Alpinestars Tech 8
Alpinestars has become an iconic and trusted name in the motorsports world of professional athletes, amateur athletes and even the weekend rider for advanced protection, quality and style. Their selection of products for dirt riders covers everything you’ll need for a fun and safe weekend of riding. I recently got a chance to try a pair of Tech 8 motocross boots that made a positive impression on the first single track trail of the day. Protection is the first feature I look for in a boot and the Tech 8 certainly lived up to its reputation. The full grain leather upper combined with the injected protective moldings offered superior protection from rocks, roots and the occasional rear tire of my riding buddy’s bike. The dual compound sole provided excellent grip on the pegs without compromising feedback from my machine. The inner leather bootie provided additional comfort in the ankle and upper foot areas that lasted through the entire day of riding. The buckles can be a challenge the first time you strap these boots on, but once you get them secured you won’t have to think about them again until it’s time to load up. Of course there are lower priced boots available out there, but if protection and performance are what you expect from your boots, the Alpinestars Tech 8’s will certainly meet or exceed your expectations.
Key Features listed below.
- Full grain leather upper construction with innovative external, calf and shin flex control system features a vertical dual sliding blade mechanism, improving control and enabling progressive resistance to forward and rear extension. The system also promotes more consistent flex throughout the Tech 8 and being an integral part of the front and rear protection, allows the boots safety performance to function without affecting comfort and feel.
- Patented internal soft leather bootie works with the exterior structure to provide a more precise fit and long-lasting comfort, asymmetrical gel inserts improve ankle comfort and protection and a removable anatomical foot bed gives the foot a more natural posture within the boot
- New generation dual compound sole for great durability with improved grip and tactile feel. Large sole insert is easily replaceable without having to replace the main outsole.
- Enhanced closure system features 4 easy-to-operate aluminum buckles with memory and a quick release/locking system with self-aligning design for easy, precise closure. The revised upper buckle alignment (rear closing top buckle and forward closing shin buckle) improve fit control while retaining the burst protection afforded by bi-directional buckle closure. The buckles are mounted within the profile of the boot to further protect them from impact damage.
Now let’s see how the Alpinestars Tech 8 boots rate on the Hammer Tested scale. After three days of trail riding I rated the Tech 8 boot 19 on the durability scale because all high use areas showed normal or less than normal wear. In the function category I gave the Tech 8 a rating of 23 since the boot performed flawless on the trails providing superior protection and support. Even though the Tech 8 is one of the more expensive boots on the market today I rated it 21 in the price category. I have ridden with less expensive boots before and I think the protection the Tech 8 offers is well worth the money. In the design/fit areas I thought the Tech 8 rated a 20 since the boot’s inner sole can be removed to accommodate those of us who need boots in ½ sizes.
Durability 19/25
Function 23/25
Price 21/25
Design/Fit 20/25
Total Score: 83 = Good Product = Meets Expectations
If you are in the market for a new pair of boots consider the Alpinestars Tech 8’s for their superior protection and performance. To learn more or purchase a pair of Tech 8’s please visit motorcyclesuperstore.com.
