Sidi Adventure 2 Gore £314.99

THESE HAVE a lot to live up to. When we last wrote about the first-generation Sidi Adventure Gore boots, we said they were almost the default choice among experienced adventure riders: “The quality is excellent, with superb fasteners, 100 per cent waterproofing and a perfect blend of off-road and on-road suitability.” And we slapped a Recommended triangle on them.

The original Adventures are available (www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk have them for £299.99 at the time of writing), so the new ones need to be good.

And they are. I’ve only been wearing them for a few days, so I can’t yet pass any judgement on their durability. But they’re very similar to the old ones – except where they’re better.

“Among the best boots in the world for riders of any upright bike”

As before, they are tall leather boots with a grippy treaded sole. The shin, heel and ankles are armoured, and the toe is reinforced for gear-changing. There are two adjustable buckles and a Velcro flap.

There are three main changes. The biggest is at the back of the boot, where the pivoting plastic support has been completely redesigned. It’s now less inclined to snag your trousers and it doesn’t squeak so much.

Also at the back, the hoop that you use to pull the boot up with has been made bigger and easier to use. And inside, the gusset behind the Velcro opening comes up higher and is thinner, making the boots slightly cosier and easier to do up.

They’re comfortable from the off, and warm without being bulky. I’ve not fallen off in the new ones, but the old ones did a good job of protecting me from bushes, rocks and my own clumsiness.

Whether or not you ever ride off road, these are among the best boots in the world for riders of upright bikes of any style.