Alpinstar Corazal Adventure Drystar Boots. Tough boots for tough trails
Alpinstar Corazal Adventure Drystar Boots. Tough boots for tough trails
- Julian
- August 1, 2019
- 10:22 am
- No Comments
Wearing proper boots when riding a motorcycle is always a smart move. But wearing proper boots when riding off-road is not just smart- we’d say it’s essential. Yet when motocross style boots feel heavy and cumbersome for trail and adventure riding, maybe there is an alternative? The Alpinestar Corazal Adventure Drystar boots look like a suitable option. So that’s why we checked them out ..
TOUGH CONSTRUCTION
So how are the Alpinestar Corazal Adventure Drystar boots put together? Well up top there’s a full leather upper – we chose the brown oiled leather one for the classic look but you can get a more practical Henry Ford black. On the inner side there are textured panels in the same leather that assist grip on the frame.
At the front and back of the boot there are ‘bellows’ made from a similarly tough lightweight microfibre that allow movement. The sole of the boot is made from polypropylene with a limited tread pattern that will not hold too much dirt while still delivering grip. There is a small heel to hold the pegs in place but not enough to catch you out when leg-out cornering.
The boots are secured with a large velcro pad and a two buckle closure system, using Alpinestar‘s ever reliable and positive self-aligning quick release polymer buckles which are adjustable by about two inches on each strap.
ELEMENTS OUT
OK so one of the main things with off-road boots is their ability to keep out the worst of the weather and the landscape. The Alpinestar Corazal Adventure Drystar boots have the patented Drystar membrane layer between the upper and lower lining to keep your feet dry and toasty in even the most challenging of terrain. Inside the boot there’s a polyurethane coated leather gaiter to prevent water and dust getting to your feet. At the top of the boot there is a flexible cuff that seals well round your calf. The sole is securely bonded to the upper boot with no stitching.
PROTECTION SECTION
It’s no good looking good if your boots don’t protect you out on the road and the trails. But don’t fret – the The Alpinestar Corazal Adventure Drystar boots are just as strong and well protected as their motocross equivalents. There’s a hard shin plate with the Alpinestar logo at the front, a bi-lateral flex system that allows front and rear movement while fully supporting the ankle. Further ankle protection comes from a double density TPU – thermoplastic polyurethane – pad over the inner anklebone area and the entire area is well padded.
The gear change area has a textured TPU covering on your left foot, and there’s the same on the right foot incase you are riding an old British bike! The EVA – ethyl vinyl acetate – insole has a Lycra lining on the top surface and cushions your foot and is replaceable.
The heel area and toe box are strengthened and layered inside the boot, and there is a steel shank integrated into the construction of the polypropylene sole. The The Alpinestar Corazal Adventure Drystar boots is CE certified to EN 13634:2010 – which obviously you are familiar with!
ROAD RUNNER
If a boot is going to perform well as an adventure boot, it needs to be as comfortable and usable on the blacktop as on the dirt, and as user friendly on a Husqvarna TE300 as on a BMW R1250 GSA. And on the basis of our six months with the Alpinestar Corazal, they are just that. From motorway cruising to backroad scratching, the Corazals are all-day comfortable and give good feel on the foot controls and good grip against the frame rails.
But do they keep out the rain? Well so far yes, as long as you run your riding trousers over the outside and don’t actively stand in knee deep water. The boots are a tad wide to fit inside road trousers such as the LS2 Nimble, but work for adventure and enduro trousers.
TRAIL TIME
But if the Corazals are good on the road, then surely they are too soft on the trails? Not a bit of it – these boots are excellent for trail or adventure riding for day after day and mile after mile. They are easy to get on and off, support your feet and ankles really well and are suitably padded to cushion your ankles from impacts and flexing.
The soles are grippy and hard wearing and you don’t feel too much direct pressure from the footpegs. The toe is wide enough to allow easy upchanges, and the sole is not too thick as to lose feel on delicate braking.
Returning to the waterproof question, then as with the road the boots only stay waterproof if you don’t end up standing and / or crossing water that goes over the top of the boot. After that point the boots’ waterproof credentials tend to keep the water in the boot rather than keeping it out. Even waterproof socks are not the answer as although your feet may be dry, the outer of the sock is still sopping wet!
That aside, the Corazals are a great addition to the kit bag for off-road riding.
APPEARANCE
DURABILITY
So having picked the oiled leather brown version of the Alpinestar Corazal, we’re well chuffed with them. In fact they almost get better as the get older, adopting a suitably rugged adventurer look. Love ’em!
As one of the leading motorcycle boot manufacturer both on and off-road we’re not surprised that the Corazal’s are lasting well and we fully expect to be wearing them for many years, just like our Tech 10s
COMFORT
VALUE
No complaints here either, we’ve ridden these on a 500 mile TET trip with not the merest hint of discomfort. They are well padded, offer good sole and ankle support and protection all round. That’s all you need and more
You have to pay for quality, but the Alpinestars are surprisingly well priced at around £200, so that’s $299 or 355 AUD. Yes there are cheaper options but they won’t perform as well or look as good.
RIDE EXPEDITIONS VERDICT - ALPINESTAR CORAZAL ADVENTURE DRYSTAR BOOTS
It will come as little surprise that we like the Alpinestar Corazal Adventure Drystar boots, as we’ve never had one of their products we don’t like. From jackets to trousers, body armour to boots Alpinestar kit screams out quality and great design and these boots are the same. Good adventure boots should be as comfortable as good shoes yet protect you from the extremes of the terrain and they tick both those boxes and more. Recommended.
