Gaerne SG-10 for ADV Riding. Too Much of a Motocross Boot?

[wantajustride]

Forum Members,
I am looking for a heavier boot now that I'm on the Super Tenere. Standing on the pegs my current boots kinda suck (TCX Infinity). They just seem too soft and lack good lateral support . I think my Scarpa hiking boots are better quality.
I am considering the Gaerne SG-10. I was looking at the Sidi Crossfire TA also but the boot guy at my local shop has seen several pivot hinge issues with the Sidi. None with the Gaerne. When he pointed out the differences in the way the pivot points were made between the 2 boots it did make sense. He is sponsored by Sidi and has worn both extensively but really brags up the G-10
My point is, are either of these boots to Motocross specific for adventure riding? I like the protection they both offer but it may be a bit much for a 75% road and 25% dirt rider. I don't mean to piss off owners of either boot, I'd like to hear the pros & cons of them both.
Lot's of knowledge out there, so thanks to those who chime in.

WJR

 

[Thunderpig]

I have the Sidi Crossfire TAs and think they are outstanding. I've had them for about 3-4 years and haven't had an issue at all with the hinge. They are incredibly comfortable right out of the box, and I have no problem wearing them all day. Whatever you do, motocross boots aren't great for walking around. I normally throw a pair of Keens or Tevas in my bags if I want to do any extensive walking/hiking.

 

[bloodline]

I have SG10's and G-adventures. While the sg10's are VERY comfortable boots, they are also very heavy and they suck for walking. the G adventure is a joke in comparison but still adequate, I think. The sole is plenty stiff for standing on the pegs and it's lugged for walking and flexible enough for all day comfort.

Maybe the new Midland boot is right up your alley.

 

[TierHawg]

After a crash that broke my left foot last summer, I was looking for a better boot. I was wearing a pair of Aerostich Combat boots while riding a WR250R on single track. Those do not offer much protection, but I always thought it was going to be the ankle support that would get me. The toebox didn't stand up well to a 300 pound bike.

My options for boots tend to be limited due to a wide foot that doesn't convert very easy to EU sizing. I purchased a pair of the SIDI Crossfires during a black-Friday sale last holiday season. Great boots, offered all the support I could ever want, but they didn't fit. I never was able to try them on the bike, and returned them for credit. I should add I already have a pair of AlpineStar Tech 3 boots which I hate. They are too bulky and don't get very good feedback for shifting and braking. The SIDI Crossfires seemed like they would be much better in that area, (slimmer toe area) but I never was able to try them out.

I saw the Gaerne G-Midlands in the vendor area of ADV Rider. I contacted Brian at Atomic Moto about the boots. He was very helpful and spent some time going over my needs. Basically Brian said to get the most protection you can tolerate. The SG10's seem like great boots, and after getting the G-Midlands, I'll prolly need to get a set of the SG10's for riding my WR250. The G-Midlands are awesome boots, but they are not MX boots. They are better than the Aerostich Combats, but not even close to the protection of a MX boot. The MX boots weigh in at 13 pounds, the G-Midland around 8 pounds a pair. After getting used to and "breaking in" the G-Midlands, I think they are great boots for the Super Tenere, at least my type of riding. The G-Midlands are much more comfortable than a pair of MX boots. Walking is no issue, I have the shifting and braking feedback I like, and they offer much better protection than a hiking boot. My type of riding for the ST is almost the same, maybe with more road, say 90/10 for now. The G-Midlands are one of the best offerings in the Dual Sport boot area.

I would rate the G-Midlands much better than the Aerostich Combats, but nowhere close to a true MX boot. The Combats offer as much protection as a set of Danner military style boots, which is not much. Eventually, I'll need to either purchase a pair of the SG10's or stop crashing my WR250R on single track. Not sure my ramblings helped?

 

[wantajustride]

Thanks Fella's.

I tried on the Sidi Chargers. They seemed ok and not super heavy. I couldn't try on the SG-10's because they didn't have the right size. Like tires, shoes, and boots, this is very subjective. Ones guys passion is another guys pain. It's always a comprimise.
I did notice the lower height of the toe box on the Sidi boots. That seems important because of the feedback one gets from up-shifting. I don't need a boot thats good for walking as something will be in the side cases for that.
I do think the Sidi boots look better than the Gaerne. I'm not particular about ascetics but I do want to be as comfortable with as good protection allows.

