For the Fall of 2010, Alpinestars has released several new boot options for the ADV & Sport Touring rider. Building on the strong foundation that they have developed over years and years of boot manufacturing, AStars has upgraded the features and functionality of existing boots and also constructed two pairs of completely new models.
The Hydro Sport & ST Vented Boots share similar features. Both boots are built based on the Alpinestars S-MX 5 boots; at the clamoring of touring riders, Alpinestars streamlined the old design and removed the external hard parts that were bulking them up. Both boots are an external leather construction with PU impact reinforcements: a PU shin plate, an internal toe counter and shift pad, and an external PU heel counter. They have dual density ankle cups, a PU ankle slider and a shank in the sole for added protection. The difference? The Hydro Sport boots are completely waterproof breathable via the Drystar membrane while the ST Vented boots are perforated for warm weather riding. These are both very versatile touring boots.
Both the Ridge and the Roam boots are designed for all-season all-weather sport touring, constructed with a synthetic leather upper and lightweight textile panels for airflow. Both boots are fully waterproof breathable utilizing the Drystar membrane proprietary to AStars. The structured shank built into the vulcanized rubber sole is extremely rigid in the the rear of the foot for support but flexible in the front of the foot for comfort. The footbed used is anatomic and removable with multiple densities of EVA padding throughout for unbridled comfort. Essentially the same boot construction for both, the Ridge boots are 3/4 cut while the Roam boots come slightly higher up the shin. These boots are both all-around great everyday all-weather riding boots.