Spada Tachi waterproof boots keep on being comfortable and protective both on and off the bike

5

These Spada Tachi waterproof boots have stood up to some serious abuse, and it’s testament to their build quality that they remain mucky-but-unaffected after thousands of miles on a variety of bikes.

In fact they’ve become my go-to ‘serious riding’ attire, and it’s only in the depths of winter I consider picking a bulkier option. They’re a quality build, feel comfortable and have enough protection for valuable peace of mind.

How comfortable is the Spada Tachi?

They’re a pair I’ve used for office days too, which means I’ve walked a lot in them, and although they took a full day (and two blisters) to bed in, since then they’ve been very comfortable both on and off the bike. They’re nicely flexible with toe-protection for gear-changes, yet supportive enough for normal walking.

How does the Spada Tachi look?

It took me a while to realise they were reflective, with 3M material under the black outer shell, because they cleverly also do an excellent job of not standing out as bike gear. I like them because of that.

• Related: Best casual and urban motorcycle boots

Is the Spada Tachi good quality?

Core to their appeal is how quickly they do up. The rotary Fitgo fastener is much better than laces in this respect, although a few times when I was in a rush I thought I’d secured them tightly enough around my ankle but they popped open.

But their build quality feels extremely high, they’re completely unmarked despite my best efforts, and they’re completely waterproof. I’ve worn them in huge storms to prove that.

Protection and CE ratings on the Spada Tachi

There’s gear and brake lever protection over the toes, and their CE safety certification is level one for height (obviously) and transverse rigidity, but level two for impact abrasion and impact cut.

Is the Spada Tachi good value?

These boots seem very good value to me, considering their quality. Rivals are all more expensive, and include the Furygan V4 Easy (£149.99), Icon Stormhawk (£175.49) and Ixon Bull 2 (£152.97). That makes the Tachi remarkably good value.

So what’s the verdict?

These boots aren’t perfect but they are fantastic value for money. If you’re after serious riding footwear without the fuss of being full-height, you could do considerably worse.

Frequently asked questions

Can I waterproof my own motorcycle boots?

You can use a waterproofing spray to create a waterproof coating to your boots however this will only go so far in waterproofing your boots. These sprays will help rain to bead and run off however if the boots were not designed with waterproofing in mind, water may still ingress through laces, seams and the top of the boots.

Will waterproof boots make my feet hot and sweaty?

Some cheaper waterproof options may not be breathable, however many membranes that are used in waterproofing now are breathable to allow your feet to breathe, the most well known being Gore-Tex.

Can I buy waterproof motorcycle boots that are genuinely waterproof, even at speed?

Yes, that’s what this article is for, to enable you to see which boots were up to the test and actually withstood an onslaught of British weather. Not all boots that claim to be waterproof will be as waterproof as we would want them to be so we have explained in our reviews whether or not they kept our feet dry.

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How MCN tests waterproof motorcycle boots

At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles in order to provide you with opinions and evaluations you can trust, alongside news of the most significant developments in motorcycling safety gear. We want you to stay safe, enjoy your riding and hopefully look great while doing so! 

We don’t test our kit to destruction; we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions.

That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on. To make it onto this list, these waterproof motorcycle boots must have been worn for thousands of miles by our team of experienced testers, show no major flaws, and meet modern safety standards as well as offering decent value for money. 

Each of our expert reviewers tests their products for a variety of things, both subjective and objective, and these boots are no exception. Factors assessed include the boots’ ability to keep the rain out; what level of protection they offer; how comfortable they are to wear and walk in; how they look; how easy they are to put on; and any other features they may have.

We cover thousands of miles in waterproof boots and regularly compare them with one another in the office, so collectively we’ve built the sort of knowledge base you can trust.

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When we review a product, we award it a score out of five. In the ratings tab of a given pair of motorcycle boots, you may also find more specific scores for the different aspects of a product’s performance to help you make an informed decision. We test against criteria like how comfortable a boot is; how protective it is; if it looks good; and if it is good value for it’s price tag. Here’s a guide to what each number score means:

• 1 star – Poor performance in this category or overall. A product with a single star rating has fallen below the expected standard and should be avoided.
• 2 stars – Basic performance in this area or overall. A product with a two-star rating has managed to perform to a barely acceptable level and there is room for improvement.
• 3 stars – An average performance in this area or overall. A product with a three-star rating has achieved a basic level of performance and is deemed adequate.
• 4 stars – A product has performed over and above the accepted averaged in this category or overall. A product with a four-star rating has surpassed expectation and delivered in a particularly impressive way.
• 5 stars – A product has performed at the highest possible level in a particular category or overall. A product with a five-star rating has delivered to the highest possible level, impressing the tester with its performance. We would happily spend our own money on it.

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