Alpinestars Tech 8 Light Boots
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Fantastic boots!
Bought them in size 13 (same as my tennis shoes) and fit perfect. They offer great support and protection. Ordered in white color which are more vented than the black and also they look very cool.
I really recomend to watch a YouTube video of how to break in new MX boots by Gary Semics. Fun to watch and useful to feel comfortable from the star with these boots (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HkfCaDGiCs)
Great job Alpinestars! and thank you REVZILLA :-)
October 13, 2012
Solid
I was given a pair of Tech 8's when I got my KTM. The owner had a pair in my size that was never worn, as the KTM was never ridden, so he threw them in.
While my Icon Elsinore boots look like some old school MX boots, these suckers are the read deal. Putting them on, I found that they fit absolutely perfect and adjusting the boot was simple. Once on, these boots were solid and stable. I took them on a quick ride up to Paradise Lake. I had to put a food down a couple times, let it slide. This was no problem with these Tech 8's. Standing on the pegs felt as solid as standing on the floor.
These boots are not for my Sport Bike... shifting and braking would be a challenge in these things. But on my KTM it was just fine. They breath well enough you could do some long range riding in them without getting Swamp Feet. You could do some Adventure Touring in these.
What they are not good for though, is just walking around. This isn't your "Just One Pair" jack of all trades boot. These are for riding. Hard.
August 16, 2012
Home Run, and almost a grand slam!!!
I have been an avid Alpinestars Tech 8 user for many years, and having worn out my last two pairs (one black for mud, one white for dry), it was time to order new Tech 8s. What timing, as the new light version was just released.
Let me preface this review by saying I am an avid "bootie" user. For those that dont know, the Tech 8s have an inner bootie used for extra cushion and ankle protection, and is redesigned in the lights. Some complained the old bootie created foot claustrophobia, but I was a fan and like the snug cushion it provided.
So onto the review. The new boot has new buckles, different venting, new styling on the white version, a nice kickstart protector, minor surface/grip changes, and of course the aforementioned bootie. All of the changes are welcome, save for the bootie, which I feel is OK. A call to astars confirmed the boot was designed to work with the new bootie, and does not suggest using the old bootie. For me, the new bootie lacks a bit of toe cushion, but some may like the open feeling. For me, I am still a full bootie fan, and may try a full one in these to see if I can get it to work.
I did not mention the boot being lighter... because, well,,,, it doesnt really feel much lighter. I never thought these were super heavy, and am not doubting the scale says they are lighter, but my feet cant discern a significant difference.
Craftsmanship is TOP notch, and so is Astar and revzilla customer service. Astars suggested I stick with the old boot since I was so fond of it, and rev said try the new one since they offer no hassle returns. I chose the new since I have faith in Alpinestars, and have trusted them for many many moons.
So the bottom line. Are they worth $30 msrp over the older model? Probably. Are they worth the $100+ over the older model found on closeout auction sites? Maybe, but probably not. At the end of the day, you can not go wrong with either, but the inner bootie makes this boot quite different than years past, so be aware of that.
I eagerly await other customers feedback, as well as what the magazines have to say. I think if it had the full bootie it would have been a grand slam, but a home run aint bad!!!
July 8, 2011
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