Level 1 Boots & Shoes for UK Riders
Every Castiron Ride model is CE Level 1 certified to EN 13634:2017. Here are three models suited to different UK riding styles:
Shop All CE Level 1 Certified Motorcycle Footwear — UK
Every Castiron Ride model · EN 13634:2017 certified · Ships to UK · Free delivery over £120
View Full CollectionFAQ
Is CE Level 1 enough for UK road riding?
Yes — CE Level 1 is more than sufficient for the vast majority of UK road riders. It provides independently tested protection across four zones and vastly outperforms uncertified footwear. CE Level 2 is only necessary if you regularly ride at track speeds or attend track days.
Are CE-certified motorcycle boots still valid in the UK after Brexit?
Yes. EN 13634:2017 remains the applicable technical standard for protective motorcycle footwear in Great Britain. CE-certified boots continue to meet UK protection requirements.
What does EN 13634 mean on a motorcycle boot label?
EN 13634 is the European (and UK-retained) standard for protective motorcycle footwear. A boot labelled EN 13634:2017 with four zone ratings (e.g. 1 1 1 1 for Level 1, or 2 2 2 2 for Level 2) has been independently tested and certified to that standard.
Do I need CE Level 2 boots for track days in the UK?
Most UK track day organisers recommend CE-certified boots, but the specific level required varies by circuit. CE Level 2 is the safer choice for track use. Check with your specific circuit — Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Donington Park — for their exact requirements.
What is the difference between a CE motorcycle boot and a CE motorcycle shoe?
Both are certified to EN 13634:2017 and pass the same four protection zones. The main differences are ankle coverage height and overall rigidity. Boots offer greater ankle coverage; shoes offer better walkability and off-bike comfort. For urban commuting, a CE Level 1 shoe like the RoadCast is an excellent choice.
Can I wear regular trainers on a motorcycle in the UK?
Legally you can, but it is strongly discouraged by the MCIA, IAM RoadSmart, and RoSPA. Regular trainers offer no independently tested protection in a motorcycle accident. CE Level 1 certified footwear provides dramatically more protection and is available in styles that look like everyday trainers — such as the Castiron Ride MileCast and UrbanCast.
External Resources
- Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) — UK Motorcycle Safety
- IAM RoadSmart — Motorcycle Rider Safety Guidance
- RoSPA — Motorcyclist Safety Advice
- GOV.UK — Motorcycle Protective Clothing Guidance
- Bennetts BikeSocial — Motorcycle Gear Reviews & Guides
More from Castiron Ride: Motorcycle Gear Guides · Shop All Motorcycle Footwear
Written by T-K