Alpinestars Tech 7 vs Tech 10 boots for ADV riding
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- Опубліковано 8 чер 2024
- This is a long term comparison review of the Alpinestars Tech 7 and Tech 10 boots for riding and traveling on an adventure motorcycle.
www.Atomic-Moto.com is a great place to call if you plan on ordering your boots. I receive not sponsorship from them but I do recommend them.
www.BretTkacs.com - Авто та транспорт
Pro tip: If you are using the Tech 7 like I am for adventure boots (pant over boot) and have thin calves. Buy the replacement lower straps and put them in the upper locations. It allows you to close the shin area more and results in a much better fit.
Coming from someone who has 20,000+ miles in a tech 7.
Thanks for sharing your tip
thank you very much for the update and the information regarding the differences, very important. Bret, you are the only person creating videos that is trustworthy, direct and integral to biking not just off road , but the overall healthy attitude of using the machine . I live in Sardinia and I have to drive off-road, and I can only drive motorbikes, so all my advice comes from you. Thank you very much Bret, you have changed my life for the better
I loved riding in Sardinia. The coastal roads are beautiful. I rode a Ducati Multistrada Enduro there in 2016
I started riding a DR 650 at 72 years old Never owned a motorcycle my entire life until then
I decided at that time to get the Tech 7 Enduro for its protection to cost factor
Very happy with them 3 years later
Yet I did buy a pair of Tech 10s because of the added protection Hey I’m 75 yo!
The one thing you didn’t cover is the added protection of the Tech 10 at the rear of the boot
I wear the 7s mostly on graded gravel roads and pavement
Rough desert and mountain that aren’t maintained I wear the 10s
Got my 10s a year ago from Amazon at a great discount because they were an open box return
Are the 10s running smaller than 7s or they are is no difference in sizing?
they “fit” the same for me
10s are more like a ski boot when it comes to walking in them
My tech 10s were true to size. 11 in running shoes and 11 in the tech 10.
Thanks Brett, another great video. Your last boot video helped me realize I didn’t have the protection I thought I did with my forma “adventure“ boots. Time to get me a pair of tech 7s 👍🏻
Yep i broke my leg in the formas and then went the tech 10s. If you can stretch it go the 10s
Not that bad to walk in and way better protection.
My broken leg had me off my bikes for 6 months.
So nice I accidentally bought a great piece of adventure gear by mistake. I bough the Tech 10's for dirt biking but started using them on adventure rides on the 1190R. So comfortable.
The Tech 7 truly is an Enduro boot. I wear them and spend a lot of time walking down trails, helping other people pick up their bike, running up a train to scout, moving around. I think I would hate my life doing all that walking and climbing in the Tech 10. You sacrifice protection for movement. My 530lb adventure bike has fallen on my Tech 7 ankle area and while I had a really good bruise, no breaks. I wear them on my adventure rides and sometimes you have to walk up or down a path to get a good photo. You need that movement the Tech 7 offers
Have an old Achilles injury that doesn’t cause me any problems now but not going through that again. Love my squeaky ole Tech 10s. The protections worth it.
Tech 7 fan here - best boots I’ve worn for ADV and dirt riding. I actually bought them following one of your gear videos a couple of years back. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks - due to your videos I moved from my touring boots on my Pan America and Tiger 900 to Tech 7s. It's all a compromise. Tech 7s once broken in are great. Shifting takes some adjustment
I wear both models. T10 for ADV, T7 for dirt...excellent boots! Thanks for very informative video Bret
A very good explanation of the differences between these two boots. This is exactly the choice I was looking at recently. I wish the Tech 10 worked for me! I had a lower foot injury using a different boot and the inner bootie on the Tech 10 cause me some discomfort because the bootie is much tighter than the area inside the boot where the bootie isn't (if that makes sense). I wear the Tech 7 now.
Thanks Bret. Great information. Time to invest in new boots:)
Enjoying my Tech 7's. Opted for the non-waterproof version. I carry a second pair of socks when I know I'll be riding in wet conditions. Definitely my go-to boot I'm riding my 1090 Adventure.
Check out the Klim waterproof oversocks if you know you're going to get wet.
@@rebelduck40 I have them as I also have the non Drystar Tech 7s and they are awesome.
