I just finished my second season with a pair of the non-Drystar Tech 7 Enduros, we cross water frequently that is over the tops of the boots plus my feet really over heat in waterproof boots. That is roughly 2000 miles of straight off road riding on my Husqvarna FE350, single track, double track, hill climbing, and some logging roads. The "Enduro" version of the Tech 7 is a must for any riding not on a track, the tread is necessary in many situations where you could slip and injure yourself with the more smooth soled straight motocross boot (ask me how I know). I have taken hits from logs, multiple rocks, and have crashed a number of times with these boots with no foot/lower leg injuries. I've even had my foot/leg trapped between my bike and the ground a couple of times and was fine. These boots are awesome. My only real criticism of them is that they stink. I have never had boots that smell this bad after getting wet and I have never had smelly feet but I can't even stand to have these in the truck with me after a ride they smell so bad. Small price to pay though. Incidentally, I snapped my fibula in half due to a knee brace. One could argue that it saved my knee from injury but I have had multiple knee surgeries (two from the "terrible triad" injury - torn ACL, MCL, meniscus) on both knees and the injury that causes me the most pain is the nerve damage from that fibula break 17 years ago. I no longer wear knee braces but they likely have value in certain circumstances.
That’s a massive in-depth reply NB. I agree with the heat, that’s why I wanna get the standard Enduro version for summer riding. I’m in two minds about my knee braces for that very reason. They feel rock solid, but if the energy is no longer breaking your knee, where is it going? For serious off-roading they are great, but for casual ADV I think they are overkill. Thanks for providing such epic feedback, I hope some other viewers can read this and get value out of it :)
@@fromabikersview My apologies for the long winded reply, what can I say - I like these boots a lot. Hoped maybe your viewers would appreciate some added long term experience to go along with your excellent video.
Good review. I"m looking at these, the Gaerne Dakar GTX and Fastbacks, the Klim ADV GTX also. I'm new to ADV/Touring. Getting a Tiger 900 Rally Pro. Figuring out pants, jackets and helmet too!
... I have been searching boots for weeks for Dual Sport and ADV. Honda CRF 300 Rally. The Gaenre Fastback and SIDI Adventure 2 Gore-Tex were on the short list and a few others. I ended up deciding on the Alpine Star Tech 7 Enduro Drystar. Ordered them from RMATVMC on 7/12/23. They are expensive but I typically try and, "buy one, cry once." From what I researched: - It would be the driest of them all. Once I know the fit is correct, I am going to stand in a local stream and test them. - Offered the most protection. - 4 buckles that didn't have issues in the testimonials I watched. - Top is small enough for over the boot pants. - One-year waterproof warranty. - Weight at 3.9lbs. - Looks/styling. I hope they are not too hot for summer but if they are, I'll use moisture wicking socks, etc. . Jeff .
@@240LTS awesome. I ended up with the Gaerne Fastbacks. Only issue was, wasn't used to not feeling the brake and the extension of a longer foot presence and ended up riding the brake on the interstate and after 3 miles warped the rotor, ruinded the calipers etc etc on my new Tiger 900 Rally Pro. $1400 mistake?!?!? NOT the boots fault mine. Having said that, I love my Gaerne Fastbacks and am learning daily lol.'
I got some and had to move my gear lever all the way up. I can only just manage changes now. I'm hoping that I can get a gear lever for my bike like yours soon. Bike is still pretty new so hopefully there will be third party alternative soon. I pity those with big feet.
Agreed, my boots have loosened up and are much better now. But have the long lever helps. Here’s a cheaper Chinese version now from a brand “NiceCNC” if you want to check it out
The height adjustment is available from factory, the reach is what the new lever adds which makes it easier to get MX boots under with their limited ankle flex.
My problem was not high enough to get under it. If you’ve run out of adjustment on the connecting rod remove the lever off the shift shaft and put it down a bit
Bought a pair of Drystar Tech 7’s recently. Leaked like a sieve the first shower I rode through. Swapped them for a new pair of Drystars - equally leaky! Total disappointment!😢
That’s not good to hear. In the rain I had water leaking down my leg into the boot. But that’s not the boots fault, that’s was wrong pants for rain. Mine have been good in mud and creeks so far. Drystar is not as good as GORE-TEX, maybe try some GORE-TEX boots
@@fromabikersview yup, that’s the plan. For clarity: mine leaked in rain (whilst wearing waterproof rain pants), riding through puddles and streams (not big ones). I then gave it the “bath test” (standing in the bath with ankle-deep water) when I got home after a few days and sure enough - instant leak! The replacement (Drystar Tech 7) boots failed the bath test too. I’ve had Alpinestars (road) boots for years which have been generally good so this was a bit of a disappointment. The protective functionality of the Tech 7’s is good though and they do look great!
@@fromabikersview I really want the Sidi Adventure 2’s but don’t feel they have near the protection above the ankle. Gore-Tex with a gator that goes all the way up. 💪🏻
The only one I found that are wide feet and goretex and good ish protection are the toucan alpinestar. But you have to give up quite a bit on protection...have you found something since then?
I just finished my second season with a pair of the non-Drystar Tech 7 Enduros, we cross water frequently that is over the tops of the boots plus my feet really over heat in waterproof boots. That is roughly 2000 miles of straight off road riding on my Husqvarna FE350, single track, double track, hill climbing, and some logging roads. The "Enduro" version of the Tech 7 is a must for any riding not on a track, the tread is necessary in many situations where you could slip and injure yourself with the more smooth soled straight motocross boot (ask me how I know). I have taken hits from logs, multiple rocks, and have crashed a number of times with these boots with no foot/lower leg injuries. I've even had my foot/leg trapped between my bike and the ground a couple of times and was fine.
