Outside of your helmet, there's nothing more important when it comes to rider safety than boots. It's for this very reason that we put so much emphasis on only wearing the best possible products on the market. As far as we're concerned, safety is the one area where bargain shopping is a no-no. I know what a lot of you are thinking ("my work boots are comfy and work just fine"), but let us assure you that your steel-toed high-tops are about as effective at preventing serious leg injuries as a five-gallon bucket would be at preventing a head injury. Simply put, good boots are a must for anyone who rides with any degree of aggression. With all that said, sheer aggression is what it took to swindle the new Alpinestars Tech 10s away from my coworkers before they could slide their grimy feet into them.
The Tech 10 is the highly evolved follow-up to what many in motocross circles considered to be the Holy Grail of boots: the Alpinestars Tech 8. Released in 2005, the original Tech 10 was considered revolutionary, yet many Tech 8 loyalists refused to buy into the hype. Just four short years and several refinements later, the Tech 10 has taken its place at the top with undeniable success. The latest edition of the 10 is a structural masterpiece, with no aspect of safety overlooked or neglected.
Unlike many other boots on the market, the Tech 10 required literally zero break-in time. The boots are comfortable right out of the box to the point where they felt pre-worn. This is largely attributed to the new open-cell foam poly fabric lining, the shock-absorbing shin pad and the seamless integration of the dual-compound sole. The white model (which I lucked out on and am wearing) offers extra ventilation, which only adds to the overall comfort of the boots. The inner bootie itself is comfortable and lightweight, which eliminates any sort of ankle brace from rolling up under your foot while pulling the boots on.
From a structural standpoint the Tech 10s really are innovative. The external structure features an ultra-low-profile design, which offers maximum control and minimal weight at the lower section of the boot while polyurethane (PU) guards the toes, foot, heel, ankle, calf and shin with extra hard compounds on the toebox, heel and Achilles' tendon. The full-grain leather and impact- and abrasion-resistant PU shell upper was designed with a streamlined profile, which provides a bit more controlled flexibility and makes it easier to grip against the quad. A PU spine protects the heel, controls flex and features a hyperextension guard.
Safetywise, every crooked leap through the air, sketchy landing and foot-grabbing rut were met with nothing but comfort. Where other boots might've sent me looking for a good orthopedic doctor, the Tech 10s seemed to want me to keep riding. Subtle twists and turns within the boot's biomechanical structure worked in sync to keep my legs from making any unnatural movements and my wallet from paying ER bills. In all reality, the inner brace provides previously unmatched levels of support and safety. Torsion bars control ankle and leg rotation while allowing just the right amount of movement. (A replaceable softer-compound inner torsion bar is included to allow riders to fine-tune the ankle brace by adapting the degree of ankle control.) The suggested retail price is $579.95, and the Tech 10 is available in black, white and black, black and green, red and white, black and gold, or blue and white. -Jorge Cuartas
| GEAR | 89 |
| Style | 18/20 |
| Comfort | 45/50 |
| Function | 10/10 |
| Wash/Care | 9/10 |
| Price | 7/10 |
Bottom Line:
How good are the new Tech 10s?
In my opinion, amazing. Alpinestars really outdid itself this time.
Alpinestars: 310/891-0222;
www.alpinestars.com