@@rebelduck40 does a pair of plastic bags would not do the same job? hehe
@@pacomonje For short stints sure, but not really viable for long term wear if you don't want Trench Foot lol.
Went for my first off-road ride wearing my new Tech 7's today. Other than having to relearn how to shift I find these boots very comfortable and obviously they are very nice when standing. I am coming from Sidi Adventure 2's, which are now relegated to evening tarmac rides where the end point is a coffee shop.
Great video, just last year my Tech 7s saved my feet/legs at least 3 times. 2 times hitting the stumps and once having a heavy Tiger 1200 with side cases landing on me. So i give them two thumbs up. One interesting comment from your video that I agree is tightening the boots to your legs similarly to ski boots. However I heard from some folks that they had a suggestion from a Dr to keep them not super tight but snug to give some movement to protect breaking big leg bones.
I would question what "some folks" say their Dr said. Unsupported 2nd or 3rd hand advice is seldom accurate
I wear the Tech 7s when riding my DesertX. My favorite riding boots.
The White/Grey/Red highlights color combination looks like they were designed with the Ducati in mind.
Great presentation. I have Tech 7s and agree they are the minimum I would do any sort of serious dirt riding in. Especially considering they are designed for off roading (not really racing) on motorcycles that are about half the weight (or less!) of an ADV bike. I don't know the actual numbers regarding lower leg injuries on ADV bikes, but you hear about them. Given the number of extremely lightweight boots that are sold as ADV boots, it's no wonder they occur. Ride safe, everyone!
I was only just in a bike shop on Saturday comparing the 7's to the 10's - 7's look to suit me more moving on from the Sidi Adventure 2
I went with that exact same model of the Tech 7. I’m fairly new to dirt riding, but am more interested in dirt roads and such, than more intense dirt riding.
I previously had a minor drop on the street that left my foot bruised (but not broken) from my commuter boots. That significantly raised my concerns about the l potential for ankle injury.
I believe the 7’s are a good compromise for my use. They’re a bit clunky and noisy to walk in, but I find them surprisingly comfortable both on and off the bike, and seem to have protected my feet in drops at training (Bill Dragoo), and on a dual-sport ride.
I agree that if I were doing more technical riding, the 10’s would be a better choice.
I bought Tech7 Enduros (late 2023) for more safety, and was willing to sacrifice some comfort. I was amazed how comfortable they are while riding, and how surprisingly reasonable they are for walking. Mine replaced Toucans, which were less comfortable riding, but better walking. The Toucans are short, very soft, and limp in comparison. Boots, I'm talking about boots!
Mine don't appear to flex the sole as much as yours, but the toe box feels softer than yours looks.
I never knew enduro/mx boots could be in the least bit comfortable. My experience and comparisons like yours mean I'll consider mx and stiffer enduro boots next time. 😊
I have walked a lot in my original Tech 7's. After awhile they just feel like a boot. Nothing bad
Very good info. Thanks
I’ve worn out tech7 too. Got a drystar version and they are too hot. And take forever to dry out. Mostly run sg22 now. Great advice. If you can walk in them they don’t offer enough protection
A comparison between Leatt 4.5 HydraDri and the Leatt 5.5 and then the Alpinestars Tech7 DryStar vs. Tech10 would be very interesting.
I used to have the Alpinestars Toucans, they did a great job for 3 years but the sole started to come away near the toe (loads of walking i think) and the GTX liner had given up, but still a boot i loved so i was keeping them. Until i hit a llama at 50mph in Bolivia last week, my right foot definitely hyperflexed and then the bike landed on that foot. Luckily no major damage but the right boot was torn up and i think the exhaust melted the boot slightly as the hole certainly got bigger. The shop i found in La Paz had the Tech 7s but not in my size so i forked out for the 10s. Im honestly so happy i did and think i will stick to MX boots for ADV riding from now on, it took minutes to get used to the stiff sole but the protection offered sould save me anotger few days of limping should i fall off again. And considering everything is replacable on the 10s, unlike with the Toucans, and an expected 10yr life, they seem well worth the extra expense. Great review as always!
Great job from a 10 owner.
Thank you for the nice review and comparison. How to they compare to the Corozal?
I have noticed the T10 have a much more aggressively slanted sole under the arches. Promotes riding on the balls of your feet.
