Alpinestar SMX Plus Racing Boot - Mini Review

[G]

Bought some of these at the weekend. Been looking for some new boots for a while, A) Because my current boot doesnt support my ankle which I bust a while ago and it has never been the same, and B) My current boot offers no protection above what a leather shoe would, and having seen someone snap their ankle a few weeks ago just dropping their bike whilst stationary, I thought best do something about my boots.

Looked at pretty much every brand of boot available, Sidis, Oxtar, puma etc and eventually wittled it down to a pair of alpinestar SMX Plus's.

They are really comfortable and have a good range of adjustments. And they are fairly stiff which provides the support for my crap ankle.

Side impact and shin protection was one of the better ones I came across as well.

They are stiff which is going to make gear changes weird until I get used to them. Not caused any real problems up to now though.



http://www.motorcyclegiant.com/photos/as_smxprb-2T.jpg

http://www.alpinestars.com/store/ProductImages/details/20512_back.jpg

http://www.alpinestars.com/store/ProductImages/details/20512_bottom.jpg

[rictus01]

I've had a pair for a few years now, very good for riding ( the front flexes quit nicely after a while so don't worry about that), but a bit uncomfortable to walk around in, as you say comfy from the word go and stand up to much abuse.

Couple of things to watch, the screws in the heel plates can come loose, so keep an eye on them, and being metal take care not to scratch you exhaust with them.

Cheers Mark.

[G]

I've had a pair for a few years now, very good for riding ( the front flexes quit nicely after a while so don't worry about that)

That is good to know :cool: its one thing that did bother me slightly

but a bit uncomfortable to walk around in, as you say comfy from the word go and stand up to much abuse.


Yeah I felt abit like a cowboy at first, I had really thin sock on which didnt help, they were the right size for me (Size 9) but my toes had more movemant up and down that I would have liked.....like steel toecapped boots.


Couple of things to watch, the screws in the heel plates can come loose, so keep an eye on them, and being metal take care not to scratch you exhaust with them.


Yeah the guy in the shop did say people come back with bits missing all the time so keep an eye on them.....shouldnt have much of a problem with the exhaust issue though :cool:

One thing I cant figure out is how to remove the toe sliders? Didnt explain how to do that in the little book that comes with them.

[rictus01]

One thing I cant figure out is how to remove the toe sliders? Didnt explain how to do that in the little book that comes with them.

pull the back out and then slip the front forwards.

Cheers Mark.

[chasey]

Lovely boots...I have them in white ;)

Took me abit to get used to them. I ended up down changing two gears at once instead of going up...poo'd myself :D.

Worst way to break them in: Go to Donnington Park, walk from Regate through to Melbourne loop and back again (with a little action on the infield). I was in agony by the end.

Rictus - I didn't know about the common missing parts. Will make sure I give mine a good check over.

[G]

I liked the white, I also liked the circuit ones but my girlfriend called me a chav :confused: so went for black lol....nice an nuetral:rolleyes:

[14990]

I have some of these aswell, mine are in storm-trooper white, and i can honestly say i love 'em. They feel real secure and i find them very comfortable on the bike and walking around. Choice excellent my friend!

[Dave20046]

Only downside iks they're not waterproof although I think they do a GTX version for about £190. I went for TCX boots (oxtar) as they're my shape. I could have my trainer size (10-11) in TCX's where as alpinestars were a bit tight in a 12!

[chasey]

Only downside iks they're not waterproof....

Not a downside if you're a power ranger ;).or have another pair of boots that are waterproof.

[shonadoll]

I just bought the women's smx4 stella ones, which look quite similar. I tried on loads too, but these were by far the most comfy.

[G]

Not a downside if you're a power ranger ;).or have another pair of boots that are waterproof.

pah waterproof, if you riding in the rain your going to get wet anyway.

The waterproof leather boots I have at the moment will probably still get worn for commuting.....these new ones are for more 'focused' riding where my ankle needs support and I might fall off and crush myself lol

[Dave20046]

Not a downside if you're a power ranger ;).or have another pair of boots that are waterproof.
No I definitely like the option to ride when the sun's hiding his little head....

[G]

No I definitely like the option to ride when the sun's hiding his little head....

80% of this year to date lol.....there would be no point having a bike in the UK if you didnt like the cold/wet

[rictus01]

treat them and they are fine, done numerous trackdays in the rain without any leaks, like all things, prepare it well and it'll do what you ask, failling that a pair of gortex socks would be a good investment perhaps.

Cheers Mark.

[Lozzo]

pah waterproof, if you riding in the rain your going to get wet anyway.



My GoreTex Oxtars and Daytonas don't leak, nor do my 7 year old Gericke Voyager III textile kit and Pathan gloves. Good enough to keep me dry and warm on regular 375 mile trips to Glasgow all year round.

[zsv650]

My GoreTex Oxtars and Daytonas don't leak, nor do my 7 year old Gericke Voyager III textile kit and Pathan gloves. Good enough to keep me dry and warm on regular 375 mile trips to Glasgow all year round.
got a pair of daytonas too not fancy too look at but excellent quality warm well built and safe as houses.:D

[Dave20046]

got a pair of daytonas too not fancy too look at but excellent quality warm well built and safe as houses.:D
Their what the intructors use and if they start to break you can send them back to daytona for repair/recon at half the price of a new pair.

[zsv650]

Their what the intructors use and if they start to break you can send them back to daytona for repair/recon at half the price of a new pair.
my brothers are donkeys years old and are still strong all round and still waterproof hoping my pair will stand up as well and by the looks of em i wont be dissapointed:D

[Richie]

strange... I just did a Google search for Alpinestars Toe sliders how to remove them... Top of the list was this thread.

Cheers Rictus01... ;-)

[speedplay]

strange... I just did a Google search for Alpinestars Toe sliders how to remove them... Top of the list was this thread.

Cheers Rictus01... ;-)

You needed to search how to remove them?!

[Richie]

Yes, I didn't want to knacker it now, did I?

[Von Teese]

Mr VT and I both have these
They are fantastic boots and very comfortable....

Anyone else had problems with the embarrassing squeak when you walk though lol! We got Emma at HG to put silicone on them, worked a treat!

[Richie]

Yep after 2.5 years mine Still squeek....

What sort of silicone did Emma use ?

[Von Teese]

The stuff you get when you buy a new lid, to keep the rubber bits soft..those tiny little bottles, she even gave me some to take home as she said that they will start it again when the silicone rubs off a bit.
Great stuff!

[Richie]

cheers VT... ;-)

Just put the silicone on them, and put new toe sliders on.

[Von Teese]

Fab!
I love those boots, I had another pair before them that used to make my foot go numb, they were rubbish, but what did I know, I had just started biking then.