Alpinestars Chrome Air Shoes

Unlike most Alpinestars shoes these don’t tend to run small, I would say they are fairly accurate or maybe half a size small depending on where in the range of your size you fall. The main thing to note here is that the US sizes seem to be accurate, I wear a size 12 US and when I put on a pair of size 12 US they fit me as I would expect them to, but where things got weird is when looking at Alpinestar’s European conversion. Depending on the brand, usually a US Size 12 is a 46, 46.5 or 47 in European shoes, but for some reason Alpinestars has a US size 12 listed as a 45.5. So keep that in mind, had I gone with my typical European size, my shoes would have been too big. So again, get your usual US size and you should be fine.

The Chrome Air Shoes from Alpinestars are a casual styled riding shoe that is designed to keep you comfortable in the warmer months. Overall construction of the Chrome Air shoes is a combination of a split suede and mesh in the upper section for optimized air flow, an OrthoLite® insock for high levels of breathability, integrated ankle protectors, and a sole construction that is based on the latest Alpinestars advanced urban shoe development to provide a perfect casual comfort with the guarantee of a high level of protection thanks to the Alpinestars Transversal Protection Frame (TPF), which is made from lighter PA materials. The Chrome Air shoes are CE certified to be protective motorcycle shoes.

Additional features include a front lace closure, dual density ankle protectors with heel and toe reinforcements, an advanced rubber compound cup sole with a PU mid sole for an optimal mix of grip, durability and comfort. Additionally the shoes feature a quick action upper shoe elasticated closure that makes getting in and out of the shoes easier and helps with providing a more secure fit. Lastly, the Chrome Air shoes also feature a soft mesh on the rear collar area to further aid comfort.

The Chrome Air shoes from Alpinestars have a great style to them, can easily pass for regular shoes off the bike, and I especially like the cool gray and black color way as it features a good looking color combo and a subtle hint of bright blue accents that really compliment the gray. Additionally I think the elasticated enclosure is pretty cool looking and seems to work really well with keeping the top of the shoe tight and secure, I do worry about how durable a system like this will be over time but as of right now I like how it works and feels. Overall I think this is a solid looking, walking and riding shoe, but I would say that it is to me considered entry level protection, IE there are plenty of boots, mid boots and even some shoes out there that will offer superior protection. If your primary concern is looks, comfort and breathability with protection that is far superior to a regular pair of shoes then the Chrome Air might be for you, if your primary concern is safety above all else, you may want to look elsewhere (such as boots and shoes with level 2 ratings). Overall for $189.99 at the time of this review I think you do get a good shoe for the money with great looks and some really nice materials. The only thing I find kind of weird with them, and this has been noted in the sizing section is that I wear a US size 12, and when I tried on a pair of size 12 shoes they fit as they should, but Alpinestars has them translated to 45.5 European, but in most other brands as US size 12 is either a 46 or 47, so be aware. I still got a US size 12 like I normally would, but had I gone off of the European sizes I would have been way off. :: Damir 8/2/24