Tag Archives: Apparel Reviews

Scorpion Cargo Air Motorcycle Jacket Review

March 14, 2025 mcnews Leave a comment

Here at Rider, we adhere to ATGATT, meaning “All The Gear, All The Time.” Yep, that means full riding gear even in sweltering heat. Getting overheated while riding can also lead to unsafe situations, but luckily there’s a solution that can keep riders both cool and protected: mesh riding gear, like the Scorpion Cargo Air motorcycle jacket.

Mesh jackets allow lots of airflow to keep riders almost as cool as they’d be without dedicated riding gear. The Scorpion Cargo Air jacket is made of 600D polyester and Scorpion’s exclusive RhinoMesh. Overlays of 600D polyester in the shoulders and elbows provide additional abrasion resistance. Sas-Tec CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow armor is included. The jacket has a pocket for back armor, but the armor itself needs to be bought separately. Scorpion makes the jacket in both a men’s and a women’s version with different fits and adjustment options. I tested the women’s version.

The Cargo Air is also lightweight and has adjustment points to ensure a secure fit. Elastic straps at the waist can snap to different positions, and two expansion areas at the bottom of the jacket can be unzipped to provide more room. The sleeves have a forearm adjustment strap with two snap positions.

Some days start out too cool for only mesh but get hot in the afternoon. On these days, I expand the jacket at the adjustment points so I can fit a sweater or windbreaker under the jacket, then I tighten the adjustment points back up once I take off my underlayer later in the day. The only adjustment option I don’t care for is the snap button on the forearm. If I bend my arms too much, like while fueling up or fastening my helmet, the buttons dig into the inside of my elbows and become uncomfortable.

The most unique feature of this jacket is also where it gets the name “Cargo,” and that’s the rolled-up cargo bag that’s zipped away in a tail pocket. If you bought too many souvenirs at that weird roadside attraction, just roll out the bag, stuff it full of magnets and kitschy keychains, and button it to the snaps on the upper back of the jacket to create a sort of backpack. You can also upgrade your jacket with the optional Scorpion Reflective Bag for Cargo Air ($24.95), which is waterproof. I’ve found the cargo bag feature to be more useful than I expected.

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The Scorpion Cargo Air motorcycle jacket allows me to ride on hot summer days and keep cool while staying protected. Its abundant adjustability is useful for changing the fit to accommodate layers, and the cargo bag is convenient for carrying things I pick up along the ride. The men’s version is available in sizes S-5XL in black, blue, or gray starting at $149.95, and the women’s version comes in sizes S-2XL in black, pink, or sand starting at $169.95.

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Indie Ridge Motorcycle Boots Review

March 10, 2025 mcnews Leave a comment

As the national brand ambassador for BMW Police Authority and an Advanced Riding Clinic instructor for Total Control Training, I teach, compete, perform demos, and train year-round. The translation for all that cool-sounding stuff is that I ride 700-plus-lb motorcycles in complex police patterns at the absolute edge of my abilities against a stopwatch, which demands excellent dexterity from my motorcycle boots. Then I do loads of teaching off-bike, which requires all-day comfort on my feet. And in both scenarios, I need foot and ankle protection for unplanned dismounts when I hit the deck from time to time.

This is where the “iron triangle” comes into play. When it comes to dexterity, comfort, and protection, you can usually have one or two but rarely all three. The sad truth is that, for many years, I wore police patrol boots for the dexterity and comfort they offered, knowing damn well they weren’t providing any meaningful protection if I dropped the bike. Not great.

After years of tradeoffs and frustration, I’ve finally found the best riding boots for my blend of competition, teaching, and traveling. They are made by a Southern California company called Indie Ridge. Before you roll your eyes and think this is an infomercial or paid testimonial, let me just say that the journey searching for these boots has been long and miserable. So now that I’ve finally found what I’m looking for, I can’t help but scream it from the rooftops.

