Alpinestars Stella Tech 3 Women’s Boot

What it is

• Off-road or enduro boot designed specifically for women.
• Anatomically designed footbed raising the heel to move the foot upwards for optimal fit of a woman’s lower leg.

The Alpinestar Tech 3 Stella Boot is a redesigned and upgraded Tech 6 Stella Boot, a women's specific off-road boot designed to fit us gals. Alpinestars did this by creating an anatomically designed footbed that raises the heel to move the foot upwards for an optimal fit around the ankle and calf. Some of the Tech 3 Stella features include a lower overall height, ankle padding specifically designed for the tapering of women's ankles, and a patented ankle brace protector. It is a blend of Tech 10 and Tech 7 design and features, in an affordable package. Using a full-grain leather upper with new poly fabric lining and open cell foam, PU protectors on the shin, side and toe box area, calf, heel and outer ankle are for protection. The dual compound rubber sole is used for improved grip and durability in high wear areas with a contoured steel shank for stiffness. Alpinestars sells this boot in three color combinations; black, black and white, and purple and white in sizes women 6-10.

How it works

• Fits a woman’s leg comfortably allowing for knee braces or knee pads to be worn without pain.
• Lighter weight, makes for wearing them all day much more bearable.
• Adds an inch or so to my height, so I can ride a taller bike, even my 1190 KTM more easily.

I had been riding in men's boots for years until Alpinestars released the Women's Stella Tech 6 boot several years ago and now I only ride in the Stella Boot. That is when I was finally was able to feel the footpegs, shifter, and rear brake. No longer did I have to wear a man's boot that fit too snug in the calf and didn't provide space for my foot to move around. In the Stella I can buckle it up without squeezing my calf so tight causing a lack of circulation in my lower legs. The previous generation of Stella's was very similar to the men's Tech 7 except for the lower height and a wider calf circumference. The instant I put this new generation of Stella (Tech 3 Stella) boot on it felt lighter, had a narrower profile, and I stood tall in the boot. I felt the anatomically designed footbed that was higher in the heel. It was instant comfort, the boots didn't take much time to break in. However, I don't mind stiff boots.

Being the geek that I am, I researched the difference between the new and old styles, the Tech 6 Stella vs. the Tech 3 Stella and noticed only minor changes on the spec sheet. Mainly the profile of the boot has changed--the technical bits are pretty much the same.. I also compared the Men's Tech 7 vs. the Tech 3 Stella; this is where the Tech 3 Stella gets its shape or profile. It appears that the Alpinestar's designers used the one-piece dual compound foot shell from the Tech 7.

When looking at the boot you wouldn't think it was wider in the calf, as it looks narrower. However, when you slip them on the top of the boot sits at a comfortable height, and I can get the top buckle closed easily even in knee braces. That was always my issue with wearing men's boots. I could never fit my calf, and my knee braces into the boot. Since knee braces cover my shin (lower leg) and create extra bulk that needs to fit into the boot; hence, the oh so uncomfortable squeeze. Not any more.

In use, the new narrow profile and compound rubber sole make it easy to maneuver on the bike and do not get caught up on the foot pegs. This narrower profile gets rid of some weight making the boot more comfortable, especially to walk in. My pair has been more durable, as there is no stitching or sole to fall apart.

The only issue I have with these boots is the buckles. Alpinestars has claimed that the boot has a new structure system that features three low profile aluminum buckles with memory and self-alignment, for a quick release. Well, I must have jacked up my boot buckle's memory because my boots  will not let me unhook the middle buckle. They latch in, open and close just fine with a positive snap, but getting the buckle disconnected from its catch and attachment point is nearly impossible. I thought it was me, so I had several other people test the buckle system by trying the boot on, and then trying to release the buckle. No, go! The first and last buckle are difficult to release, yet the middle buckle is in an awkward position on the boot where it makes it difficult to get the right amount of leverage to unhook it. Closing the buckles is not an issue, just disconnecting it from the attachment. Luckily I have the middle buckle set loose enough that I can open it and still allow my foot to slip out of the boot.

The boots have just the right amount of support side to side, with enough flex forward and back. The inside liner is superb and very comfortable without any rough seams that will rub your ankles and cause irritation. I tend to ride on my toes a lot, so having the support of the steel shank in the boot provides much-needed support of the arch of my foot.

I am very satisfied with the boot's fit, the safety features, the wider calf area, the lighter weight and narrower profile. Even after riding over many miles of rocky cross-grain terrain and spending full days in these boots, I can say that they are easily worth their price and my calves thank me every time I ride.

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