Spada Strider Pro review | Waterproof motorcycle boots tested

Date reviewed: March 2025 | Tested by: Jon Mansfield, BikeSocial member | Price: £109.99 | spadaclothing.com

8,000 miles might not sound that much, but I’ve spent around 12 months in total over two years wearing the Spada Strider Pros on review here, and that’s been all day, every day. As a motorcycle riding instructor, I spend a lot of time not just riding, but getting on and off the bike, as well as walking around the school’s concrete training pad.

These boots might be knackered now, but they’ve had a very intense test…

Pros & Cons

These are what the boots looked like when I got them two years ago…

Construction and features

With a suede and leather upper, the Spada Strider Pros are casual-style motorcycle boots that have the high-top style I really like, especially the white soles though they’re not white anymore. In fact, after a lot of wear and tear, the boots aren’t the same colour at all, the grey having faded to a beige colour. It’s only when looking back at the photos of them when they were new that I’ve realised, but these have spent a lot more time outside on my feet than they would for any normal rider.

Regardless of what colour they’ve become, I really like the style as with jeans they just look like normal boots, not clunky bike kit. This kind of style is ideal for summer, at least for me as someone who doesn’t want to wear wellies in the heat!

This is the Spada Strider Pros after a VERY hard life!

Fastening

Nothing special here – no technical wire winders or straps, no Velcro or clips – just normal laces and a decent-sized loop on the back of the boot to tug them on.

I did have someone ask me why I wear boots with laces on a motorcycle as surely there’s a danger of the laces getting caught in the bike, leading to certain catastrophe. All I can say is that it’s never happened to me, maybe because I know how to tie my shoelaces.

Protection and certification

The Spada Strider Pros are certified as Level 2 (the highest level) for Impact abrasion resistance, cut resistance and transverse rigidity, giving them a 1222 marking (the 1 is for boot height). This high level of protection is outstanding in such a comfortable boot, and at the price.

Of course, there’s not the shin protection that a full-height boot can offer, but as the boots (and gloves) test methodology certifies the items based on the performance achieved in testing – not what level they were submitted for – these Spadas have been proven to offer more protection than many other boots at a lot higher price.

To be so comfortable in the summer, and to know that the protection is so effective is brilliant, and one of the reasons I’ve really loved these Strider Pros.

From April 21 2018, all new motorcycle clothing is deemed to be Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). To meet this legislation, it must be tested to a recognised standard. For more information on the new laws, click here.

Comfort

When I first got the Spada Strider Pros I did find them to be very stiff and rather uncomfortable, but they broke in fairly quickly and then felt just like trainers.

Sole and Grip

Okay, yes – these boots have had it.

I usually have the same problem with any footwear on the bike – getting on and off sees me twist my left foot, and that can soon wear through a sole. Now remember that I had these on for two full summers, working all day every day, and while 8,000 miles might not seem that much, I’ve spent much longer on my feet in these than they’d ever normally get in two years. If it wasn’t for them being worn hard on the concrete training pad so much, they’d have lasted much longer.

Of course I’d like to see the sole being tougher, but the wear here isn’t unusual for me.

I’ve had no problems with grip (well, while the sole was complete), whether in the dry or wet.

Hot and cold weather use

Despite there being no obvious vent holes, and a waterproof membrane, I’ve found the Spada Strider Pros to be good in the heat, the air moving well around my feet.

Boots like this aren’t really designed for winter use, and I’d certainly not recommend them; the draft alone around the top of short boots would soon put you off.

Waterproofing

There might be a waterproof membrane in the Spada Strider Pros, but it’s not hugely effective. Maybe it’s the fact that the suede tends to wet out, but I end up with damp feet after about half an hour or so of heavy rain.

Of course, it could also be the water getting in over the top, as shorter boots like this really aren’t great in bad weather. Any waterproofing is more for showers, or even reducing wind chill.

The suede on these boots tends to get marked in the wet, and they can take a good while to dry out thoroughly if they get soaked.

Three alternatives to the Spada Strider Pros

These are good value boots with some excellent protection, but here are some others to consider.

• TCX Dartwood Pro, £189.99 | TCX has an enviable reputation as the maker of some excellent casual-style motorcycle boots, and these are no different. Read the full review of the TCX Dartwood Pros here.

• Spada Strider, £84.99 | We haven’t tested these boots, but they have the same high 1222 protection certification and offer great value for money so are worth a look.

• Stylmartin Shadow, £129.99 | Great ventilation makes them very much summer boots only, but these are rated 1221 for protection and proved comfortable and hard-wearing. Read the full review of the Stylmartin Shadows here.

These are just three of many alternatives – you can find all the boots we’ve tested here and be sure to regularly check for the discounts available through Bikesocial membership.

Spada Strider Pro boots review – Verdict

Despite absolutely destroying these Spada Strider Pros over two full summers of day-in-day-out wear, I love them and really want another pair.

If they were £300 I’d be disappointed, and while £110 isn’t to be sniffed at, given how hard I am on my boots, and how comfortable these have been, I’ve no hesitation in recommending them.

Lightweight, comfortable and provably protective, these have been my favourite boots in a long time…

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