Alpinestars SuperTech R
Where to start? I needed to get a new set of boots. My boot history is Sidi Vertigo > Sidi Vortice > A* SuperTech R. Why leave Sidi? They do make some fine boots no doubt. I decided to sell my Vertigos when I realized I needed to size down, plus they survived a crash on the street when I was hit by a car. They were perfectly usable. These were made of leather.
I used the Vortices from early 09 (about when I bought my R1) up until a couple months ago. As it turns out, one of the boots suffered badly in this incident in August of last year -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiUwh9rDGog The Lorica (which the Vortice and now all Sidi boots are made entirely of) wore almost entirely through on one boot on top of the foot. Maybe I'm being a bit harsh but I felt they should have held up better given I got hit going a little faster with the Vertigos, plus I was actually hit. Could just be bad luck. Either way, the Vortices had some features I didn't end up caring for. All of its vents (luckily the boot is perforated) eventually just stop moving. They get gunked up over time I imagine, and ~3 years of use take a toll. Secondly, they were pretty bad (OK very bad) to tuck a 1 piece into, even with the larger adjusters. Finally, ever since switching to aftermarket rearsets, the Sidis snag like a mofo. They seemed fond of the heel guard in particular. Sidis are generally pretty comfy boots, but they still feel like a motorcycle boot. Due to their design I'd have to wear tall socks (not so with the A*).
I know many here (and everywhere) swear by Sidis, and that's fine. Personal preference certainly plays a big role here.
So, let's start with where the Supertech R is different than the Vortice. Sidi tends to keep the inside of the boot mostly clean, and outside is where all the armor, adjusters, etc. are placed. They are out in plain view, ready for the rider to adjust the boot. If there is something Sidis have over all others, it is their adjustability and the ability to tighten so many different points on the foot/lower leg. Sidis also have more easily replaceable parts (soles, sliders, adjusters, and about anything else that is fastened on).
The SuperTech R (as you can see in the photo) is a pretty smooth-looking boot. It has various sliders and a bit of external armor, but overall it looks fairly tame protection-wise. That is because you cannot see inside when it's being worn. The SuperTech R has an inner boot with a bit more armor and it utilizes a comfortable, breathable mesh-like material.
The neon-colored laces can be rapidly tightened and then cinched down. Finally, they are secured by wrapping around the leg and there is a handy velcro attachment to keep them out of the way. Ultimately, the tightening/fitting process only takes a couple seconds the foot is in the boot. From there you can zip the boots up and then use a ratchet-like system to tighten them. Compared to the procedure required to put on the Vortices, it will take about 1/4 of the time overall, maybe less.
The boots have excellent dexterity and feel. Any time you reposition your foot on the pegs you can really tell a big difference. It doesn't feel like my foot has a solid, molded object around it that does not want to move. It feels quite a bit like wearing leather steel toe work boots that have been broken in a bit. The traction from the sole is very good and I felt no slipping. Oh, and the suit problem is non-existent - my Spidi JP3 tucks in very nicely and it feels fine.
As for sizing, I wore 43 EU in the Vortice, but for these 42 EU was perfect.
I very, very highly recommend these boots.
