Recently bought a pair of Alpinestars Tech 3 boots online, and although I've only ridden 4-5 times with them, they feel solid. Last pair I of boots I had were some blue and purple Thor boots I found new in an indoor flea market (looked like they were made in the mid '90s). The Thor boots were Italian made and fit me well, but they began to leak and the soles seperated (wore them for 3 years though). Stayed latched good, although they were a bit too stiff for walking while on the trail.
My new Tech 3s feel really good, and with the AT sole, are better than my last boots when I off the bike clearing trail. Buckles are more robust, but the inward-facing first buckle pops open from time to time- I'm so in the zone when I ride I don't even realize it until I'm stopped :)
Bottom line Tech 3s : $150.00 buckles pop open every now and then, otherwise no problem.
Thor mystery boots: $50.00 slick sole, not very waterproof, stiff fit, lasted 3 years before unusable (Got my money's worth).
Alpinestars feel better, and if they hold up well, they're what I'll stick with in the future.