Shift Boots

Is your shift boot cracked, or does it not fit your new shift knob? Here we have gathered leather and rubber boots as well as retainers and adapters for you who want a clean, tight finish around the gear lever.

What a shift boot does

A shift boot covers the opening around the gear lever and can keep dust, dirt and some of the noise from the gearbox out of the cabin. A retainer under the shift knob holds the boot in place so it doesn't slide down the lever. The retainer typically needs the same thread as the gear lever and knob. From NRG, for example, there is a retainer for M18x1.5, and from Mishimoto a kit with boot and retainer/adapter for M12x1.25.

How to choose a shift boot

• Material: genuine leather, e.g. from GReddy, or rubber with a chrome-plated steel mounting ring, e.g. from Spectre.
• Fit: some boots are made for a specific car, e.g. Nissan Skyline R34 or GT-R BNR32, while others are universal and must be adapted to the console.
• Thread: check that the retainer and adapter fit both the gear lever and the shift knob.
• Size: measure the opening in the console so the boot covers it without pulling tight when you change gear.

Frequently asked questions

Should I choose a leather or rubber shift boot?

Leather typically gives a softer and more elegant finish, while rubber can be easier to keep clean and better at withstanding dirt and moisture. The choice depends on the look of the cabin and how the car is used.

Will the boot fit my new shift knob?

That depends on the retainer. The shift knob and retainer must have the same thread, e.g. M12x1.25 or M18x1.5. Check the thread on your gear lever and read the description of the specific retainer or adapter.

Why does the boot slide down the gear lever?

This is typically because a retainer is missing or the retainer doesn't fit the knob. A correct retainer under the shift knob can secure the boot so it stays in place when you change gear.