Race Boot Recommendations

Pete · 09-08-2003, 3:04 PM

It's been a while since I have seen any discussions about race boots. Anyone want to offer up their wisdom or advice about which ones they recommend and why? My Alpinestar SMXs have seen there better days, so I'm in the market for a new pair.

ccwilli3 · 09-08-2003, 3:07 PM

I had the SMX's also and went to the SMX+ boot. I looked at the SIDI and short of getting a true pair of Daytona Security's, the SMX+ and the supertech are awesome... If you can spare the extra $60, I highly recommend the Supertech. HondaGalToo had a pair at Jennings and they are a lot like the Daytona's for way less...

Pete · 09-08-2003, 3:32 PM

Thanks, CC. What's the latest on the turmoil surrounding the metal plates on the SMXs and Supertechs? I heard a lot of noise about them scratching swingarms, and supposedly Alpinestars was replacing these plates with ones of plastic. Is that correct?

fl-929 · 09-08-2003, 3:34 PM

Oxtar Evo Ti. Great protection, major bling with titanium toe slider. Fits a wider foot like mine. Also, you can find some great deals for them on the web. Found mine for 179.

ccwilli3 · 09-08-2003, 3:38 PM

I hadn't heard anything about the sliders being replaced. I'll check into it, if you find info on it, post it up.

I did scratch my moriwaki pipes up some with them, but thats only when I was crawling all over the bike at VIR and JenningsGP... But if they are replacing them with plastic ones, as long as they slide as well as the metal does, they should still be just as safe...

Pete · 09-08-2003, 3:44 PM

CC, I'm pretty sure that I read about it here, so I'll see if a search yanks anything up.

FL, where did you find such a deal? The best I have seen is $230, at NewEnough.com.

Pete · 09-08-2003, 3:54 PM

Quote:

Pete : CC, I'm pretty sure that I read about it here, so I'll see if a search yanks anything up.

No such luck.

Motopilot · 09-08-2003, 4:03 PM

If you can afford them, Daytona's seem to be the way to go. *While at Pridmore's school, he lauded them up for the great protection they give in crashes (although they are not comfortable to walk in). *The latest Cycle World has a little blurb on them. *The premium edition costs about $700. *The next step down is $450. *Ouch!! *For us mortals, I recommend the SMX+.

My review.

Pete · 09-08-2003, 4:28 PM

Thanks, Moto, much appreciated. Not sure how I missed your review while searching, so thanks for the link.

Had you heard anything about those plates scratching bike parts, as I mentioned above? I know that they are replaceable, but I couldn't find an 'accessories' page on the Alpinestars website to confirm any choices for replacement.

fl-929 · 09-08-2003, 4:37 PM

Can't remember where I bought them as I found the shop online.

Here is a place selling them for 190. http://www.superbikeconcepts.com/boots.html

Ebay usually has good deals also.

Motopilot · 09-08-2003, 4:45 PM

Quote:

Pete : Thanks, Moto, much appreciated. *Not sure how I missed your review while searching, so thanks for the link.

Had you heard anything about those plates scratching bike parts, as I mentioned above? *I know that they are replaceable, but I couldn't find an 'accessories' page on the Alpinestars website to confirm any choices for replacement.

Yes, they are replaceable and they do scratch the swingarm when in race tuck with balls of your feet are on the pegs. I don't remember where I saw where you can purchase replacements, but, I would contact a rep through their website for that information.

02FBlade · 09-08-2003, 5:19 PM

Quote:

Pete : Thanks, Moto, much appreciated. *Not sure how I missed your review while searching, so thanks for the link.

Had you heard anything about those plates scratching bike parts, as I mentioned above? *I know that they are replaceable, but I couldn't find an 'accessories' page on the Alpinestars website to confirm any choices for replacement.

My old SMX boots (plastic/rubber heel) use to scratch my swingarm on the throttle side until I got some rearsets.

HondaGal · 09-08-2003, 5:41 PM

HGToo got her metal plates for her Alpinestars replaced by the dealer. A quick phone call was all it took and they were in the mail. They're pretty easy to swap out too.

