Gaerne SG-12 vs Alpinestars Tech 7 | Which Motocross Boot is Best For You?

Shop Now | Gaerne SG-12 vs Alpinestars Tech 7

Are you trying to decide on a new set of motocross boots? If so, you've most likely come across the Gaerne SG-12 and the Alpinestars Tech 7 at some point in your research. Both boots have a proven track record and are worn by pro racers and weekend warriors alike. But there are some major differences between the two boots and Chase is here to go over the defining features of each boot to help you figure out which one will best suit your needs.

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Gaerne SG-12 Motocross Boots

Alpinestars Tech 7 Motocross Boots


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[SkankHardEnduro]

Had the Tech 7 n killed the soles with in 6 months on OEM ktm pegs, bought the SG12 and 13 months later the soles still look great. Btw, Alpinestars claims they will repair boots n replace soles but when I reached out to them and sent pics they told me to buy new boots even when I offered to pay for the repairs- so took their advice n got the SG12 a superior boot. Excellent for extreme enduro. Touch boots

[dannuthals]

Love the fact that you just got right into it with "this review is based upon my opinion of each boot - I've ridden both a bunch - I'm not just reading the marketing material to you". Thanks so much for your knowledge, experience and input!!!

[dougreed]

I have been wearing Tech 7 boots for many years and liked them. Very comfortable, could feel the pegs and controls just fine, and could walk around almost like wearing regular shoes, but about 4 weeks ago I also got to feel a tree stump crush my left foot and break some metatarsals. Since I am off work now and will be for at least 3 months and have some time to kill while I am waiting to get the pins removed and cast off my foot, I am doing some boot shopping on line and have narrowed it down so far to the Gaerne SG-12. I still care about comfort, but really am most concerned about protection. All of my reading on line so far has been steering me toward the Gaerne. I contacted my cousin this morning because I value his opinion on these types of purchases and wanted to know what he thought about the Gaerne. His response was that he just bought the SG-12 boots 3 weeks ago and he really likes them. We are both near the age of 50 and both started riding when we were teen agers. This is my first (and hopefully last) major injury. I have to wonder if my foot would be less damaged if I'd been wearing a better boot. Going forward, when it comes to purchasing protective riding equipment, I will spend the extra money, because I'm worth it.

[AprtMgr]

For weekend warriors, the Tech 7 is the way to go. Very comfortable, light, zero break-in time and affordable. I don't ride 3 times a week and EVERY weekend - unfortunately - so the Alpinestars fits what I need.

[ofirlevy]

I had the tech-7 for something like 2 years until the soles break down,
I was on a budget and decided to go for entery level gaerne GX-1, for me the feeling fit and materials was better then the tech-7 and planning to put my hands on the sg12 they are looking sick! Great review👍

[abidarham]

Been using tech 7 for years, no complaint, great boots👍🏿👍🏿

[Erez]

Uncomparable boots, the SG12 are by far superior over the tech 7 in every parameter, especially for enduro riding.

[bryson_stafford]

I know a lot of people try these boots on in the showroom and think the Tech 7s are better because they feel like a running shoe. Having owned both, there is a reason the SG-12s are more expensive, they are more comfortable on the bike and way more protective. I think people confuse the lack of protection on the Tech 7s as comfort, I mean a shoe is comfortable, but you wouldn't ride with one. My feet would always feel fatigued after a long day in the mountains with the Tech 7s.

[dannuthals]

The SG-12 is fantastic for workmanship, support, protection and comfort. With the micro-adjusting straps, you can customize it to fit to your foot. Though I will add that its snug/stiff to start and takes a few hours of breaking in to get comfortable. IMO, this boot sets the standard for a "premium level" mx boot. IMO, this boot is at a completely different level than the Tech 7, but also costs about $100 more.

