Between touring and motocross, that's where the Tech 3 Enduro is situated. Visually, this tends towards the Alpinestars MX-motocross heydays, while the ease of use can just as easily be applied for daily use.
Always and forever waterproof, we wouldn’t dare claim that. You will not find a waterproof membrane here. For a remarkable motorcycle boot like this, that is an important comment.
The Alpinestars Tech 3 Enduro is still a motorcycle boot that you’ll put on the coffee table to admire first. Half a meter high - or at least 40 cm - and provided with a lot of details, this is situated in the world of the adventurous multi-rider. Like an external skeleton, these motorcycle boots offer a lot of protection, without being too rigid.
Of course, you can expect some stability. The Tech 3 Enduro is supposed to be the opposite of a ballet shoe. The microfiber material that is used for the outer shell is light, yet durable. With lots of accordion pieces - both in the front and in the back - it all stays comfortable and relatively flexible as well. The top of the boot is remarkably more wear-resistant. Ideal to embroider an oversized shifting reinforcement on it, they thought at Alpinestars.
These kinds of boots can always count on their outer shell for the first layer of protection. That’s no different here. It’s impossible to miss the injected TPU shin plate. It's connected to the (lower) protector panel by - hold on - a biomechanical, medial blade system that provides good forward and backward flexibility that offers support and protection to the ankle. A hinge, in other words. The TPR flap linked to it opens up almost all the way, with velcro. The inner leg has a technical texture to ensure grip. Three sturdy polymer buckles close everything off. The ratchet system has been taken to the next level: the buckles are replaceable and the ratchets 'remember' the position you usually close them in. Also present: TPU calf protection, TPU ankle protection and TPU heel cap. A lot of plastic - semi hard - in and especially on this Tech 3.
Despite that, and the TPU-injected foot shell, which is also made in one piece and reinforced via a metal shaft that extends to the - also present - toe protection, the Tech 3 still allows you to walk just fine. Surprisingly well, in fact. A removable EVA footbed and the good have a lot to do with that. It does go without saying that a motorcycle boot like this will first and foremost remain a motorcycle boot. Not a hiking boot.
In other words, the Tech 3 is a very specific choice. Detailed, very protective, comfortable, sturdy, light ... Just not waterproof.
