Dainese Torque 4 Boots Review: Premium Sport Riding Protection

Dainese Torque 4 Boots Overview

• 🚀 The Dainese Torque 4 boots are positioned as a premium sport riding option, serving as a step down from the elite Axial line, with a price point of approximately $480.
• 💡 These boots are designed for sport biking, track days, and sport touring, offering a balance of movement and protection.

Air vs. Non-Air Versions

• 💨 The Air version features extensive perforation and mesh for enhanced airflow, making it ideal for summer riding.
• ❄️ The non-perforated version offers less ventilation and lacks a waterproof liner, suitable for cooler conditions.

Sizing and Fit

• 📏 For those familiar with European sizing, the boots fit true to size (e.g., a 44 is a 44).
• 🇺🇸 US users should go down a half size from their measurement, as Dainese's chart converts a US 10.5 to a 44.
• 🦶 The boots maintain a narrow fit in the mid-boot to heel area, characteristic of Dainese, but offer a more generous toe box for comfort in the riding position.

Protection and Features

• 🛡️ A prominent TPU shin plate with hexagon patterns protects against impacts with footpegs.
• 🦵 Increased bellows on the tongue provide enhanced flexibility and cooling, with perforations strategically placed away from seams to maintain material integrity.
• 🦶 The toe box features a TPR shifter plate and a replaceable magnesium toe slider for durability and impact protection.
• ⚙️ Additional perforations on the sides (on the Air version) and a magnesium slider on the outer ankle offer further protection and wear resistance.
• 🧱 The heel also includes a replaceable magnesium slider.
• 🧵 D-Stone fabric is used for breathability and durability, wrapping into the back of the boot.
• 🦵 Expansion gussets with Velcro at the back accommodate larger calves or Dainese suit integration.
• 🔒 An internal speed lace system combined with a hybrid inner booty secures the foot, complemented by the D-Axial pivot system for superior ankle protection against lateral and torsional forces.
• 🏍️ The medial side features a tacky TPU for optimal bike grip, though this part is not replaceable.

Sole and Updates

• 👟 The Ground Trax sole is a significant update, offering a tacky, molded sole with a 4-5/10 stiffness rating for a balance of flex and support.
• ⚡ A Z-plate (TPU shank) within the sole provides crush protection while allowing flex through a Z-shaped design.
• 👍 The combination of increased stretch, the inner booty, Z-plate, and updated sole justifies the $30 price increase over the previous model.