The short version of the story is that I was yet again hunting for boots in online forums, magazine reviews, and product test videos when I saw an image of a cool leather high-top motorcycle boot. Then I noticed that the riding boots are CE rated for abrasion, puncture resistance, and transverse rigidity. As a bonus, they’re also waterproof. It appears I had found the Holy Grail of boots that offered dexterity, comfort, AND protection. Experience would be the test, so I ponied up for a pair and put them through hell.

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My initial purchase was about a year ago, and since then I’ve worn these boots at every competition, training, clinic, demo, ride day, you name it. I even stopped packing sneakers when I fly because they are so comfortable (and they don’t set off the metal detectors at the airport). Most importantly, the needed dexterity hasn’t come at the price of protection. I’ve probably dropped my bike around 10 times since I first laced them up, including situations where they’ve been pinned between the crash bar and the pavement while sliding at 30 mph. To date, I can look you in the eye and tell you I’ve experienced precisely zero injuries to my feet (my ego is a different story) and zero structural issues with the boots.

That’s something I’ve never been able to say about riding boots. So yeah, these boots work really well, and I wanted you to know. They are available in six styles (I bought The Commanche) in men’s and women’s sizes for $195.

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Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Airbag Vest Review

March 3, 2025 mcnews Leave a comment

In the May 2024 issue of Rider, I stated in my First Gear column – “Invest in Yourself” – that, as part of our commitment to safety, our staffers are now required to wear an airbag vest anytime they are on a test bike or at a press launch. Fully autonomous airbag vests are so effective at protecting a rider’s torso and vital organs that we consider them as indispensable as a full-coverage helmet.

Alpinestars provided each member of our editorial team with a Tech-Air 5 vest, which looks like a heavy-duty T-shirt that zips up the front. The vest has a built-in ventilated back protector with a compartment that contains argon gas canisters. Inside the breathable fabric of the vest is an airbag that, upon deployment, protects the back, shoulders, chest, and sides of the torso. The vest should be form-fitting, and it is worn under your riding jacket. There should be at least 1.5 inches of space around the circumference of your torso to allow room for the air‐bag to deploy inside the jacket. You can keep the shoulder and elbow armor in your jacket, but you should remove the jacket’s back protector since the vest has one built into it.

A charging cable is provided, and the battery is good for up to 30 hours of riding time (to be on the safe side, I charge mine after every ride). Pairing the vest with the Tech-Air App allows you to get over‐the‐air firmware updates, change ride modes (Street or Race), and check battery status. Zipping up the vest and securing the Velcro flap at the top turns on the Tech-Air, and a series of red/amber/green LED lights on the front indicate when the vest is activated.

The Tech-Air’s electronic system has six integrated sensors (three gyroscopes and three accelerometers) and an AI-enhanced algorithm that monitors conditions and deploys the airbag in the event of a crash. Alpinestars says the Tech-Air 5 decreases impact force by up to 95% compared to a passive back protector, equivalent to “18 back protectors,” and the system also protects the rider’s shoulders, chest, and ribs.

Once the vest is on and my riding jacket is zipped up, I forget I’m wearing the Tech-Air 5 – so much so that when I took a parking-lot speed tumble and the airbag deployed, it took me by surprise. Deployment takes only 20-40 milliseconds, depending on the vest’s size. Alpinestars’ research found that most crashes last 1.5 seconds, so the airbag deflates after about 5 seconds. On a hot day, the non-breathable airbag impedes airflow, but that’s a small price to pay for such a high level of protection.

If the Tech-Air 5 deploys, it must be returned to Alpinestars to have the airbag inspected and the gas canisters replaced. For the first three deployments, only the gas canisters need to be replaced ($179). After the third deployment, the canisters and the airbag need to be replaced ($299). Service takes about a week.

The Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 retails for $789.95, about the same price as a premium helmet, and it’s available in sizes XS-2XL. At press time, the Tech-Air 5 was discounted on the Alpinestars website and other retail sites because it will soon be replaced by the Tech-Air 5 Plasma, which includes a Nucleon Plasma back protector, the addition of an Off‐Road mode, and gas canisters that can be replaced by the user.

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Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 Motorcycle Boots Review

February 10, 2025 mcnews Leave a comment

There is a thriving retro/modern trend in motorcycling. Virtually every motorcycle brand now offers models that hearken back to a golden era of the sport but employ modern features and technology. Alpinestars’ Oscar Monty V2 motorcycle boots shoehorn very nicely into this new-meets-old movement.

The newest iteration of the Monty lace-up boots are a celebration of the work boots of the ’60s and ’70s. Many of us of a certain vintage wore this style of boot below rolled-up Levi’s jeans in the time of Creedence Clearwater and 2-strokes. Heck, you can almost smell wafting premix just looking at these things.

I had the chance to put the Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 motorcycle boots to a full test in a recent ride along the banks of the Colorado River. The three-state tour included street riding, dirt forays, and a bit of hiking. Spoiler alert: The Monty boots are a new personal favorite.

First, let’s get to the design. The boots are constructed of full 1.4-1.6mm bovine leather. They feature a moc-toe that Alpinestars has designed specifically for motorcycling. The seams in the toe area are relegated to the front and outside of the boot so that they don’t interfere with movement above and below the shifter. The off-white, wedge outsole is also designed to be grippy and comfortable but without undue height. The aesthetic of the Monty boots is spot-on in this scribe’s opinion.

Importantly, that aesthetic in no way outshines the Monty’s safety features. The CE-certified boots incorporate dual-density ankle medial and external cup protectors to offer critical protection in the ankle area. There is also engineered reinforcement in the heel counter and toe box. The heavy leather and motorcycle-specific armoring inspire confidence.

As mentioned, the Oscar Monty V2s are a lace-up style, but they also feature a sturdy, hidden zipper on the inboard side of the boot. With the robust leather and full armoring, these boots can still be a bit challenging to get on, especially when new. However, that is a small price to pay for this level of protection and comfort.

So how do these boots perform in the real world? They work exactly like motorcycle boots should on the road. There is no need for the exaggerated movements above and below the shifter that make conventional work boots a pain on a motorcycle. The sole is stiff enough in the arch area that standing on the pegs is comfortable and secure. In the dirt, the boots eclipse road-only boots in stability and surefootedness. Finally, the Monty boots are comfortable when the kickstand goes down, even on longer hikes in the dirt.

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The Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 motorcycle boots will not be collecting dust in my closet. While they will not fully replace my pure dirt boots or my technical, street-specific treads, their usefulness range eclipses either of those other offerings. They are ultra-competent and comfortable boots that also happen to look cool. They’re available for $269.95 in sizes 8-14.

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Rev’It Component 2 H2O Jacket and Component H2O Pants Review

January 24, 2025 mcnews Leave a comment

Rev'It Component 2 H2O Motorcycle Jacket and Component H2O Pants — We review the Rev’It Component 2 H2O jacket and Component H2O pants on a cold, wet ride on Triumph Scrambler 1200s.

Part of what makes riding adventure and dual-sport bikes so much fun is acting like a kid again, splashing through puddles, getting dirty, and having a total ball. My riding apparel of choice as a BMX bike-riding, ramp-jumping boy was Wrangler dungarees, their knees permanently discolored with grass stains and ground-in dirt.

I’m all grown-up now – physically if not emotionally – so the bikes have gotten bigger and more expensive, and the apparel has gotten more sophisticated. Like this Rev’It kit – the Component 2 H2O Jacket and Component H2O Pants, which are part of the brand’s Dirt Series. As the chemical formula for water in their name implies, this gear is waterproof thanks to a Hydratex membrane laminated inside the abrasion-resistant Cordura ripstop fabric that makes up the outer shell of the jacket and pants. Both garments have an “active fit” cut as well as PWR|Shell Ripstop stretch material in key locations to allow freedom of movement.

