Boots - Instincts? Crossfires? SG12's?

dmm698
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dmm698 7/23/2015 1:08pm
7/23/2015 1:08pm
I picked up SG12's a month or so ago to replace a four year old set of SG10's that finally gave way. The hinge busted, but after four years thats pretty darn good. I found a site online selling SG12's for 429, and then had rocky mountain price match it. The newer 12's have a rubber/plastic piece on the toe box for the shifter, its a little more durable than previous gen.
731chopper
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731chopper 7/23/2015 1:31pm
7/23/2015 1:31pm
socaldan wrote:
K-dubbb, I have some good experience with boots having been racing desert since 2004. I'm not sure if you're familiar with National Hare and Hounds or...
K-dubbb, I have some good experience with boots having been racing desert since 2004. I'm not sure if you're familiar with National Hare and Hounds or desert scrambles or D37 but I'm fairly certain desert racing really taxes boots harder than any track riding does.

Needless to say I started racing wearing Fox boots and the pair I had lasted maybe 10 races (half a season) before buckles started breaking, stitches came loose, and then finally a stick went through the bottom of my left boot into my foot during a race (I was maybe 10 miles from any help so I had to break the stick off the boot, leave the wood in the boot, and continue racing to the next checkpoint which happpened to be the finish with a stick in my foot, it hurt).

I then switched to Gaerne (I forget which model but it was in the $400 price range) and those boots lasted me SEVERAL years of abuse. I had some buckle screws come out and get lost but Gaerne customer service was AMAZING and sent me a bag with some spare screws and a buckle FREE! After those boots FINALLY gave up the ghost several years later I purchased some SG-10s. Those boots are still going strong and I've been in them for about 3 season. Amazingly comfortable, very durable, and sturdy. I've had many times riding down waterfalls (or up) where I lost the bike, it went ass over tea kettle and smashed my leg and ankle between boulders and the bike yet amazingly my feet and ankles were fine.

I highly recommend a GOOD pair of Gaernes. Remember, you get what you pay for (with the exception of FOX because you pay for that name). Just my 2 cents.
Which Fox boots are you referring to? The Instincts are higher quality boots compared to the other Fox offerings like the Comp boot. I came from years and years of using Alpinestars Tech 7 and before that Tech 6 boots. I think the Instincts are great but that's just my experience and feelings of course.
Titan1
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Titan1 7/23/2015 2:05pm
7/23/2015 2:05pm
Titan1 wrote:
Good thread...I'm going back and forth on boots as well. Crossfire 2 (is there that much of a difference between the SRS-Soul Replacement System- or TA?)...
Good thread...I'm going back and forth on boots as well. Crossfire 2 (is there that much of a difference between the SRS-Soul Replacement System- or TA?) or SG12's...
PalerBlue wrote:
There is one HUGE difference between the two. The TA fits a wide foot with ease and the SRS is VERY narrow. In fact to get...
There is one HUGE difference between the two. The TA fits a wide foot with ease and the SRS is VERY narrow. In fact to get my foot in the SRS I needed a pair THREE sizes larger than usual in TA's.

If you are used to the TA sizes don't buy SRS boot without trying them on first. If you've got narrow feet they may just fit you better. There's no denying they're top quality boots too.
THAT is the kind of info I need...I've got narrow feet. So I'll pick up the SRS's. Thanks for that.
Titan1
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Titan1 7/23/2015 2:06pm
7/23/2015 2:06pm
socaldan wrote:
K-dubbb, I have some good experience with boots having been racing desert since 2004. I'm not sure if you're familiar with National Hare and Hounds or...
K-dubbb, I have some good experience with boots having been racing desert since 2004. I'm not sure if you're familiar with National Hare and Hounds or desert scrambles or D37 but I'm fairly certain desert racing really taxes boots harder than any track riding does.

Needless to say I started racing wearing Fox boots and the pair I had lasted maybe 10 races (half a season) before buckles started breaking, stitches came loose, and then finally a stick went through the bottom of my left boot into my foot during a race (I was maybe 10 miles from any help so I had to break the stick off the boot, leave the wood in the boot, and continue racing to the next checkpoint which happpened to be the finish with a stick in my foot, it hurt).

I then switched to Gaerne (I forget which model but it was in the $400 price range) and those boots lasted me SEVERAL years of abuse. I had some buckle screws come out and get lost but Gaerne customer service was AMAZING and sent me a bag with some spare screws and a buckle FREE! After those boots FINALLY gave up the ghost several years later I purchased some SG-10s. Those boots are still going strong and I've been in them for about 3 season. Amazingly comfortable, very durable, and sturdy. I've had many times riding down waterfalls (or up) where I lost the bike, it went ass over tea kettle and smashed my leg and ankle between boulders and the bike yet amazingly my feet and ankles were fine.

