A motorcycle clothing supplier has commissioned a bespoke, limited-edition run of the famous Tricker’s boot — as sold from the eponymous landmark St James store since 1938 to customers including Prince Charles — to create the first ever “gentleman’s riding boot”.
Hand-made in Northamptonshire, Tricker’s are best-known for the Malton, made from the firm’s signature C shade tan leather and favoured by the landed gentry. It’s long been pressed into service by city bikers wanting footwear that doubles up for riding to the office and wearing at work, but the magic combination never really existed. Until now.
Husband and wife team Sara Linney and Chris Cotton, owners of the Motolegends clothing store, have devised a novel solution. They’ve commissioned their own distinguished riding boot in collaboration with the firm established in 1829.
“I bought a pair years ago and have loved them ever since,” says Cotton, 58, who, with Linney, enjoys challenging motorcycle adventures. “But they weren’t ever ‘right’ on the bike.” They visited the factory and ordered a run of hand-made motorcycle boots based on the Malton. Motolegends has exclusive rights to sell from its Guildford store.
Gone is the wingtip, replaced with hard-wearing brogued gear-change pad. For better dexterity, the boot has slimmed from a six to narrower five width and sturdy fast-release hooks replace the topmost two eyelets. Thick leather offers protection for town riding while a chunky Goodyear sole provides grip.
While admitting it’s not a “full-on” motorcycle boot in the modern tradition (there is no steel shank, waterproof liner nor high-tech ankle protection), Cotton believes it fills a niche. At £390 a pair, will they catch on? “We’ll see,” says Cotton. “But put it like this: if Aircraftsman Shaw was still racing along on his Brough Superior, we think this is the boot he’d be wearing.”
