MY HEIN Gericke Engineer boots have provided excellent service over six years of hard use and seem no worse for the wear.

It's surprising, as Hein Gericke make no claims of weatherproofing in their catalogue - the boots are in fact listed as "summer season".

But with thick socks my tootsies have been comfy during some bitterly cold winter days. I've regularly Nikwaxed them which might account for keeping the wet out.

The boot is uncomplicated and extremely rugged, with steel toe caps and a thick sole.

I forgot about the steel caps quickly and have found them unobtrusive while walking, kneeling or riding.

At £79.99 that means I've had happy feet for just £13.34 a year. Can't be bad.

This year for no reason other than a fancy, I decided I'd have two pairs of riding boots and chose a pair of Bullson Maxwell W/P sports/touring boots from Hein Gericke.

These are all-season boots with a 100 per cent waterproof, windproof, breathable Sheltex membrane. In pouring rain, freezing cold and the recent hot weather they have been all of that.

The initial stiffness of the leather wore off after the first ride and I walked for an hour in them last week in comfort. The soles are at home on asphalt and foot pegs.

Shin protection is built in and the design does provide good ankle support.

Even with stiff textile trousers I've haven't struggled getting them on or off due to twin side zips. Hook and eye catches at the top also provide adjustment for calf width.

The Bullson Maxwell W/P boot is available for £109.99. I'll update the progress in a couple of months.