Both boots a great and will serve any rider well. I prefer the normal T7 over the enduro version, shank in the midsole doesn’t seem to bend like yours in the video.
If price and comfort are main concerns, T7. Best value boot on the market. A lot of Supercross and motorcross privateers prefer them over the T10.
If more stiffness and durability is wanted, and price along with a longer break in aren’t a concern, T10.
Could you do a breakdown like this on the tech 3 and tech 5? Would love to see that. Hopefully by the end of the season I'll be upgrading to a tech 7 though. That was the plan before I watched this video even.
I have a hard time finding boots that fit me and eventually found the Fox motion X boots for my technical riding. They have 1/2 sizes in the most common sizes where many other boots don't. They are a true MX boot that check all those boxes plus waterproof and have lugged soles. Not fun to walk in but they shouldn't be. I just wish there was a boot that you could walk in comfortably that also checked all the protection boxes.
Very Good Info!
The cpr bit at [6:35] pertaining to crush resistance at the ankle is something to look out for. An important aspect.
Something experienced riders who have hit the ground in a multitude of ways/conditions may pay attention to.
The torsional resistance however is not exactly clear to me. Which is worse: break ankle or knee or lower leg?
If the boot braces your ankle and leg then the force is directed to your knee. The knee like the ankle is a complex joint.
Those are the last things you want messed up.
Thats why you wear a knee brace. The rotation gets transfered from the ankle to the knee (brace) up to the hip where we luckily have a joint thats capable of rotating
@@Drzzlt Appreciated. Yes, that would make sense. Certainly in theory.
On salted winter road. Rear broke out of a corner. Lower leg vise clamped between bike and pavement while body was in a rotational spin. Tore the meniscus.
During supermoto, bike hit the side of my ankle breaking it with a soft crack. Having footwear with better impact resistance at the ankle would have made a difference.
I don't heal as fast as I used to.
kind of coincidentally...
three weeks ago I fell on my adventure bike and my right foot rotated outwards causing a high ankle sprain. I was wearing my tech 7s and to be honest I believe they saved me from upscaling that sprain to a fibula fracture. I will look forward to upgrade to tech 10s. The one thing that concerns me is that the movement and the energy applied to the foot just does not disappears with different kind of boots, so maybe while having the tech 10s the movement could have been transmitted to my knee instead of ankle... I am not sur if I prefer a knee sprain or an ankle sprain hehe....
Hi Bret, thanks for the comparison. I actually have the tech 7 enduro drystar model and they're awesome. What's your opinion on Gaerne's?
I wish more local stores had these in stock so we could try them on!!
Unfortunately we are too blame. So many riders use dealerships as a fitting room and then try go save a couple of dollars buying online.
Atomic-Moto does a great job working through fit on the phone and has a good exchange/return policy. If you don't have a dealer to buy take a look at them. www.Atomic-Moto.com (I don't get any kickbacks from them, but they are my go-to when I have specific boot questions)
Thanks for the video. The gaerne fastback is another great protective boot for the money. I find it even more sturdy than the tech 7
I have that on my list to check out
Perhaps the T7's could have some form of buckled bracing that would provide additional hyperflexion protection while riding, but could be unbuckled for more comfort while walking?
i usually use bendy boots because i almost ride on street and some gravel road.. forma boots like i think that is enough for me.. i went only two times on to rocky road..
Hi Brett. Great vid! Question regarding any motorcycle boot really: does more protection from knee down make the knee more susceptible to injury - especially in the event of torsional rotation? All of that energy has to come out somewhere. Thank you for all of the great videos!
This myth has come up so much that I am working on a podcast about the subject and will likely do a video rant after that podcast comes out.
Like any rant I need to collect my references and do my deep research before I let loose
@@BretTkacs Hi Brett. I'm a rookie rider so I'm doing my best to educate myself about all aspects of riding - you've been a major source of that education. I look forward to your "rant". Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Good luck with the myth busting. Started riding with Toucans on a dual sport, but had a get off and sprained my ankle. Switched to T7 and in a similar low side ended up spraining my knee (ankle was fine though!). It’s just physics, my friend; the force has to go somewhere.
