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The 2019 WorldSBK season ended with Jonathan Rea winning his fifth consecutive world title for Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK. This article looks at the boot design behind that season: what a race boot has to do, what the European standard for motorcycle footwear tests, and how the Rea-inspired replica approaches it.
The , available at Leather Collection, is a replica inspired by the footwear associated with Rea's 2019 campaign. It follows the layout of a track boot while staying usable for riders who want the look on the road.
Updated: October 2026
Key Takeaways
- The 2019 WorldSBK title was Jonathan Rea's fifth in a row, won with Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK.
- Motorcycle boots are covered by EN 13634, which tests upper height, seam construction, sole bonding and boot rigidity.
- A race boot must be stiff enough to protect the ankle and still allow precise gear-shift and brake-pedal control.
- The replica is inspired by Rea's Kawasaki green and black team colors and can be ordered made to measure.
What a Superbike Boot Has to Do
A superbike rider's boots are the contact point between rider and machine. They have to resist crushing and abrasion, yet remain flexible enough for small, accurate movements on the gear lever and rear brake. Leaning angles on a superbike put the foot close to the tarmac, so the boot takes much of the contact in a slide.
Materials and Soles
- Leather upper: race boots are built around a leather upper, chosen for abrasion resistance.
- Synthetic overlays: reinforcement panels are commonly added at high-stress points to stiffen the boot without adding much weight.
- Oil-resistant rubber sole: a patterned sole helps the foot stay on metal footpegs.
The Standard Behind Motorcycle Boots
In Europe, protective footwear for motorcycle riders is covered by EN 13634. According to the SATRA overview of EN 13634, the standard sets requirements for the height of the upper and the type of seam construction, and tests the bond between upper and outsole as well as the transverse rigidity of the boot. Shin and ankle impact protection, water penetration, fuel and oil resistance and slip resistance are optional properties that a maker can choose to test. A boot only meets the standard if the maker has had it tested, so riders should check the labeling of the specific pair rather than assume it.
Protection Features to Look For
- Shin and heel guards: rigid plates spread impact over a wider area of the lower leg and heel.
- Ankle support: many race boots include bracing intended to restrict sideways movement; check the product page.
- Replaceable toe sliders: sacrificial pieces let a rider touch down in a lean without wearing through the boot itself.
- Cushioning: padding inside the boot softens vibration and impact.
Comfort Over a Full Session
A protective boot that causes hot spots will not be worn for long. Flexible accordion zones at the Achilles area and the top of the foot allow the boot to bend when shifting. Vents, a zip closure and a hook-and-loop calf adjustment help with airflow and a secure fit, including for riders who wear the suit leg inside or outside the boot.
The Kawasaki Livery
Visually, the boots take their cue from the Racing Team color scheme of lime green and black, together with Rea's racing identity. Riders who want a matching outfit can also look at the or the collection, and the show how the design has moved on since 2019.
Why a Made-to-Measure Fit Matters
Racing boots are hard to fit off the shelf for riders with wide calves or a high instep. Leather Collection has worked since 2009 and makes its products by hand-stitching to order, which allows boots to be made to the rider's measurements. A closer fit keeps the protective plates where they are meant to sit.
Final Thoughts
The Jonathan Rea Kawasaki WSBK 2019 boots are a replica inspired by a championship season, built around the same priorities as any race boot: ankle support, impact protection, grip and control. Buyers should read the product page for the specific protection details of the pair they choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Jonathan Rea WSBK 2019 boots the same boots he raced in?
No. They are a replica inspired by the boots associated with Rea's 2019 season and are not official team equipment. Brand names, logos and details can differ from what the rider used on track, so the product page is the reference for the boot you receive.
What does EN 13634 cover?
EN 13634 is the European standard for protective footwear for motorcycle riders. It specifies requirements such as upper height, seam construction, bond between upper and outsole and transverse rigidity, with optional tests for shin and ankle impact protection. A maker must have the boot tested to claim conformity.
Why do racing boots have replaceable toe sliders?
Toe sliders take the wear when the rider touches the ground in a deep lean. Because the slider wears down instead of the boot, it can be replaced when it is worn, which protects the structure of the toe box.
Can racing boots be ordered to fit wide calves?
Made-to-measure ordering is the usual route for riders whose calf or instep size falls outside standard boot sizes. Measurements are taken from the rider and the boot is made to order, so the protective plates align with the leg.
Written by the Leather Collection Editorial Team.
