Introduced in 2004, the Tech 10 has long stood as Alpinestars’ flagship motocross boot—engineered specifically to meet the demands of professional-level competition. Widely worn by elite riders across the globe, it has undergone multiple design iterations over the years to improve protection, flexibility, and rider feedback. 

Now with the introduction of the Tech 10 Enduro, Alpinestars has upgraded their premier motocross boot to improve versatility for those riders who take their bikes beyond the motocross track. At its core, it has all the top-level protection and cutting-edge tech of the standard Tech 10 like the inner ankle braces, Dynamic Heel Compression Protector and a progressive Front Flex control shock absorber, but it’s been strategically redesigned for the rigors of enduro riding.

One of the standout updates is the sole redesign. While most motocross boots feature smooth soles meant to glide across manicured tracks, off-road riding presents a very different reality—mud, slick rocks, uneven terrain, and constant bike handling. 

Accordingly, the Tech 10 Enduro features a sole with more grip and control for navigating varied terrain. The new dual-compound construction has a horizontal ribbed design at the tips of the heel and toe that is said to produce a suction effect on slick smooth surfaces (e.g. climbing rocks). Moving in from heel and toe, there’s also a set of square knobs that dig into loose terrain, while the footbed area is covered with diamond shaped indentations ideal for peg grip, along with slots along the side that improve lateral grip and stability. The Enduro sole offers all the durability and serviceability of the standard Tech 10s as well, allowing you to replace just the mid-sole after your foot pegs chew them up, or if you need to, you can replace the entire thing.

The new Enduro model is more than just a Tech 10 with a different sole though. There are other subtle touches like the removal of the TPU panel on the lower shin for better flex characteristics, as well as additional TPU panels on the outer sides of the boots for better protection from hard objects you might contact on the trail.

Some of the other protection features built into both the Tech 10 and the Tech 10 Enduro include extensive TPU protection on the toes, foot, heel, ankle, calf, and shin with extra hard compounds on the toe-box and heel for additional impact and abrasion resistance. A dual-density TPU rear blade covers the achilles tendon area and works in conjunction with the ankle hinge system to prevent hyperextension and over-compression, while offering natural ankle movement. 

What Astars call a Frontal Flex Frame is engineered to float between the upper and lower boot, acting as a dynamic shock absorber dampening and absorbing impacts. By distributing impact energy across the boot structure, it controls forward and rearward flex from footbed to shin plate for enhanced rider feel and to further prevent over-compression and hyperextension.

For high-impact crashes—especially heel-first—additional protection comes from the inner ankle brace (on the inner booties) and Alpinestars’ innovative DHCP (Dynamic Heel Compression Protector). This integrated, collapsible heel zone uses expanded poly-foam to absorb and dissipate extreme impact forces, significantly reducing energy transfer to the ankle and lower leg. A metal shank and a reinforced toe provide even more impact protection and foot support on the pegs.

As far as fit and comfort, a dedicated microfiber gaiter helps seal out water and debris on the dual closure top flap, which features hook-and-loop fasteners and a buckle to ensure a secure, precise fit. Ventilation windows are strategically placed along the shin area, calf, foot, and heel to keep things aired out during athletic rides.

The Tech 10 Enduro closure system includes three lightweight polymer buckles plus an aluminum frame with self-aligning, quick release closures. Each buckle is housed inside a flush-mount TPU opening where they remain protected from impacts that could break a buckle or cause it to release. Also, each buckle has a rotating base that allows them to resist ripping off if your buckle accidentally becomes unsecured during the ride.

For added grip, TPU panels run along the boot’s inner contact zones, enhancing traction on the bike’s frame and bodywork. There’s even a grip panel over the toes of the left boot to aid smooth shifting. Despite its high-level protection, the boot maintains a streamlined profile with a slim, low-profile toe box for easier shifting and a contoured calf protector. 

How It Performed

I’ve been riding in Alpinestars MX boots for more than 20 years now, back in the days when the top dog was the Tech 8. Throughout the many iterations, they’ve always been a boot you could rely on for protection, comfort, durability, and continuous incremental improvements. So when the Tech 10s got a full update a few years back, it was on my radar but I wasn’t expecting any big surprises. Once the Tech 10 Enduro’s were announced though at the end of last year, as an off-road rider I was definitely excited to get my hands on a pair to try them out.

Straight out of the box they’ve got the familiar removable inner booty design that I like. If you’ve ever forgotten (purposely or accidentally) to bring a pair of shoes on a multi-day camping ride, those booties do just fine for walking around short distances. They are also convenient to remove and thoroughly clean out any small rocks or sand, which isn’t always easy with a super stiff MX boot.

I remember the days with my Tech 8s standing in a tub of hot water trying to break in a new pair of boots the evening before a ride. They’d still be stiff and uncomfortable for several rides before the break-in completed. With these new Tech 10s, it was a whole different story. They seemed soft and pliable right away — instantly comfortable to walk or shift gears in. By that I don’t mean they feel overly flexible. It’s a progressive flex that gives you enough to walk, without feeling like you are in ski boots. Try to bend them by hand and there’s barely any flex at all. The more you flex, the more it resists.