I can tell this is going to be a tough call and no "Right" answer.

Peace
WJR

 

[bloodline]

and by walking, I also mean picking up your bike. the soles on motocross boots are flat and slick. Great on sharp pegs, terrible on slick ground.

 

[wantajustride]

Just to let you guys know. I bought the Gaerne Balanced Oil. Good traction on and off the bike, not as much protection as a full on MX boot. But a good boot to wear and walk around in.
Pretty satisfied so far with my choice they feel real good on the bike. Nice feedback when operating the controls. I'm not to happy with the strap/buckle system. I need to re-adjust every time I put the boots on. Once their on they feel great.

WJR

 

[houndman]

I would say that the G10 is a motocross boot, not too much of one.

 

[howie ronic]

Sorry tierhawg had bad luck with his Aerostich Combats I use the Lites and love em, but I'm not riding a dirt bike on single track with them. They're tough enough for what I use them for and very comfortable. BTW, they're both made by Sidi.

 

[EricV]

Similar issues. I dug deep and bought the G-Midlands and have about 1k on them now. Quick to break in and everything TierHawg said. They are not a Dirt bike boot, but the S10 isnt' a dirt bike either. They do offer way more protection than the TCX Xfives I was wearing and are comfortable all day, with a more aggressive sole and better protection. Worth the extra cash over the G-Adventures.

 

[houndman]

Man diggin deep is the word! I just bought a Klim Badlansds Pro jacket, I now need to sell something to pay that off. But those G Midlands have my attention. Are they good for a ee foot? Are they roomy? The only place I see to get em is at Atomic Moto. I tried on a set of TCX Infinities and they fit right for my feet. But the Gearne's are a little more to my eyeball liking.

 

[EricV]

Man diggin deep is the word! I just bought a Klim Badlansds Pro jacket, I now need to sell something to pay that off. But those G Midlands have my attention. Are they good for a ee foot? Are they roomy? The only place I see to get em is at Atomic Moto. I tried on a set of TCX Infinities and they fit right for my feet. But the Gearne's are a little more to my eyeball liking.

I'm a E, and they are pretty nice fit. Toe box is great, no cramped toes there. They run about a half size small, compared to other EU sizes. My TCX X-Fives were just a tiny bit snug at 46, and the 47 G-Midlands are perfect with just the right about of room in the toe, w/o being too big or loose, etc.

The G-Midland is a taller boot than I'm used to, and it's warmer because of it, but while riding I really don't notice it that much. I did go buy some tall soccer socks though. The transition at the top of the boot edge was bugging me a little bit on the first couple of rides with normal socks.

I think Atomic Moto is the only current importer of G-Midland. The owner has spent a lot of time in Italy working in the boot industry and has great contacts there. We talked a bit about ordering a pair of 39 or 40s for my wife, who takes a men's 8 US, which is smaller than they import, but is offered in the EU. As long as we are willing to wait for normal orders, same price. Expediting costs more, and varies depending on how fast you want it, etc.

Another thing that really put me over the edge on the G-Midlands is the sole is replaceable. Not just glued on like the G-Adventure or many others.

Klim Badlands Pro? Yeah, I can see selling something to pay for that. Maybe you have an extra child or kidney??

 

[houndman]

::014:: ::014:: Thanks EricV. Sounds like you have about a size 11 boot size? Sounds like I need to check these boots out. The TCX Infinities have an integrated sole. Don't think it is replaceable. That is a huge advantage when you can replace the sole now that I know this. About that jacket though I am literally going to put something up for sale to pay the credit off, but man what a nice piece of kit! It's just one of them things that if I didn't go for it I would always sit there wishing I would have. A lot of jackets get the job done but I hear few if any complaints about Klim products not to mention it felt right on me. Same for these Gearne's Midlands. It looks like what I want,and if they fit, I'm on it. Thanks man!

 

[EricV]

::014:: ::014:: Thanks EricV. Sounds like you have about a size 11 boot size?

