Tech 10 vs Fox Instinct Sole Lifespan

Kyle978
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Dirt, NM, USA
Edited Date/Time 8/17/2021 4:50pm
I must confess, I have rolled my eyes at people on here complaining about the sole durability of the new Tech 10's. I was wrong.

I bought new 10's in 2017 and took a break from riding after putting about 40-50 hours on the boots. I bought a new bike in February and started riding again. I continued to wear those old 10's, but 2 months ago bought a pair of new black/white Tech 10's at full retail price.

Well, exactly 18 hours of riding later the soles on both feet are completely worn through the rubber. They're toast, meanwhile the old ones from 2017 keep on trucking.

I love the feel of Tech 10's, but if this is how quick they wear through I am out. They've always worn somewhat fast, but 2 pairs used to get me through a season of 200+ hours no problem.

I wore Instincts when they came out and really liked them. How are the soles holding up on them from your experience?

Anyone have an hour count on their new Tech 10's vs. some Instincts and compare wear?

Thanks!
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mwssquad827
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Twin Falls, ID, USA
8/16/2021 11:30am Edited Date/Time 8/16/2021 11:30am
I feel the same way but I’m looking at some Sidi crossfire 3’s
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8/16/2021 11:39am Edited Date/Time 8/16/2021 11:40am
Everyone keeps telling me SG-12s are the hot ticket. I just ordered a set. The old Tech 10s used to last forever. Bummer to hear that the new ones don’t.
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Kyle978
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8/16/2021 11:39am
I feel the same way but I’m looking at some Sidi crossfire 3’s
I am also considering these, would like to hear some feedback.
Kyle978
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8/16/2021 11:50am
Everyone keeps telling me SG-12s are the hot ticket. I just ordered a set. The old Tech 10s used to last forever. Bummer to hear that...
Everyone keeps telling me SG-12s are the hot ticket. I just ordered a set. The old Tech 10s used to last forever. Bummer to hear that the new ones don’t.
I had a set of Sg-12’s back in 2012 or so. I liked them for the most part, but the toe box felt really high and I felt my whole foot moving in the boot when I shifted up.

Has anyone else experienced this? Have they improved that at all?

Thanks
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The Shop

Phil109
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Montgomery, TX, USA
8/16/2021 1:32pm
I’ve got some tech 10’s from about 5-6 years ago. I don’t ride much though and only for fun. For what little riding I do the soles still wore through within the first two years. I ride 2-3 times a month only. I absolutely love the look and feel of them. So I ordered new mid soles for them and going to glue them on. Also have two pair of SG12’s. Those things last forever but I don’t feel like they absorb big shots as well as the tech 10’s. Most likely because of the inner boot. I like them both for different reasons. A stars for comfort and style but if I still raced and rode a lot gaerne would be my go to.

I think I remember someone 7-8 years ago saying they started making all the alpinestar boots in China or something back then. Could be the reason the soles go to shit faster now. Not sure though.
duboiz
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8/16/2021 2:04pm
I got my first set of SG-12s in 2014, back when I was racing every weekend. Those lasted up to 2019. I'd say 3 years of heavy racing and the rest was just practice days and casual racing ever couple months. They're understandably torn up on the bottom, but if I really wanted to I could still run em.

Got some new SG-12s in 2019 on sale. At the same time I got some Raptor Ti footpegs. Although i'm not riding as much as I was 2014-2019, the boots have barely any wear on them.

I want to go full alpinestars with my next gear set, but hearing all the bad rep on how quick they wear, i'm doubting that option.
duboiz
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8/16/2021 2:08pm
duboiz wrote:
I got my first set of SG-12s in 2014, back when I was racing every weekend. Those lasted up to 2019. I'd say 3 years of...
I got my first set of SG-12s in 2014, back when I was racing every weekend. Those lasted up to 2019. I'd say 3 years of heavy racing and the rest was just practice days and casual racing ever couple months. They're understandably torn up on the bottom, but if I really wanted to I could still run em.

Got some new SG-12s in 2019 on sale. At the same time I got some Raptor Ti footpegs. Although i'm not riding as much as I was 2014-2019, the boots have barely any wear on them.

