Gaerne SG12 boot review: best dirt boot available? ︱Cross Training Enduro

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#crosstrainingenduro #enduro #gaernesg12 #gaernesg12review

[crosstrainingenduro]

FURTHER NOTES: The SG22 has been announced! They claim the same protection but slimmer, lighter, and more feel. They also claim 'Made in Italy craftsmanship' so lets hope it's still made in Italy. The front shin plate has air vents which could be useful in hot weather or wet conditions. Personally I won't be in a rush to buy it and will wait to hear long-term reports. But it sounds good...
SIZING Always test the size before buying, they tend to run high e.g. If you’re size 13, the 12 may fit best. Most riders report the SG12 works well with wider feet. Narrow feet? Other brands might fit better.
CATCHING ON FOOTPEGS? One of our guys says the plastic protection around the inside ankle can get hooked on the edge of his footpegs when he's putting his foot down or 'leg paddling'. He filed down the outer edge of his footpeg to reduce the occurrence. It finally happened to me just last month, doh. I've filed my pegs too. It doesn't seem to happen for most riders.
WATERPROOF? Almost no boot claims to be waterproof, although you can be lucky! But a few owners are telling me Gaernes let in more water than other brands. Let us know if you found this is the case. One thing we don't like, a wide strip of material at the top of the boot absorbs water way too easily and makes the boot heavier in wet conditions far too quickly.
ANKLE SUPPORT As mentioned, the ankle support is quite narrow, a bottle of water shoved in overnight can widen this. One owner tells me this is 'memory foam' and will eventually adapt to your ankle shape if you persist with a good run-in period. If you don't have enough room for your toes, remember boot cobbers can use a 'toe widener' tool to create more space...

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[Buy]

I've had my SG10s for about a decade and they're still going strong. They fit my wide foot comfortably and I can wear them all day long. Highly recommend them, and when it comes time to replace them I'll be checking out the Fastback as well as the SG10 and 12s.

[kurteldridge]

Recently purchased the fastback enduro. Awesome protection and decent grip on the trails. I was riding a lot of steep chutes in and out of creeks, lots of mud and pushing the bike a lot. They seemed reasonably waterproof, I walked through ankle deep water to test them out. A massive step up from the fox off-road boots I had.

[ALLTHINGSAIRGUN]

I have a super wide foot. Bought the SG12 boots because everyone said how wide they were. They were still not wide enough for me. My solution was to put them on (which was literally painful) and use a heat gun on the tight spots. I'd heat that spot up to about 175-200 degrees Fahrenheit and then walk around and crouch down and so forth. After repeating this process for about a week... They now fit like they were custom made for me. Most comfortable and protective boots I've ever owned. The repeated heating doesn't seem to have negatively affected the plastic... But only time will tell.

[jonathantrexel]

I just started dual sport riding 2 years ago. Started with Formas then went to Gaerne SG12 Enduros. I wanted max protection because so many injuries happen to ankles and lower legs and I’ve had reconstructive surgery on one lower leg and I don’t want it dorked up. I also wanted a good tread for grip on pegs and in dirt. I also have very high arches and the width of the SG12s gets me what I need there too. I’ve had a few minor spills and glad I had these on. They are not waterproof, which is a trade off for some folks; I’ve had to walk my DR650 through a couple deep swift streams and got my feet wet but that’s a small issue to me. Lastly, being new to dual sport, it took a little getting used to such stiff boots for gear changing and not being able to feel the shifter like soft boots. But again, that’s resolved with time. The protection and comfort are really incredible and as you say actually a good gear investment for longterm. Thanks for another great video!

[lessmore]

The fastback enduro’s have not disappointed for fit & a good mix of protection plus mobility. Enduro sole is great on & off the pegs. Not enough miles on them to comment on long term durability but I seriously doubt they’ll fall apart any time soon.

[rcbb]

I’ve had my SG12’s for a few years now. For someone with wide feet that rides single track through rocks, logs etc. these boots have been awesome. The only thing I would say is they take some getting used to when they’re new because they are much stiffer then the average boot. I had some very mushy fox boots previous to my sg12’s and the difference was night and day for both stiffness and protection. Unless I hear quality is going downhill, it’s only sg12’s for me.

