ALPINESTARS

Alpinestars: Italian Protection, Born for Speed

Look at the Formula 1 starting grid. Look at the MotoGP or WRC podium. You will see one common feature — the "Astar" logo (the "A" star). Founded in 1963 in the small Italian town of Asolo, Alpinestars has journeyed from making ski boots to becoming the world leader in high-performance motorsport apparel.

ATOMIC-SHOP offers a complete range of authentic Alpinestars products for auto racing and karting. When you choose an Alpinestars suit or gloves, you are buying the same technology that protects Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso. This is not just clothing — it is your second skin, capable of withstanding fire, abrasion, and G-forces.

The "One Goal. One Vision" Philosophy: Why Alpinestars?

There are many brands on the market (Sparco, OMP), but Alpinestars stands out for its approach to ergonomics. Their philosophy is that protection should not hinder piloting. If a suit pulls at the shoulders, or a boot dulls the feel of the brake pedal — you are losing lap time.

Alpinestars pioneered the mass use of stretch panels in the kidney and underarm zones. They developed gloves with external seams so that fingers don't chafe during a race. They made boot soles so thin you could read Braille with the throttle pedal, yet they still protect the foot from fire.

Auto Racing (FIA): The Firewall

In auto racing, the primary enemy is fire. Alpinestars suits in the Tech-1, GP, and Hypertech series are crafted from patented multi-layer materials based on aramid fiber (Nomex®).

Karting (CIK-FIA): Abrasion Protection

It is vital to understand: an auto racing suit is not suitable for karting, and vice-versa. In karting, there is no fire risk, but there is a massive risk of falling out and sliding on asphalt at 100 km/h.

Alpinestars karting suits (KMX series) are made from high-strength Cordura and polyester designed for abrasion resistance. They feature a special toweling lining for sweat absorption and strategically placed vents, as karting is physically exhausting.

Footwear: Connecting to the Machine

Alpinestars started as a boot company, and it shows. Their shoes (Series Tech-1 Z/T and Supermono) are masterpieces.

• F1 Sole: Uses an exclusive rubber compound that ensures "stickiness" to the pedal. You won't slip even if the sole is wet.
• Heel Construction: A rounded heel allows the foot to roll smoothly, ensuring precise throttle modulation.
• Lacing: Often features a quick-lacing system (like on snowboards) or Kevlar laces to secure the ankle.

Gloves: Second Skin

Try putting on a pair of Tech-1 ZX gloves. You will notice the seams are on the outside (External seams). It looks odd, but it is genius. Inside the glove, there are no ridges digging into your fingers when you grip the wheel. The silicone print on the palm is mapped based on thermal data from F1 drivers' hands — grip exists only where needed to avoid excess friction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I properly wash a racing suit?

Nomex is a "living" fabric. Wash in cold water (max 30°C), inside out, with zippers closed. Absolutely NO bleach or fabric softeners. Chemicals can destroy the fire-retardant properties of the aramid fibers. Air dry in the shade only, no tumble dryers.

What does FIA 8856-2018 homologation mean?

This is the latest safety standard. Unlike the old one (2000), the new standard requires a 20% longer protection time against direct heat (Heat Transmission Index). Gear now also has an expiration date (usually 10 years from manufacture). For serious competition, you need this standard.

How do I choose Alpinestars shoe size?

Alpinestars shoes generally run true to size but have a fairly narrow last (Italian fit). If you have wide feet, we recommend going a half size up. Remember, racing shoes should fit snugly, like a sock, to ensure maximum control.

Ready to race? Choose your Alpinestars gear at ATOMIC-SHOP — the official partner of winners.