I have the Daytona Evo boot and they're worth every penny. There's a hard inner boot and the shell is replaceable. They saved my foot/ankle when I crashed on the track...not a broken bone or bruise anywhere. And, I see they come in colors now. I tried on the Alipinesatar SMX and they didn't fit me. I didn't like the zipper up the back of the boot. Yeah, they're almost comparable to the Daytona Evo's, but not quite.

HondaGalToo · 09-08-2003, 6:07 PM

Yes, the inside sliders on the Alpinestar Supertechs now are plastic. The heel and outside ones are still metal, but that's ok. If you have an older pair (like I do) with the metal sliders on the inside, Alpinestars will send plastic replacements through dealers. Kneedraggers sent me my replacements.

I like the Supertechs. HondaGal has the Daytona Evo Basics (the cheaper version of the Security) and the Supertechs do look to have just as good ankle protection. They have a hinged inner hard boot. Comfortable to ride and walk in, and good flexion at the ankle.

Pete · 09-09-2003, 11:52 AM

Thanks to everyone for their insight, it is GREATLY appreciated!!!

BDA116 · 09-09-2003, 12:01 PM

Pete, you may want to look into a pair of these.
I've got a pair, but in the tan color, and they are very comfy and not likely to scratch your swingarm.

They're not exactly a motorcycle racing boot, but may be more your speed.

nedro · 09-09-2003, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Motopilot : If you can afford them, Daytona's seem to be the way to go. *While at Pridmore's school, he lauded them up for the great protection they give in crashes (although they are not comfortable to walk in). *The latest Cycle World has a little blurb on them. *The premium edition costs about $700. *The next step down is $450. *Ouch!! *For us mortals, I recommend the SMX+.

My review.

That would be because Helimot is his sponser and the dealer for Daytona boots.

Pete · 09-09-2003, 2:45 PM

Quote:

BDA116 : Pete, you may want to look into a pair of these.
I've got a pair, but in the tan color, and they are very comfy and not likely to scratch your swingarm.

They're not exactly a motorcycle racing boot, but may be more your speed.

LMAO!

BTW, I just ordered the SMX+. The Supertechs were tempting, but the SMX+ fit my foot and calf much more comfortably. The one thing that ruled the Oxtar and Sidis out is that the fasteners used for the toe sliders are external. I tend to drag my toes quite a bit, and didn't want to risk making slider replacement difficult.

I've been quite happy with my SMXs, so I am sure the SMX+ will suit me just fine.

Pete · 09-09-2003, 2:56 PM

One other thing that I forgot to mention. According to the guys at Kneedraggers.com, Alpinestars has deleted the offending inside heel plate on the latest SMX+ altogether, but the rear and outside plates remain. They didn't know yet if they would do the same thing for the Supertechs.

firebladetoronto · 09-09-2003, 9:53 PM

If you look at this picture, my entire bike landed on my foot, and it bruised up like crazy, and it is still a bit sore, but not a single bone was broken. To me, I love my Sidi Race, and they did save my foot!!! Last year, by the ankle piece broke for no reason, my dealer contacted Sidi, and they send me a replacement piece and a full new set for the hell of it. I recommend Sidi, but that is just me...the current fad is the SMX boots.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-.../IMG_9010a.jpg

SKRWZ · 09-10-2003, 12:48 AM

I agree those SIDI race boots are nice, about a month ago i was riding down a local street turned a corner and after i made a turn bam there's a big black consttruction pillon there i mauvered around it but hit the side with my boot, and i only hit the plastic on the side of it, glad i got the SIDI race boots

TheReverend · 09-10-2003, 7:54 AM

spidi XPD - greatboots
i had ther for 2 years now mield signes of weare.
and they look great too
the boots on kneedraggers

pushbike4 · 09-17-2003, 3:19 PM

I also just purchased a pair of SMX+ boots. I noticed that the plate on the inside of the boot was made of a different material that the back and outside plate. Didn't know why until I read this post.

I do have a question though as these are my first pair of boots: does anyone else have problems getting under the shifter? Its a real stretch to get under there because the shoe is so stiff in the ankle. I'm hoping they will break in because almost all feel is lost through my feet on brakes and shifter.
B