Completely Honest, What Are the Best Boots you have owned??

Johnnydirt
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Johnnydirt 10/11/2022 2:06pm
10/11/2022 2:06pm
SG12 for me. As another poster said buy them from Europe and save a ton of money. Just got a pair of SG12 from FCmoto after they had a 15% off sale. $379 shipped .
4
SoCalMX70
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SoCalMX70 10/11/2022 2:17pm
10/11/2022 2:17pm Edited Date/Time 10/11/2022 2:48pm
Tech 7, still. I've taken some bad hits and my ankles have continued to hold up great in them (*knock on wood*). I buy a new pair each year to 18 months because yes, they are soft.... And they do get softer over time. So, figure about 50-80 hours out of each pair.

I'm considering Sidi Atojos next though. I'm intrigued by a stiffer boot, but I absolutely do not want Tech 10s, which are longer than 7s (I wear a size 12), or SG12s becuase of the lip on the sole. I want my boots to be as compact and streamlined as possible.
4
Richy
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Richy 10/11/2022 2:23pm
10/11/2022 2:23pm
One thing I will say, who would have thought that buying a pair of boots just to rip some motos in could be such a minefield 🤣
2
drowning trout 10/11/2022 3:07pm
10/11/2022 3:07pm
Mid 40’s rider here, had a few boots over the years honestly
might be a bit controversial but best boots have been my
Tech 7’s. Can’t go past value for money, very well made and just bloody comfortable.
2

The Shop

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TooTallJason
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TooTallJason 10/11/2022 3:41pm
10/11/2022 3:41pm
I currently am rocking the SG10's I bought when I was 19. I'm 35 now. The boots sat unused from when I had a terrible crash at 19 until I started again in my thirties. Since then I've put 75 hours on the boots and they're still holding strong. I have no doubt I'll go with SG12's when its time to replace these, but who knows when that'll be.
1
Waylon Jennings 10/11/2022 3:54pm
10/11/2022 3:54pm
I ran a pair of Fox Instincts for 5 years. Loved those boots. No complaints. Just recently picked up a pair of Leatt 5.5 because I got a huge discount on them, but so far I like the Instincts better.
FGR01
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FGR01 10/11/2022 4:18pm
10/11/2022 4:18pm
Titan1 wrote:
Unless you want to replace boots every time the sole wars out…Sidi SRS… A buddy bought some SG12’s…loved them…but he didn’t even get 100 hours out...
Unless you want to replace boots every time the sole wars out…Sidi SRS…

A buddy bought some SG12’s…loved them…but he didn’t even get 100 hours out of them (less than a season of riding) and the soles were shot and he had replace the entire boot…a near $600 boot didn’t last more than a season….meanwhile, I’ve probably got 400 hours on my crossfire 2’s and I’m in my fourth set of soles on them…the boots still work awesome! (I did have to replace a buckle…but that’s another beautiful thing…I can actually buy replacement buckles…so that broken buckle didn’t ruin the boot either).
FGR01 wrote:
Worn out soles are absolutely no reason to junk a pair of SG-12's. The soles are easily replaceable and there's 2-3 shops in the US that...
Worn out soles are absolutely no reason to junk a pair of SG-12's. The soles are easily replaceable and there's 2-3 shops in the US that do this all day, every day on Gaerne's. About the only reason a worn out sole would trash the boot is if you kept riding on shot soles long enough to completely destroy the underlying midsole and were starting to feel the peg teeth through your socks! LOL And even then, some of these shops make some impressive midsole repairs before putting new soles on.

http://mxbootrepair.com/

http://www.factoryresole.com/

https://www.pro-bootmx.com/
Titan1 wrote:
So you’re saying you have to spend near $600 on the boots…then every year ship them off for a week or two…and spend $100+ (plus shipping)...
So you’re saying you have to spend near $600 on the boots…then every year ship them off for a week or two…and spend $100+ (plus shipping) to have the soles replaced?