[bingoberra]

I was going to get the SG12s but ended up getting the Sidi Atojo and Im very satisfied with them.

[improvsax]

I”ve been using the SG-12 for well over 10 years. I did have a pair loose the toe guard, but I bought new ones and installed with 3M 5200 (great stuff) and they have worked great. I’ve been using the Fastback Enduro for awhile (mostly for the lug sole) and they are working well so far.

[Trailryder]

I've been wearing SG-10s for 16 years. Not because I couldn't afford to buy another pair. It's just that there hasn't been anything wrong with what I have. Replaced the soles once. Never a broken buckle or strap. Those sayings about "you get what you pay for" and "Pay once, Cry Once" are true.

[Mzstato]

As a new rider I love my SG12's. From the adjustability for thicker calves, to the width in the foot. Definitely know my feet are safe in these well made Italian boots.

[gumbyenduroadventures]

SG12's for nearly two years. Widefoot, great fit. Rear brake for me became a button, but living with it. Great boot.

[crisibarra]

I’ve used Alpinestar, Fox, and Gaerne. NOTHING comes close to Gaerne. Currently 1yr on my Gaerne SG-10s and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Fit is perfect, protection is generous, and style is 10/10

[WarAndrea]

I have bought a second hand pair of gaerne react and I have been using them for 2 years. They work extremely well even after being used in all conditions. The only problem is the inner lining slowly tearing down not keeping out water, but that's just because they are quite old and heavily used. Definitely would buy again.

[jamesal]

I owned one set of Sidi crossfire Ones for almost 10years - great boot, handed them down to two other riders (sons). Owned two sets of Sidi crossfire twos - great boots wore then out in the sole from kick start and foot pegs - again great boot. Bought the Sidi crossfire three. Immediately hurt my ankles particularity the right. There was some weidness with the hinge. Gave them away. Bought SG12 in my size - 46. Amazing boot - felt just right for first ride. Great for 6 months, But its been a really wet 2 years and they get soaked every week, after 6 months of getting soaked every weekend they stank like hell and they had shrunk about a size and were giving me a bunion on my little toe. Bought identical SG12 in size 47 last week. So I've bought 3 sets of $700-800 boots in the last 18 months but you only live once and I ride every weekend and SG12's are 100 percent best boot for protection and comfort . But you have to fan dry them after every ride or they will stink

[crosstrainingenduro]

The SG22 has been announced! They claim the same protection but slimmer, lighter, and more feel. They also claim 'Made in Italy craftsmanship' so lets hope it's still made in Italy. The front shin plate has air vents which could be useful in hot weather or wet conditions. Personally I won't be in a rush to buy it and will wait to hear long-term reports. But it sounds good...
SIZING Always test the size before buying, they tend to run high e.g. If you’re size 13, the 12 may fit best. Most riders report the SG12 works well with wider feet. Narrow feet? Other brands might fit better.

[michaelglenn]

I went with the Sidi Crossfire 3. A YouTube review of the SG12 and Crossfire's equated them in terms of quality and protection, however they pointed out the Gaerne boots retained a ton of water weight in the neoprene liner when crossing streams and the like. That one fact helped me decide between the two. After several rides in the Sidi's I'm quite satisfied with their quality, fit and finish. And yes, they shed water very well after going thru knee deep Appalachian streams in them. If I were in a drier climate, I'd go for the Gaerne because I like the extra support of the neoprene.

[hannonenduro]

My SG12s were very tight around the ankles and took some time to break in, but fit perfect now. They are still in excellent condition after 300 hours of use. The only issue so far is buckle screws loosening up, which is to be expected.

[raymondsiewert]

After using Alpinestars for 12 years, l switched to Gaerne SG 12 3 years ago. I will never go back !

[michaelcorker]

Love my SG12 Enduros for Adventure/dual sport riding. The memory foam around the ankle caused a lot of pressure to start with and needed to be worn in around the house for quite a few weeks. Fairly uncomfortable exercise to be bothered with, but having done that the fit is now super comfy and has great support. No issues riding for 6 hours straight. Can testify to the protection after a recent spill and glad I pushed through the wear-in period. Absolutely no regrets.