The EN 13634 classification is made up of four main tests, each given an individual rating. We'll explore each of these in more detail on this page.
Level 1: Basic protection, suited to urban and casual riding.
Level 2: Higher protection, typically found in sports, touring and adventure boots, with greater resistance to impact and crushing.
A comparison table further down shows the levels achieved for each test, with back-to-back comparisons across all of our Texpeed range.
A sample of the boot's material is subjected to abrasion under load, simulating a rider sliding along the road surface after a fall. The boot has to survive a minimum number of cycles without the material wearing through. Alongside this, the bond strength between the upper and the sole is tested separately, confirming the two won't separate under the same kind of stress, so the boot stays intact as a whole unit during a slide rather than just resisting wear at the surface.
The boot is compressed sideways to measure how much it resists crushing forces, which relates to protecting the foot and ankle from a bike or object landing on it. Boots are rated at different levels depending on how rigid they are, with higher rigidity offering greater resistance against crushing impact from the side. This forms part of the boot's overall EN 13634 classification.
The boot's upper material is tested against a blade under controlled force, measuring its ability to resist being sliced through by road debris or contact with the bike during a slide. Performance depends on the degree of resistance achieved, forming part of the boot's overall EN 13634 classification.
The boot's upper is assessed for how far it extends up the leg, measuring whether it provides ankle coverage or extends higher to shield the shin from impact and road contact during a fall. Taller boots offering shin coverage are rated to a higher standard than ankle-height boots. This measurement forms part of the boot's overall EN 13634 classification.
Individual materials used in the boot's construction, including the upper, lining, insole and outsole, are tested separately for their relevant properties. Testing each component ensures every part of the boot meets the required performance level before assessment of the finished item.
