Agv 537 Prexport Boots

AGV 537 PREXPORT BOOTS

CW EVALUATION

Friends for your feet.

NEXT TO A WORKING COWBOY, NO ONE depends more on boots than a hard-riding motorcyclist. Sport riders and roadracers count on their boots to give a good feel for a bike’s foot controls, to act as feelers during full-tilt cornering and to provide protection in the event of a get-off. Tough requirements.

AGV (5711 Industry Lane #38, Frederick, MD 21701; 800/7777006) has a pair of boots that it thinks is up to the challenge in their 537 Prexport models, available in three color combinations; black-andgray, red-and-white and blue-andwhite.

The Prexports differ from other sport boots in that they resemble lightened and downsized motocross boots. They feature a motocross-style drawstring with a sliding lace-lock for a quick, even cinch from the ankle to the calf thus accommodating a reasonable calf-size variation, not always the case with zip-and-buckle boots. Three large Velcro flaps on the outside of the padded shank tightly close the boot around the calf, while adding more adjustability to the fit.

With a flexible, leather exterior and a soft, synthetic-suede inner liner, the Italian-made AGV boots are supple enough to need no breakin period. Indeed, these are among the most-comfortable new boots that we’ve ever sampled, though a staffer did complain that one of the drawstring’s metal eyelets rubbed him the wrong way.

For added durability, there’s a second leather layer over the toe on each boot so a shift pedal doesn’t wear through, and a small leathercovered pad protects the inner ankle area against wear and tear. The boots also feature replaceable toe scrapers and removable inner liners.

One feature of the Prexport's drew mixed reviews: the smooth, heel-less soles. While some of our test riders preferred the flush surface, others wanted the security of a heel to help keep their feet from slipping off the pegs during cornering transitions.

Overall, the AGV 537s are comfortable, stylish boots, and their additional features make them one of the more-attractive boots on the market. With a suggested price of $129.95, they are also one of the better bargains available for boots of this caliber.