You all know how much I love Fox Racing gear – it’s pretty much all I wear when I’m out on the trails.
But I also know it can get expensive filling up your closet with their stuff.
So I thought I’d share some other great brands that have similar styles and quality but are a little easier on the wallet. Trust me, I’ve tested a bunch of them out myself!
Now, I have to admit, my obsession with Fox started back when I was just a teenager. My buddy Rich was sponsored by them and always had the sickest new kits.
I was super jealous and saved up all summer mowing lawns until I could buy my first Fox jersey. Felt like the coolest kid in town rockin’ it at the skate park!
Even though I can afford more of their gear now, I still get that same rush opening up a new Fox product.
O’Neal
O’Neal makes high quality motocross gear that looks and performs similar to Fox, but usually at a lower price point.
Their jerseys, pants, and gloves are all great for trail riding or racing. Bonus – they have tall sizes available for us lanky dudes! One of my favorite jerseys from them is the O’Neal Element race jersey.
It’s made from a lightweight, breathable mesh material that keeps you cool on hot rides but is still durable enough to handle branches and roost. I also love the minimalist styling with the black sleeves and body contrasted by colorful logos and accents.
Looks pro but doesn’t break the bank at around $30. For pants, you can’t go wrong with their Generator model. Slim fit with stretch panels means you get a comfortable, tailored feel without restricting movement.
Double and triple-stitched seams have held up through some nasty wrecks too. Gloves-wise, I always grab the O’Neal Element gloves. Silicone fingertip grips allow excellent bike control and the perforated palm keeps hands cool. Plus they come in a ton of different color combos to match your bike!
Alpinestars
These guys have been making protection gear for all kinds of extreme sports since the 60s. Similar vibe to Fox but they have more street and casual styles too.
I especially dig their hoodies and jackets for after a long day of riding. One of my daily drivers is the Alpinestars Response hoodie.
It’s made from mid-weight cotton so it’s comfortable to wear all day but has a tailored fit that looks sharp.
I also love all the small design details like the jersey-mesh lined hood, embroidered logos, and rubber Alpinestars patches on the sleeves. It’s become my go-to for when I want to rep the brand around town. For riding gear, you can’t beat their Atem suit.
It’s a two-piece set with a jersey and pants made from ultra-lightweight poly- fabric. Barely notice you’re wearing it but get great ventilation and cooling on sweltering summer track days.
It also has all their top-tier pro protections like elbow, knee, and hip armor for when you inevitably lose it in a turn. Plus it just looks rad in their black and green color scheme.
Fly Racing
Fly is killing it in the dirt bike and motocross scene right now. Lots of pro racers rock their gear. The designs are super cool and they have options for every kind of riding. Their FR5 boots might be my new favorite – so comfortable but still really protective.
I’m obsessed with Fly Racing’s Maverik jerseys right now. They have this moisture-wicking mesh construction that literally feels like you’re riding shirtless, I swear. Light as a feather but still manages to protect you from roost and crashes without overheating.
I also love the bold color blocking designs they use – my current red, black and white one looks so sick on the track. For their pants, you gotta try the Lite Hydrogen. Made from this crazy articulated laminate material that’s waterproof but still ultra breathable.
These things can plow through mud and puddles without soaking through. And they have just enough stretch to never restrict your movement while riding. Fly’s definition of “high-performance moto gear” for sure.
Thor Motocross
Thor has been around since the 70s and make really durable, high-end gear. Their red, white and blue color combos are quintessentially American motocross. Grab some Thor gloves and jersey if you want that old school motocross look.
Nothing gets me more amped up for a vintage moto day than rocking some classic Thor gear. The Thor Retro jersey they re-released is my favorite – it’s an exact replica of their 70s jersey with rad color-blocking, retro logos, and even a 3-snap collar closure.
Paired with their Retro pants it’s like you’re blasting out of a time machine ready to catch big air. When it comes to gloves, you can’t beat the durability and grip on the Thor Velocity.
