Daytona Arrow Pro Air GTX boots in black

The standard Daytona Arrow Sport boot is basically a cut-down version of something like the Road Star. This means the boot is going to be easier to wear. It is also going to be a cooler boot to ride in, in hot weather. It is going to be nicer to walk around in off the bike. It will, of course, be less protective than a taller boot like the Road Star. And despite its Gore-Tex liner, a boot of this height is always going to be less waterproof; and that's because, as the rain bounces off the road, it can jump over the boot's shorter shaft, thus reaching the feet.

The Arrow Pro Air boot is, in essence, the standard Arrow Sport, but in a slightly more breathable form, making it an even better option for hotter weather.

Like the standard Arrow Sport, it's made from greased, cowhide leather. You get a twin-zip entry system, a gearchange pad on the toe, certified protectors in the ankles, counters in the toe and heel, and a reinforced inner sole, with a hot-dip, galvanised-steel shank embedded in the sole itself. The sole is non-slip, and rubber of course.

To make the Arrow Pro Air more breathable, Daytona has replaced the leather panel in the forefoot with a Cordura one. You also get panels of perforated leather. But the biggest difference probably comes from the 'Carbon Grey' Gore-Tex liner. This liner is going to be as waterproof as any Gore-Tex membrane, but it's both lighter and more breathable than the liner in the standard Arrow Sport boot.

There are actually three different Gore-Tex liners that Daytona uses in its boots. The Duratherm liner is the warmest, designed for a temperature range from zero to 28 degrees. Then there's the More Season Gore-Tex liner. This has an operating range of 10 degrees up to 30 degrees. The lightest, and most breathable liner is the Carbon Grey liner, and this is the liner in the Arrow Pro Air. It's designed to be worn in temperatures from 15 degrees up to 35 degrees.

The Arrow Pro Air is still a totally waterproof boot. The membrane will never let you down. Indeed, it is guaranteed for life not to although, as we've explained, a short, ankle boot will never be as waterproof as a taller one. Nevertheless, if most of your riding is done in the summer months, and in hotter weather, the Arrow Pro Air is probably the boot to go for.

Now, let us explain, perhaps, exactly what the 'Pro' nomenclature means. The 'Pro' model is exclusive to the UK. The only real difference to the standard Arrow Sport is that 'Pro' boots are guaranteed by Daytona for three years, whereas 'non-Pro' boots are guaranteed for just two years, with the zips covered for just one.

The Arrow-style is not like most short, ankle boots. It's not a cool-looking boot; and it doesn't set out to be. This is the boot for people who usually wear a tall, touring/commuting boot, but who want something lighter, more breathable, and easier to wear for warmer conditions.

And if this is what you want, then the Arrow Pro Air seems perfect. In fact, if you want lighter, easier and more breathable, I cannot see why you would go for the standard Arrow Sport. The standard boot might conceivably be a bit warmer but, for most people, that's not going to be an important consideration with a short boot.