RST Axiom Mid CE touring boot review | Comfy waterproof boots can still be great value

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The Axiom is RST’s entry-level range meaning that this mid-height motorcycle boot is the cheapest footwear available from the British kit brand. They’re made from faux leather backed up with a waterproof-breathable membrane, and feature a wide, fully Velcro closure which makes them very easy to get on and off, plus there’s ankle, toe and shin protection too.

They are also available in women’s specific fit.

Comfort

First things first, for the women’s fit boot I recommend ordering a half size larger than you usually wear, as the Axiom do come up a little small. Once you’ve found the right size, they’re absolutely excellent.

Although a bit stiff straight out of the box, after 50 miles or so of breaking in, the Axiom are truly a treat for feet. With the protective armour at the shin and ankles being very soft, they’re prodigiously comfortable both on and off the bike, to the point where they don’t actually feel like biking footwear.

The majority of this foot feel-good comes via the insole, which is sumptuously thick and makes them both very plush to walk around in as well as adding an extra insulating layer to protect you from the cold and also to dampen out vibes through the footpegs.

Looks

These are definitely a case of function over style, with the lower Velcro strap making them reminiscent of a pair of kids’ school shoes! But I won’t hold that against them given that they’re touring boots and have been designed to be largely hidden beneath your textile trouser legs, plus the easy-access that this closure offers makes them ideal for those who struggle with a normal zip side opening.

That said, the concertinaed fabric down the central line gives a touch of sportiness to their style, and I appreciate the subtle logos on the shin and gear-change pad.

Quality

They are brilliantly made and feel much more expensive than their price tag would have you believe. The microfibre outer (faux leather) is tough and well stitched, which at first resulted in a fairly stiff feeling but has since broken in while still retaining its integrity.

After 3000 miles they literally still look like new, and with all the stitching and Velcro still functioning as it should with no fraying or loss of performance.

RST’s Sinaqua waterproof-breathable membrane has remained reliable during this time, keeping feet dry and warm during autumn and winter rides. Although I did find them to be a little too cosy when it came to mid-summer riding – the fabric concertinaed panel down the front of the boot doesn’t provide quite enough ventilation for hot weather.

Protection

As the name suggests, these are fully CE certified as motorcycle boots, yet despite being mid-length boots they still offer a decent degree of shin protection and as such are certified as taller boots. Although the microfibre outer passes at Level 1 (the basic pass) for abrasion resistance, the Axiom score a superior Level 2 pass in both the impact cut and transverse rigidity – thanks to the reassuringly strong toebox.

Personally, I found the highly padded armour around the ankle particularly reassuring, too, and it added to the boot’s overall feeling of comfort.

RST’s chunky touring sole is also excellent, providing sure-footed grip on all surfaces as well as protecting from the cold and damping out vibes from the bike too.

The only slight blot on the Axiom’s copybook is the fact that the lower Velcro strap doesn’t seem to offer any adjustability, as once the boots are on it’s very difficult to pull the closure tighter any around the ankle. Although, that said, it does allow for the boots to be adjusted out in this area, further boosting comfort and ease of use.

Value

You can’t argue with the value of these boots at their regular £89.99 RRP, but they’re even more appealing at £71.99, which many online retailers are selling them for. There are a few alternatives at this price point – there’s the very similarly designed and spec’d Oxford Delta Short Boots (£109.99 rrp) which aren’t certified as having shin protection, but do use Oxford’s excellent Dry2Dry membrane for waterproofing.

There’s also the Forma Rival, again very similar in design and spec, featuring an easy-access Velcro closure, significant padding around the shin, synthetic leather construction and full waterproofing, available at £119.99 rrp.

Other options to consider

Verdict

An excellent pair of boots for anyone who wants comfort and ease of use. Absolutely spot on for daily use, they’ll keep your feet dry, warm and happy on the daily grind or during UK touring trips.

With the Velcro ankle closure and mid-length style, they’re absolutely ideal for those who may struggle getting side opening boots on and off, or for riders with large calves who struggle with the fit of a regular length boot and don’t want to compromise on shin protection. Top quality at a brilliant price – you can’t go wrong, really.

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