What did Adam think of the Spada Drifter motorcycle jeans after 2038 miles in the saddle with them?

4 out of 5

Spada Drifter Jeans

from Sports Bike Shop
£109.99 View offer
Updated: 19 April 2025

The Spada Drifter jeans are a classic black biker jean, but with neat details incorporating the Spada brand. A slim fit, albeit slightly tighter than average, which works well for those who skip leg day.

Expert rating:

4.0
Tested by Adam Oldfield for 9 months / 2038 miles

Pros

  • Side zip knee armour pockets are incredible handy
  • Great pre washed look
  • Deep pockets for modern phones and belongings
  • Unobtrusive detailed branding

Cons

  • A slimmer fit, hard to get them over a touring boot. Yet easy to slip them inside the boot depending on your preference
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Looks
    4.0
  • Protection
    4.0
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Safety rating CE certified level AA
Protective armour TetraHex Level 2 CE 4-piece on knee and hip
Colour scheme Black
Material Kevlar, Aramid Or Denim mixed with elastane for enhanced flexibility
Construction Denim construction reinforced with polyester inserts
  • Slim straight-leg jean made from 3-year aged denim for increased comfort and a worn-in appearance
  • Front legs are half-lined to suspend knee armour without compromising the classic jean look
  • Side-entry invisible knee armour pockets for easy removal
  • Classic back pocket and yoke profile for a flattering look
  • Durable reinforced pockets with bar-tacks for added durability
  • Classic 5-pocket design for smaller items

Are these jeans comfortable and good looking? 4/5

Even with the snug cut, comfort isn’t compromised. These jeans are built for all-day wear, whether you’re on two wheels or two feet. What stands out most is how they’ve replaced my usual black jeans entirely. That says a lot.

The only caveat is the protective armour does create a degree of extra insulation, which means your hips and knees do heat up a bit during prolonged wear on a warmish day. That said, this has been true for every armoured jean I’ve owned, not just the Drifters.

Are the Spada Drifter jeans protective? 4/5

The level 2 CE TetraHex armour is soft and flexible, staying unobtrusive when walking, sitting, or going about your day. Combined with a single layer stretch denim material, except around the front of the leg and armour pockets where there is an additional liner.

Close up of the side-removable knee armour in the Spada Drifter jeans

The saving grace here is how easy the armour is to remove; no need to drop your pantaloons completely. You can whip the armour out in seconds utilising Spada’s discreet external side zip at each knee. The hip armour can simply be pulled out of the top of its pocket at the waistband.

What about the quality of the Spada Drifter jeans? 4/5

One small issue I found was with the pocket construction. The lighter material feels great but after about 1000 miles and a few washes, the thread started to loosen on the right-hand pocket. It’s a minor thing, probably isolated to my jeans and my aggressive old washing machine. A revisit to some old ‘home economics’ class memories and a quick stitch sorted it.

Close up of the Spada logo on the coin pocket on the Spada Drifter jeans

My verdict 4/5

These don’t scream “motorcycle gear,” which is exactly the point. They’re stylish, subtle, and smart. The Drifters are low-key enough for everyday wear but perform like proper riding jeans when it counts. A well-balanced blend of style, function and value.

Expert rating:

4.0
Tested by Adam Oldfield for 9 months / 2038 miles

Pros

  • Side zip knee armour pockets are incredible handy
  • Great pre washed look
  • Deep pockets for modern phones and belongings
  • Unobtrusive detailed branding

Cons

  • A slimmer fit, hard to get them over a touring boot. Yet easy to slip them inside the boot depending on your preference
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Looks
    4.0
  • Protection
    4.0
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Safety rating CE certified level AA
Protective armour TetraHex Level 2 CE 4-piece on knee and hip
Colour scheme Black
Material Kevlar, Aramid Or Denim mixed with elastane for enhanced flexibility
Construction Denim construction reinforced with polyester inserts
  • Slim straight-leg jean made from 3-year aged denim for increased comfort and a worn-in appearance
  • Front legs are half-lined to suspend knee armour without compromising the classic jean look
  • Side-entry invisible knee armour pockets for easy removal
  • Classic back pocket and yoke profile for a flattering look
  • Durable reinforced pockets with bar-tacks for added durability
  • Classic 5-pocket design for smaller items

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