Gaerne SG12 Motocross Boots Actually Be The Best Adventure Boots Ever?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 30 сер 2022
- Some people think that the best motorcycle adventure boots are the ones that offer the ultimate protection, like the Gaerne SG12, and fit comes second. I disagree to a point but do believe that adventure riders often wear floppy flimsy ADV boots that are not meant for off-road riding. Get yourself a comfy pair of motocross boots and never look back. So, does the Gaerne SG12 tick all the boxes for me? Weeeeellllllllll.
www.atomic-moto.com/ - Авто та транспорт
Shout out to Brian at Atomic Moto....Guy knows way to much about boots. I called wanting to buy a new pair of Gaerne Fastback's for my last week long dual sport ride. Thinking they would be easier to get around in than my well broke-in Sidi's TA 3's. Basically he wouldn't sell them to me, he instead gave me some suggestions on making my TA 3's better for when on my feet for long days, they worked awesome. Brian is the guy and place to get your next boots.
Couldn't agree more AIAE175.
Love mine. Went up 1/2 size so I could fit a powerstep insole and wool hiking socks. Super comfy. Don’t really notice the stiffness, especially with pivot pegs installed. Only complaints are weight, heat in summer and slow drying due to all the plastic. I pack an extra pair of socks and switch them at lunch.
I like your style!
That half size up and orthopedic might just make a world of difference.
Thanks for all your efforts and honesty.
Gaerne SG12 now are available with a Enduro sloe. Cody Web helped with the R&D
Side note:
DryGuy force Dry DX
after riding for boots and helmet works like a charm.
Wader Adapter - helmet defuser attachment sold separately but well worth it.
Best wishes.
Safe travels
Awesome. Thanks, Kevin.
When I got into Adventure riding about 3 years ago I wanted good protection for my legs and feet. My friend recommended the Sidi Crossfire. He said they are so comfortable and have replacement parts. I loved the look of them and went to the store to try them on. When I tried them on they were immediately uncomfortable on my feet. They were way to narrow and the salesman’s said they do seem run narrow. I wanted them to work so bad but I just couldn’t get myself to buy them.
It’s interesting that you said the Sidi’s were wider than the Gaerne because I found the opposite. Lol. He pulled the Gaerne Sg12’s off the shelf and said try these on. They are awesome boots and have had good reviews. I have used them exclusively for 3 years and I have to say they are so comfortable and very well built. I have worn them up to a week at a time and never feel like I have to get these things off my feet.... like say ski boots. I do have to say a buckle does pop open occasionally but hasn’t been a real issue other than finding it open at the end of the day. With 10,000 miles on my CRF 450L the soles still look Like they are barely worn. The boots have given me no problems whatsoever and would recommend them to anyone. Your lucky as I find as I get older I seem to have issues speaking coherently everyday not just occasionally. Lol
Nice review
Being coherent is over rated. LOL. Thanks for watching JWS.
@@JohnTYoung 🤣
Thanks for that John. Well worth looking into. I do like the protection they offer so I hope they fit!
Heck ya. Buy them from a place willing to take returns.
Good review, thanks! I broke my foot/ankle/fibula in Sidi Adventure 2 boots so have been looking for a good MX Boot. Will go to the store and try them out, I have a wide foot at my toes so am sensitive to a narrow stiff toe box boot. I love how the Garene boots are really stiff at the ankle, gold standard for me :)
They are good boots for certain. Thanks for watching and the comment!
An excellent review John, thankyou. I am coming from wearing Sidi Adventure 2s and have just bought some SG-12 Enduros so we have something in common. I have not ridden in the new boots yet. The 12s fit my feet perfectly but are very loose around my calves. I know that you're supposed to tuck your pants in the boot but I wear adventure pants not enduro pants. I’m planning to buy some thick, knee-high socks so hopefully they do the trick.
That'll help!
They are made to be worn with a shin/knee guard or knee braces. Motocross and Enduro riders wear either 100% of the time.
Been dealing with Brian around a decade. Never met him, but consider him a friend, and trust him implicitly. He is THE MAN for protective gear, helmets, boots, chest protectors, etc.
He is a smart cookie for sure.
On my second pair of these boots, Enduro and Touring I use them for... great review
Thanks!
I bought the Sidi x-power boots last year. Extremely comfortable on my foot. They don’t have as much protection as the crossfire or the SG12 but you can wear them a long time. Thanks for the videos
You're welcome Dana.
I think you nailed it, John. I just spent a week comparing 5-6 boots (video on my page comparing and discussing) and I walked away really enjoying the SG12. It’s a great boot with a lot of comfort and incredible durability.
I'm still loving and trying to destroy mine...
I keep dropping by your channel to see if your GET ecu review is up. Really enjoy your content! I think I found my 450L - hope to purchase it next week and I'm looking forward to spending the winter farkling the crap out of it. Thanks so much for the part reviews and the sage advice on installation. No need to reply - just wanted to nag about the GET review. :)
I always reply to nagging. Taco Moto is sending me a GET and an AIM to review. Just sitting here waiting patiently.
@@JohnTYoung Just picked up my 450L. Ordered the skid plate and the Nomad tank. Waiting on the ECU purchase until I see your review....no pressure tho. Re-watched many of your videos. Thanks so much for the info they provide. Going with the Adventure Spec windscreen over your more robust purchase because I crash a lot.
Likely getting rid of my middle-weight Tuareg 660 because I can lift the 450L and it's more fun.😀
@@MichaelShaw206 That's great Michael! Ya, unless you're going for the full ADV setup the fairing is a bit much - more weight, more to break, more expensive. As for the ECU Either the AIM or the GET seem to do the trick. I'm waiting on them to re-show up right now myself....
Thanks very much. Very informative.
Glad it was helpful!
Great review. I love my sg12’s. You said your a size 11 and you have a 10.5 on that’s why they don’t fit. Keep the videos coming 🤙
I've tried the 11s and they're too roomy. Feet are weird.
Amazing discussion, thanks for making the video! Did you ever try out size 11s? Would a half size up be too large of a difference? I'll surely go to a dealership to try various makes and models out! Cheers, thanks again and happy riding!
I did try them. They were too big.
I just completed the Continental Divide in mine. Got pinned between a big rock and my WR…right on the ankle. Didn’t feel a thing. Great protection. A little heavy, but got used to them. Anything less wouldn’t feel right. I did put in some comfortable insoles though.
Great idea, I'll play around with insoles!
Thank you for the very informative review. Ever tried Leatt boots?
Not yet!
Great information for a guy just getting into the adventure gig. Leaning towards Sidi at this point the stiff sole part I can appreciate, will want that for sure.
Thanks Wayne.
Based on Brian's recommendation I went with the Gaerne Fastback Enduros. They have a wider toe box than the eSG12, and after doing multiple week-long trips I can say they are freakin amazing!
They sound nice. I'll add them to the ever-growing list
Hey Matt, how do you compare the Fastbacks to the SG12s (if you've wore/held them)? The SG12s are incredibly stiff and I was very uncomfortable with my wide feet after five minutes. Not tried the Fastbacks.
@@JohannesDalen i love your channel, keep up the great work. I don’t have enough experience with the SG12’s to present a valuable comparison. I have found the Fastback Enduros to be extremely comfortable and the hinge mechanism allows me to walk off bike with surprising ease, but I would not want to go in an extended hike in them.
Thank you Matt, appreciate the kind words! I might try the Fastbacks once my Tech7s wear out 😊
Good honest review John 🙂
Thanks!
Excellent review John, you covered everything and of course we approve!! Those are 45s, and it is a possibility a size 46 might have been better. Also, hopefully your sharp viewers will note that CROSSFIRE TAs ARE WIDER THAN GAERNES (not a well known thing). Happy to get you the next model to try and compare when you are ready - Atomic-Moto.
Man, I don't think I'll wear these boots out for YEARS. These things are pretty solid. Thanks for inspiration and support Brian.
Wow. Never thought a Sidi would be wider than a Gaerne. I have a wide foot and the Gaerne Fastback fits great. Hope they never change the fit.
Baby Dragon poop. My favorite color!
From my experience Gaerne only sells boots in full sizes in the U.S. I normally wear a size 11.5, but have purchased a 12 instead of going down a size. Maybe you should try a larger size. I own a pair of SG 12’s and they are very comfortable although it did take me a while to get used to shifting the bike with such stiff boots.
thanks john. i like the waterproof idea. sick of river crossings and wet feet. still a bit divided between the sidi and the gaerne
I prefer In The Boot pants so I'm always going to wet. :(
Great Video. I wear the Alpinestar 7's and my issue I have hard time feeling levers. it is like wearing ski boots. Do you have any suggestions/recommendations? Thanks
No one can feel l the pedal or the shifter in mx boots, but in time you will feel the click or the pressure once you get used to it.
great vid. I had the same issue with helmets. Every bone in my body (?) wanted a Krios Pro. Couldn't find anything wrong. Then tried it on, and other helmets. wen't back and forth. Left, came back a couple of weeks later saying "nah, it's going to fit, and you'll be cool", same issue. Great helmet, but it didn't fit my skull. I blame mom's ObGyn. Anyway, this kind of stuff (expensive, protective) you need to try on. which means shop locally, since you're trying them on locally. If you decide later to replace with same brand, then do what you want. I've had sidi Mtb shoes, then road bike shoes, and never had a quality issue, so i'm in Sidi Crossfires too. Brand loyalty, since they fit. But i wonder if Gaerne would fit better? Will try them in a few years when my sidis get tired.
If your Sidi's ever get tired... mine are still going strong. Thanks for the comment SteveH.
Great information. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
I'll need to try those. My Sidi's are comfortable but not as protective as I would like. Been a fan of your channel for several years, and I've finally decided to buy a CRF450L, they seem plentiful on the used market. Do you think that is because the CRF300L Rally is a better fit for most folks - better mileage, longer maintenance schedule, lower seat height and doesn't really need a ECU change for the throttle response (but needs one for more hp)? I like how light the 450L is and the suspension is wonderful, yet 300Ls are scarcer than hen's teeth, but 450Ls are not. Thanks for your insight.
I think people don’t realize that the 450L is a dirt bike with turn signals and they’re not ready to unleash the beast. LOL. But no, seriously.
I usualy wear Sidi Adventure and simply love them. As I was planning to do a serious enduro event I decided to upgrade the safety and end up buying SG12's, exactly the same as in the video. On that enduro event my bike (XT660) went down on the rocks and my leg in bewteen. They took a hit, but my ankle and leg was spared. I havea big scratch mark on the boot reminding me it most probably saved my ankle.
Do note the ankle memory foam takes a while to break in. It was pretty tough on my ankle bone, actually a tiny bit above the bone. Got some blisters from first ride. But they eventually break in. If it's to tough try thicker socks and silicon pads to distribute the pressure until they break in.
MX Boots… cheaper than physical therapy.
Thanks for the review! Where are you riding? Terrain looks so nice
Snowmass / Basalt, Colorado. Behind my house...
Used many different boots, but will never switch back after buying and wearing the Gaerne SG 12. The best made , most protective, and durable boot. Pronounced Gar-Nay , SG 12 . The toe box is very large. I sized down from a 10 in Alpinestars to a 9 in Gaerne. They fit perfect. The best buckles, hands down ! They are worth every penny ! You don't have your shin guards on ! That's why you can't buckle the top buckles ! Come on guy .
LOL. I like them well enough, but The Best? I don’t think so. 😂
What bout the new SG22?!
@@jacobmcvay123 looking at both the SG 12 and 22 side by side, the SG 12 is better looking with more colors and it has better protection, with smaller gaps in the plastic protection as the buckles have slightly wider coverage over the front of the boot. I think the 22's were designed to be more flexible and comfortable with a different toe box, and because of it, it has lost some of the protection of hard plastics coverage. And they are over $ 100 dollars more ! The most expensive boot on the market now. 😕
I’ve been wearing the Sidi Crossfire 2 on my FE350 and have recently bought Tech 7 with Drystar for my 890 AdvR. Mid Atlantic I’ll run into enough rain and water crossings that I’m hopeful the Drystar is worth it. So far I like the fit of the Sidi better as well.
That seems to be the consensus, Sidi fits better.
Hi John, thanks for the review. I’m left a little confused by your comments regarding the toe box fitment? Your review contradicts all other reviews regarding the width. Gaerne are widely considered to be a wide and roomy toe box fit; SIDI are notoriously narrow? I don’t have the luxury of a local vendor to try these on - I’ve narrowed down the SG12 to potentially be the boot for me and my wide feet!
I hear you. I'm wondering if the manufacturers haven't switched up their lasts recently.
The SG12 is hands down the best enduro boot. The only thing I dont like is the memory foam gets stinky if you don't dry them properly after every ride and it's hard to dry. I use a ski boot fan drying system and have two sets of SG12's
That's a great idea, James. Thanks.
@@JohnTYoung In Australia, we have had an exceptionally wet last 3 years with La Niña. And the boots, brake pads and disks have all suffered. I found my SG12 (46 Euro and 47) and Sidi's (46 Euro) all shrank 1/2 a size being wet every weekend and then being force dried. Like you I have wide feet and my right is half a size bigger than my left and little toe gets smashed. Over the weekend I build a boot expander to try make a fraction more space for it. I'll try it for a week and let you know .
Like you, I have size 11. On Brian's recommendation I went with 10 1/2 and also found they crowded my toes plus I have a funky left foot do to previous injury from a lesser ( ahem Alpinestar, cough, cough) boot. I gave those to my son and ordered 11 for myself and couldn't be happier with mine.
Are the 11s too loose in the heal? I really like the fit of the boot except for my pinky toe.
@@JohnTYoung not for me, but as you know, your results may vary.
Randall, John is in a 45, which we believe is one size too small.
FWIW the 10/44.5 and 10.5/45 share same external plastics.
For me it was between those and th crossfire 3s. Guess I went with the sidis cuz I’ve worn their cycling shoes for 30 years. The Aussie guy with the 3 UA-cam channels evangelizes the Garneas though. Great boots too. Thanks for YOUR perspective John, as always
I don't think you can wrong with either, but damn it was tough to get the Gaerne boots to band at all.
I'm pretty sure you mean Barry and his Cross Training channels; I looked Gaerne up because of him! In one of his videos from user reviews, sidis were shown as having a lot of split sole problems
Que Nivel, felicidades y saludos desde Colombia
I’m having the same problem!!
I love my SIDI boots, but I broke my metatarsals while wearing them., when the motorcycle landed top of my foot !
try the Garnier G 12 they feel super secure, and “toes safe” while wearing it however, it pinching side on the edge of the metatarsal pink toe, especially on that Foot that I broke in the past, to the point where I can only ride it for a few hours and I’m quite uncomfortable, so I’m not sure what to do next!! 😢
They are skinnier in the toes. Do you really need your pinky toe?
Could you please do peg s and foot levers set up .I'm beginner rider .thanks.
I think I got one on here about the shift lever: you mean like that?
Did you get your PTO approved for the utah mosko dirt lizard rally? Would love to see you there.
I did! Now to see if my Italian part ever gets here so I can fix my CRF!!
I wear those boots and love them. Best I’ve owned
Do you consider your foot to be narrow?
@@JohnTYoung standard width on all my shoes. I have size 12 Boots but I wear size 11 1/2 in most shoes.
Forma on same level as Gaerne and Sidi. At that level it’s just about what fits you best. But you can usually find good deals on the Forma because they are not as well known.
All I wear SG12 for everything. They have Enduro boots now with all the safety with a different sole to get better grip walking .
I’m liking them too. Next pair, if I ever wear these out, will be the enduros
That was awesome the he sent you those.
Brian is a great guy, even without the boots.
Hey I know this question is off topic from the video but I wanted to ask. I’m about to finish the gallon jug of 10w-30 GN4 oil Honda gave me when I bought my CRF450RL. What oil do you recommend for the bike? Would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.
I'll use anything synthetic. Usually Motul 7100 or Honda Oil. But as long as you change it it shouldn't matter too much.
@@JohnTYoung I was thinking of the Motul 7100 as well. Do you use 10w-30 or 10w-40? Thank you.
Either. 40 works a bit better when it’s 110 degrees out
You can get a good ski boot fitter to heat and “punch out” hot spots if your 5th toe continues to bug you.
I thought about that! It’s kinda a different kind of plastic tho.
I’m on my 2nd set of tech7 I want to try the sg12 next.
I miss the buckles on the Tech 7s/
Brian is awesome to deal with I have those boots and we are simply the best.
Brian IS awesome! Thanks CE P.
Hey, just curious what brand and model adventure tires you run?
Motoz Rallz. Luv em.
Dude I’m running the exact same socks and sg12’s. I get a hotspot under each of my inside ankles every ride. If tried diff socks, tightening straps, anyone have any advice?
Darn Tough ski socks?
I suffer from major hotspots in these boots as well.. so much so, the buckles hardly have any pressure on them when closed to help with the lack of comfort.
I’m a size 12, reasonably broad foot and these boots have also made gear shifting a challenge!
Thanks for the true words about the boots 👍
Thanks for watching.
Looks like you too the toe cap off. What was the main reason for that? How is the toe of the sole holding up?
Just fine. I try not to kick the gate when the flag drops.
What pants and knee protection are you wearing? Thank you
REVIT DIRT and Alpinstar SX1. I think.
What's odd is that everyone always says that the Sidi has a narrow toe box, and the Gaerne is one of the widest toe box.
I only know what my feet tell me.
With mx boots for adventure riding, how do you stay dry on your feet when it starts to rain? if you talked about it in the video I'm sorry, I'm a few mins in, will watch the rest tomorrow :)
I don’t. I just get wet feet. If I’m super worried about it I have Seal Skinz socks. But mostly I get wet.
Hehe, that’s an approach too. So far I’ve only used in the boot pants, but just ordered the Woodsman pants OTB. Assuming/hoping that will at least help a bit with water from puddles and minor showers.
@@JohannesDalen see there ya go, I'm so sweet I melt in the rain like sugar so I avoid it. LOL. You're going to LOVE the pants tho... if they fit you.
I just picked them up and MAN what a fantastic pant! They fit like they were made for me. The stretch is unbelievable. I'll make a first impression video in a week or two, you'll get a shoutout for your excellent marketing 😁
@@JohannesDalen Thanks! I think you're going to love them.
Brother do you recomrnd these boots for winter adventure long rides and river crossings ?
With long woolie socks and toe warmers, sure! But they are really not waterproof at all. Maybe a REV'IT! or ADV Gore Tex boot might be better.
@@JohnTYoung ok brother. Thanks for the info.
Any idea what ski area is in the background?
Aspen / Snowmass
I'm a newer rider. I was riding sideways on an incline to turn the bike around in a narrow U-shaped ditch. The bike got kicked out from under me. I think I may have hit a stone with the front tire. The bike landed on my left heel and pushed my toes into the ground. I was wearing normal work boots. I fractured most of my metatarsal bones, as well as some other bones in my foot. Thankfully I don't need surgery. I regret not getting boots now.
Naturally, I'm now very paranoid that this might happen again when I get back on the bike. I want something with a very stiff sole, so my foot does not fold in half when a 250+lb bike lands on my heel again. I enjoy riding, and I've been riding every minute of every day for the last 2 months that I've had the bike. Will these give me a better chance at not visiting the emergency room? 😁
That's a lot of responsibility to bestow on some random guy on the internet, bs 2999. LOL. Why don't you go to a motorcycle dealership and check out their MX boots for yourself? Try to fold them in half and see if they would have saved your foot. I think you'll find that they are very stiff and unbending. Thanks for the cautionary tale.
I can somewhat relate. I low sided on the road last December and broke my ankle / tore a ligament. I'm determined to get back on the the bike now. I know that if I had simply been wearing a good boot I would have walked away unharmed.. lessons learned
Hello, an honest opinion about these boots. I was also thinking about buying them, but a few things are holding me back. I think that changing gears and braking will be more difficult with these boots than with other boots. Otherwise, an excellent boot. But only for adventure trips, with an Africa Twin or T7, perhaps the boots are too off-road oriented! Greetings from Germany Michael
Thanks Michael!
I have these boots glad I had them on when I wreked. I did break my talus bone in ankle, I would imagine if i didn't have them, I would have broken a lot more
They’re pretty tough boots for sure. The m glad you’re okay
What skid plate do you have
AXP.
Is that aspen airport in the background?
Sure is!
@@JohnTYoung I knew I recognized it! Flown in many times in Gulfstreams. You must be standing on Triangle
@@rlovell383 I am. Super fun ride. If you like steep rocky moon dust rutted out roads.
Can you get the toe punched like a ski boot? You were saying it was all plastic around your toes. Just a thought.
Best guess is no. Different kinds of plastic/rubber. Having said that, I may break out the heat gun and hope for the best anyways! Thanks Gerry!
Those boots are expensive!!! But I think I’m buying a pair same colors and everything
Twinsies!
I have the same experience, the sidi fits me better
Right!
I bought the Fastbacks from Brian and they fit my wide feet nicely. I tried on the SG12's and found them too narrow for my feet.
Feet are dumb.
As much as I wanted to wear these boots I don't think I can. They squeeze my ankles so tight its painful after a few minutes. I'd hope I would just break them in but I don't think I want to risk it. I think I just need to stick with Tech7s.
I left softballs in mine the first two weeks at the ankle when I wasn't wearing them. Opened em up and worked like a charm.
Sore feet are no fun no matter what you're doing.
Just get a bolt that the head (& a couple of nuts locked together )will fit the front wheel, better still a bit of weld to stop nuts undoing
Copy
SG 22 wide toe box 😊
Time to upgrade then. Thanks!
Sounds like you got the wrong size?
Fitter says otherwise, unless they make them in a wide
Call me crazy but I’m getting these for touring and street riding. Will carry st shoes in pannier boxes. Hope I can shit and brake in em …
Good luck?
Boots are like helmets. You can have all the protection in the world, but it’s worthless unless it/they fit you properly.
Trueish
Ridden Garne SG12 4 years on enduro in Northeast ...ONLY BOOT if you valve your safety PERIOD!
Thems fightin' words. LOL.
As nice as the white looks they would never stay clean. I bet a half size would have been better for your toes.
Nope.
Forma predator
I've never tried those, I'll have to put them on my list. Thank you.
@@JohnTYoung bigger and heavier version of the SG12.
I have the Forma Terra Evo Lows for ADV
SG12 for enduro