I highly recommend a GOOD pair of Gaernes. Remember, you get what you pay for (with the exception of FOX because you pay for that name). Just my 2 cents.
I will second his statement on how rough desert racing is on boots.

And off topic...you ever race any of the Utah NHHA's?

The Shop

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adiaz791
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adiaz791 7/23/2015 2:18pm
7/23/2015 2:18pm
I've worn the Gaerne SG12s and loved them. I previously had the Tech 10s but they gave me some ankle problems (inner bootie kept stabbing at my ankle). Might have just been that pair I was wearing because I never had problems with the previous Tech 10's I wore.

I actually had to drop down a size when I made the switch the SG12s because they were a little wider and I have narrow feet (went from Size 11 to Size 10). Ankle support was awesome. Never worried when I put my foot out. Really comfortable boots. Well worth the price in my opinion.
Underground 7/23/2015 3:26pm
7/23/2015 3:26pm
Titan1 wrote:
Good thread...I'm going back and forth on boots as well. Crossfire 2 (is there that much of a difference between the SRS-Soul Replacement System- or TA?)...
Good thread...I'm going back and forth on boots as well. Crossfire 2 (is there that much of a difference between the SRS-Soul Replacement System- or TA?) or SG12's...
PalerBlue wrote:
There is one HUGE difference between the two. The TA fits a wide foot with ease and the SRS is VERY narrow. In fact to get...
There is one HUGE difference between the two. The TA fits a wide foot with ease and the SRS is VERY narrow. In fact to get my foot in the SRS I needed a pair THREE sizes larger than usual in TA's.

If you are used to the TA sizes don't buy SRS boot without trying them on first. If you've got narrow feet they may just fit you better. There's no denying they're top quality boots too.

I found this out this week also. Bought the same size boots I've worn for the last 25 years and the crossfire 2 SRS are so narrow they hurt even without socks. Sent them back for the next size. Hope that's enough cause it's costing me freight each time now. Might ring today and order the TA's instead. Had a great run out of my previous AXO's, Sidi's but my Tech 7's sucked.
nytsmaC
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nytsmaC 7/23/2015 3:45pm
7/23/2015 3:45pm
On the topic of boots, has anyone had problems with the SG12's hurting your feet as they get older?

Mine have been the most comfortable boots I've ever owned but now that I have about 150 hours on them, they're not worn out but they just hurt. They pinch the top of my foot in the same place on each side, causing blisters, and the padding seems to be gone along the outside of my left foot, enough to feel like my foot is getting bruised by the side of the boot (along the side just above the sole), painful at the beginning of each ride lately until they seem to soften up a bit?

I'm going to pick up your boots tomorrow Newmann, they've been sitting at the border for like a month now, thanks again! Hoping it's just that my boots have lost their cushion and not that my feet have somehow changed and are no longer Gaerne compatible!
logan_140
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logan_140 7/23/2015 3:48pm
7/23/2015 3:48pm


Love my crossfires...
bd
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bd 7/23/2015 3:51pm
7/23/2015 3:51pm
cslacker
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cslacker 7/23/2015 3:54pm
7/23/2015 3:54pm
Titan1 wrote:
Good thread...I'm going back and forth on boots as well. Crossfire 2 (is there that much of a difference between the SRS-Soul Replacement System- or TA?)...
Good thread...I'm going back and forth on boots as well. Crossfire 2 (is there that much of a difference between the SRS-Soul Replacement System- or TA?) or SG12's...
PalerBlue wrote:
There is one HUGE difference between the two. The TA fits a wide foot with ease and the SRS is VERY narrow. In fact to get...
There is one HUGE difference between the two. The TA fits a wide foot with ease and the SRS is VERY narrow. In fact to get my foot in the SRS I needed a pair THREE sizes larger than usual in TA's.

If you are used to the TA sizes don't buy SRS boot without trying them on first. If you've got narrow feet they may just fit you better. There's no denying they're top quality boots too.
Underground wrote:
I found this out this week also. Bought the same size boots I've worn for the last 25 years and the crossfire 2 SRS are so...

