Alpinestars Supertech R Boots Review: Introduction

Gallery Introduction The history The Supertech advantage The follow up Product Details

Introduction

The boots you see here are the very best that Alpinestars makes for on-road or tarmac based usage. These are developed and worn by racers likes Marc Marqeuz, Maverick Viñales, Jorge Lorenzo, and even Casey Stoner. Largely regarded as THE race boots to have, the Supertech R has been in production for nearly a decade. This one is the latest iteration.

But, how good are the boots? Are these really only for racers, or could track regulars invest in them as well? And what about sport riding on the road? To find out how good and useable these boots really are, we have got ourselves a pair to review. These are a pair of regular production boots. But, you can also order the Supertechs in the 'special edition' variety that feature the exact same colour schemes as the boots worn by MotoGP stars.

The history

Now, before we tell you more about the Supertech R, it must be noted that the first pair of boots ever produced by the Aplinestars was for motocross. And the company has produced championship winning dirt boots ever since. We have a pair of Tech 7s, and they are brilliant.

Alpinestars then forayed into road racing in the 1970s. And as was the case with motocross products, the Italian company has since produced championship winning stuff in the road racing arena as well.

But, why is all this racing stuff important to us non-racing types? Well, because, as a result of Alpinestars' racing pedigree and experience, the road-going stuff it produces - the stuff we wear on a daily basis - scores high on safety.

However, if it's daily wear, one has to look beyond just safety. What of comfort and durability? And, of breathability and easy of wear? Then, of course, there's control and feel to consider. Alpinestars says, it has all of this covered with the Supertech.

The Supertech advantage

To begin with, the Supertech R uses microfiber construction instead of leather. Not only does this construction give the boots a rich and flawless look, it also makes them water resistant. Not to mention, it makes them easier to clean, and it helps the boots hold their shape for longer. All of this nicely ties up to durability.

The Supertech R are also light, weighing in at just over a kilogram a piece as tested by us. Now Alpinestars says that apart from being lightweight, the range of movement that the microfibre construction offers, the properly shaped shin area, and the light sole, pretty much covers the comfort aspect. And then, the Supertechs come with a separate internal booty.

You wear the booty first, zip up your leathers, and then put the external boots on. This helps give the outside of the boot a less complicated surface. And that means, it can interface with the motorcycle better, thus allowing the rider to grip the bike more securely. And, it provides good ventilation and replacable parts like the heel section without compromising on safety.

The booty itself has the fancy bio-mechanical ankle brace. The brace prevents hyperflexion, but at the same time allows free movement of the ankle and foot. This gives the rider more control, and it is supposed to add to comfort as well. Furthermore, with the mesh construction for the booty, and a vented boot, we expect the Supertech will offer cool running, even in our warm and muggy weather.

Other highlights of the boot include a stretch panel alongside the zipper for easier closure. The toe-shifter is more flexible for better feel. There's ventilation around the shin and heel area for improved air flow. And, the inner side of the boot that interfaces with the motorcycle now gets a new texture for better grip and feel and for added protection against abrasion and heat. Alpinestars has also added a stretch material in the Achilles area, which the company says allows for natural movement and higher support.

The follow up

Now we will be using these boots on our commute, and on a racetrack, and during our weekend rides to our favourite twisties over the next three months. The idea is to find out how well the Supertech R score on comfort, and on rider-motorcycle interface, and the control and feel they lend to both the gear shifter and the brake pedal. So, come back and find out what we have to say.

Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi