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Bullson Cycko III boots - Bob Pickett dips his toes into the renowned Bullson brand's footwear

Bullson Cycko III boots - strong, black, sturdy... just like a real boot should be After four years of service, my trusty Cycko II boots finally gave out; the soles were looking perforated and the rain had finally begun to seep in. So time for a new pair of boots.

Now I like an understated boot that is going to be useful for all-year round riding. And I have no wish to ride (and walk) about in a pair of Day-Glo monstrosities. I like my boots to be boots - plain, dark and functional that can be worn when walking into a pub and not draw sniggers from the other punters, as well as looking after my feet on the bike.

So my choice was the upgrade from the Cycko II, the Bullson Cycko III.

For a boot to be an all-rounder, it needs to be breathable and waterproof - to stop the feet getting wet from both outside and in. And the Sheltex liner does this to perfection. Like their predecessors, the Cycko III boots have coped with all weathers, without a single drop of water getting through and any dampness inside the boot is wicked away, ensuring my feet stay warm and dry.

They also need to be resilient - and again they achieve this objective, being made from what feels like a sturdy leather. My criticism of the old boots was that there was a lack of protection. The Cycko III boots address this issue, with enhanced protection at toe and heel, plus shin-guards - something the Cycko II lacked.

The soles are also very grippy - when you spend a lot of time commuting, the last thing you need is one of those "Eek!" moments when you put your foot down, only to find you've trodden in a patch of diesel. But the soles grip under most circumstances and are oil and petrol resistant as well.

So are there any downsides? They're just not as comfortable as the Cycko II - after six months I still find they're a bit stiff if flexing your foot upwards, but that is the trade-off for improved protection I suppose. And the finish around the top of the boot was poor - I thought I had been bitten by a large bug, until I realised that some of the nylon stitching was sticking out and chewing it's way through my skin.

All it took was a little patient rubbing and a quick snip with a pair of scissors to sort this out. But they're not great if you are going to be doing a lot of walking around off the bike, whereas the old boots could be worn all day.

Verdict:

If you want a good, solid pair of boots that will keep your feet warm and dry, then the Cycko III are well worth a look. Four years on, they are also retailing at the same price as their predecessors - quite an achievement when you consider the improved protection.

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