When it comes to riding, we motorcyclists need all the protection we can get. And when choosing a product to protect your feet, there is no company with more experience than Alpinestars. The Italian company has been building boots since 1963, and while a lot of things have changed since then, the company’s philosophy towards producing innovative, functional protective footwear is as true today as was 45 years ago.
For 2008, Alpinestars has released its successor to the top-of-the-line Supertech road race boot: The Alpinestars Supertech-R Boot. Developed at the racetrack by MotoGP aces Nicky Hayden, John Hopkins and Dani Pedrosa, the Supertech-R pull on safety boots embody the latest in protection, comfort and, of course, style.
Like its predecessor, the Supertech-R boot makes use of a separate bootie inside of the main boot. The inner bootie is constructed out of a lightweight, extremely breathable micro-fibre material. An integrated ankle brace uses gel-padded, double-hinged inner and outer plastic torsion bars that help protect the ankle and disperse energy loads in case of impact. Tough plastic mouldings also help protect the riders’ heel and front edge of their toes from damage.
The outer boot is of multi-piece construction. A replaceable rubberized sole forms the base of the boot. The heel is of solid plastic construction and has integrated exhaust ventilation slits on either side. A replaceable heel plate slider reduces friction if you find yourself sliding across the pavement. The main part of the boot is built out of high-quality leather.
The boots’ inner side features a full length suede panel that gives the Supertech-R a clean look yet protects the rider from heat and/or abrasion. The toe shifter area is made of a flexible material that gives the rider the perfect amount of feel yet prevents pinching of the toes in a crash. Like other Alpinestars boots, the toe slider on the outside of the boot can be easy replaced with a plastic or more durable magnesium slider. Lastly, the top part of the boot is made from an aerodynamic, hard synthetic material that protects the riders’ shin and has air intakes on each side.
The external boot uses a zip-style side entry system which has stretch material on the bottom edge to ensure the zipper won’t get caught or stuck. Velcro on the zipper and bootie lace ensures the boot will always stay tight. Finally, an adjustable plastic buckle slides in a metal ratchet to keep the top part of the boot conformed to the riders’ calf.
Inevitably a rider is going to have to do some walking and these boots are flexible enough to allow a person to walk normally. In fact, for our feet, the boots are comfortable enough to walk around in all-day with absolutely zero pressure points. The foot and ankle dexterity allowed by the Supertech-R boot lends itself well on track and these boots have the best “feel” of any boot we’ve tested to date.
Fortunately, we haven’t taken a spill yet [knock on wood] but we have ridden thousands of miles both on the street and the track with the new Supertech-R boots and the boots still look new.
Al Yousuf Motors provides platform to all MotoGP enthusiasts with world’s leading brands in MotoGP for apparel and safety gears. Please visit Al Yousuf Motors across UAE to select your riding gears.
