Alpinestars Tech10s

Alpinestars Tech10s

CW EVALUATION

Off-road foot protection system

OFF-ROAD RIDING IS TOUGH ON ANkles and feet, so it’s important to wear boots that are not only comfortable but protective. Alpinestars’ top-of-the-line Tech 10s score high marks on both counts—but at a price that is significantly higher than other premium offerings.

Lightweight, all-leather uppers are capped with molded plastic around the foot, ankle, calf and shin. Extra-hard compounds are used on the toebox, heel and Achilles-tendon area. A plastic “spine” runs the length of the back of the boot, guarding the heel, controlling flex and helping to prevent hyperextension.

Inside, a removable bootie incorporates a molded-plastic “inner ankle brace system” that features two double-hinged “torsion bars.” To vary lateral flex, the inner bar can be replaced with a softer version using a flat-blade screwdriver.

Initially, the Tech 10s were exceptionally stiff, and the aluminum buckles were difficult to latch. After a ridiculously long break-in period, however, feel and maneuverability improved greatly, particularly after we fitted the softer-compound torsion bars. The Tech 10s then became our favorites for both track and trail riding.

While the uppers are long-lasting, the glued-on soles began to show a lot of wear and tear after 10 weekends of intense riding. Replacements cost $70 a pair. With a heat gun and the supplied adhesive, swapping them out is an easy, do-it-yourself job. (That’s one of our boots with a new sole installed, below)

DETAILS

Alpinestars, Inc.

www.alpinestars.com

$460

A Slim profile A Feel and fit improve with each ride A Available in four colors, sizes 7-14

Downs ▼ May need to take out a second mortgage to afford them ▼ Lengthy break-in

If we were to score the Tech lOs, theywould

receive a 9 out of a perfect 10. Good boots, then, though justifying ir higher-than-average price is up to you.