Nah…I’ll stick with the Sidi SRS…spend $40 on the replacement sole and do it myself in about 10 minutes…way better business model from Sidi…
I try to be pretty realistic and unbiased about things and consider the Pros and Cons honestly.

$600 is an exaggeration. No one is paying MSRP. SG-12's can be found cheaper easily.

Most people are getting more than a year out of Gaerne soles. Your buddy is just on the harder end of users. I've worn Gaerne since 2004. In that time, I've had exactly 1 resole done across 5 or 6 pairs I've had. All others are still spares or given to other riders and still going. And, I actually ride some decent hours.

The one link I posted is only $85. I always have a spare set of boots anyway. It's kind of silly to only have 1 pair of boots if your riding program can tolerate zero downtime. Crazy to throw out a perfectly good pair of boots that can be basically made new for $85.

I honestly think the SRS setup is cool as hell. And $40 is awesome. I've never ridden in them myself but I've heard some folks say they didn't care for the feel on the pegs or the added height (maybe only their perception?). Also, I'll add.. aren't only Gaerne and Sidi the last remaining boots actually made in Italy? That also means something to me.

Pros and Cons everywhere. We all choose decide which matter to us.
5
Titan1
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Titan1 10/11/2022 5:08pm
10/11/2022 5:08pm
FGR01 wrote:
Worn out soles are absolutely no reason to junk a pair of SG-12's. The soles are easily replaceable and there's 2-3 shops in the US that...
Worn out soles are absolutely no reason to junk a pair of SG-12's. The soles are easily replaceable and there's 2-3 shops in the US that do this all day, every day on Gaerne's. About the only reason a worn out sole would trash the boot is if you kept riding on shot soles long enough to completely destroy the underlying midsole and were starting to feel the peg teeth through your socks! LOL And even then, some of these shops make some impressive midsole repairs before putting new soles on.

http://mxbootrepair.com/

http://www.factoryresole.com/

https://www.pro-bootmx.com/
Titan1 wrote:
So you’re saying you have to spend near $600 on the boots…then every year ship them off for a week or two…and spend $100+ (plus shipping)...
So you’re saying you have to spend near $600 on the boots…then every year ship them off for a week or two…and spend $100+ (plus shipping) to have the soles replaced?

Nah…I’ll stick with the Sidi SRS…spend $40 on the replacement sole and do it myself in about 10 minutes…way better business model from Sidi…
FGR01 wrote:
I try to be pretty realistic and unbiased about things and consider the Pros and Cons honestly. $600 is an exaggeration. No one is paying MSRP...
I try to be pretty realistic and unbiased about things and consider the Pros and Cons honestly.

$600 is an exaggeration. No one is paying MSRP. SG-12's can be found cheaper easily.

Most people are getting more than a year out of Gaerne soles. Your buddy is just on the harder end of users. I've worn Gaerne since 2004. In that time, I've had exactly 1 resole done across 5 or 6 pairs I've had. All others are still spares or given to other riders and still going. And, I actually ride some decent hours.

The one link I posted is only $85. I always have a spare set of boots anyway. It's kind of silly to only have 1 pair of boots if your riding program can tolerate zero downtime. Crazy to throw out a perfectly good pair of boots that can be basically made new for $85.

I honestly think the SRS setup is cool as hell. And $40 is awesome. I've never ridden in them myself but I've heard some folks say they didn't care for the feel on the pegs or the added height (maybe only their perception?). Also, I'll add.. aren't only Gaerne and Sidi the last remaining boots actually made in Italy? That also means something to me.

Pros and Cons everywhere. We all choose decide which matter to us.
I hear you...pros and cons...and personal preference everywhere...no right or wrong way to do it.

On the price point...I just went to Rocky Mountain and did a search...I don't wear them, so I'm not familiar at all with their pricing...