After breaking my tib and fib (crushed - 6 months rehab no riding) wearing forma adv boots I went into my local shop and did that crush test over the counter with all the premium boots they sold. Tech 10s won by a mile. They also won the noisy comp too, so squeaky. Just finished 18,000 km round Australia in them. Not waterproof. Fine to walk in. Narrow tow box. You get used to the booty pretty fast. Hardly any break in period. A great adventure boot. 7s more comfortable sure but so are the seriously bad formas. You only make that mistake once.
I just went to check I have the tech 5 what are your thoughts and are they waterproof, it doesn't say on the inside of the boot. Thanks mate ☺️👍👍
How about Gaerne Sg22, very comfortable and top protection
Ive had 2 pair now, of the old Tech 6, no longer made for quite a while.
Used em for serious get down singletrack for many years, foolishly sold one set, then found another set brand new on CL.
They just work, they do not bend back if the toe bashes something, very stiff. I had some Tech 7's 6 or so years ago...................they were not good, it took 2 people to get them on and off, the buckles sucked balls. Quickly sold at a loss and found more Tech 6's.
The Tech 6 is a good ADV boot, I can walk in them to some degree, but overall they are a serious dirt boot.
Hey, Bret, what hat is that you had on in the video today?
The video didn't seem that long. Thanks.
I try to avoid too much "fluff" but it takes time to cover details
Dork in the Road’s friend Travis got quite a leg break while riding in Canada using the Tech7. Try not to have an Africa Twin land on you. It’s all on video if you’re interested.
Hey Brett,
Do you have a video on how to shift gears with your motorcycle boots on? Any tips or tricks since it’s difficult to move your ankle? Should you move/readjust the shift lever? Should you use your leg more? What should your foot position be? Thanks!
Just made one for that recently ua-cam.com/video/fqm0Oj9G8QU/v-deo.html
How about doing one on the forma terrain TX boots
My old Tech 3s have four buckles; must be how they used to be built because all the Tech 3s on their website now only have three buckles.
Bret - wondering if you have any experience with the Gaerne line? For example the Fastback Enduro? Atomic Moto seems to rate them highly...
Not yet however it looks like I am on my way to become a boot expert 🤣... Those are on the list after I try out the X-Powers
Similar comparison Gaerne Fastback & SG 12. Difference from Alpine is wider toe box for caveman feet like mine and low heel.
Awesome break down of the difference between these boots. I've been using Tech 7 enduros for like a year now and I really like them except for one thing. They always squeak obnoxiously. I put wd40 on them, and it goes away for like maybe a few days, then it's right back to squeaking. Have you found a way to get rid of this?
Yeah I get a lot of jokes thrown at me for mine squeaking lmfao
Get some oil, wd40 is meant to displace water not for lubricant
@@luizz_k what kind of oil?
Try using silicone spray instead. WD-40 will evaporate after a short time, as well as trap water when it hasn't evaporated. Silicone spray is also not very expensive.
Try a PTFE lubricant
Thank Bret! That's a good comparison.
How about Tech7/Tech10 vs Sidi X Power?
I have a pair of new X-Powers... Once I get some real riding time in them I will give my thoughts
I've been riding in the original x-powers for a little over a year now. Pretty happy with them, the fit isn't perfect for me but it's close enough.
I’m interested in SIZING, too. I’m 5’10” with a size 13 foot, and most footwear is loose if it fits my length. So I’d be interested in how a brand runs width-wise. Currently riding my first adv bike a Guzzi V85TT with low Forma Adv’s,light use so far. And I find the Formas to be on ‘roomy’ for my 13’s. Need something snug as I move up.
Traditionally Sidi runs narrow however the Crossfire 3 is noticeably wider than past versions. Take a like at the new Sidi X-Power.
I'd give Brian a call at Atomic-Moto.com too. He's the best for helping find the best bit for you if you are struggling with fit. He also doesn't push to up sale
I don't get any kickbacks... I just think he's the right guy to stay with.
I was looking at these boots when I started riding with adventure bikes. But then I choose the toucan boot from AS, because of the gore-tex liner. So far they did offer me enough protection, but I am considering T10, also because you could possibly replace the sole liner in the middle when it wears out.
Do you guys have any experience or comparisons between T10 and Toucan boots?
