Alpinestars 2011 SMX Plus Boots - Review http://www.bikechatter.net/media/reviews/photos/thumbnail/320x320s/07/29/96/1098_smx-plus-white-red-fluo-yellow-27344-zoom-1329926039.jpg Hot

Having previously reviewed the last model of the SMX PLus, Leigh wanted to see if they had improved on what was already a great boot - and if that infernal squeaking noise had been sorted.

Initial Thoughts

SMX Plus is Alpinestars Race Inspired boot model, not quite full fat race-spec like the Supertech R but keeping that high specification level of protection developed from all their racing experience, the last set I had a couple of years ago were great, comfortable but the external armour on one boot always squeaked when walking and this turned  what would have been my favourite set of boots into one that I would choose when I knew I would not be off the bike too long in public areas.

Construction

When you slip on a set of Alpinestars boots you notice the different feel to just about any other boot manufacturer on earth, they have a more enveloping, slight moon-boot-esque feel to them in that they feel substantial but not overly chunky, in essence you feel well protected. The SMX Plus boots for 2011 have this quality in spades and other than perhaps  feeling initially slimmer fitting than the previous model you can tell that it is an Alpinestars boot you are wearing.

The last model I wore had been WELL broken in by the time I threw them out, they were falling apart and looking really tatty but I remember the feeling of wearing them, slipping my feet into the new model gave the impression of a slimmer fit and to start with I really struggled to get them closed over my calves while wearing leather, something I fed back to Alpinestars at a press event not long after I got them. Infact they took quite a few wears before they loosened up enough to tuck leathers in and instead had to be worn with kevlar jeans or textiles during the initial breaking in period.

Eventually they expanded around the calf and fitted like a glove, which is odd, as they are boots. Silliness aside though the problem in my view is the zip does not seem to offer much stretch initially and you are all too fearful of pulling too hard and breaking something, something that should not really be possible on a protective boot but at £200 something you do not want to risk. I don't know which section stretches to allow the zip a bit of freedom though as the boot retains the same feel and fit and does not go baggy over time.

Inside the boot you get the same Kevlar speed lace to customise the inner fit and this is then coupled with the ratchet closure system around the calf for added strength, you still get the external armour around the calf, heel and achilles tendon area and although it is not quite as noticable I am sorry to say the squeak still rears its ugly head from time to time.

Styling wise it retains the look of it's bigger brother, the Supertech R with sleek lines and an overall sporty look and once broken in fully I would say offers a slightly wider fit that that of a similar sized Sidi boot which I personally find a little slim around the toe, perserverance with the fit is wholly advised though as you might think you have got a slightly too small size initially and if you swap for a larger size to compensate might regret doing so when broken in.

Built for Speed

• High‐tech microfiber upper construction is lightweight and extremely durable.
• Forefoot laminated with shock absorbing open cell foam while the ankle area has a highly breathable lining for improved comfort.
• Large front and rear asymmetrical accordion zones are optimized to maximize flexibility for superior comfort and safety.
• Durable sole is designed for improved riding feel and features evenly textured rubber for consistent grip
• The S‐MX PLUS boot is CE certified.

Unique Multi Link Control System

• Alpinestars unique Multi Link Control System provides advanced support for the ankle, limiting hyper‐torsion, hyper‐extension and hyper‐ flexion as well as providing additional impact protection to the ankle and Achilles.

Premium protection

• Contoured shin plate protector is injected with high modulus TPU for superior impact and abrasion resistance.
• Wide, ventilated, heel counter extends to the ankle and is combined with a shock absorbing padded insert and self‐molding foam ankle protectors.
• Replaceable heel slider and external side heel slider are positioned to dissipate shock and promote sliding during an accident.

Race inspired details

• Newly designed, replaceable TPU toe slider with snap‐in assembly provides more coverage around the toe area.
• Inner Kevlar® speed lacing closure and a unique lateral zipper offer precise and secure fitting.
• Micro adjustable ratchet buckle closure on the calf lets you finely tune the fit of the boot for maximum security and comfort.
• Alpinestars anatomical and replaceable countered footbed provides arch support and greater feel through the forefoot.