I've been wearing only Alpinestars boots since I started riding 20 years ago. I've always had good luck with them, and I have in excess of 150K miles just with the S-MX 5 boots. But on my big ride last September, after riding many miles in the rain with cold wet feet, it was time to get Gore Tex.
I looked at new Alpinestars boots, but eventually settled on a set of BMW Pro Touring 2 boots. They're the top of the line BMW street boot, so they're not cheap. They list for $359 and I paid $340 (ouch!), ordered from a dealer 50 miles away. For that price, I hope they last a long time! I've only ridden a couple thousand miles with them so far, but they're extremely comfortable. The soles seem grippy on pavement, and they're comfortable enough to wear all day. The interior is quite plush, much nicer than my old AStars. I've done some cold weather riding, and my feet were comfy with normal socks on. I have yet to ride with them in the desert heat or rain, but from reading about the properties of Gore Tex, I'm pretty sure they'll be dry in the rain and breathe a bit in the heat. I've got Odor Eater insoles thrown in there to help out, just in case.
The PT2 is not as heavily armored as the S-MX 5, but that's ok...it's a touring boot, not meant for hard-core racing. They have good shin protection, and armor in the usual spots on the ankles. They look good too...no BMW logo or ugly graphics. The only thing I don't like about them is the zipper being located on the outside face of the boot. After so many years with AStars, I'm used to having the zippers on the inside face. I'll get used to it eventually.
The BMW Pro Touring 2...just throwing another option out there for consideration.
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