From a distance, the Yko motorcycle shoe looks like the bottom half of a tightly-shaped motorcycle boot, which is no coincidence: the Yko simply is a short, sporty motorcycle boot. Lightweight, sharply cut for sharp bends and with a special ATOP closure that suits its purpose.
The ATOP closure will feel familiar to anyone who has ever slipped into a cycling shoe. It closely resembles the BOA system you encounter in that other hobby.
BUT BE CAREFUL! it is not identical. With the ATOP closure, you turn the dial left or right to tighten or loosen it. So you do not pull the dial, as you would with a BOA system.
The basic principle remains the same, though: turn until it fits perfectly. Getting in and out rarely becomes any easier. It helps create a snug-feeling (half) motorcycle boot, which is great if you appreciate sharp cornering technique and a sporty riding style. And that sporty character is something you get by default with the Yko motorcycle shoes — if only in their appearance.
The ’leather’ exterior is actually a light microfibre fabric. The gear lever protection and the toe slider stick out as added elements, literally and figuratively. This is also true to a lesser extent for the inner ankle support. The shaft height is about 17 centimetres but – completely in line with the sporty style – there’s no strain on your Achilles’ heel, so this height isn’t flat.
Getting in and out of the Yko is superfast and they’re comfortable too. At this price, this is a nice and safe deal we’d love to make.
