Choosing a dual-sport boot is very much like choosing a dual-sport motorcycle—the decision is usually based on what kind of riding you intend to do most, i.e. the ratio of sport-touring to off-road adventuring. In a perfect world, we would have all the comfort and breathability of a touring boot plus the ankle support, protection and durability of a motocross-style (MX) boot in one. In my opinion, Alpinestars has produced such a boot with the Toucan Gore-Tex (GTX) using the perfect blend of features from both their sport-touring and MX product lines.

Traditionally, dirt-oriented riders would have to trade comfort and accept a heavier boot for the extra protection and support preferred for off-roading, but not anymore. The Toucan GTX is one of the lightest dual-sport boots on the market, contributing to making it one of the most comfortable. This boot was tested with a good mix of seated touring and standing off-roading. Thanks to the flexible link system between the upper and lower halves of the boot, shifting and breaking was trouble-free. Alpinestars uses the latest in Gore-Tex technology to make this a great all-season boot. And, riding in hard rain and a failed creek crossing showed the Toucan GTX to be very waterproof.

Other impressive features were the soles and buckles. The shock-absorbing soles did a great job of eliminating the vibration from my KTM 950 Enduro while standing up on long off-road rides. The aluminum buckles were easy to use and have a very positive click-in and lock action, while still being easy to release. The Toucan GTX has a variety of advanced construction features that will make this boot last for many riding seasons, such as a true stitched (not glued) sole, and recessed panel stitching to prevent it from wearing out or being damaged in an event of a get-off.

So, if you’re a sport-touring rider looking for peace-of-mind of added protection, or an off-road adventurer looking for a lightweight comfortable boot the Alpinestars Toucan GTX will provide the best of both worlds.

MSRP: $499.95 Alpinstars.com