SMX Plus Boots: Gore-Tex or Leather?

[alex.s]

they will stretch a little. but with 3 different closures, you should be able to have it loose or tight if you want. but if they are too tight they will constrict blood flow and you'll get numb foot... trust me you don't want numb feet. go up a size or have a tailor give you a little extra room.

oh P.S., i'm wearing the smx-plus in my avatar photo

[rawbert625]

Originally Posted by alex.s

they will stretch a little. but with 3 different closures, you should be able to have it loose or tight if you want. but if they are too tight they will constrict blood flow and you'll get numb foot... trust me you don't want numb feet. go up a size or have a tailor give you a little extra room.

oh P.S., i'm wearing the smx-plus in my avatar photo

your avatar is STOLEN!

[EternalNewb]

Thanks, Alex! I'm just wearing them around the house right now to see if they break in much. If that doesn't work, there's a shoe place down the street that does stretching, so I'll try them. Unfortunately, I did try a 39, and it was a bit much large on me.

[00NissanNinja]

I have them too, mines are snug but not tight. They should break in a bit. However, could ask in what way are they tight? Too tight on the sides, or not enough room for your toes? I'm also wearing mine in my avatar photo too. They should be really easy to walk in and flexible. I don't wear any of my other boots because they suck in comparison.

[EternalNewb]

They're tight on the top of my foot. I've had them on for a couple hours now, it's basically just the top of my left foot that's getting pressed against the interior bootie lacing stuff.

[00NissanNinja]

I see, well all I can say is make sure you give the tongue on the inside a good pull before tightening the laces and just try them out for a bit longer. Anyways not much help but if it doesn't work out try getting them tailored like you plan to.

[EternalNewb]

Cool. Thanks for all the help and feedback, guys! Much appreciated.

[EternalNewb]

Whelp, looks like I'm shipping them back. The vertical clearance is way too tight, and my feet still ache more than 2 days later from that one night of trying them on/trying to break them in.

On another note, @tfkrocks, if you still plan on buying a pair of these, Cycle Gear has the 2011 model on sale for $280 right now.

Check it out.

[tfkrocks]

Actually I scored the current model from Sportbike Track Gear for $295

Sorry they didn't work out for you. Good luck finding a pair of boots that work for you!

[EternalNewb]

Sweet! Glad to hear it.

[EternalNewb]

So the sizing on Alpinestars SMX Plus boots doesn't fit my feet at all. =( They're way too tight vertically, but as sizes get larger, I basically swim in them in length and width. Oh well...
On a related note, I ended up getting a pair of Dainese boots instead.

[Byakkotai]

Ah bummer about the SMX Plus Boots...sorry to send you on a goose chase

Hope you're able to finally get the boots you want and fit!

[EternalNewb]

No no, thanks so much! You've been really helpful, and I'm super-appreciative of all your efforts! I liked the SMX Plus a lot, but it unfortunately didn't work for me. Still, thank you so much for keeping an eye out for me, and helping with all your feedback. =)

[antiant]

@EternalNewb - What kind of Dainese boots did you get specifically and how are they so far? I'm in the boat of trying to figure out what boots to get as well. I was also looking at the A*s SMX+, but now I'm thinking about Dainese.

[EternalNewb]

@antiant I ended up getting a pair of Dainese Torque RS Out boots in size 39. So far I really like the fit and feel. I'd say you could try mine on, but I dunno if you're anywhere nearby.

[antiant]

Originally Posted by EternalNewb

@antiant I ended up getting a pair of Dainese Torque RS Out boots in size 39. So far I really like the fit and feel. I'd say you could try mine on, but I dunno if you're anywhere nearby.

Ah, yeah I am in the Central Valley and I wear a 42 (mens)/43 (womens), thanks for the offer. I've been looking at the Dainese Torque RS Air Out and the TRQ's as well.

[tfkrocks]

@EternalNewb So would you say that Dainese sizing is a bit smaller than A* sizing then since you're able to wear a size 39? Although I did just get boots, I still can't help lusting for a pair of Dainese boots haha.

[EternalNewb]

@Rebecca I'd say that they are more narrow, and have a little more vertical clearance throughout. I really like the fit. You should check out the store in your area and try some on.

Actually, then you might end up buying them... Which is kind of what happened with me. Hahaha, but then I needed a pair of boots.

[EternalNewb]

Originally Posted by antiant

Ah, yeah I am in the Central Valley and I wear a 42 (mens)/43 (womens), thanks for the offer. I've been looking at the Dainese Torque RS Air Out and the TRQ's as well.

Haha, yeah, I'm a bit far from you, and also my boot size is smaller. Have you checked out the Axial Pros? So sexy. But not in my size, and the price tag...

[antiant]

Originally Posted by EternalNewb

Haha, yeah, I'm a bit far from you, and also my boot size is smaller. Have you checked out the Axial Pros? So sexy. But not in my size, and the price tag...

Yeah, those are sweet and I love the in-boot style that Dainese offers, however due to its proprietary aspect, then you're forced to buy the pants too and then it's downhill from there with your wallet, haha. Also, my foot is on the narrow side (width A) and Dainese (so I've heard) runs narrow, so I think it will be a perfect match.

[EternalNewb]

Originally Posted by antiant

Yeah, those are sweet and I love the in-boot style that Dainese offers, however due to its proprietary aspect, then you're forced to buy the pants too and then it's downhill from there with your wallet, haha. Also, my foot is on the narrow side (width A) and Dainese (so I've heard) runs narrow, so I think it will be a perfect match.