I want to go full alpinestars with my next gear set, but hearing all the bad rep on how quick they wear, i'm doubting that option.
I got the McDonalds theme for like $350 or somethin on ebay

MKMX
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Timbuktu, WA, AU
8/16/2021 2:08pm
I run crossfire 3’s on ti pegs and the hold up in the souls is incredible!!

I went away from tech 10’s because the longevity of the souls were incredibly poor! Even on stock pegs.

My thoughts are that maybe the soul density has more of a “performance” approach which is a trade off with durability.
wydopen
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8/16/2021 2:14pm Edited Date/Time 8/16/2021 2:14pm
Mine have 12hrs on them and there is already some wear...I think sharper pegs would help so you arnt always grinding your sole across the teeth..The inside of the ankles where I grip the bike has also worn substantially..all the way through the rubber pads and its starting into the plastic..might be because I have frame guards..
RACERX69
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San Antonio, TX, USA
8/16/2021 2:25pm Edited Date/Time 8/16/2021 2:42pm
Got about 80 hours out of my first and only set of Fox Instincts. Wore the first set of soles out in about 60 hours and the re-sole only lasted appx 20 before the sides of the sole around the toe box began to peel back and come apart. I've never worn Tech 10's but the Instincts are amazing.The level of comfort they provide is incredible, as is the peg, shifter and brake feel.The only knock is, they don't hold up as well as they should, but then again it would probably sacrifice what makes the boot so desirable..comfort and feel. I would of replaced them with another set, but unfortunately couldn't find them in the size I needed.

I'm now in a pair of SG12's. They're not as comfortable as the Instincts, nor do they provide the peg, shifter and brake feel. They also feel a little heavier. That being said, now that I have them broken in, they're super comfortable and am used to the peg, shifter and brake feel. I also don't notice the additional weight as much either. The big pluses of the SG 12's are the quality and construction, as well as support. It's noticeably and considerably better than the Instincts in those 3 areas. I'm thinking the SG 12's will provide 2-3X the lifespan of the Instincts.

So far, no regrets in going with the SG's. I'm liking them better and better with every ride and not sure I'd go back to the Instincts. Also, fwiw, I ride 85% woods/off road and 15% motocross.
wrc777
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8/16/2021 2:56pm
Fox gives you a free resole with the Instincts. If you have a Fox outlet near you they occasionally run 40-50% off Instincts.

Crossfire 3 have two versions: the SRS which has user replaceable soles and the TA which has a thick rubber sole like an SG12. The SRS version is narrow all the way through. The TA has a wider toe box. The Atojo also has replaceable soles and the toe box width is in between the CF3 SRS and TA. Atojo give incredible grip with your legs.
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kunk
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8/16/2021 3:12pm
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enduro8
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USA
8/16/2021 3:30pm
duboiz wrote:
I got my first set of SG-12s in 2014, back when I was racing every weekend. Those lasted up to 2019. I'd say 3 years of...
I got my first set of SG-12s in 2014, back when I was racing every weekend. Those lasted up to 2019. I'd say 3 years of heavy racing and the rest was just practice days and casual racing ever couple months. They're understandably torn up on the bottom, but if I really wanted to I could still run em.

Got some new SG-12s in 2019 on sale. At the same time I got some Raptor Ti footpegs. Although i'm not riding as much as I was 2014-2019, the boots have barely any wear on them.

I want to go full alpinestars with my next gear set, but hearing all the bad rep on how quick they wear, i'm doubting that option.
Not sure if you are riding all track or off-road as well. But, if you're wanting to stick with Alpinestars, you could take a look at the Tech 7 Enduros. They have a much more rugged sole that lasts much longer. The Tech 10's have their advantages for the serious MX racer, but for longevity / wear the Tech 7 enduros are the ticket in the Alpinestars camp.
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yz133rider
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8/16/2021 4:27pm
Sidi atojo
karlsmith808
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8/16/2021 6:34pm Edited Date/Time 8/16/2021 6:42pm
yz133rider wrote:
Sidi atojo
I was looking at those, they look pretty sweet and minimal in a good way. The soles seem to just screw right on
wrc777
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8/17/2021 6:54am
yz133rider wrote:
Sidi atojo
I was looking at those, they look pretty sweet and minimal in a good way. The soles seem to just screw right on
There are videos on Youtube showing the sole replacement. It is the same insert as the CF3 SRS. They have some tabs that go into slots on the boot but it looks relatively easy and you only need a screwdriver. They sell an enduro insert too.
charlie68
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North Windham, CT, USA
8/17/2021 7:19am
MKMX wrote:
I run crossfire 3’s on ti pegs and the hold up in the souls is incredible!! I went away from tech 10’s because the longevity of...
I run crossfire 3’s on ti pegs and the hold up in the souls is incredible!!

