Buying a Pair of Boots

Ferg

• March 08 2007
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• 1 comment

With so many makes and models it’s hard to find the perfect pair of riding boots. This guide will help you to do just that.

Even a casual ATV rider can’t overlook riding boots. Wearing boots while riding can be the difference between walking away from a wreck or not. There are a lot of differences between makes and models—for example, Alpinestars currently has five different options for the ATV enthusiast. We turned to Alpinestars for some insight on how to pick the right boot.

After talking with them, we came up with an acronym to remember when buying a pair of riding boots—F.A.L.L.—standing for Fit, Affordability, Look, and Location.

We will start with the fit. You should try on different sizes of boots in the style you choose. Start with your shoe size then adjust up or down a size depending on how they feel. For people that have trouble getting a perfect fit, the Tech 8 and 10 both have a bootie that gives a more comfortable fit (others on the market do as well, so check around).

Next you need to examine your budget and see what you can afford. If you can only swing 300 bucks, there is no point in checking out the high-end Tech 10 boots that a bit out of that range. If you find that the perfect boot for you exceeds your budget, we recommend from experience that it’s best to wait and save up a bit more to get the better boot. Most of us keep a pair of boots for a long time. You will be much happier spending an extra $100 to get the boots you really want.

Look is not always important, but you don’t want to be a nerd out on the trail, do you? If there is something specific you’re looking for, like a color to match your gear, some models come in a few colors so make sure you do a little research.

Finally, an important thing to look at is “where are you going to use your boots. Will you be racing against Doug Gust? Will you be riding the trails in Minnesota? Or maybe slinging some mud in Texas? Each of these will have boots best suited for the specific riding conditions. Racing on the track you may want the comfort and protection offered by a more race-oriented boot like Alpinestars Tech 8. While riding the trails you might not need all the extras and something like their Vector would offer plenty of protection from the rocks and tree branches you might run into. The best way to find out what would work best is to talk to other riders who also ride in the same areas—they may have some insight for you.

If all else fails and you are still feeling lost feel free to visit our forums and give us a shout. We have included some information on all the different Alpinestars models to get you started. We’ll see ya on the trails!

Tech 10

The Tech 10 is Alpinestars’ most technologically advanced MX Boot. Its key features include:

- External spine that prevents hyper extension of the Achilles tendon
- One layer sole that is replaceable and includes a sole insert, which is also replaceable.
- Lower part of boot is all one piece and is comprised of five different compounds to provide the rider with optimal flexibility and protection.
- Internal ankle brace with torsion bar system that allows lateral movement of the ankle, which helps prevent knee injuries.
- Weight is more evenly distributed through out the boot to prevent rider fatigue.
- TPU rubber gaiter

Tech 8

The Tech 8 is Alpinestars’ MX Boot that has evolved the most generations. It’s key features include:

- Traditional three-layer sole that includes a large replaceable sole insert and steel toe cap.
- Slightly wider toe box area compared to the Tech 10. (May be more suitable for the racer with a wider foot)
- Internal booty provides better support and includes gel pads in the ankle areas for better comfort.
- TPU rubber gaiter

Tech 7