Rev'It Component 2 H2O Motorcycle Jacket — Rev’It Component 2 H2O Motorcycle Jacket and Component H2O Motorcycle Pants Review

The jacket has an anorak design with a detachable hood, a neoprene collar, multiple vents, waterproof exterior pockets, and inner chest pockets. The pants also have vents and waterproof outer pockets, and their straight legs allow them to fit over bulky knee braces and off-road boots. Both garments come with removable CE Level 1 SeeSmart armor – at the shoulders, elbows, and back on the jacket and at the hips and knees on the pants. The pants have a removable insulated liner that’s like a pair of shorts, but the jacket has no liner.

I got my first test of the Rev’It gear on a cold, wet ride on Triumph’s Scrambler 1200s. Even with a fleece pullover and thermal base layers (I skipped the puffy shorts liner), the gear fit well – not too restrictive nor too bulky. For extra insurance, I removed the knee armor and instead wore Rev’It’s Scram knee protectors ($99.99).

On our first day, we rode through an absolute deluge made more unpleasant with temperatures in the upper 30s – another thousand feet of elevation and we would have been riding in snow. Thankfully, Rev’It’s waterproof claims held up. Day 2 was an off-road test over technical terrain that required a lot of exertion. The small vents brought in a modicum of fresh air on that cool winter day, but during off-road rides later in the season when it was warmer, I wished for larger, higher-flow vents. Therein lies the trade-off with waterproof riding gear – keeping water out often trumps ventilation. (Rev’It’s mesh Territory jacket, also part of the Dirt Series, is better suited for warm conditions.)

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Overall, I really like the Rev’It Component gear because it is high-quality, well-designed stuff. The fit is ideal for off-road riding, the gear is lightweight yet durable, and it has useful features, like rubberized zipper pulls that are easy to grasp with gloved fingers. I especially like the ratcheted adjustment strap on the pant’s waist that holds up to the pressure exerted by my Dad-bod paunch better than a button or snap.

The Rev’It Component 2 H2O jacket is available in three colors (Brown, Aubergine, and Black) in men’s sizes S-3XL for $499.99, and the Component H2O Pants are available in Black in men’s sizes S-4XL in short, standard, and long lengths for $469.99.

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Fly Racing Youth Maverik Boots Review

December 2, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

Fly Racing Youth Maverik Boots red/black

As a parent of a 9-year-old who rides, having the proper gear – like these Fly Racing Youth Maverik Boots – is essential for his safety and my sanity. Watching him whiz around on his Volcon Kids Moto Two or Greenger x Honda CRF-E2 electric dirtbikes, I have the normal concerns any parent would have for their child’s safety. August loves riding his bikes but is not a fan of gearing up. Understandable for a kid who is used to skateboarding barefoot in shorts around the neighborhood. However, the non-negotiable rule is: If he wants to ride, he has to wear all the gear.

Once August gets his gear on, he struts around the garage like a superhero and has a big smile on his face. I explain to him that the bulky gear allows him to ride faster and push the envelope, and if he takes a tumble the gear will protect him.

The Fly Racing Youth Maverik Boots are great for August. They provide excellent protection with quality leather and plastic construction as well as inner ankle protection, an articulate rear ankle, 3D-molded plastic shifter and shin protection, and a metal toe guard. The non-lug sole provides good traction when he has one foot down at a stop. The graphics look sharp and caught his little brother’s eye, sparking a tinge of jealousy in him. (I assured little brother Wolfgang that he will inherit the boots when he’s big enough.)

The Maverik’s straps and buckles are quite sturdy. The straps are adjustable in length, but the buckles are non-adjustable, fixed in place with screws. The boots are initially stiff, which is great for safety but can be difficult for a 9-year-old to get the needed leverage to close the buckles. That’s when Dad gets to play valet and finish buckling up the boots. Gear up completed, time to go riding!

