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If you ride a sports bike or a naked, it is the classic dilemma: a proper tall boot, or a riding shoe that is easier to live with every day? These two, from the same brand, are the perfect example.
Head to head
| Spec | Alpinestars SMX-6 v3 | Alpinestars Faster-3 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 8.6 | 8.1 |
| Protection | 9.0 | 7.4 |
| Comfort | 8.2 | 8.4 |
| Walkability | 6.8 | 8.6 |
| Weather range | 7.0 | 7.2 |
| Value | 8.4 | 8.6 |
| Certification | EN 13634:2017, tall boot | EN 13634:2017 |
| Use | Sport, road and track | City and road in warm weather |
| Height | Tall | Ankle |
| Material | Microfibre with flexible TPU zones | Microfibre and synthetic suede |
| Protection | Biomechanical TPU ankle brace, shin guard, shifter zone and replaceable toe slider | TPU ankle reinforcement, side toe reinforcements, reinforced shifter zone |
| Fastening | Side zip and hook-and-loop | Laces and hook-and-loop |
| Waterproof | No | No |
Highlighted in orange: the winner of each measurable spec. Manufacturer data.
Protection: the SMX-6, by a distance
The SMX-6 v3 is a tall boot certified to EN 13634:2017, with a biomechanical TPU ankle brace that limits ankle twisting, a shin guard and a toe slider. The Faster-3 is certified too, but ankle-height: it protects the ankle and toe, not the shin.
Comfort and heat: the Faster-3 wins
The Faster-3 walks like a trainer, is light and has ventilation openings. The SMX-6 is uncomfortable for long walks and, like any tall boot, runs warmer.
What each one is for
- SMX-6 v3: fast roads, mountain passes and track days.
- Faster-3: commuting, daily trips and relaxed rides in warm weather.
Verdict
If you ride fast, there is no debate: tall boot. If you mostly use the bike to get around town, the Faster-3 protects far more than a normal trainer, and you will actually wear it every day, which is what matters.
All the options in our motorcycle boots guide.
