Subtle safety: Best scooter boots as chosen by

Here's a quality, trendy scooter boot that offers many of the features of pricier rivals, leather upper construction, classic styling and is claimed to be waterproof, but all at a cheaper, sub-£90 price.

Italian brand Alpinestars are one of the most respected, not just for protection and technology but also for style, but you often pay a premium price for the privilege. These J-6 boots are best-sellers, highly rated and among its best scooter boots as you'd expect for the fairly hefty £150+ price.

Yes, you can get scooter boots in ladies sizes and fitments, too. These ones are by well-respected British brand RST and have a brilliant blend of features, protection and value.

Proof that not all casual-style, scooter boots have to cost the wrong side of £100. These German-designed city boots from FLM are also highly rated yet cost well under £70. Nor are they scrimping on features and style.

Italian brand Sidi specialise in motorcycle footwear and although not quite as revered as Alpinestars and Dainese, they run them close. What's more, its top-selling scooter boot, the Insider, is great looking with a two-tone design, beautifully made with a weathered, 'vintage' finish.

Dainese are the great Italian rivals to Alpinestars and their best-selling scooter boot, the Metropolis, boasts a similar spec, style and price. These have a combined cowhide suede and canvas upper and feature Dainese's own 'D-WP' internal waterproof membrane.

Another quality midrange offering, this time from Italian brand Spada. This Alpinestars and Dainese rival may not quite match their style and brand value but the Strider boot boasts most of their features at a far more affordable price.

German brand Held are highly regarded for their quality motorcycling products without being as expensive as some of the premium Italian brands. These boots lack waterproofing but boast some excellent features and are constructed from a sturdy cowhide upper construction.