Tour Master vs. Alpinestars Boots

My wife wants to buy me something motorcycle related for my birthday, and I could really use a new pair of boots. I don't want her to spend a fortune, and after doing some research I think I've narrowed it down to either the Tour Master Solution WP Boots ($116.99) or the Alpinestars Web Gore-Tex Boots ($169.95) both currently on Newenough.com.

The Alpinestars are a few more bucks but they do appear to be a little nicer. But are they $50 nicer? I'm coming from a pair of Icon boots that are so-so but I don't feel very protected in them. I don't typically ride in rain but if I'm on a 500 mile trip, I'd like to stay dry if the sky opens up.

Anyway, opinions from owners would be appreciated. Or if you have a suggestion on a boot that is in the same price range, I'd like to hear it. I'm hoping to order within the next week...

Thanks in advance!

 

The one thing in this world I simply will not go discount on is boots. I have a bad foot & ankle so a quality, supportive pair of boots are a necessity for me. I buy my own boots even though the USAF will issue boots to me regularly.

That said, if you have narrow feet, SIDI & wide feet Oxtar/TCX. I haven't worn either pair that you are looking at, but as a general rule, Alpinestars is a higher quality product than Tourmaster. Since I actually own a few pieces of Tourmaster/Cortech gear, I'm not saying Tourmaster is garbage, it's just that Alpinestars is in a completely different league.

If you're looking to buy one pair of boots that will probably last you 10+ years, look at the TCX Infinity GorTex.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

I recall the TM boots getting a lot of positive reviews soon after they came out. If they meet your needs, get 'em. Put the savings into food or, better yet, gas.

Check out some of the review sites, like webbikeworld.com.

I've had A*s in the past and currently have both Sidi and Oxtar. All are fine.

 

I received a pair of Tourmaster Solution boots from my Wife last Christmas (from NewEnough). I am very happy with them after 1 season of riding. Once broken in are very comfortable for riding and walking, keep my feet dry in the rain and are warm for my morning commute at +1 C. In short I would buy again but I don't think I am going to have to for awhile as they are holding up well.

These are not a heavily armored boot but in looking at the A*'s I would say protection is comparable. Good thick leather, hard plastic circles over ankle bone and at the shin is about it.

Don't let the price fool you it is good Kit.

Some reviews:

Product Review: Tour Master Solution Boot - MotorcycleUSA.com

Tour Master Solution WP Road Boots - Motorcycle Superstore

 

well i can say that i like both name brands but have not tried the tour master boots but do currnently own the alpine stars boots u speak of i think i bought mine at cyclegear for 169 and i love them plenty conformible and easy to get on and off i have a tourmaster jacket that i love also the boots u forget there boots after u get used to them

 

I have been really happy with my Sidi Stada Evo Air, but they were $200 and maybe above your intended price range. In the winter I just cover the vent holes with duct tape and I'm good to go.

+1 with KC on the TM stuff probably not being to A* standards. I have a TM leather jacket (Magnum) which has saved my upper body very well in two crashes, but I am not happy with the fit or that the main zipper that has broken twice and whole jacket replaced once because of it.

 

By coincidence at this time last year I was looking at the exact same 2 boots. The Tourmasters were a real birtch to get on and the round ankle protector dug into my ankle. They were also very stiff and I could see they'd need a lot of breaking in, but they were on sale at my shop for $69. I resisted and waited to go to a large show and tried on the Alpinestars web gore-tex and there was no turning back, inspite of the much higher price. The Alpinestars went on and off extremely easy, the cuff was easier adjusted around my skinny calf and the felt like they needed no breaking in ( and I was correct as I've walked around in them at for long periods of time in great comfort). I bought them and have never regretted it especially riding in the rain 2 weeks ago. Obviously, to each his own and buy what feels right for you but I can't say enough good things about the Alpinestars.

 

Another vote for the A*'s. I crash-tested my S-MX 4's this summer and they held up very well. I'm replacing them with the new S-MX 5. If your looking for the under $200 mark, you might want to look at the S-MX 2's. I tried them on at a local dealer and they were super comfy right out of the box with a great amount of protection. Cortech makes some good gear but some of it can be only so-so quality wise. Had a pair of DSX jeans and a pair of Scarab RR gloves fall apart after less than one season.

 

ill have to go with alpinestarz also mine are super confi forget i have them on

 

I have the Alpinstar SMX 2 waterproof and they are very comfi paid 200$ at a local Triumph dealer only people here that carry boots in stock but they were close to Dennis Kirk price after shipping.

 

Web GoreTex all the way. You won't regret it.

 

i got the sidi vertigo rain. they are nice to walk in and are good on the bike. i have only had them for a week but i love them. i just hope they last a long time but they are nice and my feet stay dry in the WA rain lol

 

It probably doesn't matter now, but I have the Tourmaster Solutions and they have been absolutely waterproof, fit well, and were inexpensive. There are likely better boots out there but I'm happy with these. Seems like every Tourmaster product I have ever had is pretty good stuff

 

I have had my Alpinestar SMX (somethings) for over four years now. They have been great, sporty, but comfortable.

I think when they finally bite the dust ill just pick up another pair of the astars.