Below is a picture of my riding boots, bought secondhand in 1999 from an army surplus store in Newquay for ten or twenty pounds. They are German paratrooper boots and can be laced and unlaced very quickly.

When I first had them the "Commando" pattern soles and heels were a little inflexible for comfortable walking around so I had them resoled and heeled in 2005 at the cobblers D Smith & Son in Liskeard for £15. They're a biking family, O.I.F. TR6, 750 Laverda, Vincent Coment, etcetera.

The chap used microcellular rubber from a quarter inch sheet and applied the tread by hand to his own design. Every year I apply neatsfoot oil liberally with a paintbrush to keep them supple and waterproof. With seasonal sock variations the boots are suitable for year round riding in Cornwall. Strongly recommended.

Richard

We Want More

We want to hear your recommendations! If you've found a piece of kit that lets you beat the winter bimbling blues, let us know. Helmets, gloves, boots, jackets, goggles, visors, waterproofs, thermals; whatever works, we're interested.

Email Mart@RealClassic.co.uk with details of winter that works for you, and include some pictures of yourself wearing the article in question if you have them*.