Review: Dainese Street Biker Lady Waterproof Motorcycle Sneakers

The hot “urban” moto-fashion trend focuses on innovation and style, without completely eliminating key safety elements. High-top motorcycle riding sneakers fall into this category and have made a big splash on the scene in recent years and many riders enjoy their casual, comfortable look over more traditional women’s motorcycle boots.

Dainese Street Biker Lady riding shoes are available in two versions, the waterproof ones I reviewed, and the “Air,” which cost about $10 less ($179.95) and are perforated for warm weather riding. Both styles feature a cowhide suede upper, rubber soles, nylon heel and ankle protectors, and reflective inserts.

Review: Dainese Street Biker Lady Waterproof Motorcycle Sneakers dark carbon red — The ankle-high lace-up women’s waterproof sneaker is offered in three colors—I chose the dark carbon/red ones shown here. They came with both light gray and black laces. Lacing them up versus using a zipper (on other motorcycle boots) takes a little longer to get them on and off, but laces allow for a perfect fit.

Review: Dainese Street Biker Lady Waterproof Motorcycle Sneakers anthracite fuschia — I love how the pink laces highlight the color in the anthracite/fuschia Street Biker.

Review: Dainese Street Biker Lady Waterproof Motorcycle Sneakers black anthracite — The black/anthracite-colored Street Biker will match almost any urban outfit.

Dainese is an Italian manufacturer, so sizing is limited to European sizes 36 to 42 and no half sizes are available. According to the company’s sizing chart this translates into US size 4.5 to 9. However, I found this size chart to be a bit off. I typically wear a US size 9.5 or a European size 41. I ordered the Street Biker in 41 and they were a bit snug in the width, but the length fit me perfectly.

Review: Dainese Street Biker Lady Waterproof Motorcycle Sneakers dainese tight — Dainese women’s footwear runs a little narrow. The Street Biker’s felt tight at first, but after wearing them about a half-dozen times they broke in well enough for me.

Review: Dainese Street Biker Lady Waterproof Motorcycle Sneakers sizing — Based on my experience, I recommend choosing one size bigger than Dainese’s US size. I haven’t worn a size 8.5 since grade school.

Review: Dainese Street Biker Lady Waterproof Motorcycle Sneakers flex — The flexible sneaker construction is comfortable for walking so you can wear them all day once they’re broken in. Reinforced insoles prevent too much flex while riding.

Review: Dainese Street Biker Lady Waterproof Motorcycle Sneakers sole — The rubber soles don’t have much tread so beware of putting your feet down on gravel surfaces.

Review: Dainese Street Biker Lady Waterproof Motorcycle Sneakers toe — Grippy, stiff reinforcement on the toe prevents wear from the shifter on the left shoe. I like that the design is carried through to the right shoe as well, even though it’s not a technical necessity.

Review: Dainese Street Biker Lady Waterproof Motorcycle Sneakers ankle — Nylon embedded in the inner and outer ankles adds protection where you’re most vulnerable in a crash.

Review: Dainese Street Biker Lady Waterproof Motorcycle Sneakers reflectors — Dainese Street Biker shoes include small reflectors on the outside of the heel for extra visibility at night.

After a full season of wearing these motorcycle shoes, they are still in like-new condition. They’ve performed well in all kinds of conditions, and are indeed watertight. But when I wear them on very hot days, I find my feet get very hot quickly. Still, they have become my go-to riding footwear for commuting and shorter rides because I like how they look and feel on and off the bike.

The Street Biker Lady D-WP retails for $189.95. For ordering and more information, go to Dainese.com.

3 thoughts on Review: Dainese Street Biker Lady Waterproof Motorcycle Sneakers

Jay

I’ve had a pair of this model Dainese motorcycle shoe for two years now and it is holding up very well: the sole tread isn’t as slick or subtle as the photos show, but it’s not a heavy tread (looks like a court/skate shoe in real life). The rubber grips at least, so it’s better (for me) than smooth leather which my husband likes to ride in.I’m very happy with my pair and would buy another, which won’t be anytime soon because they are holding up. Obviously it’s not a cheap rubber sole on them either: they have couple thousand kilometers on them and look like new—no sole wear!I agree with the hot day issue, but all riding gear is too hot on a heat day. I have short fat feet so I often have to go up in size for width. With socks for warmth, I find their size 38 (they call USA 6…not at all) is like a USA slightly narrow 8. Perfect for my fat 7 to 7.5 feet with socks.
Skullgirl

Bit pricy for a high-top sneaker. Unless I have sneaks custom-made I don’t pay more than $90 for designs I create/colors. Waterproof and all. Plus they don’t make size 10. In sneaks I wear socks and want comfortable shoes, plus want skid resistant when you put your feet on pavement—these look slick on the bottom. I have 12 pairs of high top sneakers, all have waterproof canvas/rubber souls/fronts and I can change the laces to whatever color I want to blend with clothes I wear. Not just all black all the time.Most high top sneakers, even leather, aren’t more than $45 to $90—so this is pricy and not that great looking or feel on a bike. I don’t wear heels ever and they have a slight heel on them. Plus, as stated, the slick bottom rubber soul if you put your feet down. I don’t want to slide on the street or pavement, I want traction.
1. Tricia Szulewski, Associate Editor
  
  Just to clarify, these are not sneakers you can buy at your local Payless shoe store. These are motorcycle-specific footwear resembling high top sneakers with protective qualities built-in. Dainese has been making high quality motorcycle clothing for many years and for those looking for quality, waterproof, protective footwear for riding, you can be assured this company does extensive research and development before putting its logo on the product. The pricepoint is on par with other motorcycle-specific footwear with similar qualities.These motorcycle sneakers do not have a heel—they are flat bottomed and have a decent arch support inside. And the souls do an excellent job of gripping pavement, but I suggest taking extra care on loose gravel surfaces.