Last season Alpinestars introduced the non-waterproof version of the SMX S boot, and now the waterproof version is available. This “Waterproof” version is the same as the regular version except it is fitted with a waterproof liner between the boot’s outer shell and inner liner so you can ride in the rain with this one without getting feet wet. It should perform just like any other waterproof boot. Be aware that you’ll need to wear pants over the boot (not tucked in) in order for your feet to stay dry. If you wear these with sport pants tucked in, water will enter the boot through the top almost immediately.
The SMX S boots have a lot of protective features you’ll find on high end race boots, but just less of the rigid plastic “stiffener” features on the true race boots… those that help to prevent side to side or front to back flex injuries. This boot is made to be more practical and comfortable for everyday street use or amateur racing. Think of it is a full-on race boot lite.
The new features I see on this this boot are 1) the new new “dual density” protection on either side of the ankle, 2) the new cut to the toe area, 3) the elasticated main zipper arrangement, and 4) an anti-slip fabric added to the interior of the heel cup. The protection foam on the sides of the ankle are now a dual density soft material rather than the hard round discs that we’ve seen in the past. The softer armor is, uh “soft” and will no doubt be more foolproof in terms of break in. The boots meet the CE certification requirements. The new “cut” to the toe area is subtle and hard to spot just looking, but when I try these on, I find that the toe flexes more easily behind the shift protector. In past designs that shift protector took some break in because it is stiff and would tend to dig into the top of your forefoot when walking, but these flex easily and are very comfortable right out of the box. It’s kind of a tiny thing, but Alpinestars is using a zipper arrangement where one side of the main zipper is sewn to the boot with a 1/2” stretch elastic piece. This makes the boots a little more forgiving to fit different thicknesses of feet and also it flexes at the ankle more readily. And the fourth new thing I see is the addition of some suede-like material to line the heel cup rather than the entire interior of the boot being lined with the usual, more slippery material. This will help hold your heel in place when you walk, particularly when the boots are new and still very stiff in the ankle and sole areas.
Other features are “customary” with a sport/race style boot like this and well documented in the list of features from Alpinestars. Our photo gallery will help you see those things as well showing you the overall height and heel height, so take a look! With the new subtle upgrades listed above, combined with the usual top quality build and materials you get with Alpinestars, I think you’ll really like this boot and you’ll be surprised how comfortable they are! :: Paul, 10-06-17