The Toucan and Tech 10's are miles apart. The Toucan is a touring boot, thr Tech 10 is a MX boot.
As for the midsole replacement that has zero value to ADV riders. We don't wear our boots out on the cleats, we wear them out walking or with time.
Hey I just got a pair of T7 Enduro and as far as the Hyper flection category, my new pair doesn’t flex near as much as my 2 year old pair of standard T7 or the one you used. I actually had to check and see if I accidentally get the T10😄. IDK, maybe this year they made them more stiff.
The Tech 7's will soften up, the 10's won't
@@BretTkacs good deal because they are way more stiff than my previous T7 boots.
Side note, they also don’t squeak like my other pair did when they were new.
Leaning towards Tech 7s to replace both my Toucans (8 years old and seams failing) and Tech 5s, but kinda like the SIDI Crossfire 3 TA...
My boot I wear most of the time is the Sidi Crossfire 3 TA. There is a list of reasons it is my first choice and far ahead of the Tech 7
Where would you score the Tech 3
Bret, thanks for the grest video. Any suggestions for my wife? Size 8.5 US womens 39 Euro. The Tech 10s don't go that small. We're having issues finding any brand thats small enough for her. Thank you!
Take a look at the Sidi Stinger boots.
Here is a review Christina did on them adventuremotorcycle.com/gear/gear-sidi-stinger-boots
I like the design of the Tech 10s. Unfortunately, the inner boot is too narrow and not made for wider feet. Even with a full size up it squeezed the blood out of my toes. Too bad!
Went with the Gaerne SG22 which are also awesome boots! Yes, I tour with them and wear them all day without any issues.
Interesting. I need a wide toe box and the 10s fit great. I found the Gaerne's (g5?) to have a loose heel but really tight on the ankle and the toe box felt tight to me. Great boot but it didn't work for me.
Loved the video and the explanation but I don't get the scoring scale.
You present the 0-3 scale but you rate the boots just by a 'check' mark. So how do they score on the scale between 0-3?
It's a "go-no go" standard. I rate to the boots the the highest rating that they pass all the requirements.
As an example the ADV boot I showed passed all the class 1 (ADV Touring) requirements and the Hyperflexion which is a class 3 (MX) requirement but it is still rated a class 1 boot.
The Tech 7 meets all the requirements as a class 3 boot except one, hyperflexion, so it remains a class 2 (Enduro) boot.
Tech 7 reaches level 2 enduro and tech 10 level 3 motocross
I'm curious why you don't use the tech 10 yourself. I have tagged a few rocks with my toe and had the boots bend as you described. Tech 10s are in my future.
My primary off-road boot is the sidi Crossfire 3... I am trying out the X-Power this season but I will be surprised if I retire the Crossfire
I love my Alpinestars tech-7 boots but they are super squeaky. It can get a bit embarrassing walking around petrol stations and food courts.
One thing I noticed that you didn't mention, and the main reason why I didn't go with the Tech 10's. It is the very same reason that you like the Tech 10's. They are very rigid or stiff. Yes they will protect the lower leg from injury, but they will also put added strain on your knee when you need to plant a foot down, or get caught on something. This very subject came up in the 80's after Bob "Hurricane" Hannah wore the Scott motocross boots in Supercross races. People would buy them, and then do out and blow out their knees. That's the only reason why I didn't get the Scott boots then, and the salesman told me of how stiff the Tech 10's are. That's why I went with the Tech 7's. A little more give/flex in the ankles, compared to my already banged up knees. The only problem that I'm having, is feeling the shifter.
What can really blow a knee, is stabbing a foot down with a lugged sole enduro boot, the boot grabs and you and your knee keep going. I destroyed a knee doing this long ago. As someone who raced flattrack for 10 years, having a foot not slide when you put it down at much speed on a motorcycle............its not a good thing.
People think the treaded boot is a good thing, and it is at camp, but during a ride it can go bad.
@@bradsanders6954good point! But definitely a torsion can destroy your knee ligaments and the question as to what I prefer a broken ankle/tibia or a tore knee is a tough one…
Thats why you wear a knee brace. The rotation gets transfered from the ankle to the knee (brace) up to the hip where we luckily have a joint thats capable of rotating
If you could get Leatt 4.5 for $200, would you go them ahead of the Tech 7?
