MO Tested: Dainese Axial Gore-Tex Boots

I am quite fond of my Dainese Torque 3 Out Air Boots, and they have been my three-season boots here in warm, dry SoCal for years. Unfortunately, the exceptional venting means they are not waterproof. When I started planning my Ducati Multistrada 4S tour in Virginia and North Carolina, I learned that, on average, there is a 30% chance of rain during the week I would be there. That’s before the current weather patterns were considered. So, I figured I better be prepared for all eventualities. What I settled on were the Dainese Axial Gore-Tex Boots. They offered the two features I was most concerned about (other than excellent protection) on this trip: venting for hot weather and waterproofing for April showers.

With the boots’ upper meeting my requirements, I looked towards the protective qualities. Aside from the abrasion-resistant D-Stone outer shell, the primary protection comes from the Axial Distortion Control System, which allows freedom of movement for operating the controls on the bike but protects the delicate ankle joint from twisting injuries. Constructed of lightweight carbon and aramid fiber, the Axial Distortion Control System also guards against penetration injuries. Additionally, a nylon heel cup combines with a nylon-reinforced toe to protect the rest of your foot in a tumble.

The zippered rear entry and speed-lacing system make donning and doffing these boots easy without compromising the snug fit around the ankles that both aids in protection and makes them so easy to move around in. The speed lacing system helps hold the ankle and heel in position for less movement within the boot without being overly snug for maximum comfort on and off the bike. Two elastic straps allow the rider to tune how tightly the inner portion of the rear closure hugs the Achilles’ tendon.

When I first got the Dainese Axial Gore-Tex Boots, they were a bit snug. The sizing runs a little narrow. I was worried that they wouldn’t be comfortable in all day rides, but after only a day or two of use, they conformed to my feet, even becoming quite comfortable while standing for a couple of hours at an event. On the bike, the Axial Distortion Control System offers tremendous freedom of movement, allowing the flexibility to operate the controls on a variety of styles of motorcycles that required quite different foot movements. So, you’re not restricted to just sporty bikes with these boots.

The features I was most concerned about was the waterproofing and the venting. Naturally, because of the Gore-Tex membrane lining the boots, the venting isn’t as effective as it is on my Torque 3 Out Air boots. However, I can feel the venting at speed, particularly if I point my toes down and allow the airflow to directly hit the top of my foot. I got to test the waterproofing in one of Los Angeles’ rare heavy rainstorms in March, and the Dainese Axial Gore-Tex Boots passed with flying colors. They handled a couple of hours in rain so heavy that, at one point, I rode through a football-field length of six inches of water flowing down a road. When I returned home from my ride, my feet were dry. I don’t recommend wearing these boots in cold rainy weather, though. During the mountain portion of my ride, the temperature dropped to 47°, and my feet got pretty chilly. Still, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend these boots for sport touring in any weather you might encounter in warm temperatures.

My time with the Dainese Axial Gore-Tex Boots has proven them to be great travel gear. They are comfortable and broke in quickly. The venting helps with foot comfort on hot days, just don’t expect them to flow as much air as non-Gore-Tex boots. Their waterproofing is exceptional, and I wouldn’t hesitate to ride in an all-day rainstorm. The crash protection provided by the Axial Distortion Control System is the same technology used by MotoGP riders, so without crashing in these boots, I feel pretty comfortable saying that they will provide great protection.