CE Level 1 vs CE Level 2 Motorcycle Boots Explained 2026 — DACH & Nordics | Europe

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

Table of Contents

• What Is CE Certification for Motorcycle Boots?
• EN 13634 Explained — The European Standard
• CE Level 1 — What It Covers
• CE Level 2 — What It Covers
• CE Level 1 vs CE Level 2 — Side-by-Side Comparison
• Do You Need CE Level 2 Boots?
• Featured: Castiron Ride ShiftCast — CE Level 1 Sport Touring Boot
• Castiron Ride — CE Level 1 Across the Full Lineup
• External Resources

What Is CE Certification for Motorcycle Boots?

CE certification for motorcycle boots is the European safety standard that defines the global benchmark for protective motorcycle footwear. The “CE” mark — from Conformité Européenne — indicates that a boot has been independently tested and meets the minimum protection requirements defined by EN 13634. For riders across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, CE certification is legally recognised and the most reliable indicator of genuine protective performance available.

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. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right Motorradstiefel or moto boots for your riding style across Alpine passes, Scandinavian fjord roads, and Autobahn touring.

EN 13634 Explained — The European Standard

EN 13634:2017 is the European standard enforced across all EU member states, Switzerland, and Norway under EEA agreement. It covers four distinct protection zones tested independently. Every motorcycle boot sold in the EU, Switzerland, and Norway must comply with this standard to carry the CE mark.

• Zone 1 — Height of upper: Minimum ankle coverage height above the reference point
• Zone 2 — Abrasion resistance: How long the upper material resists abrasion in a slide
• Zone 3 — Transverse rigidity: Resistance to lateral crushing forces
• Zone 4 — Energy absorption at the heel: Impact energy absorbed at the heel region

A boot marked CE Level 1 scores 1 in all four zones. A boot marked CE Level 2 scores 2 in all four zones. The standard is the same across DACH, Nordics, and all EU markets.

CE Level 1 — What It Covers

CE Level 1 is the entry-level certification under EN 13634. It provides meaningful protection that significantly exceeds uncertified footwear. For European riders doing daily commuting in Berlin, Vienna, Stockholm, or Oslo, weekend Alpine day trips, or Autobahn touring at legal speeds, CE Level 1 is the appropriate and most practical choice — lighter, more walkable, and more affordable than Level 2.

CE Level 2 — What It Covers

CE Level 2 sets a higher performance threshold across all four zones. Boots are typically heavier, stiffer, and more expensive. Designed for riders who regularly ride at sustained high speeds on unrestricted German Autobahn sections, do track days at Nürburgring or Hockenheimring, or want the maximum certified protection regardless of weight or cost.

CE Level 1 vs CE Level 2 — Side-by-Side Comparison

Do You Need CE Level 2 Boots?

Choose CE Level 1 if you:

• Commute daily in Berlin, Munich, Vienna, Zurich, Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, or Helsinki
• Do weekend Alpine passes, Scandinavian fjord roads, or Italian coastal routes at legal speeds
• Want a boot that walks comfortably off the bike in city centres
• Prioritise a lighter, more flexible boot for all-day European touring

Consider CE Level 2 if you:

• Regularly ride unrestricted Autobahn sections at sustained high speeds
• Do track days at Nürburgring, Hockenheimring, or Spa-Francorchamps
• Want the maximum certified protection regardless of weight or cost

Featured: Castiron Ride ShiftCast — CE Level 1 Sport Touring Boot for European Riders

The Castiron Ride ShiftCast is the CE Level 1 certified mid-boot built for European sport touring riders — BOA dial closure, mid-boot shaft, and the most secure fit in the Castiron Ride performance range. At €129, it’s the ideal CE Level 1 boot for riders doing Alpine day trips, Scandinavian routes, and all-day Autobahn touring at legal speeds.

Castiron Ride ShiftCast — CE Level 1 Sport Touring Boot

€129 · CE Level 1 · BOA Dial · Mid-Boot · International Shipping · Free over €150

Shop the ShiftCast — €129

Castiron Ride — CE Level 1 Across the Full Lineup

External Resources

• FIM — Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme — Rider Safety Standards
• ADAC — Motorrad Sicherheit & Ausrüstung (Germany)
• SVMC — Sveriges Motorcykelförbund (Sweden)
• Motorrad.de — Motorradstiefel Kaufberatung 2026
• Moto.it — Stivali Moto 2026 (Italy)

Written by T-K