2011 Alpinestars SMX-5 Boots - Review

Alpinestars update their 2011 version of their popular SMX-5 Boots and in true Bikechatter style we bag a pair and get them on a pair of feet for testing, here is what we found

Initial Thoughts

On a blisteringly sunny day (after several gratuitous downpours of rain) I hear a familiar sound grumbling outside my front door, the sound is of a ZX6R ninja with a Pipe-werx exhaust, Un-mistakably I know this isnt my neighbors and it is infact Leigh, and hes gone and brought me a bag full of goodies.

My first surprise was a pair of Alpinestars S-MX 5 boots (in blue/white to match the SMX-2 gloves I reviewed previously)  

My initial thoughts on these were 'oooh, wow, awesome & cool' and this is just first sight, getting a little more expressive and slipping them on I noted the fit was snug and I was assured they would break in very quickly. The comfort factor to go hand in hand with the finished fit was astounding! it was like my feet had been enveloped in sofa cushions. After getting over the initial 'moon boots' feelings I started to break these in whilst I was working around the house, after all with 2 days to go before a 1000 mile  bike Rally round trip, I had little time to waste. Later on that evening the breaking in process was 50% complete and I decided to complete the break in process another way, sit and play XBOX for a few hours instead of packing all that gear I covered your bedroom floor/bed in. after those few hours had passed I was able to close the side zip entry, returning me to a 'moon boot' feeling but only temporarily as they completed the process that night.

The next day I decided I would get in a quick ride and really test out the boots as well as some new gloves (Spyke ST303 review) and how the bike handled fully laden, again I have to say the comfort is perfect, you feel fully protected while out on the bike and there’s nothing to stop you reaching your destination and going for a walk which coincidently I did and even went as far as to go on a boat tour of the Shetlands, I have to say the grip on the boots is very confidence inspiring on a metal floor. To this day I still wear the boots around the office (though black would have been better for obvious reasons). I did experience a little 'technical' hiccup the first time out on the bike though. Being brand new boots I forgot that things may feel 'slightly' different, as when I was coming up to a junction I thought I had downshifted a gear and thought I had pulled my foot back up all the way, but hadn't, school boy error aside I realized and quickly solved the problem and survived to review another day, after a complete break in you can feel everything without any issues at all and still run a marathon in complete comfort.  

Construction

Protection wise the boots main focal point is the PU Shields in the shin, ankle, calf, the biggest and most prominent part of the boots with the blazing white AStars logo. Armor here feels sturdy and set in just the right spot and thanks to the boots larger opening even me with my Rugby Player-esq legs can easily get my foot/calf in without any issues, the closing around your leg is very comfortable and the zipper is mounted on elastic giving it that bit more flexibility whilst still keeping it tight to your foot/leg. the S-MX 5 is also a CE Certified boot, The CE standard differentiates proper motorcycle boots based on appropriate protective features and levels in all areas of performance, all except the ever important ankle torsion control, though honestly I find everything has been catered for with these boots and the CE Certificate gives me sound peace of mind. The boots themselves feature;

* A Durable, high-tech micro-fiber upper construction offering a high level of flexibility

* Double injected PU shields the shin, ankle, calf, toe and heel from impact while minimizing abrasion

* Inner protection is given by a double injected panel connected to the heel counter, hidden beneath the outer shell and running up the outer ankle

* Quick drying polyamide lining is laminated with open cell foam and high density contoured padding to absorb shocks to the foot area

* The S-MX 5 boot is CE certified

* Innovative air vents at the ankle, heel and forefoot are covered with a specially designed mesh to provide unmatched levels of rider comfort

* Large ‘throat’ profile instep and Achilles flex bellows for superior flex and comfort

* MTP mesh liner and anatomical, removable, PU Foam foot bed keeps the foot cool and comfortable

* Innovative inner (medial) side entry opening/closure system that features an elastic mounted zipper with an extra wide Velcro® flap, to give a precise, comfortable fit and wide opening aperture for ease of access

* Highly ergonomic, lasting for ultra precise fit

* Exclusive compound rubber sole features structured shank reinforcement for added support to the arch area

* Interchangeable bi-injected PU toe slider with snap-in assembly


I decided against taking 'normal' shoes with me on my trip and truth be told I didn’t regret it. 1000 miles later with showers of rain, though 3 sunny days in the Shetland Isles,, yes that’s 3 days of sun! with the soft, quicksand like ground of the campsite these boots, though not the waterproof variant, didn’t leak and kept my feet warm/dry/protected through out, they even managed to stay clean! As an added test these boots have had a nice long walk along the most Northerly Beach in the UK and still nothing has gotten in! even the Velcro flaps over the zips have remained clean and sand/crud free through out.