Rider RSS Pando Moto Apex Motorcycle Sneakers Review

[Mellow]

Last fall, I dipped my toe into the Pando Moto pond by testing a pair of its Mila Cargo Motorcycle Jeans, which exceeded my expectations and have become a favorite. The brand has recently released its first motorcycle footwear, the Pando Moto Apex Motorcycle Sneakers, and I ordered a pair.

The Apex sneakers are all black with a lightning-bolt-shaped piece of leather on the outer side, the Pando Moto logo in leather on the inner side, high ankles, and an attractive lacing pattern. Their casual-wear appearance nicely complements the style of my Pando Moto cargo jeans beautifully. They’re made of 1.8mm-thick dual-combination full-grain and nubuck leather, and the leather is perforated to provide airflow.



Leather is well-regarded for its abrasion resistance, and the Apex Sneakers have some extra protection as well. They include D3O ankle protectors, vulcanized rubber soles, and reinforced toe cap and heel counters. The thick foam in the inner lining also helps hold the foot in place in the event of a crash. The Apex Sneakers are rated at CE Level 1 across four testing categories: height, abrasion resistance, impact cut resistance, and transverse rigidity.

Out of the box, the shoes felt well-made and durable, and they looked exactly as advertised. The lace pattern looks great but is time-consuming to loosen, with the lace weaving into and out of 18 holes. The pair I ordered fit perfectly, but I had to loosen up the lace nearly all the way down to squeeze my foot in. Once I got my foot in them, I found that the squeeze was a trade-off I could live with, as the shoes felt secure and comfortable. Over the course of a handful of riding days, the leather began breaking in, making it easier to get my foot inside them but still requiring more effort than other motorcycle shoes I’ve tested.



While the shoes are stiff, they’re well-padded on the inside, and I haven’t noticed any sore spots on my feet, ankles, or lower legs while wearing them. As a short rider, I also appreciate that they raise my foot about 1.5 inches off the ground, giving me a little extra height that’s helpful when riding bikes with taller seat heights. The tread feels grippy and provides sure footing – another must-have when reaching for the ground.

Although I need to factor in a little extra time to unlace these shoes to get them on, I’ve enjoyed wearing them thanks to their quality construction, comfort, and secure feeling and fit. I mostly wear them with my Pando Moto cargo jeans, but they look great with other motorcycle jeans and pants as well.

Read all of Rider’s apparel reviews here

Made in Portugal, the Pando Moto Apex Sneakers are unisex and available in black in European sizes 37-46 for $275.

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[Uncle Phil]

Of course the ultimate test is what protection do they afford in a get off - both the jeans and the shoes.
That they 'look great' would be small comfort sliding down the slab at 75 mph if they don't provide adequate protection.
Or least that's what I've been told ...

 

[ST Gui]

Of course the ultimate test is what protection do they afford in a get off - both the jeans and the shoes.
That they 'look great' would be small comfort sliding down the slab at 75 mph if they don't provide adequate protection.

But that applies to most every bit of safety gear for riders regardless of manufactured. I wouldn't presume that 'looking great' comes at the expense of working great without some evidence they don't work as safety gear. Since most of us don't spend their riding time sliding down the slab at 75 mph nothing wrong with looking great during that time.

The reviewer says the shoes add about 1.5" to his height. That's practically Pee Wee Herman Big Shoe territory in motorcycle kicks. That and the flat soles seems like it could make shifting awkward.

I've seen a lot of hiking shoes with raised arches in the soles. No telling if that offers good arch support but it would mitigate additional height on the pegs. But then they're hiking shoes and not 6" boots.

Looking at the Pandos I'd say "looking great" is highly subjective on a good day.

 

[Uncle Phil]

But that applies to most every bit of safety gear for riders regardless of manufactured. I wouldn't presume that 'looking great' comes at the expense of working great without some evidence they don't work as safety gear. Since most of us don't spend their riding time sliding down the slab at 75 mph nothing wrong with looking great during that time.

The reviewer says the shoes add about 1.5" to his height. That's practically Pee Wee Herman Big Shoe territory in motorcycle kicks. That and the flat soles seems like it could make shifting awkward.

I've seen a lot of hiking shoes with raised arches in the soles. No telling if that offers good arch support but it would mitigate additional height on the pegs. But then they're hiking shoes and not 6" boots.

Looking at the Pandos I'd say "looking great" is highly subjective on a good day.

The key for me is working great as I could not care less about the looks.
I got the impression (probably wrong) that the look of stuff ranked up there with the reviewer.
I found the gear I was wearing when I went down may not have looked great but it did work great in a real life test of 50 to 100 foot slide.
I am just a bit curious as to how long denim (even reinforced with kevlar, etc.) would last in a slide down the asphalt grinder like that.
I know the inventor of Draggin Jeans (kevlar inside) had his staff drag him down the road sliding on his butt to test them.
Not my circus, not my monkeys - we all get to make our choices and then live with them.