The Tech 8s’ main structure is full-grain leather, stitched to the soles, old world style, with metal sole tips and heel caps. From here, the CE-certified boots are augmented with plenty of 21st-century innovations. These include polyurethane on the shins, sides, and ankles to reinforce against impact and potentially crushing forces.
To improve comfort and control, a “bio-mechanical calf and shin articulation system” has been added. A main component of this upgrade is a “vertical dual sliding blade mechanism” behind the calf that progressively increases resistance as the foot tilts in conjunction with the enlarged flex panels in line with the Achilles tendon.
The Tech 8s are actually two boots in one. Inside is a soft, perforated-leather bootie with a cushioning foam sole and asymmetrical, impact-absorbing gel inserts covering the ankle bones. Further featured is a new dual-compound sole, of which the middle section is replaceable.
Each boot is held closed by Velcro and four alternating, burst-resistant aluminum buckles. These can be finely adjusted, and Alpinestars says they have a “memory.” What this translates to is you can set the adjustment, and they stay there.
On the boots’ top is an enlarged, flexible thermoplastic polyurethane gaiter to prevent splashed water and mud from getting in.