Alpinestars SMX 1R Boots Review – Introduction
When it comes to commuting, I prefer short boots. Sure, they don’t offer the same level of protection as their full-length counterparts, but when you consider the speed, the surface, and the comfort required for commuting, I personally believe, short boots work better.
This is a good time then to introduce you to Alpinestars SMX 1R. The latest in the Italian company’s short boots range, the 1R is the racier twin of the very popular SMX 1. And here’s how it is different to the boot it replaces.
New construction
The overall shape of the SMX 1R is almost the same as the previous generation SMX 1. But look closer and you will find that the boot material is now synthetic leather or microfibre. Also, there’s some extra reinforcement in the form of added stitching on the new boot. The cut for the material is new too and should add to comfort. The heel section is new, as is the front Velcro strap, and the front bellows are now elasticated microfibre, replacing fabric on the older boot.
New sole
Not that it matters much to most buyers, but the right sole can play a big role in terms of safety, especially when you are off the bike. For the new SMX 1R, Alpinestars has gone in for a more commute-friendly sole instead of a race spec one like the earlier boots. So, when it’s wet, be it on the pegs or on the floor, we expect the new boots to be less slippery. These should also prove to be relatively more comfortable to walk around in all day long. The front of the sole now runs up to the boot as well and should help towards keeping the sole stuck to the boot for longer.
Added protection
Alpinestars might have ditched race soles for commuter friendly ones on the SMX 1R, but in terms of protection, the new boots get bits and pieces from the Italian marque’s race oriented ones. The toe sliders for one use a new dual compound material as on race boots for better wear and less friction. These are removable too with an allen key. Then there’s the new heel section design. It is stiffer, but it also comes with a flattish panel on the inside for the boot to be able to hook up with heel plates better. And, there’s some venting on the heel area too.
The Alpinestars SMX 1R are sold by PlanetDSG and costs Rs 14,499 excluding Rs 200 for shipping all India. On the site, your available options only include a black with sizes ranging from 42 to 46, all European shoe sizes. However, the PlanetDSG store in Pune tells us that a new order has arrived and the boots are now available in four colours - black, black/white, black/white/red and black/white/flourecent. They also have a vented version in black. In the coming three months, we intend on using these boots everyday on a variety of motorcycles to see how they perform. And if you already own one, type into the comments section below and let us know how you like them.
Photography by Kapil Angane
Click here to read TCX S-Speed Boots Review
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Alpinestars SMX 1R Boots Front
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