Thrashed: Thor Ratchet Boots

Thor's Ratchet boots are the first ATV riding boots that use a buckle ratcheting system that is similar to snowboard bindings. These buckles allow you to quickly tighten the boots to a preferred fit without hassle. You simply slide the strap into the buckle and adjust the strap tension with the aluminum-alloy ratcheting lever. Untightening is as easy as a pressing your finger on the release tab. If your boot feels a little bit loose, give it another click and you're locked down tight to ride hard. These are the best buckles we've tested on boots under $200.

Aside from the ratchet straps, the boots are identical to Thor’s low-cost Quadrant riding boots. This is good since the Quadrants are some of the best low-cost boots available. The top of the Ratchet boots feature an elastic gaiter that did a great job of keeping our feet dry in the mud. The calf area has a brown leather inlay to keep your inner legs cool next to the hot header pipe and engine heat. The toes use the same leather as the rest of the boot, but with an additional layer of synthetic material to protect from shifter wear. A steel shank insert protects the outer foot area.

The boots were stiff for the first few rides, which made it hard to shift at first. The more we sweat in them, the softer they became. They’re kind of like a baseball mitt, although rubbing them in oil and parking your truck on them is probably not a good idea.

The Thor Ratchet boots run $170, which is $20 more than the same Quadrant-style boot. The ratchet straps allow for an easier boot installation, and after a long day ride you'll love the push-button removal. Color options are limited to white or black, and sizes run from 7 to 13. - Brad Howes

www.thormx.com