I am a "dinosaur" - my current boots are all leather Hi-Point Pro-GPs. Which is basically the same alpinestar made boot (supervictory) that I first raced mx with in 1974.
One day I left them at home and a friend had a spare set of sidi crossfire TAs that I bought cheap and rode for a day. I loved the hinge - easy to move immediately. They also had much more room around the my large calves. These were a size or two too large for me - so I passed them on to my brother in law... But my impression was "great boot"...
I am currently looking for a new set of boots and have been looking at everything that is available - my foot is very wide at 9.5 6E. For width and comfort - most look to the Gaerne boot line - just something else for you to consider.
The more expensive boots use much more plastic in the design - so they need a hinge - or nothing would be able to "give" to let you shift and brake, etc.
In looking at a new boot, I think you should consider the following...
- hinged boot will provide easier shifting and braking along with quicker break in time.
- What is fit and width of "toe box" of the brand for proper fit - e.g. alpinestars tend to run narrow and gaerne typically have more room/width.
- calf size and room around the calf.
- The higher end alpinestars come with a "booty" - an inner boot you place on first before entering the boot. Better comfort and cost of "reduced feel" - more isolation from controls, etc.
Based on my rather obsessive boot search - I would say you also want to look at a sidi, gaerne, or forma. I have seen many reviews with happy users for Gaerne SG-10 and SIDI crossfire TA. Forma top end boot is predator.
And finally, the higher end Italian made boots are all good boots - no one boot is "better" than the other in any appreciable way - our feet and lower legs are all shaped differently and you need to try some on to see which one is best for you. So don't be swayed by someone saying Boot XYZ is best and you should buy it... It is the best for them - which is great - but it may not be the best for you.
jeff