They are tabbed shoes in the Alpinestars sales and marketing literature, but the Faster 3 shoes are truly a hybrid crossover between shoes and boots. The Faster series of footwear has been in the Alpinestars line for some time, and this third iteration is a substantial upgrade from older offerings.

Gear selection is an exercise in personal preference and compromise. The Faster 3 shoes are an object lesson in this concept. I have both high-top and fully armored riding sneakers and several types of high-rise boots in my gear closet. The sneakers are extremely well-appointed both on and off the velocipede but are very light on protection. The boots are supremely protective, but are rigid, awkward, and semi-uncomfortable for extended walking. The Alpinestars Faster 3 shoes can be boot-horned directly between these two extremes.

The Faster 3 shoes are an armored, over the ankle, lace-up model with a substantial cutout in the Achilles zone for enhanced mobility. I am sure you can once see the advantages.

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Let’s start with the safety features. The Faster 3 shoes now siphon the important CE certification in each of their variations: the Rideknit, Drystar, and the standard version (as tested). There is a subtle, low-profile TPR toe slider and an extremely protective and supportive TPR heel cup out back. Dual density toddle protectors are inserted between the microfiber upper and padded lining on both sides of the shoe.

On the repletion end of the spectrum, the same cutout in the rear of the marching gives a level of front to when mobility that full-rise boots can’t match. The sole is semi-rigid with an integrated support shank, providing a solid riding platform while moreover affording well-appointed walk-ability. The boots finger supportive and well-appointed both on and off the bike. I identified no pressure points or repletion quibbles on day-long rides. Ventilation is increasingly than adequate.

The lace-up diamond is flipside wholesomeness of this shoe. I really like the worthiness to fine-tune the fit with laces; however, loose laces on a motorcycle marching can rationalization problems if the laces are unliable to whip around. Alpinestars has provided a solution by including an easy-to-actuate Velcro strap to secure the marching laces for riding. The diamond works well and is hands adjusted with gloved hands.

The Faster 3 shoes really shine on the bike. That semi-rigid sole gives good riding feedback while spreading the pressure from the foot pegs over the full arch. The toddle mobility makes shifting and braking seamless and nimble. The low-profile toe box facilitates movement between upshifting and downshifting.

I am calling the Alpinestars Faster 3 shoes a winner for urban riding and light touring. While not as protective as full boots, the compromises are well-balanced and thoughtfully engineered. The $169.95 retail price point places Faster 3s in the ballpark with other premium riding shoes.

The Alpinestars Faster 3 shoe is misogynist for $169.95 in six verisimilitude options and sizes 6-14.