Dual-layered leather/synthetic palms mean you get a perfect combo of flexibility and protection. The also have these silicone fingertip grips that let you lock in serious control of the handlebars. And the mesh backs breathe great on those blistering hot summer days at the track.
Scott Sports
Scott makes some of the most technical MX clothing out there today. They were one of the first to use things like special venting and waterproofing fabrics. The gear also looks sick, but it comes at a price – Scott is on the high end.
Treat yourself if you want some top-notch trail gear. I have to tip my hat to Scott Sports, they are consistently leading the way with technical innovations in moto gear. Their jerseys utilize this moisture-wicking Airchannel fabric that actually helps direct airflow over your body.
Keeps you insanely cool and dry even when you’re riding hard and sweating buckets. The styling is always super slick too – my black and white Scott 350 jersey gets compliments from everyone at the track.
When it comes to their pants, the Scott Prospect Offroad pants are my go-to for serious rides. Made with an extremely lightweight 4-way stretch fabric, so you barely even notice you have them on.
But the durability is insane – multiple wipeouts and they don’t rip or fray at all. Well worth the investment if you do a lot of moto riding in hot/humid weather.
Leatt
Leatt started with their awesome neck braces but have expanded into making some great riding gear too. Their shirts and jerseys are comfortable, breathable, and hold up to crashes. And they look damn good while protecting you.
I can’t recommend Leatt neck braces enough if you do frequent motocross – total game changer for safety. But their apparel is outstanding too.
My current favorite is the Leatt 5.5 Pro shirt. Constructed from their moisture-wicking, quick-dry Core Matrix material, it keeps you cool and dry without sticking to you.
I also love the strategically placed padding – lightweight but offers great impact absorption exactly where you need it most.
Looks sick too with their embossed logos and vivid colors. For pants, the Leatt 5.5 Pro pants are tough to beat. Articulated design allows for full mobility. Plus they have the best knee and thigh protection I’ve found in a moto pant yet.
EVS Sports
EVS is all about performance protection.
They make some of the best knee braces, body armor, neck rolls, and other safety gear out there. Plus their jerseys, pants, and gloves offer great protection without sacrificing comfort and range of motion. EVS is definitely the leader when it comes to safety gear for motocross and downhill riding.
Their knee braces are top-notch – super rigid construction prevents hyperextension but still allow easy movement. And they are fully adjustable so dial in that perfect custom fit. I literally won’t ride certain terrain without my EVS braces.
Their neck collars like the R4 Race Collar are also clutch for added back and neck stabilization. As for their jerseys and pants, the RB Resist model is ideal.
Lightweight and flexible but has strategically placed padding on the elbows, shoulders, knees, etc. Looks sick too with perforated designs for extra airflow when needed.
Answer Racing
Answer has been in the game since the 70s and make really comfortable, functional MX gear. Lots of their stuff uses moisture-wicking and quick-dry materials.
I love their gloves – they have held up for me season after season. Answer Racing knows how to make gear that checks all the boxes – cool designs, total comfort, and rugged durability. Their Syncronic jersey and pant combo are the epitome of this.
Jersey is super lightweight and breezy with mesh paneling in key sweat zones. The pants have the perfect balance of flexible and protective thanks to strategic stretch fabrics.
I also really dig their baggier Arena pant – has that old school style but with modern performance features like partially-removable knee pads.
For gloves, you can’t beat the Answer Racing AMX-2. Silicon-fused grip on the fingers and palms for amazing control. Plus they have these really smart air channels built in to keep your hands from overheating and getting swampy.
Ogio
Ogio isn’t just known for their killer backpacks and bags. They also make really durable, casual riding gear.
I basically live in their hoodies and track jackets when I’m not suited up to ride. Affordable but still high-quality. Ogio nails the casual moto style unlike anyone else out there. My favorite hoodie from them is the Phoenix Zip Up.
Has a slick moto-inspired design on the sleeves and chest with some vibrant colors. But the material and fit make it perfect for wearing anytime – runs, errands, etc. For something burlier, check out their Rogue Bomber Jacket.
