*CONSTRUCTION*
* Fully featured touring DRYSTAR® boot for long distance road riding in a range of climactic conditions.
* Main upper material constructed from reinforced leather for improved comfort, durability and abrasion resistance.
* Full DRYSTAR® internal membrane ensures 100% waterproof performance and a high level of breathability.
* Extensive front and rear accordion constructed from microfiber to offer durability, comfort and excellent range of forward and back flex movement.
* Medial side entry opening / closing system with elastic-mounted zipper and wide flap hook-and-loop grip closure for convenience and precise, secure, fit. Incorporates large aperture opening to promote easier entry and facilitate more convenient removal of boot.
* Strategically positr and the toe box from abrasion and incorporates technical texturing for grip.
*PROTECTION*
* Toe box and heel counter internal reinforcement gives structured support, improved feel and impact resistance.
* Double density TPU ankle protector disks are layered on both sides under the upper and backed by poly-foam padding for protection.
* Internal shock resistant TPU shin guard mounted under the leather gives superior impact resistance.
* The Andes v2 DRYSTAR® boot is CE certified to CE CERTIFIED EN 13634:2010.
*KEY FEATURES*
* Advanced TPU shift pad protects the uppeole injected in polypropylene includes shank reinforcement for structural support and stability.
* Removable anatomic advanced EVA footbed provides arch support and high levels of comfort.
* Rear reflective insert for improved visibility of rider.
* Alpinestars exclusive vulcanized rubber compound sole promotes improved feel and grip, water dispersion and durability.
* Contoured insioned advanced TPR shin plate and TPR ankle protector for critical protection without impeding flexibility.
The overall fit/size of this style seems “true” to their published size chart (see below), so if you are comfortable with a certain size from previous boots, then choose the same size. I’d consider the width of the men’s sizes to be normal to slightly wide (D or E).
| Euro | Men’s US | Women’s US |
| 36 | 3.5 | 5 |
| 37 | 4 | 6 |
| 38 | 5 | 7 |
| 39 | 6 | 8 |
| 40 | 6.5 | 8.5 |
| 41 | 7.5 | 9 |
| 42 | 8 | 10 |
| 43 | 9 | 11 |
| 44 | 9.5 | 11.5 |
| 45 | 10.5 | - |
| 46 | 11.5 | - |
| 47 | 12 | - |
| 48 | 12.5 | - |
| 49 | 13.5 | - |
| 50 | 14.5 | - |
The Andes V2 Drystar® Boots from Alpinestars are a waterproof, mid height, touring boot. Overall construction is a combination of a reinforced leather upper section for enhanced comfort, durability, and abrasion resistance, front and rear accordion sections made from microfiber that aid in flex and movement, as well as a full DRYSTAR® internal membrane which ensures 100% waterproof performance and a high level of breathability. The combined construction has earned the Andes V2 Drystar® Boots a Level 2 CE rating. Other protection features include a toe box and heel counter internal reinforcement that gives structure support, improved feel and impact resistance. Additionally there are double density TPU Anke protector disks that are layered on both sides of the ankle and are backed by poly-foam padding for additional protection. Internal shock resistant TPU shin guards are mounted under the leather providing impact protection for the shins, there are also contoured TPR shin plates and TPR ankle protectors that offer critical protection without impeding flexibility.
Looking at comfort and convenience, the medial side entry opening / closing system with elastic-mounted zipper and wide flap hook-and-loop grip closure provides an easy way in and out of the boots while ensuring they remain secure. An advanced TPU shift pad protects agains wear and there is also an injected in polypropylene shank reinforcement for structural support and stability. Also included is a Removable anatomic advanced EVA foot bed which provides arch support as well as the Alpinestars exclusive vulcanized rubber compound sole which promotes improved feel and grip, water dispersion and durability. Lastly there are rear reflective inserts for improved visibility at night.
At the time of this review, the Andes V2 Drystar® Boots sell for $219.95 and provide quite a bit of protection for the money. Overall I think that they are worth the price as they look really good, offer a good amount of protection, and unlike some of Alpinestars other designs that can be quite loud and flooded with “AStars” logos, these are actually fairly subtle and very clean looking. I think if you are looking for a classic pair of mid height leather boots for touring but want just a tad more style the Andes V2’s are worth the look. I will also note that Alpinestars is one of the best in the business when it comes to making waterproofing comfortable, there are definitely brands out there that do it wrong and make shoes and boots feel bulky and clunky when they add a waterproof membrane, but Alpinestars is definitely not one of them. Personally putting on this pair of Drystar® Boots didn’t feel any less comfortable than a normal pair of Alpinestars boots. I would definitely say that the Andes V2 boots are worth checking out. :: Damir 7/19/24
