The Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 v3 boots are designed for a female rider who needs more than a commuter boot but less than a full-on track boot. They’re up for fast and feisty rides through the urban landscape, including a run over local canyon roads, followed by a high-speed freeway sprint home. I even wore them in Italy aboard the 2026 Aprilia Tuono 457.
The SMX-6 line dates back to 2014, so it’s a long-running, solid performer. Three years into the model’s run, it was upgraded to the v2. Then, last year, Alpinestars redesigned and improved various features, bringing us the SMX-6 v3.
At first glance, you see the toe sliders, heel cap, TPU shin guard, and ankle brace—clear signals the SMX-6 is ready for fast-riding duties. The folded rolls at the boot’s front and rear suggest flexibility for foot controls and walking ease, while the styling says sport boot.
The SMX-6 v3 remains a vegan-friendly boot, constructed from synthetic leather, microfiber, and TPU (thermoplastic urethane). It’s an easy entry into the SMX-6 via the 10.25-inch flap on the medial side of the boot. My socked foot slides smoothly in, pushing past a tight spot near the ankle and settling satisfyingly into place atop the removable insole. The insole is perforated, anatomically shaped, and has a lightly cushioned feel. This creates a snug and sure fit with enough room to move my toes, though not enough for my foot to slide and cause a blister.
A five-inch YKK zipper secures the lower half of the opening, and has two small details that enhance its use and function. One side of the zipper placket is elasticized to provide a little give when zipping the snug-fitting SMX-6 past your ankle bone. Additionally, a thumbprint-sized loop pull on the zipper is just waiting to mate with the hook panel above the zipper. A wide, robust hook-and-loop-secured flap lays over the closed zipper. This seals the 12-inch-tall SMX-6, ensuring the boot stays closed.
New for the v3 are flex zones along the front and back of the boot that improve walking comfort and impact abrasion protection. They replace the V2’s accordion stretch panels with a combination of soft TPU bonded onto 3D mesh. This gives you lighter, flexible panels at the shin and Achilles tendon. I can attest to the boot’s walkability, having walked the streets around the rollercoaster elevation of my neighborhood in them.
The v3 also has a redesigned shin plate that is broader and more robust. Its slightly protruding shape means that, unless you’re wearing ADV pants, the SMX-6 is a tuck-in boot. This isn’t to suggest the boot is bulky, though it is wide at the top due to the armor. As the name implies, the Stella SMX-6 v3 is specifically tailored for women’s narrower feet, and the streamlined cut is welcome. I can easily tuck my toe under the shift lever instinctively, no hunting for the right angle.
Additionally, there is a new soft elastic gaiter at the top of the Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 v3 boot. It prevents pressure points across the shin area while keeping the fit snug against my riding pants.
Confidence comes from knowing your feet, ankles, and lower legs are well-protected in the SMX-6 v3 boots. The TPU toe shifter pad, mirrored on the right boot for aesthetic symmetry, shields your left big toe as you row the gearbox. Your pinky toes are guarded by replaceable TPU toe sliders if you’re a tarmac-scraper. A built-in shank in the internal insole provides protection and arch support. The TPU calf guard has been upgraded to a Y-shaped protector that straddles both sides of the boot, providing greater sturdiness. Finally, TPU runs along the lower side of the boot and wraps around the heel, adding protective rigidity.
The single-sided ankle brace keeps the SMX-6 v3 from being a no-compromise track boot. While the TPU brace provides support and impact protection on the lateral side, the medial side gets by with a dual-density TPU insert. Its CE certification scores Level 2 for height, abrasion, and cut resistance, though only Level 1 for rigidity. Serious track riders will look to Alpinestars’ SMX Plus v2 or MotoGP-ready Supertech R men’s boots for the most support and protection.
The SMX-6’s shank-supported low-profile, slightly healed rubber sole provides good feel at the footpegs, and its asymmetrical tread pattern delivers traction on the pegs, at stops, and when walking.
The Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 v3 is a versatile sport boot that successfully bridges comfort and safety, offering the assurance of top-tier protective certification. The Italian styling is impeccable, with wonderfully subtle branding. The SMX-6’s decade-plus run attests to its well-honed design that serves commuters, street hooligans, and weekend canyon riders.
Action photography by Tino Martino and Don Williams
Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 v3 Boots Fast Facts
- Sizes: 36-43 Euro
- Certification: CE EN 13634:2017
- Color: Black/White; Black/White/Diva Pink
Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 v3 Boots Price: $330/pair
