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.

[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]

Originally Posted by 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)

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

Originally Posted by rictus01

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.

Originally Posted by rictus01

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

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]

Originally Posted by G

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.

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 .

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 so went for black lol....nice an nuetral

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!

Originally Posted by Dave20046

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.

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.