Boot Comparison

JeffC · 07-10-2003, 8:59 AM

I have kind of narrowed it down to these 2. I am wondering if anybody can provide some personal experiences with them. I am more of a weekend warrior. I do ride to work often, sometimes head to the Gap and have gone on some relatively lengthy (for me) trips. I have yet to do track days, but am really interested.

Or is there another boot that you would throw into the mix?

ccwilli3 · 07-10-2003, 9:40 AM

I have seen both and wear the SMX+.

I think its better in that the way it fits. The SMX+ secures itself to you with the 'inner bootie' which makes the fit good and 'custom' everytime. Once you do that, then you zip up the side and then a cam buckle is secured... There is no way this boot is gonna move around on you, fall off or get loose and not protect you.

I have ridden in the standard SMX boot for about 20,000 miles and they aren't even in the same league as the SMX+. The way the secure themselves to you is inferior to the + model. I think the sidi's affix similarly to the standard SMX, but I have never worn them, so I won't comment.

Having said that, the SMX+ is VERY comfortable despite the 3 step entry... I like them. If you wanna spend a little more cash, check out the supertech, they are a little better...

JeffC · 07-10-2003, 9:55 AM

Quote I have ridden in the standard SMX boot...they aren't even in the same league as the SMX+.
Yea, thats what I hear.

Detailed reply, that is what I was looking for.

HondaGalToo · 07-10-2003, 10:14 AM

Yup, I agree with ccwilli. I have the Supertechs, though, and they offer really good protection as they have a hard inner boot. They still flex very well because the hard inner boot is hinged at the ankle, and are comfy to walk in. I haven't used the SMX, but I've seen them and they look just as good. I haven't used the Sidi Verts, but people who have complain about the screws falling out that hold on those hard plastic pieces that run up the outside of the boot.

jafo · 07-10-2003, 3:56 PM

Alpinestars are a great boot,switched to the oxtar tcs evo ti a few months ago,they are a lot stiffer than my smx and I commute rain or shine and so far they are holding up great.I was looking at the smx + or supertech,but since I commute,I like an easy on/off boot.My local dealer was blowing out the oxtar for $165 and so far I am very happy.

tnarinen · 07-10-2003, 4:46 PM

I bought Side Vert II in the spring to get some more protection
after my previous touring boots. Sidis look very race-like but the truth is that there is virtually no ankle protection and I'm already searching new ones and I'm leaning towards Supertech.

JeffC · 07-10-2003, 4:48 PM

Quote:

jafo : since I commute,I like an easy on/off boot.

After thinking about it for the past few hours, that the way I am starting to lean now. *Maybe I'll just get a street boot now and eventually get a race boot. *I am not sure that I do enough hard riding to justify a race boot at this point.

Skully · 07-10-2003, 5:47 PM

I have the Vert II's and like them but will look for something different next time. They squeak when you walk and you have to keep a close eye on all the screws so they don't fall out. One of my screws backed out just enough to scratch the hell out of one of my heel guards.

I think I'll look for a more street oriented boot next time.

fl-929 · 07-10-2003, 6:35 PM

Quote:

JeffC : Quote (jafo @ July 10 2003, 2:56pm)since I commute,I like an easy on/off boot.

After thinking about it for the past few hours, that the way I am starting to lean now. *Maybe I'll just get a street boot now and eventually get a race boot. *I am not sure that I do enough hard riding to justify a race boot at this point.
Look at the Oxtar. Easy on and easy off. CE certified and because they don't have the name recognition of Alpinestars or SIDI, you can get a good deal on them.

fl-929 · 07-10-2003, 6:37 PM

Quote:

Skully : I have the Vert II's and like them but will look for something different next time. *They squeak when you walk and you have to keep a close eye on all the screws so they don't fall out. *One of my screws backed out just enough to scratch the hell out of one of my heel guards.

I think I'll look for a more street oriented boot next time.

Seems as though that the nature of all boots because of the high freq vibration. Little bit of loctite and you're good to go

HondaGalToo · 07-10-2003, 6:41 PM

Quote:

fl-929 : Quote (Skully @ July 10 2003, 4:47pm)I have the Vert II's and like them but will look for something different next time. *They squeak when you walk and you have to keep a close eye on all the screws so they don't fall out. *One of my screws backed out just enough to scratch the hell out of one of my heel guards.

I think I'll look for a more street oriented boot next time.

Seems as though that the nature of all boots because of the high freq vibration. *Little bit of loctite and you're good to go *
Well, be careful using locktite. I've known folks who tried to solve the loose screw problem on their Sidis with locktite and it ate the plastic.

jafo · 07-11-2003, 1:51 AM

I have heard the same regarding loctite,I wonder if the blue loctite will damage the plastic?The oxtar has 3 screws holding the toe slider,so far they are staying tight,but I am considering blue loctite.Regarding the race boot comment above,the oxtar seems like it would offer great protection in a get off,and I believe a few racers use them.

