When it comes to riding quads and dirt bikes I'm a desert rat. That means shopping for good
riding boots doesn't really require the consideration of any thermal features on the boots. I mean, it's not like I'm going to be riding my quad down the black diamond runs at Big Bear in February, right?
There aren't many popular places open to riding that might get snow. The desert is warm enough that your toes don't usually get too cold so it's great in the winter.
So what about riding in the hills of Medford, Oregon? It gets cold and wet there, especially in March. So we took the Alpinestars Tech 3 offroad riding boots there when we did a test ride on the new 2011 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 utility quad.
Having lived in Oregon as a kid I know you have to be ready for any kind of weather and every kind of weather. The Jackson Hills Staging Area didn't disappoint. There was rain at the staging area and 7 to 10 inches of Global Warming just a hundred or so feet higher. I brought my thick, warm socks just in case but they didn't even get wet.
The performance of the boots was very good, but getting them buckled and un-buckled was difficult, especially with cold hands. Getting the top buckle locked down was the most difficult, the others were easier.
Once locked into the boots it was great. I spent all day riding hard in some of the most hostile conditions I've ever ridden and walking around between runs was not painful at all. They didn't require any break-in at all.
Features:
Contoured shin plate is injected with high modulus PU for a high level of impact and abrasion resistance
Reinforced leather plate runs along rear of the boot
Extended inside and outside plate guards the side and toe-box area of the boot
Calf plate designed for maximum grip, support and side contact
Patented "ankle brace" with shock absorbing ankle padding
Internal plastic reinforcement on the inner side of the boot is covered by thick stamped suede for increased grip and heat resistance
Instep flex-zone stitched for maximum support
Action leather upper
Alpinestars exclusive high-grip rubber double density compound outsole with a contoured tempered steel shank over injected inside the assembly insole
Four buckles with memory featuring a quick release/locking system
High impact resistant buckles made from injected techno-polymer
Top of the boot is sealed with a Velcro strap connected to elastic stretch PVC
Poly fabric lining coupled with multi-density EVA
Removable anatomic foot bed
Extended gaiter helps prevent water entry
Standard Tech 3 Boots come with a molded MX sole. Black and Brown versions available with a grippier All-Terrain sole
The All-Terrain sole is designed for enduro ATV and off-road riders who require more grip