I would add the Sidi Crossfire 3 SRS into the conversation. This boot is even more fantastic IMO than the SG-12. Again, because of the micro-adjusting straps, you can customize the fit to your foot. It fits my foot like a glove and has spectacular comfort. No other boot that I've worn is as comfortable as this boot. For me it flexes better and is more comfortable than the SG-12. Price is about $200 more than that Tech 7. IMO, this is the boot that should most often be compared to the SG-12.

It's tough to compare the Tech 7 to the SG-12 and/or Crossfire 3, because they simply are at different levels. The Gaerne and Sidi are built in Italy by craftsmen - not so for the Tech 7. IMO the Tech 7 is super comfy and lighter in weight, but is not going to match either the Gaerne or the Sidi for durability, protection or long-term comfort. But there is a significant price difference too.

Because of the durability, I think you will get a better long-term value from the SG-12 or Crossfire 3, plus have a better boot along the way. I would expect the Tech 7 to last 1 or 2 years. The SG-12 or Crossfire 3 should last 3-5 years, possibly even longer if you take care of it.

BTW, I'm not a bootie fan so the Tech 10 never even got in the race. I've never tried the Fox Instinct.

[Crogue]

Ive got a pair of the Tech 7's, and have ridden with them religiously for the past 2 seasons. They were perfectly comfortable right out of the box, basically no break in. And they are holding up really well, still look almost new. I did go head on with a razer 1000 turbo 2 weekends ago, and my ankle is still pretty wrecked. Protection is there, but could be a little better. Still, a great boot.

[robynSable]

Our family has spent thousands on most all TOP of the line boots, We have came to this conclusion, ASatars Tech 7, Forma Dominator 2.0 are the two best boots for all around protection, price, comfort, durability...we might give the new Leatt GPX 5.5 a shot next spring.

[ballou]

If I want to perform-Tech 7’s
If I crash-SG-12’s

[mxhusky]

Nice video! Just wish it was out before I bought my Tech 7s a while ago.
You touched on everything that I like and dislike about the Tech 7.
Likes: Very comfortable, the first ride they felt broken in, offers great support, excellent boot for the price.
Dislikes: I have a wider calf so I can't sport my knee protection as comfortably. The buckles are tough to lock, even out of the box, and they pop loose from time to time. Probably has to do with the knee brace and not being able to tighten it as much.
Overall I really like the Tech 7s though and don't regret buying them. It was a good buy but I will try out the SG next time.

[mattb]

Sg12 all day best protection and durability still look great after years of riding... Had a few times I thought for sure I broke my foot or something and id get off the bike I'd be fine.

[smokepipo]

Honestly your ignition and clutch covers can be replace and fixed and maybe even touched up, but toes, ankles and feet don’t always heal correctly, also just take the steel toes off, and your covers won’t get stuffed up, plus it helps keep your feet not getting caught on the brake pedal and making accidental shifts, I’ve had a pair of tech sevens, they don’t last and don’t protect your feet or toes, I now wear sg12’s best switch I’ve ever made, yeah you don’t feel your controls as much, but you’ll get used it, and you get so much more protection and last a lot longer.

[pciaKay]

I got the Tech 7 for enduro this year. they are good, and very comfortable. but in less then 1 season i have shredded the sole around the peg and rear brake

[bjooppeg]

On my second pair of S12 and super happy for the quality and they just feels so secure. But not very watertight.
Therefor I also have a pair of TCX Comp Evo 2 Michelin who are softer (they don't feel so secure) and can hold some water outside.
In a "competition" I just won a pair of Tech 7 Enduro. I don't need 3 pairs of boots, but couldn't change them in some other riding gear. With a membrane inside I guess they will be used for winter conditions and hope they will hold my feet warm and dry.

[wtcornet]

6 months and counting and my Gaerne SG-12 still hurt my big toes so bad that I where my sneakers between rides. Feel like Gaerne used a unisex shoe design on a size 13 man's mx boot. Other than that I like my Gaerne SG-12's and their traditional design. The souls are great.

[trevorswires]

And I'm over here riding in Alpinestars Tech 1s....

[xabidh]

I have both, tech 7 = confortable but less protection, sg12 = protection but more unconfortable