Super durable construction and pops of reflective detailing to keep you visible at night. But still has a classic bomber look that’s perfect for the streets.
I’m also obsessed with their Chase MX pants. Made from ultra-comfy cotton/spandex blend but with moto-specific details like removable knee pads. Go from the trails to town in comfort and style.
One Industries
One Industries has that skater/BMX style that transitions seamlessly into MX and trail riding. Their jerseys and shirts have really cool designs and graphics. And they make long-sleeve options for extra protection from roost.
One Industries just oozes that moto-meets-skater style in the best way. My favorite jersey from them currently is the Exile.
Has these hand-drawn looking skull graphics that look sick.
And I love their long sleeve jersey options – the Ruckus LS Jersey provides great roost protection with fun, colorful designs. Their Vapor MX Pants are also dialed if you dig the baggier skater style.
Super breathable, flexible material but with removable D30 knee pads built in. Whether racing or just cruising, One Industries always brings the proper moto-meets-skate vibes.
Gaerne
If you’re looking for high-performance off-road boots similar to Fox, check out Gaerne. They are super protective and really grippy on the pegs.
My Gaernes broke in quickly and now fit my feet like a glove. Gaerne boots have been my go-to for aggressive riding for years now. They are hands-down the grippiest boots I’ve tried thanks to their deep lug soles.
The SG-12 model offers the perfect balance of flexibility for trail riding but with tons of torsional rigidity for racetrack riding.
I also love the Gaerne Coolair boot for hot weather riding. Uses this thin breathable mesh material to help ventilate and cool your feet on sweltering days. Whatever your riding style, Gaerne has dialed footwear that locks your feet into the pegs like nothing else.
Asterisk
Another Italian brand making top-notch protective MX boots. Asterisk uses really innovative materials and designs.
Their Cell boot series looks sick and gives great protection on the gnarliest enduro trails. Asterisk is pushing the envelope when it comes to off-road boot tech and protection.
Their Cell Pro boots are insane – made using this flexible Dupont composite material for amazing feel and control on the pegs.
They mold to your feet like slippers but offer rugged protection thanks to the dual-compound soles and injected shin plates. The also have killer grip in all conditions with those deep lugs. And I’m obsessed with the colors and graphics they use – the green Cell boots I have now are so slick.
Sidi
Sidi is probably best known for their road bike shoes, but their off-road boots are exceptional too. Amazingly stiff soles for grip while still being comfortable enough to wear all day. The Crossfire 3 SR boots are my current fav.
I used to think off-road boots had to be stiff and uncomfortable to offer proper protection and grip – until I tried on my first pair of Sidis! They are hands-down the most comfortable boots I’ve worn while still being crazy protective and durable.
The Crossfire 3 SR model has this innovative flex system that actually allows just the right amount of ankle articulation and feel while keeping your feet locked in and safe from impacts. And they have awesome, aggressive tread for insane grip on the pegs whether in mud or loose dirt. Pricey but worth every penny!
Alpinestars Tech
I already mentioned Alpinestars for gear, but their Tech series boots also deserve a shout out. Super durable, excellent protection, and more affordable than some other premium brands. The Tech 7s are ideal for aggressive trail and enduro riding.
Alpinestars Tech boots give you premium performance and protection without the insane price tag. The Tech 7 Enduro boots are perfect for aggressive riders. Crazy abrasion resistance thanks to the full-grain leather chassis.
Extra ankle padding provides great medial/lateral support for stability. And the sole gives you that ideal balance of grip, feel, and shock absorption mile after mile on the bumpiest trails.
For extreme conditions, I opt for the Tech 10 – the most protective boot in their lineup. Can’t go wrong with Alpinestars Tech Series boots!
TCX
TCX makes some really sturdy and weatherproof off-road boots. Their Comp Evo Pro boots have gotten me through miles of muddy, sloppy trails but still look new thanks to the great materials. If you demand gear that can stand up to the gnarliest riding conditions, TCX has got you covered.
