Riding Boots Buyers Guide Under 300 Lead Image Fox

Riding Boot Buyer’s Guide

Twenty Boots For Under $300

June 01, 2012

By Brad Howe

From the May/June 2012 issue of ATV Rider Magazine.

Like many accessories in the ATV world, the type of boot you buy greatly depends on what type of quad riding you’ll be doing. When riding 4x4s, I typically find myself on tight and technical trails that have me off the quad as much as I’m on it. I’ve even found myself hiking miles from my ATV to get to remote fishing or hunting destination. Does this sound like your type of ATV outing? If so, there are good low-cost options like Thor’s shorty 50/50 boots, Alpinestars’ Tech 2 boots or even a good pair of hiking boots will do the trick. If you aren’t the hiking guy or would prefer slamming through tree line trails or hitting top speeds on fire roads, you’d better invest in a good pair of motocross-style riding boots. Although some buyers may look at a pair of MX boots, glance at the price tag and say, “Whoa, I’ll stick with my sneakers.” No! Sneakers or even a good pair of work boots are not designed for thrashing around at high speeds on an ATV. These MX-style boots feature gripper soles, flexible ankles and toe padding for shifting and braking, adjustable buckles and heat protection from your engine and exhaust. In the end, these boots do enough that they’re worth the investment. So leave the work boots and tennis sneakers in the closet and invest in a real pair of riding boots. To help with your search, we put together our top 20 riding boots for under $300.

Alpinestars

Tech 2

Price: $169.95

Features: The multicolored outsole is compression molded around a contoured, tempered steel support shank. Buckles are made from a high-impact-resistant injection-molded TPU. High-grip PVC and hook-and-loop closure at the top of the boot. The medial side of the boot is protected by thick, abrasion- and heat-resistant suede with unique heat-stamped graphic.

Sizes: 6–13
Colors: Black, white, tan
www.alpinestars.com, 310/891-0222

Alpinestars

Tech 3 All Terrain

Price: $199.95

Features: A contoured shin plate protector is injected with high-modulus PU for impact and abrasion resistance. Internal plastic reinforcement on the inner side of the boot is covered by thick stamped suede for increased grip and heat resistance. Buckles are injected with high-impact-resistant techno-polymer. The poly-fabric lining is coupled with multi-density EVA. Removable anatomic foot bed. Extended gaiter helps prevent water entry.

Sizes: 5–16
Colors: Brown/green, black
www.alpinestars.com, 310/891-0222

Alpinestars

Tech 7

Price: $299.95

Features: Full-grain leather with impact- and abrasion-resistant PU shell for unmatched levels for safety. TPU protects toes, foot, ankle and lower leg from dangerous impact. Dual-compound toe box for improved flexibility and increased impact protection. The TPU rubber gaiter at the top of the boot effectively seals out the elements. Alpinestars’ exclusive high-grip rubber double-density compound outsole with replaceable sole.

Sizes: 5–16
Colors: Black, black/red/gray, white/blue
www.alpinestars.com, 310/891-0222

Riding Boots Buyers Guide Under 300 Axo Slammer Construction

AXO

Slammer Constructor

Price: $168

Features: A molded PU buckle deflector is placed near the lower first buckle guarding it from brush and debris that may come into contact with the boot. A traditionally constructed, welted, natural gum rubber lugged sole is mated to the boot. A steel toe cap. A second layer of nubuck suede leather is layered over the medial side of the boot and wraps up and over the toe box acting as a shifter guard.

Sizes: 7–14
Colors: Black, sand
www.axo.com, 661/257-0916

AXO

Dart

Price: $220

Features: Top-grain leather panels. Injection-molded PU construction. Suede leather heat panel. Extra 3-D stitched instep. Stitched heel flex panel. Stretch rubber top gaiter. Molded PU ankle support. Replaceable buckles self-position. Bonded AXO exclusive molded sole. Internal fiber toe guard. Molded midsole and steel shank. Bootee-free mesh and synthetic lining. Removable foot bed insert.

Sizes: 5–14
Colors: Black
www.axo.com, 661/257-0916

Cabela’s

Backcountry Hikers

Price: $69.99; youth sizes, $49.99

Features: One-hundred percent waterproof Dry-Plus lining and a moisture-wicking interior keep your feet dry. Leather uppers with nylon side panels result in light weight while affording support and protection from trail hazards. Die-cut EVA midsoles combined with Cabela’s removable polyurethane foot beds ensure lasting comfort.

Sizes: 8–14 medium and wide widths; half sizes to 12
Colors: Brown
www.cabelas.com, 800/237-4444

Cabela’s

Silent Stalk Sneaker Boots

Price: $129.99

Features: Streamlined cut and softer rubber outsoles found in sneakers. The leather uppers incorporate Cabela’s exclusive Microtex, a versatile fabric used in camouflage clothing that is being used in hunting boots for the first time. The combed polyester Microtex is quiet as fleece yet durable as denim. Waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex membranes keep feet dry.

Sizes: 8–14 medium width; half sizes to 12
Camo patterns: Cabela’s Outfitter Camo, Realtree AP
www.cabelas.com, 800/237-4444

Riding Boots Buyers Guide Under 300 Calebas Perfekt Hikers

Cabela’s

Perfekt 7-Inch Hikers By Meindl

Price: $219.99

Features: Recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association for their foot-friendly construction. Durable full-grain nubuck leather. Natural cork layer protects your joints from shock, but molds to your foot for custom support. One-hundred percent waterproof/breathable Gore-Tex membrane.

Men’s sizes: 8–13 D and EE widths; half sizes to 12
Colors: Brown
www.cabelas.com, 800/237-4444

Fly Racing

Maverik Boot

Price: $79.95 to $109.95

Features: Adult (four-buckle), youth (three-buckle) and mini (two-buckle) designs to accommodate kids to adults. Three-d shin protection. Adjustable quick lock buckles. Three-d molded shift protection. Elastic gaiter. Steel toe guard. Leather heat shield. Inner ankle protection. Race sole with steel shank. Replaceable sole.

Sizes: 7–15
Colors: Black
www.flyracing.com

Riding Boots Buyers Guide Under 300 Fly Maverik Av

Fly Racing

Maverik ATV Shorty Boot

Price: $99.95

Features: Short height, three-buckle design. Overall height 11 inches—3 to 4 inches shorter than most boots. Ideal height for maximum comfort and performance for ATV and trail riding. Double-stitched ATV/Enduro sole for ultimate traction. Heat-resistant leather panel located on inside upper of boot. Removable/replaceable insole.

Sizes: Adult 8–13
Color: Black/gray
www.flyracing.com