A.S.98 Bardo & Yoko Leather Boots | Boots by TL
Brand Spotlight · 2026-07-05
Industrial Elegance: The Iconic A.S.98 Bardo and Yoko Boots
When it comes to Italian footwear that perfectly balances raw, industrial edge with premium artisanal craftsmanship, A.S.98 stands in a league of its own. Among their expansive archives, the deconstructed, heavily layered aesthetic of their buckle boots remains a staple. This rugged design DNA is most famously captured in two sister silhouettes: the classic "Bardo," which hits below the knee, and the "Yoko," which takes the exact same architectural details and extends them into a dramatic, slightly over-the-knee profile.
Both the Bardo and the Yoko reject the pristine, polished look of traditional luxury in favor of a rebellious, lived-in character. Finding these iconic boots in excellent, barely-worn, or brand-new condition on the pre-owned market is a major win for collectors. Today, we are examining the intricate details that define both the Bardo and the Yoko, using the rich brown and classic black iterations of the Bardo to highlight the shared hardware and textures.
Wraparound Straps and Antiqued Hardware
The profile of the brown Bardo boot immediately highlights the complex strapping system that serves as the foundation for both the Bardo and the Yoko styles. Crafted from supple, rich chestnut brown leather, the base features a distinct two-strap design. A slender leather strap crosses low over the vamp, while a much wider, substantial strap wraps aggressively around the ankle. Both of these straps are secured by heavy, antiqued silver-tone square buckles that look forged rather than stamped. These metallic focal points add a rugged, utilitarian weight to the shoe, anchored by a sturdy stacked block heel that both models share.
Slouchy Shafts and Medial Zippers
Turning to the medial (inner) side, the functional engineering of this boot family becomes clear. To offset the complex buckle strapping on the exterior, A.S.98 incorporates a full-length vertical zipper on the inside. On the below-the-knee Bardo shown here, the zipper allows for easy wear without unbuckling the hardware; on the taller Yoko, this zipper is simply elongated to accommodate the over-the-knee height. The photograph also captures the intentional, gentle drape of the leather along the shaft, giving the boot a relaxed, slouchy posture. Down at the base, the heel counter features a distinct factory-burnished patina, darkening the chestnut leather to create a shadow effect.
Asymmetrical Cuffs and Studded Detailing
Looking at the black iteration of the Bardo, we can appreciate the sharper, more gothic undertones of the design. This barely-worn, pristine black leather pair highlights the boot's striking asymmetrical collar—a signature feature scaled up perfectly on the Yoko to graze the lower thigh. The top of the shaft is folded over, creating a layered, deconstructed cuff that sits unevenly on the leg. Running vertically down the center of the back heel is a thick strip of leather punctuated by a series of small, antiqued silver-tone metal studs. Against the smooth, deep black leather, these metallic rivets provide a subtle flash of industrial texture.
Rugged Lug Soles and Hand-Burnished Toes
Returning to the brown pair, a close-up of the toe box reveals the sheer durability of the Bardo and Yoko's shared foundation. The toe features an aggressive, hand-finished burnishing technique, transitioning the warm chestnut leather into a deep, espresso-brown shade right at the tip. This intentional distressing gives the brand-new boot an authentic, vintage soul straight out of the box. Below the leather upper sits a formidable, thick rubber lug sole. The deep, aggressive treads extend slightly beyond the perimeter of the boot, providing excellent urban traction and an incredibly grounded, heavy-duty aesthetic.
Investing in high-quality Italian leather boots ensures that your footwear will only get better with age, molding to your step and developing a unique patina over time. Whether you prefer the versatile, below-the-knee cut of the Bardo or the dramatic, over-the-knee extension of the Yoko, take a moment to browse shoes in our curated collection, or Shop all to discover more iconic, investment-worthy archival pieces.