Alpinestars is an Italian company that manufactures motorsports and action sports safety equipment. Founded in 1963, it’s grown from a small boot maker to a global leader in protective gear for various high-octane sports.
The Edelweiss Inspires a Safety Giant
Sante Mazzarolo started Alpinestars in Asolo, Italy, naming it after the English translation of Stella Alpina, the edelweiss flower that grows in the nearby mountains. Initially making hiking and ski boots, the company quickly pivoted to motocross and road racing boots. This shift set the stage for Alpinestars’ future as a motorsport safety powerhouse.
Innovation Drives Protection
Alpinestars’ commitment to safety has led to groundbreaking innovations. In 2011, they developed the Tech Air Race System, an electronic airbag that’s proven its worth in high-speed crashes. When Marc Márquez wiped out at 337 km/h (209 mph) in 2013 while wearing this system, he walked away without serious injuries1.
Alpinestars Gear Protects Champions
The company’s products have shielded some of the biggest names in motorsports:
- MotoGP World Champions like Marc Márquez, Casey Stoner, and Jorge Lorenzo
- World Superbike Champions Ben Spies and Troy Corser
- Formula One champs Michael Schumacher, Jenson Button, and Fernando Alonso
Even The Stig from Top Gear sports Alpinestars’ white race suit, shoes, and gloves1.
Safety Ratings Soar
Alpinestars’ gear consistently scores high in independent safety tests. They’ve achieved several firsts:
- The Halo Drystar became the first textile jacket to get a 4-star MotoCAP rating
- Their gloves were the first to earn a 5-star MotoCAP rating
- Alpinestars was the pioneer Italian manufacturer to produce motorcycle gloves meeting CE Level 2 standards1
Beyond Two Wheels
While motorcycles remain their focus, Alpinestars has expanded into other areas:
- Formula One and NASCAR flame-retardant gear
- Mountain bikes (until 1996)
- Surfing equipment
- Fashion clothing for men, women, and children
In 2023, they launched their first full-face road helmet, the Supertech R10, showing they’re still pushing boundaries in motorcycle safety1.
Alpinestars’ journey from a small Italian boot maker to a global safety equipment leader shows how passion and innovation can shape an industry. Their gear doesn’t just protect racers on the track – it’s keeping riders safe on streets and trails worldwide.
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Alpinestars is an Italian motorsports and action sports safety equipment manufacturer based in Asolo, Italy. Its lines include specialized products for MotoGP, motocross, motorcycling, Formula One, World Rally Championship, WEC, V8 Supercars, NASCAR, mountain biking, and surfing, and motorsports-themed, non-sports clothing. The company has fashion design centers in Italy and California offering products for men, women and children.
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| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motorsport clothing Action sports clothing Casual clothing MXD |
| Founded | 1963 (60 years ago) |
| Founder | Sante Mazzarolo |
| Headquarters | , Italy |
Number of locations | 3 (2010) |
Key people | Gabriele Mazzarolo |
| Divisions | Astars authentic ind |
| Website | alpinestars |