Tested Dirt Bike Products - Alpinestars Tech 4 Economy Boot - Experts on Dirtbikes at Dirt Rider Magazine

When you think of economy boots, Alpinestars isn't the first brand that comes to mind. Its name is generally associated with quality and comfort (thus high prices), so we were curious how good its $179.95 boot could be. We ordered a pair of the new Tech 4 boots, and the first thing we noticed was how light they felt when we lifted them out of the box. We aren't opposed to light weight, so one of our editors took the boots for a three-day ride in southern Utah. He dragged along his regular footwear just in case, but the second pair proved superfluous. The Tech 4s broke in rapidly, offered pretty good support and allowed very easy movement on the bike. Naturally, these boots don't have a lot of plastic parts sewed on—that would increase the price as well as the weight—so they don't offer the near-invincible feeling of Alps' Tech 8s, nor do they feel lighter or less substantial than the Tech 6s.But these boots are in the price range of gear-brand boots from the Orient, and when judged against other sub-$200 boots, the Tech 4 shines brightly. Its buckle system is good, much like the Tech 6, though its bottom buckle is not reversed as on the Tech 6 and 8. It snags less on brush, so we liked that. We did feel a few pressure points, but more time and careful buckle adjustment would eliminate them. In the budget-boot arena, we can't think of a brand or model that comes close. The feel and protection are more along the lines of a traditional, mostly leather boot, so the Tech 4 rated highly for control feel. That was a good thing on the Utah slickrock, where precise rear-brake control was a major issue. The boots didn't snag or catch on the bike anywhere, either.If you have been wearing a boot named after your pants, chances are pretty good that you will really fall for Alpinestars' Tech 4. Unlike many economy boots, the support of this boot didn't end with the break-in period. The buckles still snug up the fit—especially at the ankle—nicely. If you are used to an ankle that is heavily reinforced with plastic, the Tech 4's ankle will have more movement than you are accustomed to. And compared with high-end boots, the interior of this boot will have more pressure points. But as a budget boot, the Tech 4 is a great way to be nice to your feet and your bank account.DR Tested: Econo boots-9.5, Premium boots-7.5Alpinestars: See your local dealer; www.alpinestars.com