Tucano Urbano Chelsea boot, £87.90
Miles covered/time: 4000/two months

What’s good? They’re just like normal boots except they’re made for motorcycling. It means I can ride to work (80 miles), walk around all day without being mistaken for a courier, and then ride home again, all without changing my footwear.

• Save £££s on motorcycle boots

They’re comfortable, waterproof, thermal-lined, easy to slip on and off and have gear-change patches. They make commuting by bike that bit simpler and consequently more pleasurable. And they’re flippin’ stylish.

What’s not? I say ‘waterproof’. ‘Made with waterproof materials’ might be more accurate. Eventually – and I mean eventually – they let some in. The elasticated ankle section may be a clue.

But they’ve done better in this respect than I expected. On a 500-mile trip, including about 100 miles through heavy rain, only a very small amount got through. Obviously they don’t offer as much physical protection as dedicated bike boots.

The Italian makers say they’re all-season. Maybe in Milan. For long, icy January rides here? Forget it.

Contact: www.tucanourbano.it
Rating: 4/5