Step off around axis of sorts (5)
I believe the answer is:
types
'sorts' is the definition.
(type is a kind of sort)
'step off around axis' is the wordplay.
'off' indicates anagramming the letters.
'around' is an insertion indicator.
'axis' becomes 'y'.
'step' is an anagram of 'tpes'.
'tpes' going around 'y' is 'TYPES'.
'of' is the link.
(Other definitions for types that I've seen before include "Classes or groups" , "Categories having common characteristics" , "Sorts; kinds" , "Uses a keyboard to write" , "Writes using a keyboard" .)