When riding an ATV, a good pair of ATV boots (or motocross boots) are a key to protecting your feet, ankles, and lower legs. Your feet and legs take a good amount of abuse, even with normal riding.
The biggest different between ATV boots and motocross boots is the height of the boot. ATV boots are lower cut than motocross boots but because MX boots are easier to find many ATV riders use them.
Good riding boots can protect you from all sorts of things like bad weather including rain and snow, flying debris and twisting/bending in a crash. Check out my Alpinestars Tech 3 MX Boots Review.
Protection From Crushing
Like a chest protector, riding boots provide protection from being crushed during a crash. The feet are often caught under the ATV when if flips over and having a good pair of boots can protect your feet and ankles from injury.
There are some riding boots that are softer than others, and this could affect the amount of protection they provide if your foot gets crushed. The down side to harder, more rigid atv boots is that it's much harder to shift. However, it should get easier after the boots are broken in and loosened up a bit.
Protection from the Elements
Matt Finley
Good MX boots can really help keep your feet warm and dry. Bad weather can put the brakes on your ATV ride because when your feet get cold it can make your entire body uncomfortable.
MX boots can keep your feet warm and dry when you're in snow, rain or mud.
Protection From Debris
A good pair of ATV boots protects the lower legs and feet from flying debris such as rocks, dirt and branches. Most ATVs have quite a bit of shielding for the feet, but rocks and stuff will still make it's way to your feet and having boots on will make it almost unnoticeable.
Protection From Twisting or Breaking
ATV boots are especially good at protecting your ankles from twisting and bending. They are rigid and cover the entire ankle. The lower cut on an ATV boot somewhat limits the effectiveness, but they also make it easier to shift than a full motocross boot that goes up closer to the knee.