Strapping in is convenient as well, especially with the three-buckle design. Most MX boots have four buckles, so this can save you some time fiddling around getting your boots on. The slim-line buckle design is easy to connect and the micro adjustments ensure you get a precise fit. The use of the inner booty in the Tech 10s is something that has always added a little extra bulk. The streamlined design is definitely noticeable too compared to some of the previous Tech 10 iterations. 

As a motocross-style boot with full protection, the Enduros are definitely heavier than a pair of Adventure Boots by about a pound or so each. My size EU 47 (US 12) boots weighed in at 5 pounds, 4 ounces, which is a tad heavier than some of the other top-tier MX boots I’ve tried. They are about 4 ounces heavier than the standard Tech 10s, which can probably be attributed to the extra sole material.

Despite the few extra ounces, they are by no means bulky. The overall outer shape of the boot is pretty compact. With their low-profile toe it’s easy to get under the shifter too, without having to adjust the lever position. If you are used to riding in ADV boots, you’ll notice the extra weight walking around in them. But it’s not uncomfortable or awkward. Do they squeak? Yes, but not as outrageously as many MX boots, so you can usually walk into a restaurant without everyone looking up at you, plus that enduro sole grips pretty good on slippery tile floors.

Speaking of the sole, they offer noticeable improvement in grip over the standard Tech 10s. I noticed right away that I had more sure-footed confidence while walking around White Pocket in the Vermilion Cliffs, as we scurried around the slick rock formations. They worked equally well picking up downed bikes on rocks with loose sand on top. 

After several long-days of riding, I was pretty impressed with the comfort. One way you know if a boot is comfortable is if you take them off immediately after you arrive at camp. I lingered around in my boots for quite awhile, chasing down firewood and setting up my tent, before throwing on shoes. While they aren’t going to be on the level of a comfortable ADV boot, they can definitely handle some adventure rides if your priority is high levels of protection.

In the Pacific Northwest, while testing the DRZ-4S, it was a great opportunity to try out the grip in slick wet conditions. With a smooth sole, I often ride seated with my feet up to air dry the boot bottoms after a river crossing. After splashing through puddles with a lot of muck on the bottoms of the Tech 10 Enduros, I noticed I could safely get up on the pegs immediately after and still get good grip on the pegs.

While we are on the topic of getting wet, one drawback for some might be that these boots are not waterproof. While I will say they seemed to keep the moisture out from splashing through river crossings or puddles, if you submerge them for more than a few seconds, there will be some seepage. It really comes down to what you value though. Many off-road riders prefer to have excellent venting over dry feet. Try doing an aggressive off-road ride on a hot day in a pair of waterproof boots and they are likely to get swampy. With these Tech 10 Enduros, there’s always good ventilation to keep perspiration from building up inside and they dry out pretty quickly after dabbing through a river crossing.

One cool thing about these boots is the grip they offer along the contact surfaces of the bike when you squeeze it with your legs. The inner part of the boots is all rubber from the cuff down to the sole, which provides extra stability in technical riding situations. That definitely came in handy riding the Mammoth Mountain motocross track while testing the KTM 390 Enduro R.

As far as durability and protection, I tagged my foot on countless boulders and tree branches during my rides over the last 8 months or so, and they still look fairly fresh. The only area I’m seeing some premature wear is on the soles. The horizontal ribs at the toe and heel tips are starting to chip off a bit. Perhaps I’ve been climbing too many rocks. However, the footbed area, where it comes in contact with the pegs, shows moderate wear.

Who Are They For

Off-road riders from hard-core adventurers to enduro racers will appreciate the high level of protection, streamlined shell, excellent grip, good ventilation, and all-day comfort. Adventure Riders who prioritize protection, even if they aren’t clearing triples, will appreciate the additional safety along with good comfort for an MX style boot. 

Our Verdict

There is a mind boggling amount of tech built into these boots but the bottom line is the new Tech 10 Enduros offer top-tier motocross level protection, with less bulk, excellent comfort, enough flex to take a short hike, impressive grip on or off the bike, and a fast break-in period. While we may not be pushing the limit like the top-level Supercross riders the Tech 10s were designed for, it’s nice to know you’re protected just the same. 

The only thing that might cause a little heartburn is the price. At $739, you might feel some burn in the pocketbook too. But assuming they last at least as long as my old Tech 8s, you’ll get many years of hard use out of them before they need to be retired.

What We Liked

• Short break-in period.
• Excellent comfort riding or walking for an MX Boot.
• Top-level protection in a streamlined package.
• Nice grippy sole in varied off-road conditions.

What Could Be Improved

• Some reinforcement of the sole at the toe tips.
• Make an additional waterproof version.
• On the pricey side.

Tech 10 Enduro Specs

• Colors: Black, RED/Black/White, Orange/Black/White
• Sizes: EU 40.5-49.5 (US 7-14)
• Measured Weight: 5 pounds, 4 oz (size 47 single boot)
• MSRP: $739

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Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.