Daytona AC Pro boots in black

We are huge fans of the Daytona boot company. They’re a quirky outfit. They don’t do trendy. They don’t follow the herd. They do one thing; they make motorcycle boots, and it has to be said that they do it rather well. In fact, let’s be up front about it; they make the best motorcycle boots money can buy.

They use the best quality, most expensive, and most supple hydrophobic leather. They only work with Gore for their membranes. Their boots have galvanised steel shanks in the footbed. Their boots are simply the most comfortable. They will last longer than other boots, and when they do start to wear out, the factory offers a repair service. Daytona’s boots are not cheap, but based on the above why would you expect them to be?

Earlier this year we came across a boot that the importer is not bringing into the UK. We liked the look of it, and so we have decided to bring it into the country on an exclusive basis. The boot is Daytona’s take on a lightweight, summer, trainer-style riding boot. Lots of people such as TCX do something similar in concept, although of course none of them are quite in the same league as the AC Pro.

As we have implied, Daytona doesn’t do, or understand, ‘cool’.  So although this is what the Bavarian company thinks of as a ‘trainer’ or ‘basket’ type of riding boot, it still very much wears its Germanic origins. Simply put, it’s not a looker. But as a item of protective footwear, none of the other usual suspects come close.

First point. There is no membrane in the boot, so it’s intended largely as a summer boot. It’ll be no good in the rain, but it will be particularly breathable when the weather heats up. The boot is made from a combination of smooth and nubuck leather, the latter of which is, in most areas, perforated. You get a textile lining for comfort. You get a steel shank in the sole. And foam-backed, ankle protectors. The boots fasten by means of laces, and you get a Velcro flap around the shaft to stop them coming undone. The tongue is elasticated for added comfort. You also get a gearchange pad and a replaceable, titanium toe slider.

So who is going to want a boot like this? Well no hipster is going to give them a second look. But if you want a super-comfy, super-protective, short ankle boot that is going to last the distance, then the AC Pro may be for you. As we often come back to when talking about Daytona, it’s a head vs heart thing. If you’re looking to fall in love with a boot, forget it. If you want a boot that walks the walk, go for it. As ever with Daytona, you may find cheaper; but you won’t find better.