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www.alpinestars.com   800-409-0903

Alpinestars’ new Tech 8RS replaces the Tech 8 Light boot and incorporates many new features and materials. The new arrival from Alpinestars utilizes a full inner bootie (instead of the older half bootie), a new aluminum buckle system, and comes in three color ways (white, black, and yellow/black).

Once slipping into the Alpinestars Tech 8 RS boot I immediately noticed the sizing is spot on; I wear a 10.5 shoe and usually wear a size 11 motocross boot, and with older Tech 8 Lights I had to wear a size smaller (size 10). With the new buckle system you can leave your rubber mallet inside your toolbox because you can actually close the buckles with your hands (unlike the older style buckle system). I would like to have a softer footbed, especially for longer days on the bike, because the standard material is a little hard on my heels when landing off larger jumps (I swapped them out with gel inserts). Break-in time is quicker than a Tech 10 as I could find my shifter and brake pedal within the first 30-40 minutes of riding time. While riding, the Tech 8 RS feels light (the Tech 8 RS weighs in at 4.6 lbs. per boot), which made for less fatigue in my legs.

I am also a fan of the full bootie versus the half-bootie system, especially for ankle support. My ankles felt better protected while riding (with maintaining enough movement inside the boot) and my they weren’t as sore when the day was done. You will have to be conscience of the TPU kickstarter protector on the right side of the boot; I caught it on the footpeg while starting a bike and it ended up pulling through the hardware that it screws into. Replacing it is as easy as buying a new one but to me the TPU protector is overkill.

The life of the Tech 8 RS is great. Both soles have lasted for over 40 hours of abuse and the firmness and newer feel of the boot while riding still feels intact. The buckles and Velcro closures still work flawlessly and the boot cleans up well without discoloring.

This might be one of my favorite Alpinestars boots to date. It feels a little lighter than the Tech 10, and once I slipped a more comfortable (more cushioned) footbed inside it put a smile on my face. At $499.99 I think this boot out-performed its price tag. If you're looking for a comfortable, bootie type, off-road boot, than the Alpinestars Tech 8 RS could be a part of your riding protection for a long time to come. – Kris Keefer

Gear                     MAX****     

Style                      18/20    

Comfort                 7/10      

Function                48/50    

Wash/care             9/10      

Price                     8/10      

Total                      90