Alpinestars Tech 1 K Start V2 Kart Boot Review
I’ve had these boots around for a while waiting to be reviewed. Now I’ve been using the same Sparco K-Run boots for a long while despite doing a round up to see if there was anything better out there. These boots just missed the delivery deadline for that group review but could they be the shoes I’ve always dreamed of wearing in my sim rig? Let’s find out.
The boots I have here today have a fairly simple colour scheme. It’s understated and I quite like them that way. The sole is a good thickness, perhaps a bit more heel than I’m used to with the Sparco K-run but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing and the important toe box is thin which should translate to a good feeling in the pedals. The upper looks solid if not as breathable as some of the other footwear I’ve tried to date.
There are a good number of colour options available for these Alpinestars boots. Some are understated and others bold. You should be able to find some that suit your style however the actual colours used in the range I found a slightly odd choice but that might be because I love green and didn’t manage to find any in that particular colour.
Trying the boots on they feel well padded around the ankle with perhaps a little more room in the toe section for those of us with wider feet. The wide padded opening does make them easy to fit and comfortable to wear, even before they are properly broken in. When bending your toes the stiff upper has a tendency to pinch your toes, though this is more with extreme bends and most people don’t walk or drive that way so it shouldn’t be a big deal but is still worth noting. Despite having some room within the shoe I can’t feel any movement from side-to-side or back-to-forward when walking or in the rig. I’d advise trying out a pair before you commit to a purchase as it feels like those who are on the smaller side of their shoe size may end up having too much movement in the boot. I’ve laced these up ignoring the top lace eyes. If you need a tighter fit on your shoe I’d advise using these. I found lacing them up this way did offer a tighter experience but at the expense of comfort and as the inner lining helps to stop your feet from moving around too much I personally opt for the extra comfort.
00:00 - Introduction
00:40 - Looking Around the Boots
01:10 - Colour Options
01:34 - Fitting
02:53 - Race Testing
04:30 - Final Thoughts
#aplinestars #simracingboots #racegear