I would need to spend some time with the Leatt to give a fair response. Sorry I can't answer that right now.
I notice the Tech 10 is relatively new compared to the Tech 7. Will the Tech 7 be equivalent to the Tech 10 when ridden for the sanme amount of miles?
P.S. I have Sidi 2 and ordered Tech 10 and sent them back because they were so stiff!
Both sets shown are relatively new. Here 10yr old Tech 10's were still just as stiff as new but materials were finally starting to break down. Also the newer tech 10's are lighter.
However my tech 7's have loosened up since they were new with more flex in the upper and hyperflexion.
If you have the Sidi Crossfire 2's those are a fantastic boot for protection and comfort. I were the Crossfire 3 as my primary boot but preferred the 2's.
If it's the Adventure 2 you are referring too those are solidly a class 1 (ADV Touring) boot. I have owned those as well for road touring.
At what point is protection really just a compensation for lack of skill and poor choices. Best example would be paddling your legs with aluminum panniers instead of keeping your feet up and buying soft luggage.
Also perhaps going slower and making more careful choices? I think some people expect gear to do everything for you.
I'm a heavy investor in high priced gear don't get me wrong. It's never prevented accidents/injury though the way preventive things like sit awareness, skilled riding the ability to see around you has.
I have the tech 7s for enduro since 4 years now. I *don't like them* as they have a design flaw: water gets inside them soooo easy through the lowest strap mount (which is 1.5 inch high from the ground...).
Tech 10 with no boot tread sounds like a safety compromise to me. In the dirt I need confidence I'm not going to slide all over the place if it gets a bit wet.
Fwiw... I was worried about that, too. I wore Tech 10s last fall through rocky, wet, muddy trails in New Hampshire during Dirt Daze. I had a couple of "offs" and had no issue with grip on the wet rocks or mud. This was on steep inclines, too. The stiffness didn't bother me once I adjusted my pedals and learned how to shift with the mx boots. I don't like the inner boot design, but I don't notice it once they're on.
How are these safe when you can't even feel the shifter or brake lever? You can't feel anything in either of these. I have toucans and even on those you can barely feel anything or press the rear brake quickly.
You can absolutely get a feel for the rear brake and the shifter with tech 7 enduros, it just takes time. I can't speak for the 10s cause I've never used them
You can feel it on the tech 10s as well, it’s just a different feel. It just takes a little time to get used to it.
You just develop muscle memory getting under the shifter. I roll out, down, in, and flick up and out. For rear brake you again develop muscle memory and feel the bike braking. Just ease into it in normal conditions and slam it when you want to skid it.
I wear 10s all the time, like literally the only boot I wear and it's fine
I agree, that's why I ride in sateen slippers. Maximum feel and safety.
Now now... Let's be nice an assume that was a genuine question based on a lack of experience and/or understanding.
We all felt that way the first time we wore a truely protective boot off road.
Hell some people still say the same for gloves, goggles and helmets.
Ignorance is not stupidity. Ignorance you just don't know, stupid is when you know and do it anyway or still don't believe because it doesn't fit what you want to believe.
My tech 7 do not bend at the toe box like your enduro tech7.
Definitely like the Russian doll.
I have Tech 7's and I credit them for allowing my foot to bend enough to break. That flexibility in the sole might be "mighty comfy" but they do not offer the support you need if the bike comes down on your foot in the heel-toe direction. I have not got hands on the Tech 10s but if the sole is as rigid as Bret makes it look, that's a better choice. There are a number of non A* boots out there with very rigid soles which would also be a great choice.
I've had two foot injuries (luckily nothing serious) in the Tech 7's. I've retired them as a dirt boot and only use them for ADV riding now.
@@BretTkacs I find that the bike often lands on my feet even when "ADV" riding. I'm going to move to a "dirt" boot ASAP if I resume "ADV" riding.
Tech7 is somewhat disposable. They tend to last about 3 years of aggressive use and the rivet in the hinge on the inner ankle will fail. The boots are then garbage.
Super comfy, but after 3 pair all failing, I'm moving on to something different.
Actually they are all disposable, some just get disposed of sooner than others
You sounded Canadian in your intro... LOL :-)
Seems like you're better off carrying some sandals to hike instead of reducing the boot in order to hike