Used: Falco 305 ESO boots

FALCO is not the first name that springs to mind when you think of motorcycle boots, but this Italian manufacturer makes some good-quality and reasonably priced boots. 

I've been wearing their 305 sporty all-weather boots this winter, and I'm impressed by the package. They are of visibly good quality, with lots of protection in the form of moulded PU panels at the shin, heel and sides, hard toe-caps and Falco's adjustable ESO (sort of like a rigid 'exoskeleton') system at the back, which is designed to prevent hyperextension of the foot. Fastening is by means of a short zipper for your foot, a velcro flap for the ankle/lower leg, and a length-adjustable ratcheted buckle at the top.

At first the 305s felt a bit narrow and tight, but after just a couple of weeks of breaking in, they were very comfortable, with their leather uppers and vented Airtech lining. Sometimes I get into work and don't feel the need to swap them for shoes until late in the morning or even afternoon. On the bike they have enough flexibility and grip for the usual movements in brake and gear operation.  

This winter was a tough test for any gear, and the Falcos turned in a creditable performance - the Hitex liner did not let water through even in gusting rain, and kept out the cold sufficiently during the urban commute (though intercity rides in subzero temperatures did leave me with icy toes).

The only downside to report is that the boots, with the exoskeleton at the 'Hard' position, squeak like crazy. It's like I'm being followed by an extended family of mice. Random people who work in my company comment on the sound as I walk by. I suppose I could try wearing them at the Soft or Normal setting, but I need an allen key to change the settings, and as I think I'd rather have them at the Hard setting when riding, for safety reasons (least extension is best, surely), I'm disinclined to keep changing them when off the bike. I've inured myself to the soundtrack of my walking, even if my colleagues haven't...

These Falcos hold their own with better-known premium boot brands. Though this model has now been superseded by the ESO LX / Pro 2, new 305s can still be had off eBay for £75-85.