Opinion on Alpinestars smx5 vented boots

Thinking of buying a pair of Alpinestars SMX5 boots, vented. Anyone have a comment on these. Size 44 or 45/// I usually wear 44/10 but these are 44/9.5 0r 45/10.5..Thanks in advance.

 

G'day mate. I have a pair of SMX-R boots (similar to 5) and they are without doubt the most comfortable pair of boots I've ever owned.Been on some long rides for days at a time & basically lived in them with no discomfort at all.....You wont go wrong with them!!!

 

This seems to be about the most recent thread on boots, so thought I'd hi-jack it.

I'd like to get a new pair. Although I don't do track days, still want to stick with race boots. My current ones are about 3 years old, and I'd just like to get something new.

I'm not partial to any particular brand. Most everyone speaks highly of A* and Sidi, but I've "heard" that Sidi is a bit on the narrow side and most of my sneakers (or tennis shoes for you ladies!) are wide width.

Flip side is I think A* come in 10.5 and 11.5. Usually I'm a size 11.

You boys got some suggestions and opinions on various brands of boots? I do a limited amount of riding in the rain, so not necessarily looking for a waterproof boot (can wear my old ones anyway). Same story for cold weather - I don't ride too much in temps below 40F.

How does your current brand of boot affect your shifting, if at all? Did you find it necessary to change to position on your gear shift due to the shape of the boot?

If I had to budget, I'd prefer less than $300. I know the A* are about $250, but opinions on how they fit?

 

I tried on probably a dozen pairs of boots when I was looking for my race boots.

Sidi = too freaking narrow for my wide American feet.
Spidi = I think they are better boots than Sidi but no one stocks them & I wanted to try them on before I bought anything.
Alpinestars = fit better than the Sidi but still too narrow. If they fit you, you can't go wrong with their gear.
Gaerne = the most comfortable race boot I ever tried on. I didn't buy them because they wouldn't fit over (or under) my leathers. Shocking lack of research on Gaerne's part if you ask me.
Puma = The 1000 is an AWESOME boot, probably the best protection you can put your feet in. Only slightly too narrow or that's what I would have purchased.
Vega, Joe Rocket & Teknic = absolute garbage. There is NO WAY I would trust my feet in them.
Icon = so far beyond crap that Icon should be ashamed of themselves for selling them. They make Vega boots look good.
Cortech & Shift = good boot for the money but simply not the level of product I wanted.
Dainese = AWESOME boots but simply didn't fit me & the only ones I could find were the Torq-In boots that are designed specifically for Dainese leathers.

I ended up with the TCX Competizione S. They were the best choice for me. Enough room in the toe box that my toes don't go numb & somewhat acceptable for normal walking. After 2.5 years, the only complaint I have is the torsion control system squeaks. LOUD.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

I've got the SMX-5's and love them! Great riding boot, they feel really comfy when I'm riding. Good support, good airflow, and easy to put on and take off. Downside is when you are off the bike. These are definitely not designed for wearing anywhere other than on the bike. I take a pair of shoes with me when I travel with these on. I highly recommend them, just be aware of this con.

 

Got the A'stars SMX-5's vented,size 44 for my size 10/E width foot several months ago for my first track day. Walked around the house with them. They were a "little stiff" and a hair tight. I put them on and worked out in them in the basement. Did two squat sessions in them. Made them fit like a glove. Didn't even know I had them on at the track and shifting was fine... Dido the comments from Kirdro.

 

I tried a pair of the SMX-5 Waterproofs last week to replace my current SMX-3 Goretex which I bought around '07 I still love them :smile: but the Velco is not Velcroing at all well anymore.

Credit card out very nearly bought the SMX5s because found them instantly comfortable but when pressed found out the " Waterproof " in the SMX 5 is Latex and non breathable so would be hotter than my SMX3s on Summers days. :frown:

 

Definitely hotter in summer.

I find mine extremely comfortable.... Very happy with them..

I have some others that are not water proof (not smx-5 but sm something) and they arent as comfy cause of the lack of lining..

 

I had a pair of the SMX-5s. They were comfortable and were not too expensive. There isn't a whole lot of ankle protection though. After I had a highside and broke both my ankles last year, I bought a pair of the Puma V1000s. The ankle protection is substantially better. I was going to buy a pair of Sidi Vortice but they didn't fit me.

 

BROKE BOTH OF YOUR ANKLES!!!..I need new boots now! Maybe I can slide some steel shanks down each side of my Smx's. Ouch.

 

Both were compression fractures so I'm not sure if better boots would have helped. Now I get the best protection I can find. I broke my talus in half in my left foot and had a hairline fracture in my fibula (where it meets the talus bone) in the right.

 

I have the SMX5 waterproof boots and don't think that this can be correct. I can feel the breeze on my feet, but have NEVER gotten wet or even damp. And their site certainly claims that the membrane is breathable.