There’s a field near our house with a large sandpit that offers good space for riding. August’s electric bikes are silent, so they don’t bother the neighbors. August took off out the driveway and headed over with me following on my bicycle. Once at the field, August was bombing laps. At one point, he was attempting a tight, low speed turn (the bane of new riders) and went down. Of course, the bike landed on his leg and pinned him to the ground. No better example of why wearing all the gear is essential. The Maverik boots protected his leg from the bike’s footpeg, and in true Dad fashion, I said “See! That’s why you wear the gear!” as I picked up the bike and he stood up.

After the mishap, August jumped back on the bike and tore off down the field no worse for wear. The stiffness of the boots gave August confidence to start riding standing up and attacking more difficult terrain like a giant sand pit. On the pegs, “throttle” pinned, he charged into the pit and flew out the other side with a big grin. I suggested that he practice putting a foot out when making turns, and he tried it out. The smooth sole made it easy for his boot to glide over the grass.

The Fly Racing Maverik boot is an excellent choice for young riders, and August recommends them! They are available in Black, Black/Red (shown), and Black/Pink in youth sizes 1-6 for $129.95.

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Speed and Strength Moment of Truth Motorcycle Jacket and Gloves Review

November 4, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

When it comes to motorcycle apparel, there’s definitely a moment of truth. For some riders that boils down to safety; for others comfort is the primary concern. When a jacket addresses both of those needs, the designers have done their job. Speed and Strength’s Moment of Truth motorcycle jacket and gloves live up to the name by offering riders comfortable and stylish apparel with standard safety features. I tested this gear over the course of several weeks in an array of riding conditions.

The Moment of Truth Jacket has an AR600 textile and AR400 super stretch-fit frame that is breathable as well as form-fitting. The size Large fit my 200-lb, 6-foot-1 frame like a glove thanks to waist and sleeve adjusters. After dialing in the jacket, I found it well suited for a range of riding styles. I enjoyed outings on sportbikes, standards, and cruisers, and the gear adapted to each scenario and the ergonomics with ease. This three-season jacket caters to a broad temperature range. I’ve worn it in the heat of the summer as well as on cooler fall days and appreciated its versatility.

The jacket comes with removable CE Level 2 shoulder and elbow protectors and a removable CE Level 1 back protector. The armor doesn’t make those areas of the jacket feel cumbersome or rigid. The back of the jacket also includes two belt loops to connect the jacket to pants for better protection. And for visibility, the jacket comes with reflective trim in all three colorways: black, black and gray (shown), or black and red.

A jacket’s storage is an important consideration. The standard outside pockets on the jacket can accommodate a large mobile phone without the zipper feeling tight. The jacket also comes with two inside pockets, one outfitted with a hook for a key ring and the second a cavernous option for an extra helmet faceshield.

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The Moment of Truth jacket is a sensible option for riders looking for a versatile piece of apparel. It comes in sizes S-3XL and retails for $199.95.

Speed and Strength’s Moment of Truth Gloves are constructed from a combination of leather and vented textile fabric and incorporate thermoplastic knuckle protectors. For further safety, the palms are reinforced with leather and include a thermoplastic-rubber palm slider. The short neoprene cuff closes with a hook-and-loop strap on the inside of the wrist, but the textile fabric in the glove can get caught in that hook-and-loop strap, so opening and closing with the leather-covered fingers is advised. Those fingers are also touchscreen sensitive, so riders can use mobile devices while wearing the gloves.

The Moment of Truth gloves are lightweight and, given their venting, are best suited for warm weather. They remain comfortable through extended rides. And like the Moment of Truth jacket, the gloves come in black, black and gray, or black and red. They are available in sizes S-2XL, with the XL fitting my 4-inch-wide hand in a snug but not tight manner. These gloves retail for $59.95.

