Aplinestars Supertech R Boots Review
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On the outside the Aplinestars Supertech R boots look quite simple and it's hard to see what you are getting that is worth the £299 RRP tag. It's only when you look deep inside the boot that is all starts to make sense and when all is said and done the Aplinestars Supertech R are some of the most advanced and protective boots on the market.
On the face of it the boots don't look much different to the SMX Plus boots, if anything it looks like it has slightly less armour. The Aplinestars Supertech R though features an inner protective boot that is completely separate from the outer boot. This inner boot offers the core protection for your foot while the outer section provides a little extra on top - literally.
As said the inner boot offers the main protection, which comes in a few forms. The first is armour found in the heel, achilles, metatarsal and toe areas to protect against knocks. Next you have armour that covers the lower regions of the calf and around the sides, but the most important piece of protection is the hinge section connecting the upper calf protection to the lower heel armour. This section goes towards protecting the ankle bone against knocks, but it's most useful purpose is to stop the ankle hyper extending or over twisting in the event of an off, while at the same time allowing the foot to move naturally free so most of the twisting forces are relieved on the foot and not on the knee, which could actually cause greater injury as the knee is more sensitive to twisting forces.
To fasten up this inner boot on the Aplinestars Supertech R, you have a Kevlar based quick lace system. Simply pull the loose end up towards you and the boot tightens snugly to your foot and leg. A handy Velcro patch lets you secure the excess lace so it doesn't get in the way of the outer boot.
The outer boot then. While the inner boot protects the intricate parts of the foot from knocks and twisting forces, the outer boot on the Aplinestars Supertech R has a more simple job. To give the boot some further protection against knocks and abrasion, but also to tie everything nicely up in a bow. The heel section gets further protection, as does the toe section in the form of toe sliders - which I might add are removable and replaceable - and the shins get some protection too from specially moulded TPU. The outer boot zips up on the outside while a ratchet and strap arrangement secures the top of the boot. It's worth mentioning that this strap system is quite widely adjustable, so if you have wide calves you should still be able to get a nice fit.
From a comfort perspective the Aplinestars Supertech R boots have a wealth of vents around them to intake and expel air, while the lining itself is highly breathable, so both go together to help keep the stuffiness away. Being a high end race boot it is super light, and coupled with the flexibility you should have no problems with the boots ever becoming uncomfortable whether on or off the bike.
Conclusion
Being a high end race boot you would expect the Aplinestars Supertech R to be completely track focused, but you would be wrong. Yes they offer arguably the best on track protection on the market for the money, but given the lightweight feel, flexible nature and the general feeling of plushness, I would have no qualms with using these boots on the road.
The burning question though is are you getting your moneys worth. Are the Aplinestars Supertech R boots expensive? Yes. However, are you getting a lot of tech for your money? Definitely. Besides this, I only have to direct you to the Daytona Security Evo boots that offer a similar setup to put pricing into perspective.