Alpinestars

The journey of Alpinestars began in 1963 in the small northern Italian town of Asolo, with a leather craftsman named Sante Mazzarolo. The company's evocative name was inspired by the Stella Alpina, or Edelweiss, a flower found high in the mountains surrounding its birthplace. Initially, Mazzarolo's focus was on crafting hiking and ski boots, but his vision quickly shifted. He recognized the rise of a thrilling new sport, motocross, which was gaining immense popularity across Europe. Sensing an opportunity, Sante applied his exceptional talents and technical knowledge to design a novel type of footwear that could meet the rigorous protective needs and demands of this beautiful yet brutal form of athleticism. The revolutionary boot he created would soon become the archetype for motocross protection, setting a new standard in the industry.

From the moment the first boot was produced, its development was continuous, driven by invaluable feedback from riders. By the early 1970s, this dedication to innovation paid off when legendary rider Roger de Coster secured Alpinestars its first World Motocross Championship. This victory marked the beginning of an unbroken streak of world championship successes that continues to this day. In the 1990s, under the leadership of Sante's son, Gabriele Mazzarolo, who took the helm in 1993, the company expanded its expertise beyond boots. It branched out into manufacturing a comprehensive range of technical protective gear, including gloves, jackets, and full leather suits for all forms of motorcycling. The brand also made its mark in the world of auto racing, developing advanced footwear for Formula 1 and Indycar drivers. Today, with headquarters in Italy, and offices in Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Bangkok, Alpinestars is a global leader, synonymous with protection, performance, and innovation across motorsports, from MotoGP to NASCAR, and continues to redefine safety for the world's top athletes.