With Sport Rider's Southern California offices enduring an unseasonably wet winter (and even spring...), we've been getting the opportunity to test out a lot of wet weather gear. Latest on that list are Alpinestars' S-MX 5 Waterproof boots, intended as sport/racing footwear for wet conditions.
Utilizing a durable micro-fiber material for its main upper construction for a high level of flexibility, the S-MX 5 Waterproof boot features the same protective and comfort aspects that Alpinestars has always been known for, with the added plus of being completely waterproof. Double-injected polyurethane plastic protection covers the shin, ankle, calf, toes and heel to shield the rider's foot from impact and abrasion. The outer ankle protection is actually hidden beneath the outer shell, connected to the heel counter and running up alongside the outer ankle area. Alpinestars' exclusive waterproof and breathable membrane liner keeps moisture out, with an integrated gusset over the zipper entry area to prevent water entry in that section. A quick-drying polyamide lining is laminated with open-cell foam and high-density contoured padding to absorb shocks to the foot area, while an MTP mesh liner and anatomical, removable, polyurethane foam footbed help keep it cool and comfortable.
Entry and egress are made easier by an elastic-mounted zipper with an extra wide Velcro(tm) flap that gives a wide opening aperture as well as a snug fit. A large "throat" profile instep and Achilles flex bellows in the rear allow excellent movement and flexibility, while the exclusive compound rubber sole features a structured shank reinforcement for added support to the arch area. Vents at the ankle, heel and forefoot allow airflow into the liner area for hotter climes.
The S-MX 5 is one of the scant few waterproof footwear we've tried that offers comfort and a snug fit along with performance features of a racing boot. There are plenty of other waterproof boots out there that keep your feet dry, but they either make you feel like you're wearing a full-on bulky and heavy motocross boot or a flimsy dress shoe that leaves you feeling naked as far as protective qualities.
The S-MX 5 is easy to put on, with a snug, comfortable fit that belies its obvious protection features. The Velcro™ fabric on the zipper entry flap is pretty aggressive, so it won't come undone during a long ride (the zipper also has a Velcro™ tab to keep it in place as well).
Flexibility is very good without being flimsy, and the rubber sole of the S-MX 5 offers superb peg and control feel; you can actually sense exactly what you're doing with the brake and shifter, instead of the comparative wading-in-the-dark sensation you often get with some other boots. And that shifter feel doesn't come at the expense of "shifter toe" blisters on your big toe from lack of protection. Another asset of the Alpinestars S-MX 5's sole is that it provided excellent grip on a variety of wet surfaces; if you've ever had your boot suddenly slip when coming to a stoplight aboard a big sport-touring bike on a rainy day, you'll appreciate that advantage.
We had absolutely no leakage problems during rainy rides, with our feet remaining nice and dry. And the boots' outer material didn't soak up water like we've encountered with some other brands, enabling it to dry off quickly.
