Alpinestars Tech 7 Boot Review

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. Subsequently, Alpinestars has expanded and redesigned the Tech 7 series to incorporate the 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 over- haul from previous generations, with significant improve- ments. 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.

The new Tech 7 Enduro boot is a CE-certified off-road boot offering top-shelf protection for 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 for riders is greater ankle flexibility while retaining support and a drastically reduced break-in time. This design also increases mobility for shifting, braking, and walking around. The new pivot 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.

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 and a quick release/locking system with self-aligning design

TPU ankle protection system incorporating a biome- chanical link between the middle and bottom sections of the boot, helping prevent damage to the leg by providing progressive force relief for torsional forces
Protection for heel and Achilles tendon, helping to prevent hyper flexion
Redesigned instep and Achilles accordion flex zones construction for comfort, control and support
Internal 3D lining includes anti-slide microfiber suede on the heel to help keep foot in position

SIDI Adventure Rain Boot Review

New to America for 2011, we tested the Sidi Adventure Rain boot in some of the most challenging conditions we could find. The Adventure Rain boot is categorized as a touring boot by Sidi, construction is sturdy, the upper is made from heavy leather combined with hard plastic shielding at the shin, ankles and heal. Ankles pivot at a single point similar to their top of the line Crossfire boots while the shift pad and straps are made of a durable material called Lorica. Boot retention uses two of Sidi’s excellent Cam-lock buckles on the lower portion of the boot with hook and loop securing the upper shin flap. I’m not a huge fan of hook and loop since it eventually wears out, I would have preferred a 3rd buckle like they use on the Discovery boot. The sole is flexible enough to be comfortable to walk in while the tread is heavy and work boot-like down to the tread pattern and oil resistant rubber. It looks like a stitched sole but is actually a molded unit. The local cobbler tells me that even though it is not a stitched sole he can still resole the boot as long as I don’t wear them too thin.

In the past, I have always found Sidi to fit narrow on my size 12 foot. The Euro 47 I picked up sizes as a 121/2 and was a very comfortable fit from the beginning similar in fit to my Alpinestars. My early concern about the lower strap binding against my foot when I walked disappeared after only a few rides. Now, I don’t notice it at all. The Adventure Rain took little time to break but remains noisy with a loud squeaking as you walk similar to my race boots.

Having just recently logged 2,000 miles in north Mexico, 2,500 miles of interstate and another 2,000 miles bouncing around the Pacific Northwest in the wet spring rain, the only time I have had water get inside is when the water flowed over the top of the boot as we pushed a bike out of a river-can’t blame Sidi for that one! The Adventure Rain boots can get warm in hot weather but remain surprisingly comfortable for a waterproof boot. Overall, I found these to be a great traveling companion, dry and comfortable to walk in, plus I really like the fact that the uppers are narrow enough to slip under my jeans and riding pants.

Is this the perfect adventure boot? The answer depends on your definition of what an adventure boot should do. If you are looking for a comfortable road companion that can handle light off-road duty the Sidi Adventure’s just may be the perfect boot for you. However, if you are looking for the ultimate in protection and spend a good amount of time standing on the pegs, the Sidi Discovery or a pure off-road boot may be the better choice. These are the first boots I reach for now when I go for a ride, but I won’t be tossing my Alpinestars Tech 7s anytime soon.

Author: Product Reviewer

Alpinestars Tech 7 Boot

Alpinestars Tech 7 Boot Review

SIDI Adventure Rain Boot

SIDI Adventure Rain Boot Review

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