I wear the Thor T-30's and have NO complaints about them. The more I wear them, the more comfortable they get. Excellent protection (ankles), semi-treaded sole, and top notch quality. I got them for Christmas so not sure of price, but I think around $140. Any riding boot is better/safer than regular shoes in my opinion.

 

Hey superkev,

When I bought my riding boots last year, I went to the local Yamaha dealer and tried on every brand and model boot they had. They were all very uncomfortable and hurt my ankles too. Then I tried on the Alpinestar's. Night and Day difference. I purchased the M4's. They were the most comfortable to me. I don't think they make that model anymore, but all the Alpine's were comfortable. I wore them all the time at camp and after each ride to break them in. Now they are perfect.

Good Luck.

 

Without a doubt, the most comfortable boot is......

Gaerne All Terrain Oiled Boots that list at $239.95

These do not offer quite as much angle protection as some of the others. These are the same boots worn by the trials bike riders (those guys who climb waterfalls, etc on a motorcycle) except they have an ATV tread instead of the smoother type tread used by the trials guys.

They do not have all the plastic inserts like the Alpines, etc.

/NotuRaptor

 

I have the Tech 8's and I will swear by them. The removable bootie is great. It pads the foot and ankle better than if you were to wear 2 pairs of socks. You can also wash them which has some obvious advantages.

Also remember, no matter what boot you go try on at the store, they're all going to be uncomfortable. There is a definate "breaking in period". I don't get to ride as often as I like, so it took a whole summer before they got to the point where I didn't notice them.