I picked up some Alpinestar S-MX 5 WP boots today. These are what you would call a destination boot. It provides lots of protection but is supposed to be comfortable for long rides and for a lot of walking around. I'll be trying them out tomorrow.

http://www.alpinestars.com/store/ProductImages/details/224309_black_l.jpg

http://www.alpinestars.com/SMX_5_Waterproof_Boot/pd/c/111/np/111/p/224309.html

I picked up some Alpinestar S-MX 5 WP boots today. These are what you would call a destination boot. It provides lots of protection but is supposed to be comfortable for long rides and for a lot of walking around. I'll be trying them out tomorrow.

http://www.alpinestars.com/store/ProductImages/details/224309_black_l.jpg

http://www.alpinestars.com/SMX_5_Waterproof_Boot/pd/c/111/np/111/p/224309.html

those look pretty nice, seem's like all the guys around here are a fan of sidi's, ever try them? thats all our shop locally stocks pretty much.

These are my first proper motorcycle boots. I've been wearing some cheap faux leather "combat boot" style boots that really do a poor job as a riding boot. These should be a huge improvement. They are a little stiff walking around the house but I'm sure they will loosen up. After a few minutes I can already tell that they have a ton more ankle support than my old boots.

These are my first proper motorcycle boots. I've been wearing some cheap faux leather "combat boot" style boots that really do a poor job as a riding boot. These should be a huge improvement. They are a little stiff walking around the house but I'm sure they will loosen up. After a few minutes I can already tell that they have a ton more ankle support than my old boots.

when i got my sidis, didn't really need much in the way of break in, but when i was using my fox boots, I stood in a tub full of hot water and then stretched a bit... in hind sight, just walk around n break them in normally. They look damn cool :D

OK, here's the scoop.

I went to charity rally today. I think that is a good test of the boots because there was lots of standing and walking around and the 137 km (85 mile) poker run. Total mileage including the return trip home was 333km or 207 miles.

Last night when I put the boots on with cotton sports socks they felt a little tight but not unbearable. Today I put on some thinner socks just to be on the safe side. The boots were much easier to close with the thinner socks and loosened up quickly once they were on my feet. In the morning walking was a little awkward but by the end of the day I had full range of movement. Earlier on in the day I could feel the boots but as the day wore on I forgot that I was wearing them. When I got home I was glad to have the boots off but my feet were not sore or overheated.

The temperature was around 24C (75F) but it was very hot in the direct sunshine. Since these are the waterproof boots the ventilation was not too great, this could be in part because I was wearing my pants over the boot and blocking some or maybe all of the vents. Still, the boots were not excessively hot. I did notice that if I tipped my toes downward the vent at the top of the toe box allowed more air in but this was tiring so I didn't do it more than a couple of times. Next time I ride I will tuck my pantlegs in and see if it makes a difference.

Riding with these boots was a huge improvement over the crappy boots I was wearing before. I have problems with my feet due to a couple of foot and ankle injuries so the added support across the welt and upper were very welcome. The sole provided good isolation from vibration and decent feel. The boot is a little thicker in the toe than my old boots so I will have to adjust the shifter as it was sometimes difficult to get my foot underneath. There were a couple of rain squalls on the way home but I caught them on the edge so I can't really report on the waterproofness (is that a word) of the boots. Most warm-hot summer days around here end with a storm of some sort so I am sure that I will get to see how dry these boots keep my feet before the end of summer.

Overall I am very happy with these boots. The waterproof version may be too much for warmer climates but here in Alberta, where it can sometimes be chilly and the temperature can drop quickly when a summer storm moves through, I think they will be fine.

Another cool feature with these boots is you can dress up like Darth Vader for Halloween!:flipoff2:

Another cool feature with these boots is you can dress up like Darth Vader for Halloween!:flipoff2:

I never even thought of that! I gave my niece a Darth Vader mask a few years ago, all I need now is a cape. :idea: