BEST ADVENTURE BOOTS Alpinestars Tech 7 Drystar vs Toucan Goretex

I upgraded to the brand new Alpinestars Tech 7 Drystar from my Alpinestars Toucan Goretex. The Tech 7 is now the toughest waterproof adventure boot on the market. If you want to know what I think about and how they compare to my 5 year old Alpinestars Toucan check out this short review.
Here is the list of products mentioned:
- Alpinestars Tech 7 Drystar - the toughest waterproof avdventure boot on the market
- Alpinestars Toucan - still amazing with excellent protection and Goretex waterproof membrane
It is tough to pick the "right" gear sometimes -especially if you are willing to spend good money you want to be sure. This is the approached I used to arrive at my decision on which boot to get this time around - I approached this by means of elimination - there are plenty of great boots out there but this helps to cut it down to only a few to choose from.
I was looking for an all season / all-weather adventure touring boot - this means for me a boot with waterproof membrane. This alone cuts the field of contenders down quite a bit. Next is level of "comfort" vs "protection" - even though this is a bit misleading - it should say "soft" vs "hard" boot. Some people prefer "less boot" so they can move their feet better but you will sacrifice on the protection level. On this end of the scale you get a waterproof boot with good protection (Gaerne G-Adventure Aquatech, BMW VentureGrip GTX, etc.)
If you are looking for beefier protection you will come across Sidi's Adventure boot & Alpinestars Toucan -both with Goretex. Until 2019 this was the upper end of the waterproof “most protective adventure boot” scale. As for the level of protection they would still give much less protection than even an entry level Enduro Boot.
Then came Alpinestars Tech 7 Drystar. The Tech 7 has been around for many years - as a motorcross / enduro boot - the main difference is a different sole (harder & flat on the motorcross style / with more profile and softer on the Enduro style for more grip). With the added waterproof membrane this became the toughest waterproof adventure/enduro boot on the market in 2020.
When choosing riding gear, I asked myself what gear I would like to wear in case of a crash. Your feet are vulnerable and an injury can quickly end a good day of riding. Even at slow speeds you can hit hard obstacles like roots, rocks and branches. If your bike falls over and lands on your leg - your foot and legs gets squeezed between a heavy adventure bike and the hard ground. Your boot is the only thing to prevent or minimize the impact.
Update Jan 2021: I have had a few rain rides up to 2 hours in heavy rain with the Tech 7 DS - so far so good but I have not had a full day of 6-8 hours riding in the rain yet.
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[@ray8328]

Thanks for sharing your experience MotoVibes. I’m tying to decide on a dual sport boot that will provide protection from off-road impacts and weather while on longer trips.

[@patrickcooper9641]

I will only use GoreTex boots. To me, there is no reason to ride with wet and cold feet. I put way too many miles back in the days before GoreTex and think it is the best thing that happened to the motorcycle world. If you have the proper equipment you can keep riding all day. There is no bad weather only bad clothing! Great review as always. Cheers

[@jimilborillo]

I was looking specifically for a comparison between these 2 boots and BAM, your video review popped up in my searches. I'm a new ADV rider and looking for my first pair if boots. I had previously ordered, and subsequently returned the following boots because of one reason or another. Mostly fitment and lack of lateral ankle support and protection. Alpinestars Corozal, Forma Adventure HDry, Forma Terra EVO X, Gaerne Balance Oil, Sidi Adventure 2 Gore-Tex. The first 4 did not have enough ankle protection and lateral support and the Forma's would not fit my massive calves. The Sidi Adventure 2 had all the protection I wanted and waterproof as well but was just too narrow for my wide feet. Now I'm looking at getting the A* Tech 7 Enduro Drystars or the Daytona TransTourMan GTX. Would love to see a follow up review of your Tech 7's. Thanks for the video.

[@MtbPoland]

Thanx, that is what I currently decide between 😀

[@Fluffy_Vizier]

I have the GoreTex Toucans myself and they're great like you said, can wear them all day long. I also own the Andes suit witch has the Drystar membrane and I'm not to impressed by that. It will keep you dry on short showers, but not in 6hours of rain.

[@zzrrf]

Good Stuff. Yeah looks like the new boots did their job when the Bike landed on ya right Leg. I think after you give them the 6 Hour riding in the Rain test and they are still dry, then will definitely be a great bit of Kit. Cheers Paul

[@Thumpermad]

Great boots mate the Toucan was high on my list but the Tech 7s were a better option so just bought a set from the local bike shop absolutely the most comfortable boots straight off the bat I love the arch support it's just amazing. they're about a half size bigger 11s I could've gone for the 10 but I'll probably put a comfy foot soul to take in the half size as KLIM do with their ADV boots cheers

[@pascal9623]

Hi and thanks four your videos!

[@monzadh]

love your site, I have the baby KTM of the family, 390 ADV and currently have ADV boots and want to move to an MX or enduro boot. How was the sizing moving from Toucan? Same in Tech 7? Also did the new boot thickness make you adjust your shift lever or was it the same?

[@GSMicrobe]

I have Alpinestar boots but they are very squaky. Do you have any tips to stop this noise when walking?

[@berndhacks337]

Thanks for the review. Let me ask a couple questions: Is the Tech 7 drystar boot as breathable as the Toucan boot? How is the boot in hot conditions? Does it work well with over the boot pants? Thanks a lot in advance. Cheers

[@pranaykumar306]

alpinestar official website describes toucan has more protection over tech 7 enduro dry fit,I could observe toucan being on slightly higher price.

[@stevietimis463]

Don`forget 2 breathe my friend :-)

[@ADVCRIMEA]

I have been using Alpinestars Tech 7 Drystar for the second year. The drystar membrane started leaking for the second season.

[@MANUELRODRIGUEZ-sg8qn]

Cuáles son más cómodas en general y flexibles a nivel suela, tobillo y empeine para un uso más variado de aventura.... Las TCX comp EVO, las Sidi Atojo SRS ó éstas Alpinestar tech 7 enduro..... Ayer pude probar las Alpinestar Tech 7 ENDURO y me ha sorprendido gratamente pero me gustaría saber en comparación como van las otras dos.. GRACIAs...

[@themosaito]

Great review, thanks!! Does the membrane breathe enough to stop the boots smelling?

[@vincewwe4lyf]

Planning to buy these. How is the built & quality on these ? How is the waterproof layering holding up ? What life do ya expect for these in terms or touring & mild off-roading ? Considering the specs I guess these are one of the best in terms of Looks/Protection/Comfort/Waterproofing out there in the market. I had TCX Baja GTX, Forma Terra Adv & AS tech 7 enduro also on mind. Which ya think will be an all season touring boot with good protection as well as life. ? I’m more confused between the Tech 7 Enduro & Toucans.

[@jc525exc]

Do these boots breath? My Toucans do. Clammy feet & stinky boots are bad.

[@nemoltu]

Alpinestar drystar did not work for me.. Hope it will work for you. Had my feet completely wet after all day riding in the rain. Bought Toucan and I am a happy camper now.

[@D-Stealth]

Thanks for information. I have Toucan boots . Everything is fine, but at temperatures below 5 degrees celsius