Over the past year, Alpinestars has had raving success in popularity with all their products. Alpinestars Shoes in particular attracted a lot of interest. The three most popular Alpinestars riding shoes amongst customers were the Alpinestars Fastlane Shoes, Alpinestars Miglia Shoes, and the Alpinestars Blacktop Shoes and it comes as no coincidence as Alpinestars is known to engineer well built products which have a certain flare to them at the same time.
These shoes are designed from F1 inspired construction and are lightweight, offering a great deal of protection for a riding shoe. For example they include TPR toe and ankle protectors along with a foam backed, double density impact protector on both sides of the ankle. The internal toe and heel counter are layered under the microfiber while there is an extremely lightweight rubber sole that has laser-ablated textured grip. The shift pad is lined with a debossed texture for added grip while there is an integrated metal shank for enhanced sole rigidity. Comfort-wise, the shoe is constructed from lightweight microfiber synthetic leather upper with a plush moisture-wicking 3D mesh on the collar and tongue along with a breathable mesh liner.
The Alpinestars Miglia Shoes have a 1.6 mm oiled suede upper which resists abrasion and water along with a reinforced toe for shifting and a stiff riding sole. There are shift pad channels that flex while dissipating pressure over the toe and an offset speed lace system which provides a quick and easy closure. Furthermore, the lateral pocket stows the end of the lace away from the bike while there is an interior heel reinforcement which protects and supports the heel.
The Alpinestars Blacktop is a high-cut casual riding shoe that features mesh inserts for cool summer riding. The exclusive rubber compound sole offers excellent grip and works with the EVA foam foot bed for supreme comfort when riding and walking. Designed to be extremely lightweight, protection is provided by dual density lateral and medial ankle cups as well as extra protection from a padded stripe that wraps around the back of the ankle. The midsole contours to the foot and features a structured high modulus shank reinforcement. There are internal toe and heel counters along with reflective piping around the upper for improved night-time visibility.
Alpinestars continues to iterate on products that have already been successful in the past. Rather than resting on their laurels, they come up with new technologies and designs to enhance the rider's experience. Expect to see this to continue from Alpinestars through the foreseeable future.
Brand new for Fall 2011, Alpinestars has released a slew of new boots to the motorcycle riding world. Within this collection are boots for everyone: the racer, the commuter, the sport rider, and the city rider. Here is our look at the new 2011 Alpinestars boots.
At first glance, the new Alpinestars Supertech-R Boots look identical to last year's model. That is because all of the changes to this boot happened on the inside to the inner booty. The new dual hinge system within the boot is redesigned to flow with the natural motion of the ankle and to prevent any movements that would cause damage, including hyperflexion and hyperextension. The actual mesh used on the inner booty is now 3D bubble mesh which allows for more ventilation and better wicking properties. AStars also added a suede panel across the front of the toe which is a comfort feature that prevents this area from wearing out resulting from rubbing against the outer boot. There is also a crazy fly colorway with fluorescent yellow that you can see at the right.
Right away, there is no way that anyone would think the Alpinestars CR-4 Gore-Tex XCR Boots are designed for motorcycling based on the fact that they look exactly like your standard hiking boot. When you get beyond the Gore-Tex waterproof breathable XCR membrane (the most durable of the Gore line), the rugged sole, and the external leather and suede construction with hiking boot style metal eyelets and top hooks, you find serious motorcycle functionality. An EVA foam midsole for shock absorption, internal toe box reinforcement and an internal heel cup, a dual shank system (TPU in the arch, metal in the heel) for increased shock and impact protection, and a designated PU shifter pad all define this new piece as a true motorcycle boot.
The Alpinestars S-MX 1 Riding Shoes are the home run out of this new boot run from AStars. With a newly redesigned style that offers weight savings and more technicality, Astars hit this one out of the park. The new version has a toe slider, velcro strap adjuster across the instep, and a textured TPU shifter pad. This version is also going to ventilate better than the predecessor with strategic perforated zones. This boot can have legitimate application for a range of riders, from the city guy to the hardcore sport rider, thanks to its extensive technicality and protective features.
Touting F1-inspired design, the brand new Alpinestars Fastlane Shoes are about to make a splash in the US market after spending a decent about of time enjoying popularity in Japan and Europe. Aside from the eye-catching style with the hi-viz yellow and red accents (also available in a black version), the Fastlane packs a lot of technicality into a high-top riding boot. A lightweight microfiber upper with a lightweight rubber sole that has a laser-ablated textured grip pattern, the Fastlane has double density protectors on each side of the ankle, a reinforced toe box and heel cup, metal shank in the sole, TPR toe and ankle protectors, and a shock-absorbing EVA foam footbed. Not too shabby for a slick-as-hell sport and city riding shoe.
The Alpinestars Blacktop Shoes have received a makeover for Fall 2011, with the first obvious one being the style, which has been improved. These boots are extremely lightweight, with a microfiber upper and mesh inserts that will flow air. There are dual density ankle cups both medially and laterally, with a reinforced toe and heel counter. These boots use the vulcanized rubber compound sole for added durability and protection, and the multi-density shock-absorbing EVA footbed is completely removable. This year's model also features reflective piping for guaranteed nighttime visibility. They will work well for the commuter and city rider and really look great when you're walking around town off of the bike.
So, here we are again, with another run of standout products from Alpinestars. They simply continue to impress. Good on ya, Astars.