These boots are awesome. My only real criticism of them is that they stink. I have never had boots that smell this bad after getting wet and I have never had smelly feet but I can't even stand to have these in the truck with me after a ride they smell so bad. Small price to pay though.
Incidentally, I snapped my fibula in half due to a knee brace. One could argue that it saved my knee from injury but I have had multiple knee surgeries (two from the "terrible triad" injury - torn ACL, MCL, meniscus) on both knees and the injury that causes me the most pain is the nerve damage from that fibula break 17 years ago. I no longer wear knee braces but they likely have value in certain circumstances.
That’s a massive in-depth reply NB. I agree with the heat, that’s why I wanna get the standard Enduro version for summer riding.
I’m in two minds about my knee braces for that very reason. They feel rock solid, but if the energy is no longer breaking your knee, where is it going?
For serious off-roading they are great, but for casual ADV I think they are overkill.
Thanks for providing such epic feedback, I hope some other viewers can read this and get value out of it :)
@@fromabikersview My apologies for the long winded reply, what can I say - I like these boots a lot. Hoped maybe your viewers would appreciate some added long term experience to go along with your excellent video.
Awesome review, I just picked up a pair, can't wait to try them out in the water! Great channel. Just subbed
Thanks Soupy. I love them, that’s why I’m getting a second pair. I’ve never had wet feet so far in all the rain and puddles I’ve been through
Good review. I"m looking at these, the Gaerne Dakar GTX and Fastbacks, the Klim ADV GTX also. I'm new to ADV/Touring. Getting a Tiger 900 Rally Pro. Figuring out pants, jackets and helmet too!
and the Sidi ADVs also.
All good choices. You need to try them on if you can. The Sidi’s were to tight in the toe box for me
... I have been searching boots for weeks for Dual Sport and ADV. Honda CRF 300 Rally.
The Gaenre Fastback and SIDI Adventure 2 Gore-Tex were on the short list and a few others.
I ended up deciding on the Alpine Star Tech 7 Enduro Drystar. Ordered them from RMATVMC on 7/12/23.
They are expensive but I typically try and, "buy one, cry once."
From what I researched:
- It would be the driest of them all. Once I know the fit is correct, I am going to stand in a local stream and test them.
- Offered the most protection.
- 4 buckles that didn't have issues in the testimonials I watched.
- Top is small enough for over the boot pants.
- One-year waterproof warranty.
- Weight at 3.9lbs.
- Looks/styling.
I hope they are not too hot for summer but if they are, I'll use moisture wicking socks, etc.
. Jeff .
@@240LTS awesome. I ended up with the Gaerne Fastbacks. Only issue was, wasn't used to not feeling the brake and the extension of a longer foot presence and ended up riding the brake on the interstate and after 3 miles warped the rotor, ruinded the calipers etc etc on my new Tiger 900 Rally Pro. $1400 mistake?!?!? NOT the boots fault mine. Having said that, I love my Gaerne Fastbacks and am learning daily lol.'
I got some and had to move my gear lever all the way up. I can only just manage changes now. I'm hoping that I can get a gear lever for my bike like yours soon. Bike is still pretty new so hopefully there will be third party alternative soon. I pity those with big feet.
Agreed, my boots have loosened up and are much better now. But have the long lever helps. Here’s a cheaper Chinese version now from a brand “NiceCNC” if you want to check it out
@@fromabikersview looks like a no for my bike.
What bike mate?
@@fromabikersview I have a Triumph Tiger Rally Explorer.
www.motorradgarage.com.au/gear-levers/1255-gear-lever-triumph-tiger-explorer-1200-models
Mines get soaked so fast.... :(
Do they actually stay dry in bad weather? And going in water? I'm thinking about gettin a pair but not sure if I go drystar or the base model yet..
howdy from canada. does the new shifter allow it to go lower?
The height adjustment is available from factory, the reach is what the new lever adds which makes it easier to get MX boots under with their limited ankle flex.
darn thanks though! i just got the same boots but my shifter isnt low enough.
My problem was not high enough to get under it. If you’ve run out of adjustment on the connecting rod remove the lever off the shift shaft and put it down a bit
What skidplate is on your T7?
Hey mate. It’s the SRC plate, make sure you check which version you need Euro 4 or 5
@@fromabikersview thanks, I have the 2022, so Euro 5.
have them, they are waterproof
Bought a pair of Drystar Tech 7’s recently. Leaked like a sieve the first shower I rode through. Swapped them for a new pair of Drystars - equally leaky! Total disappointment!😢
That’s not good to hear. In the rain I had water leaking down my leg into the boot. But that’s not the boots fault, that’s was wrong pants for rain. Mine have been good in mud and creeks so far.
Drystar is not as good as GORE-TEX, maybe try some GORE-TEX boots
@@fromabikersview yup, that’s the plan. For clarity: mine leaked in rain (whilst wearing waterproof rain pants), riding through puddles and streams (not big ones). I then gave it the “bath test” (standing in the bath with ankle-deep water) when I got home after a few days and sure enough - instant leak! The replacement (Drystar Tech 7) boots failed the bath test too. I’ve had Alpinestars (road) boots for years which have been generally good so this was a bit of a disappointment. The protective functionality of the Tech 7’s is good though and they do look great!
That’s a shame. If your foot fits in the Sidi Adventure that would be a great boot
@@fromabikersview I really want the Sidi Adventure 2’s but don’t feel they have near the protection above the ankle. Gore-Tex with a gator that goes all the way up. 💪🏻
The only one I found that are wide feet and goretex and good ish protection are the toucan alpinestar. But you have to give up quite a bit on protection...have you found something since then?