In Gear: Alpinestars Toucan Gore-Tex Boots Review
A staple in the adventure-touring world for a reason
When we headed out to Northern Ontario, Canada in the early Fall last year, I knew we were going to face the exact kind of messy, unpredictable conditions that push adventure gear to its limit. That is precisely why I chose to pack the Alpinestars Toucan Gore-Tex Boots. Built as a technical, fully CE-certified touring boot, the Toucan blends a rugged leather and suede upper with a 100% waterproof Gore-Tex liner designed to keep the elements at bay. From the moment we hit the trail, it was clear that we would face everything this boot was engineered to handle — and it didn't disappoint.
Alpinestars Toucan Gore-Tex Boots Review: The Ultimate Adventure Touring Boot?
Our route threw plenty of water our way, including deep trail puddles where my foot was completely submerged. Thanks to that premium Gore-Tex membrane, we came out the other side completely dry. What I really appreciated on those long days in the saddle was the comfort level; they are more accommodating than a traditional, rigid motocross boot, yet they don't compromise on security. They feature an innovative lateral ankle protection system that provides great flex and support, an integrated steel shank in the sole, and a slim, replaceable aluminum buckle system pulled straight from Alpinestars' dirt lineup to help shed mud and debris.
While I didn’t get a chance to wear them in warm or hot weather, I imagine that the solid waterproofing and technical protection layer might make things pretty warm and toasty inside during a summer scorcher despite the lateral side vents. But for rugged, wet, and demanding adventure rides, it's tough to beat this level of defense. Want to see how they held up on the muddy trails of Ontario and get the full breakdown on their performance? Click the video to watch the review.
Alpinestars Toucan Gore-Tex Boots
- Price: $619.95
- Sizes: 7-13
- Safety rating: CE Level 1
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Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.
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