AXO Primato Boot - Tested

When it comes to footwear, there are so many options it's hard to decide what to wear? A full race boot is obviously the best option of most or all your time is spent at the limit. Riding shoes seem to fit the bill, but a lack of ankle protection makes some unsettled. What about those who spend a majority of their time on the street with just an occasional trackday thrown in? Having one boot that does it all would save a ton of space in the closet and be really convenient. Lately we've been experimenting with the AXO Primato boot for the majority of our commuting duties and so far they make for a great compromise.

Constructed from a synthetic leather, it has a better resistance to the elements compared to natural cowhide and retains its natural shape for longer. That said, it's still a very pliable and flexible boot right out of the box. A side zipper allows for easy ingress and egress while providing a tighter fit, even for those with small calves like some on our staff. Suede panels cover the zippers and the flat surface prevents anything from catching on the foot controls. Padded shin and heel plates guard the foot from impacts and we've even been happy with it while accidentally hitting foot pegs while moving bikes around in the garage. We found the injection molded sole to provide just enough grip and feel on the pegs while not being too thin. For those occasional trackdays, the included toe slider adds a little strength and wear resistance.

Those with wider feet will appreciate the Primato as the insole is pretty accommodating and allows for a natural range of motion while on the bike. Ventilation on the Primato is rather limited, so warm weather rides might get a little hot down there, but that's a small price to pay. We like the fact that the upper is padded, making it comfortable to wear the boot under riding pants or leathers. However, there is a reason behind the $159.99 price tag-lack of protection. More specifically, the Primato's comfortable flexibility comes at the expense of ankle protection. Higher-end boots normally incorporate some sort of feature to limit hyperextension of the ankle in the event of a crash. The lack of such device on the this boot firmly plants its place as a viable alternative to a riding shoe, but those looking to do some serious canyon carving or track time should look elsewhere.

Compared to the other boots in this price range, the AXO Primato is a very competitive piece of kit. We haven't experienced any major flaws while wearing it, and thankfully we haven't put it through the ultimate test...and don't plan to anytime soon. Street riders looking to graduate from sneakers (gasp!) will thoroughly benefit, as will the rider looking to find a more appealing option than cumbersome race boots. If you're interested in the Primato, contact AXO at the website or phone number below.
AXO America
www.axo.com (877) 296-7223