Giro’s skate-inspired Chamber is an island of minimalism floating in a sea of outlandish footwear.

The high-top bootie version, tested here, offers good support when walking and minimal heel lift when pedalling, in addition to a degree of ankle protection, but if the SWAT-issue looks don’t appeal, there’s also a low-cut trainer-style version available for £15 less.

As long as you don’t go mad tensioning the laces and Velcro strap, the Chamber Mid is exceptionally comfortable. I put that down to a combination of the sleeved tongue, heel cushion and soft EVA mid-sole and footbed.

There’s plenty of flexibility to the sole as well, meaning that it’s at home on hike-a-bikes as well as the post-ride pub trip, but really it needs mating to a good platform clipless pedal, such as the Crank Brothers Mallet, if you want to limit the flex when pedalling.

>>> The best mountain bike shoes