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Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Leather Airbag Vest Review

October 7, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Airbag Vest — The Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Leather Airbag Vest offers a stylish and low-profile way to keep yourself protected while enjoying the ride.

No rider who has crashed on the street ever wished they weren’t wearing protective gear. Beyond an armored riding jacket or suit, a higher level of protection is available from airbags worn over your torso that reduce the force of impacts.

Early airbag technology employed a tether system that required riders to detach or deactivate them when willingly dismounting a motorcycle. The latest systems are autonomous, using gyroscopic sensors that automatically inflate the airbag when a crash is sensed.

Alpinestars is the leader in airbag technology, first supplying it to MotoGP racers in 2009. While roadracers have been benefiting from airbag protection, few street riders want to crawl inside a neck-to-ankle leather suit for their trip to Starbucks or work. The Tech-Air 3 vest provides airbag protection for street riders and can be worn over or under a jacket.

The Tech-Air 3 ($599.95) was introduced in 2023. New to the lineup are the Tech-Air 3 Leather ($749.95) tested here and the Tech-Air 3 Canvas ($649.95), which are aimed at V-Twin riders but are suitable for all street riders. The Leather/Canvas vests have different features from the original version, like an internal flap holder to allow the chest airbag to be tucked out of sight when walking around, a hidden LED panel on the chest, dual zippered pockets, and a zippered back slot that enables adding patches.

Once slipped on, the 4-lb vest is barely noticeable, and stretch panels allow for a good range of motion. The inflation canister resides in the lower left corner of the vest and can be felt if riding on a seat with a hump behind it. A perforated back panel and internal air channels promote ventilation.

The Tech-Air 3 boasts a simple and intuitive design. There are no complex installation procedures – simply slip it on, attach the magnetic closure on the chest air bladder to activate, and zip it up. The battery is claimed to provide 40 hours of use.

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The vest features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to pair it with the Alpinestars app on your smartphone. The app provides information on battery level, system status, and service history, and it allows downloading updates to ensure the vest is running the latest software.

A key element of the Tech-Air 3 Leather is that it doesn’t stand out as safety apparel. It’s nicely styled and has a clean appearance, so I prefer to wear it over my riding jackets. Keep in mind that wearing it under a jacket takes up space, so you’ll need a little wiggle room inside your jacket to allow for inflation.

Luckily, I’ve yet to get into a situation that would warrant an airbag deployment, but with three gyroscopes and three accelerometers keeping tabs, plus Alpinestars’ extensive experience with this technology, I’m confident the bags would inflate when needed – apparently in only 50 milliseconds. If the airbag deploys, you’ll need to send it to Alpinestars to get the air canister replaced for a $100 fee.

Midway into a crash won’t be a good time to wonder if you should be wearing a Tech-Air 3.

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Highway 21 Motordrome Motorcycle Jacket Review

October 7, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

Highway 21 Motordrome Motorcycle Jacket BMW R 18 Roctane — Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad

There are numerous styles of motorcycle jacket that provide high-quality form and function, but when I’m on my Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail, I usually lean toward something leather and with a little style. When it came time to review the Highway 21 Motordrome leather motorcycle jacket, I tried to think of something that needs to be improved on, but after wearing it for over a year, I’ve only come up satisfied.

Highway 21 Motordrome Motorcycle Jacket — The Highway 21 Motordrome motorcycle jacket features a retro racer style and options for adjusting temperature comfort.

The Motordrome is a premium leather jacket that Highway 21 says has a heavy stylistic nod to boardtrack racing, hence the name. It features a snap club collar, diamond-stitched accents, and an off-white strip across the chest and forearms. If that’s not your style, maybe that’s the one thing not to like about this jacket, but I really like the retro racer look.

From a safety standpoint, the Motordrome has pockets for back and elbow armor compatible with Fly Barricade CE armor (sold separately) and plenty of storage space, including five pockets on the jacket itself (two chest, two handwarmers, and a concealed carry) and an extra Napoleon chest pocket on the removable thermal liner.

