ince the introduction of its first generation model in 1997, the Alpinestars Tech 8 boot, particularly in its white racing color version, has been a common feature on the feet of the most prominent riders in the world of Supercross, motocross and off-road racing all over the planet. Its presence as a stable image in countless races and championships can only confirm that after all these years it truly represents one of the icons of our sport.
     It’s not just factory racers, X-Games winners and top off-road world champion racers who covet the Tech 8. The product is so efficient that it has constantly been a market favorite since its launch several years ago.
Although the name and general look stayed the same, in typical Alpinestars fashion the boot has been constantly developed and improved with each season. Alpinestars technicians are at all of the U.S. Supercross and Motocross National races as well as World MX Championship and off-road series, constantly monitoring the performance of the boots. In addition to this, such a large number of boots are sold every year that the information database that Alpinestars continually collects is enormous, leading to more precise development of the boot itself.
     As with all Alpinestars products, the Tech 8, now in its 6th major redesign, has benefited from Alpinestars’ development approach, which includes electronic data acquisition for impact and strength under real conditions, as well as the company’s full development experience with materials and constructions. Each new material is first tested in the company’s laboratory for strength and durability after being put into a climatic chamber that simulates years of natural aging, and through machines that also apply years of abuse to the material in a short accelerated time. The materials are also tested for strength and performance under simulated extreme temperatures, to assess the performance of the boot, whether it is used in sub-freezing temperatures riding in snow, or in very hot and humid conditions. All materials must surpass Alpinestars’ strict standards in the full spectrum of these conditions. These type of analyses can only be done in a dedicated laboratory like Alpinestars has, and they have always been part of Alpinestars’ product development which has afforded the company it’s strong and long-lived reputation for the quality and performance of its products.
     The newest edition of the Tech 8 includes these improvements over the 2005 model:
-Revised fit throughout the new full grain leather upper with redesigned flex panels for improved flexibility and support.
-New internal fit works with the exterior development to provide even more precise fit and long-lasting comfort.
-New closure system featuring four easy-to-operate aluminum buckles with memory and a quick release/locking system with self-aligning design for easy, precise closure.
-New outside protectors are injected with high modulus PU for a high level of impact and abrasion resistance.
-New generation of sole rubber dual compound for even longer lasting durability with improved grip on controls. A large area of the sole is replaceable by the consumer without having to replace the main outsole.
-Alpinestars patented internal “ankle brace”
-Comprehensive support and security built into the internal structure of the boot, with an additional shock-absorbing insert in the heel.
-New TPU rubber gaiter at the top of the boot (similar to Tech 10 design) effectively seals out elements.
-White color boot features new ventilation system with multiple air intakes.
     As with the previous models, the white version of the Tech 8 includes ventilation throughout the boot, while the Black, Black/Red and Black/Silver are void of this feature to increase water resistance. The Tech 8 comes in a wide size range from 5 to 15, and retails for $359.95.
For more information on the Tech 8’s and all of Alpinestars’ other great products, contact your Parts Unlimited rep today.

The first generation of the Alpinestars Tech 8 boot was introduced in 1997 and has since become one of the most popular and technologically advanced boots on the market. Now in its 6th major redesign, the Tech 8 is a top choice amongst some of the world’s top Supercross, motocross and off-road stars.