So having started reviewing the kit I use, by discussing my leather suit and gloves, today I want to talk about what is, in my opinion, the second most important piece of safety equipment you can wear (behind the helmet); boots.
Following my crash in 2011, despite wearing race boots, I fractured my ankle in four places and as I have no desire to be limping for another 18mths, whenever I ride, I'm wearing as much protection as I can around my feet as I can wear.
Having started riding wearing Sidi boots, which are excellent, I've found myself leaning towards the Alpinestars Supertech R as my boot of choice. I found the Sidi's traditional 'squeak' a fraction annoying and found they made my feet hurt if I had to walk any distance in them. The Supertechs on the other hand, are all day comfy and the only noise comes from the heel striking the floor when walking.
What they say.
Forged on the racetrack, the Supertech R is Alpinestars top-of-the-line road racing boot and benefits from the feedback of elite MotoGP and WSBK athletes. The Supertech features a redesigned inner bootie constructed from 3D technical mesh that further reduces the boot's weight while greatly enhancing breathability, comfort and feel.
What I say
As I mentioned at the start, the Supertechs are all day comfy, both on and off the bike. When I was breaking in my first pair, I wore them all day in the office and I can't recall my feet protesting.
The soles are thin enough to get a great feel for the controls and the reinforced pad on the top of the foot provides the right balance between tough and feel, allowing a confident control of the pedal. Both the sole and pad have worn well.
The toe sliders are replaceable which is especially handy if you drag your toes on the racetrack. They are also quite handy if a car gets too close (not that I'm condoning that kind of behaviour) when riding in the city.
My current pair aren't ventilated and although not waterproof, my feet have stayed dry during all but biblical rain.
As you would expect, they pair well with my Atem suit. The only issue to be aware of is that I have to make sure the leg armour is pulled into the correct position, otherwise it can be a struggle to zip the boot up. This is actually a good thing
Sizing wise, they are generous so I'd advise trying on a pair before purchase.
As with the previous pair, the weak points for the boots are the tabs on the zips (which easily come away) and the laces on the inside have a tendency to fray and then snap after rubbing on the metal cleats that make up the inner boot.
My current pair have at least another season in them and when it comes time for a change, I'll be confident in putting down a further £350+ for a new pair. Best boots I've owned? Despite their few shortcomings, absolutely.
Following my crash in 2011, despite wearing race boots, I fractured my ankle in four places and as I have no desire to be limping for another 18mths, whenever I ride, I'm wearing as much protection as I can around my feet as I can wear.
Having started riding wearing Sidi boots, which are excellent, I've found myself leaning towards the Alpinestars Supertech R as my boot of choice. I found the Sidi's traditional 'squeak' a fraction annoying and found they made my feet hurt if I had to walk any distance in them. The Supertechs on the other hand, are all day comfy and the only noise comes from the heel striking the floor when walking.
What they say.
Forged on the racetrack, the Supertech R is Alpinestars top-of-the-line road racing boot and benefits from the feedback of elite MotoGP and WSBK athletes. The Supertech features a redesigned inner bootie constructed from 3D technical mesh that further reduces the boot's weight while greatly enhancing breathability, comfort and feel.
- Soft TPU mesh front flex area
- Flexible accordion leather at Achilles
- Full-length micro-fibre panel on inner side of the boot
- Lightweight rubber compound sole for excellent grip
- Flexible, lightweight toe shifter allows feeling for changing gears
- Ventilation in the heel and shin TPU, and soft TPU mesh
- Zipped closure mounted on accordion stretch panel
- Micro adjustable ratchet top closure stows tab end inside calf TPU
- The removable anatomic footbed is sculpted for a precise fit
- The entire sole is of the Supertech R Boot is replaceable
- Fibreglass charged polyamide and technical mesh Bio-mechanical ankle brace
- Polyamide compound mouldings around the footbed provide impact protection
- External TPU shin protection wraps around to outer calf
- The separate inner brace works with outer boot to form a protective system
- Clip-on toe-slider (replacement magnesium slider are available)
- Replaceable TPU heel plate slider protects from impact
What I say
As I mentioned at the start, the Supertechs are all day comfy, both on and off the bike. When I was breaking in my first pair, I wore them all day in the office and I can't recall my feet protesting.
The soles are thin enough to get a great feel for the controls and the reinforced pad on the top of the foot provides the right balance between tough and feel, allowing a confident control of the pedal. Both the sole and pad have worn well.
The toe sliders are replaceable which is especially handy if you drag your toes on the racetrack. They are also quite handy if a car gets too close (not that I'm condoning that kind of behaviour) when riding in the city.
My current pair aren't ventilated and although not waterproof, my feet have stayed dry during all but biblical rain.
As you would expect, they pair well with my Atem suit. The only issue to be aware of is that I have to make sure the leg armour is pulled into the correct position, otherwise it can be a struggle to zip the boot up. This is actually a good thing
Sizing wise, they are generous so I'd advise trying on a pair before purchase.
As with the previous pair, the weak points for the boots are the tabs on the zips (which easily come away) and the laces on the inside have a tendency to fray and then snap after rubbing on the metal cleats that make up the inner boot.
My current pair have at least another season in them and when it comes time for a change, I'll be confident in putting down a further £350+ for a new pair. Best boots I've owned? Despite their few shortcomings, absolutely.
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