NineFiftyFour · 07-11-2003, 2:08 AM

I've had both AP SMX+ and Sidi vert II.

I can tell you that if you are tracking your bike, AP is by far a better boot. BUT, if you're looking for a little more protection than some docmartins, then the Sidi boots are excellent. They are far more comfortable than the SMX+, and they provide good protection for most riders. My boots have an ankle guard on both sides and I like the fact that the outside edge is removeable incase I need to replace them.

Here's my lowdown, hope it helps you out some.....

Alpinestars SMX+

Pro's - Excellent boot for the buck, lots of protection, great for trackdays w/ leathers, feet stay warm in cold weather, cushioned like a tennis shoe.

Con's - Not well suited for daily riding, hard to 'feel' the pedals (I had a hard time getting my toe under the shifter and I locked up the rear brake without even knowing it), very bulky, must tuck jeans inside boot to keep from rubbing calfs raw, harder to get in and out of boots, feet get really warm on long rides.

http://www.alpinestars.com/v2/produc...plus-black.jpg

Sidi Vertebra

Pro's - Lightweight with good protection, easy to get in and out, fits under most jean pant legs. Could be used for mild trackdays, replaceable toe/ankle sliders, very conforming to your feet, breathes well, easy to 'feel' the pedals, toe goes under shifter with no problems.

Con's - Not as armored as the SMX, some leathers will not tuck inside boot, does not keep feet warm in cold weather, squeeks from time to time (but so do supertech's after time), screws 'can' back out, sizes are ODD (I'm a 10.5, and I wear a 43 Sidi, go figure)

http://www.motonation.com/assets/250/00000012.jpg

OntheEdge · 07-11-2003, 2:48 AM

I've crash tested my sidi's and they don't fair well. The leather tore on both boots form ankle to top on the out side. The toe protection is poor, and the screws had to be tightened all the time too. But they did probably keep me form breaking a tibia because I had a puncture wound along with a 8' bruise under the plastic shin protecter. There are pictures on the old site about my crash. I now have the Supertech's and they do give you much more protection. The next boot I get will be the Daytona Evo or the Security if I feel wealthy that week.

ND4SPD · 07-11-2003, 6:51 PM

I got the SMX+ as well and they are great Most comfortable pair of footwear I've ever owned, bar none!(as long as I'm on the bike )

JeffC · 07-14-2003, 8:34 AM

So whats every ones thoughts on street boots in general? Should I not even waste on money on a street boot?

Zeeman · 07-14-2003, 1:59 PM

I went and bought a pair of boots on the morning of my crash - as my old Gearnes were a bit week for spirited riding, and showing their age.

After a bit of looking around and testing, I finally went with the SMX+ - the extra steps in putting it on were kinda annoying, but the final fit was worth it. As nd4spd said, most comfy footware ever - so long as you are riding.

My opinion re street boot - I'd probably get one simple so that if I ride to the movies (about 10 minutes away) I don't have to spend more time putting on the boots than riding to where I'm going - but do want the protection of proper bike boots in case of the unmentionable.

Having crash tested my SMX+ boots on the day of buying, I am happy to say they held up great. Only a few little scretches, look pretty much new otherwise

Z...

Steve F · 07-14-2003, 2:17 PM

I have had both. The Alpine stars offer more protection. The sole is softer wich make feeling the pegs easier. They close up better so you feel more secure. Heel slider? Cool idea, but hope I never get to try it out.

Other than that there similar.

mmeacham · 07-14-2003, 6:58 PM

Kneedraggers has SMX + on sale kinda $233.95. Free 2 day shipping. Money back garenty, so you can try them, no return fees.

Oz · 07-18-2003, 8:28 PM

I just bought a pair of Supertechs to replace my Sidi Vertebras (not Vertebra 2). Haven't had time for more than a trip around the block, but I'm already glad I switched. The Sidis squeaked annoyingly, the screws kept wanting to come out, and the plastic joints along the outside edge kept dislocating. The Supertechs are very comfortable and quiet and have better ankle protection.

mu-shim · 07-30-2003, 1:40 PM

I don't have any personal experience of sidi, but if you check my post here, it references a magazine test of different boots.

mickyboy · 07-30-2003, 2:26 PM

Just a quick note on the Sidi's. I just bought a pair and have now done 2 trackdays with them. The feel is great ( although the feet get pretty damn chilly in the mornings )......only issue I had was that the toe sliders wear REALLY fast......and you really have to watch them as they are held on with a allen key-type bolt, so once the slider starts to go you run the risk of wearing the top of the bolt away to the point that you can't remove the slider any more......I have gone through 4 sliders already !!

Mickyboy