- Comfortable enough to walk in all day
- Simple design makes them easy to put on
- Unobtrusive styling means you won't look like a Power Ranger when you ride
- Single strap won't shut tightly all the way across foot if it's not adjusted properly
- Concessions to comfort might sacrifice crash protection
- A bit expensive at $159.95
- 1.4mm full-grain leather
- Asymmetrical toe shifter area
- Airflow mesh for air circulation
- Injection molded heel for impact protection
- MSRP: $159.95
Once on, these kicks are surprisingly comfortable, with a spacious ankle area for foot extension that makes it easy to walk quite a bit. An injection molded heel offers impact protection, and motorcycle-specific features include an asymmetrical toe shifter area.
The Alpinestars S-MX 1 boots straddle the line between form and function, but their barely-over-the-ankle coverage isn't appropriate for the track, and the single buckle makes you wonder if the boots will stay on in a crash. I thankfully didn't have the opportunity to test their crash worthiness, but I did appreciate the fact that these boots made it a pleasure to walk extended distances after I arrived at my destination on two wheels. And their relatively innocuous appearance means they don't stand out with denim-- I found them a good companion to Alpinestars' riding jeans with built-in armored knee pads.
But therein lies the rub: these boots are great all-rounders, and they're so comfortable you'll want to wear them every time you ride. However, they remind me of textile jackets in that way; textile is usually more comfy than leather, but doesn't offer the same degree of crash protection or abrasion resistance. Are the Alpinestars S-MX 1s safer than sneakers? Absolutely. And given their goal of offering a blend of comfort and protection, they hit both marks. But if you're looking for the ultimate in safety, you'll want to get more comprehensive coverage with full-fledged racing boots.