I went away from tech 10’s because the longevity of the souls were incredibly poor! Even on stock pegs.

My thoughts are that maybe the soul density has more of a “performance” approach which is a trade off with durability.
This is my thought, the balance act between feel/grip and longevity.
Kyle978
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8/17/2021 10:19am
I decided I am a dumb consumer and just ordered the Tech 10 LE AMS21 boots from RMATVMC for $649.99 + tax Laughing

I just love the feel and don't want to worry about trying anything new. I can't wait to complain when I have to order another pair in 2 months Cool
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walent215
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8/17/2021 3:48pm
Kyle978 wrote:
I decided I am a dumb consumer and just ordered the Tech 10 LE AMS21 boots from RMATVMC for $649.99 + tax :laugh: I just love...
I decided I am a dumb consumer and just ordered the Tech 10 LE AMS21 boots from RMATVMC for $649.99 + tax Laughing

I just love the feel and don't want to worry about trying anything new. I can't wait to complain when I have to order another pair in 2 months Cool
Lol
If your going that route then fire up a pair of instincts next go round
I’ve worn most high end boots and there’s no comparo to instincts comfort and feel.
To me it’s along the lines of suspension
Comfort is of most importance for myself
Longevity is understandable as well but I want comfort and cost /longevity comes second
Probably not the most popular stance
But it’s my program
Btw , I hope you get more time out of the Astars than 3 mos
Lol
2
TeamGreen
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Thru-out, CA, USA
8/17/2021 4:22pm Edited Date/Time 8/17/2021 4:50pm
After about a decade…I’m back in Gaerne. SG12s.


The Dezert is a great place to see how tough your gear is.

I'd been wearing Astar 7's and 10s (Mostly 10s) since the 2011 Rip to the Tip (Now called Rip to Cabo). I've worn them on the track, in the Dez, at Hare Scrambles and everywhere in between. They were great!

Then...something changed...over the last year or so...they've changed materials and, so I'm told, "where" they're made. They wear out faster than a Dunlop MX33 on pavement.

I wore my last pair of Alpinestar Tech 10s on this years Rip to Cabo. They had a few track hours on them already. When I got to Cabo, they were toast. And this was with me focused on keeping my feet on the plastic part of the sole and spending MINIMAL time on the "rubber", The rubber was completely worn thru behind the plastic at the balls of your feet. Not cool! Btw, this was on STOCK HONDA pegs (2021 CRF450X).

I left them with a friend in Cabo along with the info on how to get them resoled...with a sole from SIdi!

The Astar soles are awful. Also, I've been told they're no longer made in the same place they were a few years ago. I love the boot...hate the soles.

Astar has some explaining to do. Period.

Those of you that know me probably understand that I was pretty bummed to change from a brand that I'd worn for a long time & wore in plenty of tests & shoot-outs. I'd even had to "put up a fight" at a couple of media events to wear my Astars when they wanted me to wear something-else. I enjoy wearing gear what I feel is good for our sport and is a good value to those that see it being worn in media events, tests & shoot-outs.

I hope they get things sorted out. But, after the epic-fail that I've experienced in FOUR PAIRS of the new 10s...?
I'm out.

2 weeks ago I got a fresh pair of Gaerne SG-12s. Wore them for the 1st time at last weeks Vegas to Reno. I was on the bike for over 5 hours. They worked perfectly & still look brand new all around.

I'm back in ITALIAN BOOTS AGAIN!

Stoked.
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