Their Comp Evo Pro boots are built like tanks – crazy durable full-grain leather chassis shields your feet from impacts and debris. The also have this internal waterproof membrane that keeps feet dry without trapping in sweat.
And the deep tread is like Velcro on the pegs, even in thick mud or snow. Without a doubt the most heavy duty MX boots I’ve worn for extreme winter/slop riding.
Held
If you want gloves like Fox but with more protections, check out Held. Their off-road gloves have carbon knuckle protection, reinforced palms, and look badass.
I never hit the trails without my Held Volants! Held takes their gloves to the next level when it comes to impact protection. Their Titan Evo Pro gloves have individual carbon fiber knuckle caps and crazy durable Pittards leather palm.
Excellent dexterity and feel though thanks to kangaroo leather panels across the fingers. They also have these attached wrist cuffs for extra protection and safety.
Come in a bunch of color combos that look sick too. For more flexibility but still robust protection, I go with the Held Volants. Perforated backs, padded knuckles, and rubberized grip make them ideal for warmer weather riding.
Thor Motocross
Thor is obviously one of the most iconic motocross brands ever, going back to the 1970s with legends like Marty Smith repping their gear.
These days they continue putting out high-quality jerseys, pants, gloves and more for casual riders and pros alike. The Prime Pro jerseys are my personal fave right now – made from an ultra lightweight polyester material that breathes great and wicks moisture.
Has just the right amount of stretch for full mobility without being baggy. Love the durable rubber logos too that hold up wash after wash.
For gloves, I always rock the Thor Radial Pro – the vented backs keep my hands cool and dry without sacrificing protection in the palms and fingers. If you want that vintage Thor look, you can’t go wrong with the Retro jersey and pants. Channel your inner Bob Hannah hauling ass around the track!
MSR
MSR (Motorsport Aftermarket Group) might not be a household name, but they make some seriously technical riding gear.
Their jerseys utilize exclusive moisture-wicking and odor-controlling technologies to keep you cool and stank-free. I also love the ISR pants – made from an extremely lightweight 4-way ripstop fabric with tons of ventilation.
Crazy comfortable even on brutally hot rides.
MSR also makes some of my favorite gloves with the Team Grid model – the TPR knuckle protection and silicone grip palms offer great protection and control. Affordably priced but up there with some of the top brands in terms of innovations and performance.
Alias
Alias is a relatively new player in the MX gear game but they are doing big things when it comes to style and protection.
Jersey designs are super slick – the Nightshadow jersey has this athletic, tailored fit and understated tonal graphics I dig.
For pants, the Alias Incline model is dialed – articulated construction allows you to move freely while strategic stretch panels crank up the flexibility. Extra details like a lined waistband eliminate pressure points for all-day comfort too.
On the protection side, their Attack knee braces are phenomenal – carbon fiber frames make them ultra rigid to prevent hyperextension but still lightweight. Easily one of the best values in motocross knee protection right now.
Cylance
Cylance caught my eye recently with their Pro Equip line of performance moto gear.
Jersey designs combine vivid colors and patterns with plenty of breathable mesh paneling – the Diamondback jersey is my current fave.
Their pants also tout an athletic fit while maintaining flexibility and ventilation. Extra details like integrated knee pockets (where I stash my own kneepads) and stretch crotch gussets allow unrestricted movement too.
Cylance is definitely thinking outside the box – case in point their ActivHance roost guard shirt. Provides extra protection on rides but looks discreet like a normal long sleeve tee.
Defiant
Defiant is an upstart motocross brand I’ve been watching closely the past year or two. They’re bringing something totally unique to moto gear with urban streetwear vibes meeting track performance.
Jersey designs feature distressed prints, bold graphics and premium materials like garment-dyed fabrics. For pants, the Wreckage model is rad – relaxed fit with just the right amount of articulation and mobility.
Defiant also makes stylish casual pieces like their Ranch jacket with moto-inspired details like elbow pads and reflective logos.
Cool to see a new brand approaching gear from a different perspective.
