The Alpinestars Tech 7 boots have been a top choice for dual-sport and enduro riders since their introduction. Alpinestars has been paying attention to their customers, as they have addressed every issue I’ve ever experienced with this boot.

I wore Tech 7s from 2009–2012 as my primary adventure boot. Alpinestars has expanded and redesigned the Tech 7 series to incorporate their latest in protection innovation and comfort.

The Tech 7 comes in three different versions, the Tech 7 MX, Supermoto and Enduro. All received a complete overhaul from the previous generations, with significant improvements. The boot in this test is the Tech 7 Enduro which only varies from the standard MX-based Tech 7 by a sole with lugs better suited for muddy trails and walking, fewer color choices, and an added $20 in price.

About the boot

The new Tech 7 Enduro boot is a CE-certified off-road boot offering top-shelf protection to the rider. The boot is constructed with a one-piece injected dual-compound foot shell with co-injected hard toe protector and an integrated steel shank.

This construction process gives the boot a narrow streamlined look while still leaving room for the toes on my “D” width foot to wiggle around. New to the Tech 7 Enduro is what Alpinestars calls a “biomechanical pivot.”

What that means to us riders is greater ankle flexibility while retaining support and a drastically reduced boot break-in time. This design also increases mobility for shifting, braking, and walking around.

The new pivot also reduces stress on the stitching that holds the ankle plates to the main boot, a known failure point in the older Tech 7s and Tech 3s. Also new to the Tech 7s is the dual-compound, removable anatomic foot bed and reinforced heel.

But my favorite improvement is the buckle system that has quickly become my new standard in comparing boots. It is the easiest buckle system I’ve ever used on a boot, and is even more precise than the buckle system on my SIDI Crossfires, which is setting a really high bar.

It’s really good to know that the high quality aluminum buckles are replaceable. My personal experience with Alpinestars and their warranty has been a good one as they have always stood behind their products.

Call out: The Tech 7 has often been overlooked in the ADV world, as riders gravitate toward less dirt-worthy options with fancy “adventurous-y” names or worse, use regular street boots for off-road riding.

Key Features:
• Upper material is reinforced for high levels of water resistance
• Replaceable sole and foot peg inserts
• Wide entry aperture for convenience, allowing broad ranging calf fit adjustment and support
• New buckle system made with high-impact aluminum bridge closures, with memory settings 
• TPU ankle protection system using a biomechanical link to relieve torsional forces between 
• Protection for heel and Achilles tendon, helping to prevent hyper flexion
• Redesigned instep and Achilles flex zones for comfort, control and support
• Internal 3D lining includes anti-slide microfiber suede on the heel 

Living with the Tech 7 Enduro

I have done my best to put these boots through as much work as possible, including several ADV tours on large-bore ADV bikes, riding hundreds of miles of technical and high-speed trails on an enduro bike in three states, plus competing in a motocross race.

There was no issue with adjusting the foot to the boots; they were immediately comfortable thanks to the high-quality build and the new biomechanical pivot. However, adjusting the boots to the motorcycle depended on the type of bike ridden.

On my dirt bike, no adjustment was needed on the shift lever as the toe box is as thick as most other motocross and enduro boots. However, on my ADV bike, I adjusted my shift lever up one notch to accommodate the thicker boot, as it had been initially set up for street-biased boots.

If you switch between a street boot for commuting and the Tech 7 Enduros for ADV trips, adjusting the shift lever may be a minor inconvenience, but is well worth the added protection you’ll get from the boot.

The Tech 7 Enduros I received fit slightly larger than expected. I received half a size down, and have yet to experience any cramping or hot spots. Both thin and thick socks feel comfortable, and the secure feel of the smaller boot is reassuring.

As a professional motorcycle instructor and backcountry guide with PSSOR Training and Adventures (PSSOR.com), the most common injury that I witness off road are riders who don’t choose to wear proper off-road boots and end up with leg/foot injuries. Way too many riders unknowingly purchase “adventure” boots which are typically street boots that have been dressed up to look like a motocross/enduro boot.

If a boot feels like a comfortable walking boot, it’s likely not going to sufficiently protect you. In the off-road world, boots are debatably just behind the helmet in required protection. I have no problem recommending the Tech 7 Enduros to riders who are looking for a new ADV boot on a mid-range budget, or who are looking for actual protection off-road. As usual, there are very good choices from other manufacturers, but it will be hard to match the Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro boots for quality, protection, and price.

 {gallery}ARTICLES/Gear/Alpinestars/Tech7/gallery{/gallery}