Generally an 11.5 or 12 E, (sometimes EE), depending on the boot brand. In Euro sizes I'm more consistently a 46, but on the edge of a 47 if the toe box is small.

Sounds like I need to check these boots out. The TCX Infinities have an integrated sole. Don't think it is replaceable. That is a huge advantage when you can replace the sole now that I know this. About that jacket though I am literally going to put something up for sale to pay the credit off, but man what a nice piece of kit! It's just one of them things that if I didn't go for it I would always sit there wishing I would have. A lot of jackets get the job done but I hear few if any complaints about Klim products not to mention it felt right on me. Same for these Gearne's Midlands. It looks like what I want,and if they fit, I'm on it. Thanks man!

I hear you. I poked you a little on the jacket thread, but it's in good fun. The Klim gear I've seen and tried on was very nice, but the sticker shock hits me too hard to pull the trigger on it. My Aerostich Darien jacket fits my needs well, and the newer version with minor upgrades will probably replace it in the next year or so, but that's not cheap either, but still several hundred bucks less than the Badlands. The Darien I have now is 9 years old and has over 200k on it, including a go down and subsequent repair. (That's a nice perk with the Aerostich stuff, they will fix it when it's damaged. Do any other brands offer that?)

I really like the fit on the G-Midlands. On some boots I feel my wide foot is tight and will stretch the boot to be more comfortable over time as it breaks in. The TCX X-Fives were definitely this way. On the G-Midland, I don't feel that. Still a snug fit, but more ergonomic and a higher quality fit to my foot.

Sucks that you can't go somewhere and just try good quality moto boots on, but unless you're able to drop into shops like Atomic Moto and the local BMW dealer carries your size of Sidi Adv. Rain, it's impossible to really know how they will fit w/o ordering up a pair. My nearest BMW shop had the Sidi Rains, but not in my size or my wife's size. I can't find anyplace else that even stocks Sidi or top end ADV boots. It's all dirt or street, with a few touring boots and heavy on the ricky-racer wantabe boots with titainium toe sliders and bright colors. :

 

[AndyCBR]

Just to let you guys know. I bought the Gaerne Balanced Oil. Good traction on and off the bike, not as much protection as a full on MX boot. But a good boot to wear and walk around in.
Pretty satisfied so far with my choice they feel real good on the bike. Nice feedback when operating the controls. I'm not to happy with the strap/buckle system. I need to re-adjust every time I put the boots on. Once their on they feel great.

WJR

I also have the balanced oil and a pair of SG12's. The balanced oil are great all around boots with a good mix of protection and off the bike comfort. Probably the only knock on them is the gore-tex like liner makes them a little hot in extreme hot weather (95+).

The SG12's are great but they are definitely a hard core moto boot (as I assume the SG10's are).

Hope this helps.

Andy

 

[wantajustride]

Man diggin deep is the word! I just bought a Klim Badlansds Pro jacket, I now need to sell something to pay that off. But those G Midlands have my attention. Are they good for a ee foot? Are they roomy? The only place I see to get em is at Atomic Moto. I tried on a set of TCX Infinities and they fit right for my feet. But the Gearne's are a little more to my eyeball liking.

Houndman,
A word of advice, I have the Infinity TCX. Very comfortable. Pretty good fit for my EE foot. Better than a pair of soft shoes. But I felt they lacked protection. I haven't wore them since I got the Balanced Oils. The Gearne's feel a whole lot better ( I did put a cushioned insert inside the boot). And they are very close in price.
WJR

 

[Epping]

I have the http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/gaerne-g-adventure-boots These are waterproof and would have to be one of the best I have owned. The Davos sole is a little chunky but great for standing and walking and plenty of protection ::008::

 

[bloodline]

I like the g adventure but the sole is too soft for much offroad riding. Not enough arch support for standing on the pegs for long periods.

 

[Jason Ennis]

I have sg-10s that I have had for two years. They are the best moto boots I have ever owned and I have been riding moto for 30+ years. I just started riding the super t with them in prep for my Colorado trip next week. I have missed a couple shifts but am pretty happy with them overal. I do know they are not waterproof. I used some snow seal recently and hopefully this will help.


Jason