I found this out this week also. Bought the same size boots I've worn for the last 25 years and the crossfire 2 SRS are so narrow they hurt even without socks. Sent them back for the next size. Hope that's enough cause it's costing me freight each time now. Might ring today and order the TA's instead. Had a great run out of my previous AXO's, Sidi's but my Tech 7's sucked.
The TA's are MUCH wider in the toe box area. I had been torn between the 2 so I had my local shop order my size in the TA so I could compare them(they had the SRS in stock). I was sure I was going to prefer the TA over the SRS because I have always worn SG10s and liked the fit. When they got them in I was shocked that the TA was actually wider than my SG10s. I am buying the SRS tomorrow as I have a rather narrow foot.
Torco1
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Torco1 7/23/2015 3:59pm
7/23/2015 3:59pm
These are Tech 10's with about 10 months of use.....I really liked the way they felt, but they wore out really fast.



These are SG10's with about the same amount of time, the soles held up a lot better but the insides of the boots (where they rub against the bike) got chewed up really fast. I think I might just be hard on boots because I seem to go through them pretty fast. In this pic they look like shit and I wash them after every ride.



I've had SIDI's in the past that were awesome and now I have SG12's and they are pretty good so far. Just pick what you like and feel the most comfortable in, if you ride a lot.....they will all get beat to shit at some point.

tempura
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tempura 7/23/2015 5:06pm
7/23/2015 5:06pm Edited Date/Time 7/23/2015 5:07pm
Had the sidi crossfire 2 (TA). Rode about 5-10 hours in them. The toe area is thin and control feeling is excellent. I have a weak ankle from my martial arts days, and twice after dabbing my foot had a swollen ankle and had to stop. For me, the crossfires lacked ankle support. I sold them and went back to alpinestars. I'd previously wore the old tech 8's ( good boot), and went with their tech 10. They immediately felt better than the sidi's, much more support and comfort. The inner bootie has ankle braces built in. I haven't had my ankle flair up since wearing the tech 10's. I've been impressed.
mooch
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mooch 7/23/2015 5:32pm
7/23/2015 5:32pm
I prefer Sidi Crossfire.

When comparing the SG12s to the Sidis, (to me) the SG12s have a bulkier feel.
tempura
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tempura 7/23/2015 6:23pm
7/23/2015 6:23pm
The sidi's do have a less bulky feel, but IMO that sacrifices some of the protection.
smoothies862 7/23/2015 6:25pm
7/23/2015 6:25pm
i love sg12. feel like sneakers to me. i have over 60 70 hrs on mine and they look new. i over jumped a 60' tabletop. never felt a thing in my feet or ankles. hardpack and bent the front rim. thats my vote anyways. now i just want the blue onesTongue
Roostermx58
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Roostermx58 7/23/2015 7:07pm
7/23/2015 7:07pm Edited Date/Time 7/23/2015 7:12pm
mirramaxx wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/07/23/98533/s1200_image.jpg[/img] motorcyclecloseouts.com has these for $440 as an avid rockymountainmc customer called them and they did a price match for me! sg12s can't go wrong Just...

motorcyclecloseouts.com has these for $440 as an avid rockymountainmc customer called them and they did a price match for me! sg12s can't go wrong Just my 2 cents Smile
K-dubbb wrote:
My problem is that I am in Canada, they don't seem to ship up here. Ebay is my best bet or Motorsport - I wonder if...
My problem is that I am in Canada, they don't seem to ship up here.

Ebay is my best bet or Motorsport - I wonder if they do price match?

Thanks man!
Ill ship to Canada. No problem! What style and size boot are you looking for?

Pit Row

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Reggsie
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Reggsie 7/24/2015 3:57am
7/24/2015 3:57am
I've had my crossfire 2's for over a year now so I've had a good long while to get a feel on them. They're extremely comfortable, took virtually no wearing in and are comparatively easy to walk in. The wear has been good except for the sole. I have the SRS sole so replacing isn't an issue, but I would say after ten hours or so the soles were pretty beat up. Mainly from kick starting. Since I switched to a two stroke the wear has slowed down but still...

All in all no complaints, I would recommend them, but I'm gonna try instincts next because the SIDI's are a mission to get one. So many straps, flaps and bits of velcro that you have to wrench on and fiddle with every ride - gets annoying.
shuggs
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shuggs 7/24/2015 4:50am
7/24/2015 4:50am
I too have had Crossfires for past 2 years, previously was 'budget' boot buyer, took a couple of weeks to get used to them. To me they do feel tight on feet but no bad thing. Have had serious problems with both ankles and have not had a problem.

