Alright darlings, pull up a crate, crack a tin, and let me tell you about the boots that’ve been carrying my stubborn, road-hardened self up and down the tarmac lately: the Spada Pilgrim Grande. This isn’t just another polite little Spada boot review—this is from someone who actually lives in her gear, who wants her kit to work as hard as she does, and still look like she could start a riot outside a biker bar if the mood strikes.
Now, let’s get one thing straight. I’ve never been a full-length boot girl. Yeah, yeah, I know—they’re safer, more protective, all that jazz. But sometimes they feel like you’ve strapped drainpipes to your legs and called it fashion. Not my scene. I like to move, stomp, swagger into a café without sounding like a malfunctioning robot. That’s where the Spada Pilgrim Grande steps in—ankle-length, practical, and not trying to suffocate your calves into submission.
First impressions? Oh honey, they’re serving looks. If you’ve ever had a soft spot for that classic cherry-red lace-up vibe, you’ll clock it immediately. They’ve got that rebellious, slightly scuffed, “I’ve seen things” aesthetic—like they belong equally on a bike or kicking through a sticky pub floor. A bit lighter in tone than the old-school cherry reds you might be thinking of, but still bold enough to say, “Yes, I ride, and no, I’m not here to blend in.”
And let’s talk money, because not all of us are made of it. These beauties come in at just over a hundred quid. That’s right—actual biker gear that doesn’t require selling a kidney or sweet-talking your ex into lending you cash. For what you get, that’s a steal, and I don’t say that lightly. This isn’t fast-fashion nonsense; it’s proper kit that’s been thought about.
Now, onto the real business: how they hold up when you’re out there riding, rain threatening, roads slick, and you’ve got places to be. These are billed as waterproof motorcycle boots, and for the most part, they do the job. There’s a Hippora lining tucked in there, doing its waterproof magic. Light rain? No problem. Moderate drizzle? You’re golden. But let’s not kid ourselves—if the sky opens like it’s got a personal vendetta against you, your feet might eventually feel it. Then again, in that kind of weather, nothing short of bin bags and prayer is saving you.
Comfort-wise, though? That’s where they really win me over. Straight out of the box, they’re decent. Give them a bit of time, and they soften up nicely, moulding to your feet like they’ve decided to commit. I’ve been wearing mine for months now—on the bike, off the bike, stomping around town, standing around chatting nonsense—and they’ve held up like champs. No dramatic blisters, no “I must sit down immediately or perish” moments. Just solid, dependable comfort.
The sole’s got a nice thickness to it too, with enough grip to stop you sliding around like a cartoon character at a petrol station. Whether you’re planting your foot at the lights or wandering into a greasy spoon for a bacon roll, you feel steady. And that’s key, because the last thing you want is to look like a badass biker and then immediately eat pavement because your boots can’t cope.
There are some proper biker-specific touches in here as well, which I always appreciate. You’ve got reinforcement where your gear lever’s going to chew at the leather—on both sides, no less. That means you’re not destroying your boots every time you shift, which is frankly the bare minimum, but still worth applauding when it’s done right.
There’s also a side zip, which in theory sounds like a dream. Lace them once, zip in and out forever, job done. In reality? Eh. I’ve found I still need to loosen the laces to get the fit just right each time. Not a dealbreaker, but if you’re expecting pure zip-and-go laziness, you might be slightly disappointed. Still, once you’ve got them on, they feel secure, and that’s what counts.
Now here’s a detail I genuinely love: there’s a strap across the top of the tongue designed to keep your laces from flapping about like they’ve got a death wish. Anyone who’s ever worried about laces getting tangled in a chain will appreciate that little bit of foresight. It’s one of those features you don’t think about until you really, really need it—and then you’re grateful it’s there. That said, if you’ve got wider calves or ankles, that strap might feel a bit stingy. It’s not the most generous fit in the world, so try before you commit if you can.
Let’s get real about wear and tear too, because I’m not here to sell you a fantasy. Over time, the leather softens and you’ll start to see some cracking. Totally normal. Honestly, I think it adds character—like wrinkles on a well-lived face. They still stay waterproof, still stay comfy, and still do the job. If you’re the type who wants pristine, untouched leather forever, these might stress you out. If you’re like me and think gear should look like it’s actually been used, you’ll probably love how they age.
And here’s the kicker: they don’t just live on the bike. These boots pull double duty beautifully. I’ve worn them out to the pub, to gigs, wandering around markets—you name it. They’ve got that chunky, slightly aggressive silhouette that pairs perfectly with leathers, denim, or whatever you’ve thrown on after a long ride. It’s giving “effortlessly cool” without actually requiring any effort, which is exactly my kind of fashion.
So, wrapping up this long-winded, slightly cheeky Spada Pilgrim boots review, what’s the verdict? They’re not perfect, but they don’t pretend to be. They’re practical, affordable, and stylish enough to earn their place in your regular rotation. They won’t save you from monsoon-level rain, and the zip situation isn’t flawless, but for everyday riding and living? They absolutely deliver.
This Spada boot review comes from a place of real use, real miles, and real expectations. The Spada Pilgrim Grande isn’t trying to be the toughest, most hardcore boot on the planet. It’s trying to be the one you actually want to wear—and for me, that’s exactly what it is.
So if you’re after a pair of waterproof motorcycle boots that won’t bankrupt you, won’t suffocate you, and will still make you feel like a proper badass when you swing your leg over the bike, give them a go. Just don’t be surprised when you start reaching for them every single time you head out the door.
Rating: 4/5
Update: The cherry red colour version seems to have been now discontinued. However, these boots are still available in ‘distressed black’ or brown.
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One reply on “Cherry Red Spada Pilgrim Grande Boots Review”
I got a pair of these Spada boots for similar reasons, mostly for casual rides & summer use – I still prefer full height boots for serious miles. The cherry red ones are not actually distressed (a bit like pre washed jeans) leather, that’s only the brown & black ones. The c’ red ones are a full grain leather that should in theory be harder wearing than the other ones. That said, mostly I find soles wear out long before the uppers do & unfortunately, many soles are not easily repairable these days.
What boot cleaner / polish are you using? Our local cobbler who repaired a few of my boots & other bike gear once said not to use dubbin, since it can dry out the leather & cause cracking. I’ve used a cream / oil / wax called Bone Dry on my leathers before & liked it. When I get some more I’ll try it on the Spadas to see how it works on them. Mine are recent & the leather is pretty stiff – the oil should soften them a bit, or at least I’m hoping it will!