Alpinestars Tech 7 Boot Test | Off-Road Review

Alpinestars Tech 7 Review - mx

Alpinestars Tech 7 Off-Road Boot Review

Alpinestars Tech 7 Review - enduro

The Alpinestars Tech 7 is third from top in the Italian company’s off-road boot range, and the most expensive model that doesn’t use the internal bootie. The Alpinestars Tech 7 was completely redesigned two years ago from the ground up, with the construction using a single plastic-molding enclosing the foot area.

Unique to the Tech 7 in the Alpinestars range is a hinge system allowing the boot to flex at the ankle. As well as the ease of movement, Alpinestars claims this can help reduce injuries by absorbing torsional load. The buckles were also redesigned with the release of the new Tech 7. The old-style Alpinestars buckles were rather stiff to open and close, and the new ones are a huge step forward with a light easy action and a damage-resistant design.

The Tech 7’s sole has a dual compound construction with softer rubber for the instep area and both the instep and sole are replaceable by Alpinestars. The instep grips the pegs well, and the sole has good traction on dirt and rocks, particularly with the optional enduro sole (available for a $20 premium). Durability has been fine, though the insteps will need replacement after a season of frequent riding.

Alpinestars Tech 7 Review - off-road

The Alpinestars Tech 7 boots are comfortable and flexible right out of the box, the ankle hinge being a big factor in eliminating the break in period. It also helps with brake feel and shifting and makes the boots more comfortable to walk in. The hinges were impressively quiet, and only squeaked after packing up with a lot of dry dirt.

The fit of the boots is quite different from the older Tech 7s. On the size 8 boots tested, the toe box is narrow, as is typical for Alpinestars, though somewhat narrower than the old style Tech 7. However, they have a lot of volume around the ankle area. Boot fit is subjective and a snug fit is critical to offering good protection, particularly around the ankle, so try before buying to make sure they work for your feet.

The build quality and durability has been impressive. I’ve been wearing a pair of Alpinestars Tech 7 boots for the last year, riding a mix of open desert and technical rocky singletrack trails. The boots have held up to the abuse, taking some good hits to the toe box and scrapes against rocks with no damage and no injuries. They should hold up for multiple seasons of hard use. The lower foot area of the boot is waterproof, but if water gets more than half way up you’ll have wet feet.

Compared to Alpinestars’ Tech 8 RS and Tech 10 boots, the Tech 7 sacrifices some protection, but offers much more comfort and practicality for all-around use. The Alpinestars Tech 7 boots are an excellent choice for trail and enduro work and, with their extra flexibility over a pure MX race boot, will also suit adventure bike riders who spend most of their time on the street but need the protection of an off-road boot when hitting the dirt.

Alpinestars Tech 7 Boots MSRP: $350. Nine colorways available.

Action photography by Don Williams

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