Agree on sole needing replaced but is that not the point of them. Biggest pain was removing the screws.
dirtywardog 7/24/2015 8:29am
7/24/2015 8:29am
I've been a long time lurker on Vital. My most recent pair of sg12's have split along the seam where they added the new "side armor" something that my original sg-12's didn't have - which I never had an issue with and their still in use. When I contacted Gaerne they said it caught on your footpeg and its nothing they would offer any warrantied coverage for. Yes the tear started getting caught on my frame / footpegs AFTER the seam split. Having used Gearne boots all my life this pair with about 20 hours on them it was frustrating to hear 900 boots are basically garbage now.




526
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526 7/24/2015 9:47am
7/24/2015 9:47am
Check out Jett I like mine
K-dubbb
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K-dubbb 7/24/2015 10:06am
7/24/2015 10:06am
526 wrote:
Check out Jett I like mine
Do you have the pros or the lites?

I have heard really great things!
dak446
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dak446 7/24/2015 10:09am
7/24/2015 10:09am
526 wrote:
Check out Jett I like mine
I absolutely loved my Jett boots, but tomorrow is my last race on them. They're completely shot, and no where to get parts for 'em anymore.

Just ordered the SG12 SE yellow and red to replace 'em
Fraser
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Fraser 7/24/2015 10:33am
7/24/2015 10:33am
Crossfire 2's everytime. I got these after breaking a toe in both feet in separate incidents wearing Fox Instincts.They are very comfortable, like a pair of trainers. BUT that comes at a price in my opinion. There's very little protection in the toe area as they're so soft. Catch a trackside post and you'll know about it.. Love the crossfire 2 srs's
K-dubbb
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K-dubbb 7/24/2015 10:38am
7/24/2015 10:38am
Fraser wrote:
Crossfire 2's everytime. I got these after breaking a toe in both feet in separate incidents wearing Fox Instincts.They are very comfortable, like a pair of...
Crossfire 2's everytime. I got these after breaking a toe in both feet in separate incidents wearing Fox Instincts.They are very comfortable, like a pair of trainers. BUT that comes at a price in my opinion. There's very little protection in the toe area as they're so soft. Catch a trackside post and you'll know about it.. Love the crossfire 2 srs's
How is the sizing for you?

I am sold on these and will buy them as soon I can get some reassurance on sizing.

Not that I have exceptionally wide feet but I keep reading that they are pretty narrow, and don't fit all foot sizes/shapes.

Thanks for your input! I want to protect my toes!
dirtywardog 7/24/2015 11:14am
7/24/2015 11:14am
Personally the Sidi boots didn't fit my foot well, it was too narrow of a boot at the tip - which is why I always choose Gaerne now with them falling apart and no support from the company I might get instincts or tech 10's
Bressler11
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Bressler11 7/24/2015 12:07pm
7/24/2015 12:07pm
I love my 2015 fox Instincts! they are more comfortable then my Nike Free runs

bartziokas123 7/24/2015 1:45pm
7/24/2015 1:45pm
Boots I have worn;
A-star tech 8
A-star tech 10
Fox Instinct
Gearne SG 10
Sidi crossfire 2

My original A stars were awesome but as the brand grew the boots quality went to shit! I wouldn't recommend them

Fox Instinct- Loved these boots, most comfortably boot I have ever worn. Not durable at all but they were awesome about warranty

Gearne SG 10, Rode one ride in them and had to give them back, they just didn't fit my foot, I can't give a honest review on them.

Sidi Crossfire 2 These are my current boots, I really like them, comfort is very similar to the Instinct and the durability has been much better than the instinct.
K-dubbb
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K-dubbb 7/24/2015 2:27pm
7/24/2015 2:27pm
bartziokas123 wrote:
Boots I have worn; A-star tech 8 A-star tech 10 Fox Instinct Gearne SG 10 Sidi crossfire 2 My original A stars were awesome but as...
Boots I have worn;
A-star tech 8
A-star tech 10
Fox Instinct
Gearne SG 10
Sidi crossfire 2

My original A stars were awesome but as the brand grew the boots quality went to shit! I wouldn't recommend them

Fox Instinct- Loved these boots, most comfortably boot I have ever worn. Not durable at all but they were awesome about warranty

Gearne SG 10, Rode one ride in them and had to give them back, they just didn't fit my foot, I can't give a honest review on them.

Sidi Crossfire 2 These are my current boots, I really like them, comfort is very similar to the Instinct and the durability has been much better than the instinct.
Are your crossfires the TA's or SRS's? How did you find fitment? Thanks!

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