Right out of the box, the boots were very comfortable. They are a lower cut boot, but offer some of the best protection I’ve seen in a low cut boot. There is thick padding on both sides of the ankles. The sole is thick and does not twist easily but flexes to allow for comfort when walking around when off the bike. The boots have what I consider the minimum protection for a low cut boot that I can accept, but are very dressy for a moto boot so you can ride into the office and wear them all day. I don’t think they’re waterproof, but I have other boots for that. I typically wear a size 42 in most boots but I read somewhere that Helstons fit a bit small, so I sized up and ordered a 43. They fit perfect.

Fit is a bit on the smaller size. Normally I wear 42 in TCX, or John Doe or Stylmartin and I think somewhere I read that Helstons run a bit small. So I ordered a 43 and that was perfect. I have a feeling 42 might have been a bit snug. Style is one of a kind, as they just look like a dressy boot. So they can be worn on and off the bike.

The protective features of a CE boot are there and the Deville boot has a 1 1 1 1 CE rating. The ankle protection area is larger than most similar boots. However, it feels like some sort of foam and no spec is given from Helstons on what material is used as padding for the ankles, but it feels reasonably thick.
The ankle area exterior uses the Armalith fabric material instead of leather. To be fair, I sort of bought them partly because I like that style, so I don’t know how well the Armalith would actually resist abrasion in a slide. Overall, I don’t have the highest confidence in how well the ankles would be protected in a serious accident.

The sole is thick and sturdy, but there does not appear to be any sort of metal shank or plate to stiffen the sole, like in a Daytona. Nonetheless, it feels reasonably sturdy and is difficult to twist. The toe box and heel cup have some sort of stiffener or protection as they are rigid and cannot be collapsed without significant force.

The comfort for me is very good. Almost no break in and I can walk around in these all day. All in all, these are as protective a boot as I have found for this kind of price and this type of style. I rate the safety a 5 out of 10, style 8 out of 10, quality 9 out of 10, and comfort 9 out of 10. I would highly recommend these boots to anyone considering them, but only at around this price point of about $230 CAD. The styling of Helstons is what separates them from almost all other moto boot companies. Nobody comes close in my opinion. Safety wise, they’re ok. Not the best and not the worst I’ve seen, which is fine, as I sort of knew these boots would be a bit light on safety before I ordered them.