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Enduro boots for moto? Sure, why not?
The CE-certified Alpinestars Tech 10 Enduro boot features its own dedicated ‘Enduro’ spec dual compound sole that is integrated to the multi-density foot base structure with built-in support is said to offer a mix of durability, grip as well as feel while riding longer distances, and better feel on the shifter. The Tech 10 Enduro’s design is said to improve overall functionality; performance and safety, while decreasing weight and reducing material volume.
A key innovative feature of the Tech 10 Enduro is the patented Frontal Flexion Control Frame. Combining with the dual front and the rear blade connectors, the frame acts as a shock absorber by distributing energy across the boot frame while controlling forward and rearward flex. This gives the Tech 10 Enduro boot a complete and seamless flexion control system, from the footshell all the way up to the shin plate, offering double motion control, as well as trying to prevent over-compression and hyper-extension.
The Tech 10 Enduro is still equipped with Alpinestars ankle control system, which is integrated in the outer shell to allow natural ankle movement, vertical compression control and flex control/impact resistance. This is complemented by an inner ankle brace and the unique heel protection innovation; the patented Dynamic Heel Compression Protector (DCHP). This significantly reduces the effect of excessive, potentially injury-causing, energy being transferred to the ankle and lower leg.
The Tech 10 Enduro has a Frontal Flex Frame, a complete and seamless flexion control system, from the foot shell all the way up to the shin plate, offering a high-performance double motion control in order to try and prevent over-compression as well as hyper-extension. Incorporated into the frontal outer chassis of the boot and working in conjunction with Alpinestars unique, patented, dual torsion bar inner ankle brace, the Frontal Flex Frame is engineered to ‘float‘ freely between the upper and lower boot, essentially acting as a shock absorber by distributing energy across the boot frame while controlling forward and rearward flex, progressively releasing force which dampens and absorbs impact energies.
Other rider friendly touches include a slimmer and more streamlined profile with a contoured calf protector ergonomically wrapping around the leg, a dual compound removable anatomic footbed with EVA for comfort, support and weight distribution, an ultra-thin and flexible forefoot area for sensitivity and control, and a new easier to operate, more secure mechanism on the triple buckle closure system.
With all this being said what are the three key differences in the “Enduro” Tech 10 versus the “Moto” style Tech 10?
–Tech 10 Enduro sole has a different shape/construction to it
–Tech 10 Enduro doesn’t use the three frontal reinforcement bars like the moto version
–The overall compound of the Tech 10 Enduro boot is also softer than the moto version
Again, I used these for motocross. I did NOT use these for trail riding or enduro purposes. I wanted to see if these “Enduro” changes are good for us moto guys. Did I walk around these things like I was trail riding/scouting? No. This test was used to see if a softer feeling boot was better for motocross.
Once you put the the Tech 10 Enduro on you aren’t going to notice the increased flex right when you slide your feet into them. I think I was expecting a little quicker break in period but that wasn’t the case. They are still stiff out of the box but they did break in quicker over the course of he first day compared to the standard Tech 10s. Once broken in (around 4-6 engine hours) the increased feel and flex are noticeable. The thing I noticed most is moving my feet on the pegs and how much feel I have from the peg to the sole of the boot. I can feel my feet more on the teeth of the pegs with the Enduro Tech 10’s over the regular Tech 10s. Planting my feet on pegs felt more secure as well as just overall feel/cushion when landing off jumps. The sole does flex more when landing so if/when you case something the protection may not be as great as the standard Tech 10s.
Once the Enduro Tech 10s are broken in, I have much more flex/movement than the regular Tech 10 boots. Now this could be a good thing or a not so good thing depending on what you’re looking for in your boots. For me this was a good thing as I would have liked a little more flexion and extension from my Tech 10s. The Enduro boots gave me an easier way to feel the shifter and rear brake pedal. The way I like to be able to feel my way around my controls with my feet is more based on the performance side and not the protection side. I still have strong ankles so a little more comfort/feel and a little less protection is ok with me. I will say that even though I have only put around 12 hours in these boots my ankles or knees aren’t as fatigued/sore as they are with Tech 7’s. I love Tech 7’s for how light they are (on long test days) but I did wish there was maybe a boot that was an “in between” a 7 and 10 for protection and I think now I have found it with a Tech 10 Enduro. If you’re a Tech 10 rider that cuts his frontal reinforcement bars out, then the “Enduro” model is for you as these don’t come with them.
So far the soles have not shown any more wear than the average Tech 10 even with the grippier/softer feeling sole, but time will tell on how these boots will break down. Gripping the bike is a little easier as the ankle area (even though Alpinestars doesn’t specify a change) feels narrower than the normal Tech 10. I don’t have large calves so I can’t speak about boot opening for larger calved riders but the gaitor/opening of the Enduro doesn’t feel like it is more/less than the Tech 10.
Having a premium off road boot that has good feeling on the bike as well as enough protection is not always easy to do but Alpinestars has seemed to find a way to make a Tech 10 with more flex, better grip and a less cumbersome ankle area with their Tech 10 Enduro. It isn’t much lighter than the standard Tech 10 but getting more flex/grip might attract some of the Fox Instinct moto boot riders over to Alpinestars. For $699.95 this is a nice option for Alpinestars riders that want more flex/feel from their boots.
Predicting Your Questions:
Is it as flexible as the Fox Instinct? No. The Fox boot still flexes more and is lighter than the Tech 10 E.
Does the sole break down sooner on the Tech 10 E over the standard Tech 10? I have a set, each at 12 hours and both soles look similar for wear.
Does the Tech 10 E feel lighter than the standard Tech 10? No. They both feel the same.