The chest pockets double as front ventilation, which is complemented by dual-zippered wrist vents so you can keep the wrist cuffs tight and still get airflow up the sleeves. Air flows out of two sizable zippered exhaust vents on the back.

Between the thermal liner and the ventilation, you have plenty of options to moderate your riding temperature comfort level. Highway 21 says this motorcycle jacket is good for “Cold” and “Mild” but not “Hot.” That seems about right, but I might add another level in between the latter two and say it works for “Warm.”

On the lower end of the spectrum, I’ve regularly worn the jacket with the liner and just a T-shirt in the upper 30s and been comfortable (and I’ve gone down in the 20s with an extra long-sleeve layer). Or I can take out the liner, open all the vents, and throw on a tank top, and I’m comfortable into the 80s.

I have the armor with my jacket, and between the reassurance I get from that and the leather, along with the considerable temperature range, the Motordrome is my go-to motorcycle jacket for most of my cruising months.

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And it not only looks good on my Harley, it also looks good on the BMW R 18 Roctane (shown in photos) and other cruisers and retro-style bikes I’ve tested.

The Highway 21 Motordrome jacket comes in distressed Antique Black in men’s sizes S-4XL for $289.95.

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Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 V2 Motorcycle Boots Review

October 7, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

I have a few pairs of riding boots that I enjoy for most day-to-day riding, but when I signed up for a class with California Superbike School, I realized none of them were appropriate for a true trackday. I needed something with more protection suited for track-style riding, but I also wanted something comfortable enough to wear on street rides. From the description on the website, it seemed the Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 V2 Motorcycle Boots would fit the ticket.

The Stella SMX-6 V2 motorcycle boots includes many protective features that provide support, utility, and peace of mind. The upper is constructed from advanced microfiber for abrasion resistance. When pulling the boots out of the box, I first noticed their TPU-injected shin guards. Occasionally my foot will slip off one of the pegs and knock my shins into controls, so I was happy to have protection in this key area.

The boots also include shift pads to protect the material from frequent contact with the shifter, and the sliders on the outside toe are replaceable. The toe box provides added protection, as does the hard heel cup. There’s also a TPU lateral ankle brace for structural integrity and to prevent the ankle from moving in ways it’s not supposed to. There’s an additional ankle protector inside as well.

With all these protective pieces, it’s easy to imagine these boots might not provide enough flexibility for comfort. Alpinestars solves that problem with accordion-style flex zones above the heel and across the front. This construction allows the boots to flex enough to offer freedom of movement while the protective parts restrict the rider’s feet and ankles from moving too far or in unnatural directions.

The boots feature a wide and long hook-and-loop fastener with a zipper under the hook-and-loop flap for getting into and out of them. Given how wide the boots open, it’s quick and easy to slide my feet in or out when needed. While wearing them, the hook-and-loop has held up well and never feels as if it’s pulling apart while riding or walking.

The boots also feature a compound rubber sole with an intricate tread pattern that kept my feet from slipping off the pegs while riding and provided enough grip to easily walk around in the paddock.

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These Stella SMX-6 V2 boots were a great choice for someone like me who wants top-level protection and capability for occasional trackdays while maintaining comfort and flexibility for street rides. After my day at California Superbike School, I was plenty tired and sore, but my feet and ankles were not. As I’d hoped when ordering them, the boots are comfortable enough to make for good street-riding footwear as well.

The Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 V2 Boots are available in women’s sizes 36-43. Alpinestars also offers a vented version and men’s SMX-6 V2 boots.

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MotorCycle News

Tag Archives: Apparel Reviews

Scorpion Cargo Air Motorcycle Jacket Review

Indie Ridge Motorcycle Boots Review

Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Airbag Vest Review

Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 Motorcycle Boots Review

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