Falco Scout boots in black

Not sure whether there has always been a men's version of this boot, but we have decided to add it to the range because the ladies' version is our best-selling, women's, short boot.

 

It's also a short boot, obviously, although we see it as a step up, perhaps, from a motorcycling trainer, but a notch below, in some ways, a full-on traditional, work-boot style of biking boot.

 

The outer chassis is made from what is known as a Micro-Synth fabric. This is something similar to what we used to know as Lorica. It is, as the name suggests, a synthetic material. There is no leather involved in the construction of the Scout boot.

 

Now leather has traditionally been considered the hallmark of a premium-quality boot; and yes some of the best-quality, motorcycle boots are made from leather. I'm thinking, in particular, of the boots made by Daytona. But Daytonas are made from the most expensive, hydrophobic leather; and this is reflected in their prices. The problem is that less expensive, leather boots are made from cheaper, sometimes reconstructed leather. The problem with such leathers is that they don't stand up to abuse particularly well. These less expensive leathers have a tendency to dry out, especially if they are worn every day, and particularly if they are not regularly fed. When this kind of leather becomes dry, it becomes brittle. It becomes weaker, and it starts to crack. When this happens, the end is nigh! And it's why what might be termed mid-price boots will serve you better, and more reliably, if they are not constructed from leather.

 

The Scout is what is known as a seven-eyelet derby boot. You get a zip up the inside to help you get in and out of it. As a CE-approved boot, the Scout has been tested for abrasion impact resistance, impact cut resistance and transverse rigidity. You get D3O pucks in the ankles, counters in the toe and heel, and a gear change pad on the toe. The sole is what might be termed a Vibram lookalike.

 

We have had very few issues with the ladies' version of the Scout, so we think it is going to stand up well. You need to know what you are buying into, however. This is a proper, motorcycle boot. Given what it's made from, you will have to do little to maintain it; a wipe over with a damp cloth now and again will do the job.

 

The boot will be reasonably waterproof, but we're not talking Gore-Tex here, and you have to bear in mind that a short boot is never going to be as waterproof as a tall one. The rain will bounce off the road, and can easily jump over the shaft to reach the foot.

 

The Scout is very reasonably priced, but you wouldn't expect to be wearing  a boot like this in ten, or perhaps even in five, years' time. This is no  Rokker, Daytona or Held. It's a good, easy-to-wear boot that will serve the casual, weekend rider well. But it's not up to a daily commute, and you wouldn't go touring in them.

 

With motorcycle boots it is kind of true that you get what you pay for. Understand the kind of boot you are buying. It does what it does very well. But it will not do what it's not designed to do!