Alpinestars Corozal Adventure Drystar Riding Boots Review: Introduction

The Background

But that’s not all, the Corozal Drystar is also of the ‘all-touring’ variety. Now from the looks of it, they might look like hardcore ADV boots, but these are more flexible, and in more ways than one. 

The Corozals, thanks to their construction, and the choice of materials isn’t as stiff as a board. So, they can be used for standing-up and riding on ADVs, or when mildly crouched over on a sports tourer. No reason then that these won’t work on laid back cruisers or street nakeds either. 

The boots stand at calf length. But, Alpinestars also makes a shorter version of these boots called the Belize. These come with Drystar lining as well. And with proper waterproof pants over them, the Belizes too should keep the rider’s feet dry. However, if you plan to be going off-road more often, with lots of opportunities for stand-up riding thrown in, it makes sense to spend more and get the Corozals.

The Boots

The Corozal boots are available in two colours. Black, and these gorgeous looking ‘oiled leather’ variety. We, obviously, like the latter. The boots use leather and microfibre in their construction, which makes them light, durable, and flexible right out of the box. 

There are two closure buckles per boot, which like the Tech-series boots are self-cleaning and self-aligning. And, judging by our experience with the Tech 7s, the Corozals aren’t just convenient to use, but they seem built to last as well. There’s a TPU shift pad which prevents the gearshifter from sliding over the boots when shifting gears especially when wet. And, there’s some added foam padding underneath for added comfort.

The boots are breathable and waterproof. Which means even though they allow the sweat from the feet to evaporate, the material also repels water entering the boots. This is made possible with the use of Drystar. It works like Gore-Tex, but it's Alpinestars’ own proprietary material. And, that allows the Italian to price the boot significantly lower than some of the other Gore-Tex lined boots in its line-up. 

On the protection end, the Alpinestars Corozal are CE rated boots. They have reinforced toe and heel sections for protection, there’s added impact absorption for the ankle, and there’s also a big and thick TPU shield around the shin area. And, of course, it has the bio-mechanical flexi blade system which it borrows from its off-roads cousins. This system allows easy up and down movement of the foot, but it prevents the ankle from twisting during an awkward fall.

Conclusion

Now, we know the Corozal have been designed for touring and ADV riding. But over the next few months, we will use them when riding scooters, while wading through Mumbai waterlogged roads and spend a day walking in them at our workplace. This and more, in three months from now.

Product Details

Seller: Planet DSG

Make: Alpinestars

Model: Corozal Oil Leather Boots (Waterproof)

Price: Rs 27,499 

Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi