Gaerne SG12 Motocross Boots Actually Be The Best Adventure Boots Ever? 

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

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.

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.

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 :)

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

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.

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.

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

Thanks for that John. Well worth looking into. I do like the protection they offer so I hope they fit!

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.

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.

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 🤙

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.

On my second pair of these boots, Enduro and Touring I use them for... great review

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.

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!

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.

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’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.

thanks john. i like the waterproof idea. sick of river crossings and wet feet. still a bit divided between the sidi and the gaerne

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.

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!

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 RU-vid channels evangelizes the Garneas though. Great boots too. Thanks for YOUR perspective John, as always

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.

Thank you for the very informative review. Ever tried Leatt boots?

Good honest review John 🙂

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

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'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.

Thanks for the review! Where are you riding? Terrain looks so nice

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

Thanks very much. Very informative.

All I wear SG12 for everything. They have Enduro boots now with all the safety with a different sole to get better grip walking .

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 .

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!! 😢

You can get a good ski boot fitter to heat and “punch out” hot spots if your 5th toe continues to bug you.

Great information. Thanks.

Did you get your PTO approved for the utah mosko dirt lizard rally? Would love to see you there.

Could you please do peg s and foot levers set up .I'm beginner rider .thanks.

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.

Looks like you too the toe cap off. What was the main reason for that? How is the toe of the sole holding up?

I’m on my 2nd set of tech7 I want to try the sg12 next.

That was awesome the he sent you those.

Hey, just curious what brand and model adventure tires you run?

Brian is awesome to deal with I have those boots and we are simply the best.

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.

A little chain lube in the plastic pivot area where a boot squeaks works for me.

I have found all European boots Including mountain climbing and hiking all have narrow feet their are a couple of exception Scadler boots from Austria very hard to find now.

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? 😁

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?

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

What pants and knee protection are you wearing? Thank you

I wear those boots and love them. Best I’ve owned

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 :)

Any idea what ski area is in the background?

Thanks for the true words about the boots 👍

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

Brother do you recomrnd these boots for winter adventure long rides and river crossings ?

Que Nivel, felicidades y saludos desde Colombia

Can you get the toe punched like a ski boot? You were saying it was all plastic around your toes. Just a thought.

What skid plate do you have

Is that aspen airport in the background?

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 have the same experience, the sidi fits me better

Those boots are expensive!!! But I think I’m buying a pair same colors and everything

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.

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

Sounds like you got the wrong size?

Boots are like helmets. You can have all the protection in the world, but it’s worthless unless it/they fit you properly.

SG 22 wide toe box 😊

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 …

Ridden Garne SG12 4 years on enduro in Northeast ...ONLY BOOT if you valve your safety PERIOD!

As nice as the white looks they would never stay clean. I bet a half size would have been better for your toes.

Forma predator