Review: Alpinestars Tech 10 Boots

I am a total boot guy. Sure, I own a pair of tennis shoes and maybe one pair of flip flops, but I rarely leave the house without first lacing up a trusty pair of tall leather boots. 

The fact is, foot and ankle injuries can happen anywhere, any time, and they can be severe enough to set you back a few days if not longer. Yet, they’re especially common when riding motorcycles off-road. 

To protect my feet on the trail, I choose Alpinestars Tech 10 boots. 

I mostly ride adventure bikes, and while some companies offer “adventure” boots, they tend to compromise. While many boast improved comfort, more flexibility, grippy soles, and even waterproofing, all of these come at the cost of protection. 

For me, when riding a 500-pound motorcycle in gnarly terrain, nothing matters more than protection. This is where the key innovative feature of the Tech 10 boots comes in—the patented Frontal Flexion Control Frame. 

Combined with the dual front and the rear blade connectors, the frame acts as a shock absorber by distributing energy across the boot frame while controlling forward and rearward flex. The boots can easily pivot front and back to allow you to shift or use the rear brake, but they don’t flex much laterally, for instance if the bike lands on your foot. 

The Tech 10 boot is equipped with Alpinestars’ ankle control system, which is integrated in the outer shell to allow natural ankle movement and vertical compression control, alongside improved flex control and impact resistance. This system is complemented by the inner ankle brace and unique Dynamic Heel Compression Protector (DCHP). Together, they significantly reduce the effect of excessive, potentially injury-causing energy being transferred to the ankle and lower leg.

The outer shell of the boot is made of super sturdy TPU plastic with a reinforced toe box, offering incredible protection against impacts. The removable inner booty provides additional support and a more secure fit. 

Just like dual sport knobby tires perform the best on dirt, motocross boots like the Tech 10 perform the best while on the bike. When you get off the bike, they feel heavy, don’t flex very much, and the soles don’t have as much grip. 

If you’re riding an off-road machine, what’s most important for you? For those that complain about comfort, I say bring another pair of shoes if you plan to hike around. 

I’ve hiked to waterfalls, up hills, down ravines, through water crossings, and across deep sand in my Tech 10s. Although in those moments I’d rather have my trusty pair of hiking shoes, I wouldn’t trade the protection on the bike for the world. 

And while they may not be waterproof and are more prone to getting soaked in a downpour or deep water crossing, the Tech 10s airflow prevents that funky muggy feeling of waterproof adventure boots.

A good pair of motocross boots should protect your ankle from twisting and your feet and lower legs from impacts. Some say boots should be “comforting” and not “comfortable,” but I think Alpinestars achieved both with the Tech 10s.

With foot and leg injuries so common in the world of motocross and adventure riding, ultimate protection at the expense of a little less comfort walking around is well worth the tradeoff, so you can walk again later.

Alpinestars Tech 10 Boots
$679.95
Sizes: 7-14
Colors: 10 options