Very true about getting stuck with the brand. I do really like mine, so I'm not going to try to dissuade you from buying those Torque RS boots. At least with them, you don't have to stick with Dainese pants/suits. I think they're really comfortable, and the inner lacing system really helps to tighten it up if it feels too wide.

[tfkrocks]

Hmm... if they're on the narrow side, then it might not work well for me, but then again the larger size might even it out. Guess I'll have to swing by a store some time to try it. I just have to know if there is any reason for me to continue eyeing Dainese boots since it would be silly to keep looking if they won't ever fit haha.

[EternalNewb]

I'd say try on a size 39 (guys) at the store, and bring some thick socks in case if they're big, to see if that will help. I really like mine, and, as mentioned before, the inner lacing system helps.

[antiant]

Originally Posted by EternalNewb

Very true about getting stuck with the brand. I do really like mine, so I'm not going to try to dissuade you from buying those Torque RS boots. At least with them, you don't have to stick with Dainese pants/suits. I think they're really comfortable, and the inner lacing system really helps to tighten it up if it feels too wide.

I'm leaning more and more toward Dainese anyways, plus I have heard that they have better ankle protection over the A*s SMX+. I'll probably buy some within the next couple of weeks after I go over the final pro's and con's in the whole decision making process.

[EternalNewb]

Yeah, I ran through both, and as much as I really liked the Alpinestars SMX Plus, I liked the Daineses more. I was going to go for whichever had the better price tag, but after having had both in my hands, I really do like the Daineses more, and the ankle protection does feel more solid. I love that the zippers are on the back, and that there's some velcro paneling there to allow for a little adjustment if necessary.

[antiant]

Originally Posted by EternalNewb

Yeah, I ran through both, and as much as I really liked the Alpinestars SMX Plus, I liked the Daineses more. I was going to go for whichever had the better price tag, but after having had both in my hands, I really do like the Daineses more, and the ankle protection does feel more solid. I love that the zippers are on the back, and that there's some velcro paneling there to allow for a little adjustment if necessary.

Yep, I think I'm going to go that route and get the Dainese TRQ Race Out Air Boots. These videos just made my decision for me... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS9aMM-f4fA & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh7UoSHtB9o

[EternalNewb]

Haha, seems like it's contagious - this growing love of Dainese products.

[antiant]

Yes, I love Dainese, but everytime I find something I like, it's all sold out, or not in my size. It sells fast, especially women's gear because of the limited demographics/market. Thankfully, that doesn't come into play with boots.

[EternalNewb]

Seriously. Finding things that fit is ridiculously difficult. I may swing by the Costa Mesa Dainese store again soon to look at some jackets. The XS Scorpion one I'm using is a frikkin parachute at 60-65mph+.

[antiant]

Haha, I just got the strangest visual of a motorcyclist drawing a ripcord from their Ozio No Drag backpack and trying to slow down with that, like some drag racer. I really wanted the Dainese Women's Racing Leather Jacket in white (so sexy), but it's gone... forever :/. You're lucky you live in an area with decent stores. I only have Cyclegear with Bilt crap.

[tfkrocks]

A* full boots still have CE certification so I think they should be sufficient protection. No matter what you choose, I think you'll be plenty protected

[EternalNewb]

Yeah, both boots are really cool. And I am lucky that I live 1.5 hours away from a Dainese store. That said, they never had the race jacket in my size . That thing was so cool!

[antiant]

Welp, as usual the model/size/color I wanted was pretty much sold out, I was a day late and a dollar short. I did some looking around on the internet and found the Dainese Torque Pro Out on closeout for just a few more dollars and got those. Should be arriving Tuesday. ^_^

[tfkrocks]

Glad you found some boots. Let us know how they are!

When I walked around the Dainese store in SF, it only made me feel like a small child. I wish I weren't so tiny so I could actually get the gear that catches my eye.

[antiant]

Will do! I wasn't really aware of a Dainese store in the Bay Area (not surprised though), but now I'll have another place to visit. I frequent that area way more due to proximity. Now that I have part of my checklist marked off, I'm onto the next goal.

[EternalNewb]

Congrats on the boots. I'm echoing Rebecca here, but let us know how they work out.

[LoneRonin]

Originally Posted by alex.s

have fun breaking your ankle?

I've been down more than a handful of times...have never broken anything. For street riding those Puma's are just fine. I ride everywhere, everyday. Full out track boots look retarded walking around the mall or at school...I only wear my Sidi's on the track and on my aggressive weekend joyrides when I'm in full leathers.

I just got these today. Now they're a proper street riding boot, and sexy as hell.

[alex.s]

So.. Many........ Contradictions..... Must..... Resist....... /FACEPALM

[LoneRonin]

easy there racer boy...

[antiant]

@EternalNewb @tfkrocks - I got my boots and I'm very happy with my choice. These boots are very comfortable, easy to put on and I'm loving the speed lace system. I can't roll my ankle in these things if I tried, its got great lateral protection. The toe box is hard enough that you don't have to worry about your toes getting broken, for the most part. As for the "break-in" period, that's practically non-existent because as soon as you take them out of the box and put them on your feet, you're good to go. I can't stress enough, how comfortable these things are. I know it's Dainese and it's my first product from them, but I'm really impressed and it's money well spent.

Here's a couple of pics: