Merlin Hawkins Urban Waterproof D3O® Boots Black

The Merlin Hawkins is a leather riding trainer built for riders who want everyday footwear that doesn't announce itself as motorcycle gear. The upper is premium cowhide in a matt black finish with a soft, almost suede-like hand that settles and ages well with wear, and the laces, eyelets and sole are all blacked out for a clean, understated look.

Underneath the casual styling sits proper riding hardware: a Hipora waterproof and breathable membrane built into Merlin's triple liner system, and D3O shock-absorbing protection through the ankle, heel and toe. It's a sensible pick for commuters and urban riders who park the bike and keep walking — comfortable enough to wear all day, discreet enough for the office or the pub.

Colourway: Black. SKU 65-492-05.

• Premium cowhide leather upper in matt black with a soft, suede-like finish
• Hipora waterproof and breathable membrane within Merlin's triple liner system
• D3O shock-absorbing impact protectors at the ankle, heel and toe
• Reinforced footbed
• CE certified
• Blacked-out metal eyelets with black laces
• Lace fastening for an adjustable fit
• Padded tongue for comfort under the laces
• Comfort mesh inner lining
• Heel puller with anthracite reflective detail
• Black urban sole unit
• Antibacterial sole insert

• Pair of boots

Brush off road grime and dust after riding, then wipe the leather with a soft, barely damp cloth — dirt left in the pores dulls the finish and clogs the breathable membrane.
Use a leather cleaner and conditioner suited to soft, suede-like nubuck-style finishes; avoid solvents, petrol, brake cleaner, bleach and household detergents, all of which will strip the leather and can degrade the waterproof layer.
Never machine wash, tumble dry or dry clean the boots — the Hipora membrane and D3O protectors are not designed for it.
If the boots get soaked, remove the sole insert, loosen the laces fully and let them air dry at room temperature away from direct sunlight, heaters, hair dryers and exhaust pipes; forced heat shrinks and cracks leather and can damage the membrane.
Stuff damp boots loosely with newspaper or use a boot tree to hold their shape while drying.
Re-treat the leather periodically with a suitable waterproofing wax or spray once water stops beading on the surface, and let it cure fully before riding.
Expect a short break-in period: wear them around the house or on short rides first so the leather moulds to your foot before a long day in the saddle.
Check laces, eyelets and stitching regularly and replace worn laces — a failed lace on the road is a fit and safety issue.
Keep the D3O protectors dry and away from heat sources, and inspect the boots after any crash or heavy impact; replace them if the protectors, sole or upper are damaged.
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight rather than sealed in a plastic bag, which traps moisture and encourages mould.
Avoid resting your boots against a hot exhaust or engine case, and take care with the toe area if you ride without a gear-shift pad — leather wears fast at that contact point.