CE Level 1 vs CE Level 2 Motorcycle Boot Protection Explained 2026 | Australia & New Zealand

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

Table of Contents

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

Same Standard, Different Protection Ratings

CE Level 1 and CE Level 2 are not two different standards — they are two protection ratings within EN 13634:2017. Both ratings 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 Australian Standard (AS) or New Zealand Standard (NZS) exists for motorcycle footwear protection. EN 13634:2017 is therefore the most rigorous, independently verified benchmark available to Aus and NZ riders. The MACA and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi both recommend CE-certified protective footwear. See our full guide to motorcycle boot safety standards for Aus & NZ riders.

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 Australia and New Zealand use terms like “protective” or “moto-inspired” without carrying any certification. Always check the label before buying.

Which Protection Rating Do You Need?

For Australian and New Zealand road riders — whether commuting in Sydney or Melbourne, touring the Great Ocean Road, riding the South Island of New Zealand, or exploring outback highways — 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 Phillip Island, Sydney Motorsport Park, Hampton Downs, or Taupo — 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 Australian and New Zealand riders is not Level 1 vs Level 2 — it’s EN 13634 certified vs uncertified. No equivalent AS or NZS standard exists for motorcycle footwear, making EN 13634 certification the only independently verified benchmark available. A CE Level 1 certified boot has been tested and verified. An uncertified boot — regardless of marketing — has no verified protection data whatsoever.

All Castiron Ride models carry CE Level 1 certification to EN 13634:2017 — from the RoadCast lifestyle shoe to the IronRider touring boot. All models ship to Australia and New Zealand with free delivery over AU$150.

Castiron Ride — CE Level 1 Certified Lineup

FAQ

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

No. CE Level 1 certified motorcycle boots meet the EN 13634:2017 standard for road riding, commuting, and highway touring in Australia and New Zealand. CE Level 2 is designed for track days and circuit racing at venues like Phillip Island and Hampton Downs, where slide speeds and impact forces are significantly higher than road riding. For all road use in Aus and NZ, CE Level 1 is the correct and sufficient choice.

Is there an Australian standard equivalent to EN 13634 for motorcycle boots?

No. No equivalent Australian Standard (AS) or New Zealand Standard (NZS) exists specifically for motorcycle footwear protection. EN 13634:2017 CE certification is therefore the most rigorous, independently verified benchmark available to Aus and NZ riders when buying motorcycle boots.

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 Australian riding?

CE Level 2 meets higher performance thresholds — but for Australian and New Zealand 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 appropriate only for track days and circuit racing.

Which Castiron Ride boots are CE Level 1 certified for Australian 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 Australia and New Zealand.

External Resources

• Motorcycle Advisory Council of Australia (MACA)
• NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi — Motorcycle Safety
• Ride On Magazine — Australian Motorcycle Gear Reviews
• Motorcycling Australia
• BikeMe — Australian Motorcycle News & Reviews

Written by T-K