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/gaerne-sg-12-boots-p

On the resole cost...I just clicked your first link...they said $116 (plus shipping) to resole the boots...but, $85 (plus shipping) is still twice the cost of the soles on the SRS.

The Crossfires are higher on the leg...but the new Atojo's are lower than the crossfires.

As far as how they feel on the pegs...prior to Sidi's I've used many many many different brands of boots...and I can't tell the difference at all. But I also can't tell the difference between a sand tire and a hard pack tire on hard pack...so I'm not the best test rider, maybe don't take my word for it. lol
1
SEEMEFIRST
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SEEMEFIRST 10/11/2022 5:17pm
10/11/2022 5:17pm
SEEMEFIRST wrote:
Larry Mahan, Chocolate lizard.
Best boot ever.
tampabayjay wrote:
My custom made Mark Nasons are pretty awesome too.
Right on.
Good one's are, well, good.
kage173
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kage173 10/11/2022 5:19pm
10/11/2022 5:19pm
What's the incentive to lie?
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cool_hand
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cool_hand 10/11/2022 6:28pm
10/11/2022 6:28pm
kage173 wrote:
What's the incentive to lie?
What's the incentive to race in boots you don't love? Money. I wonder how many pro level riders wear the boots that stroke the highest sponsor check.....

I have 11.5 foot size US, I was leaning toward the Gaerne's , but my son recently got a pair of Tech 10's and he is loving them.
1
Eddieg15
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Eddieg15 10/11/2022 7:11pm
10/11/2022 7:11pm
Sidi
swordfish
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swordfish 10/12/2022 3:19am
10/12/2022 3:19am
cool_hand wrote:
I am getting back to serious riding, and I need to buy some boots, not exactly flush with cash but want the next 5 years to...
I am getting back to serious riding, and I need to buy some boots, not exactly flush with cash but want the next 5 years to be comfortable and safe,..
TeamGreen wrote:
An amazing boot that’s a great value is the Gaerne SG10.
Or the Fastback for even less money.
https://www.24mx.com/product/gaerne-fastback-endurance-mx-boots-black_p…
1
WCRider
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WCRider 10/12/2022 3:57am
10/12/2022 3:57am
Sidi. Fit small and tight on feet. If you ride a lot on toes and use ankles, they are great. I feel more precise with Sidi. Of course Tech 10 are great but i feel puffy on pegs when i ride with tech 10. Depends riders, it's like grips, some riders can ride with any grips because they are bears with tough big paws, some others don't because they are too sensitive about little things. Same for boots in my opinion.
2
SCAM124
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SCAM124 10/12/2022 4:51am
10/12/2022 4:51am
Brtp4 wrote:
Oh snap, that looks harsh. Hope you heal up well. That said, those boots did [u]not [/u]do their job. T7s are soft overall and have too...
Oh snap, that looks harsh. Hope you heal up well.

That said, those boots did not do their job.

T7s are soft overall and have too much forefoot flex for off road IMO. Like this:



You absolutely, positively cannot do that on a Crossfire SRS or most any welt sole boot (stitched on sole). They behave very differently on a frontal strike.

I wish more people were aware of this, instead of only considering the comfort.

Frontal impacts are super common off road. You don't have to look hard to see they don't end well when there is a lot of forefoot flex.

For fun, google "Lisfranc fracture".

BP

Lisfranc Fracture you say??
Lived it...wearing tech 8's for reference.

2
TogaSet
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TogaSet 10/12/2022 11:48am
10/12/2022 11:48am Edited Date/Time 10/12/2022 12:13pm
For the entire 3-4 hours I’m at the track you can’t beat the comfort of Gaerne SG12s. For the hour or so
I’m actually riding the SIDI Atojo performs better especially for bigger feet. They are compact, light and sleek. Hinged ankle nice too.
1
Mr. Ted
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Mr. Ted 10/12/2022 1:36pm
10/12/2022 1:36pm
I've owned most of them. I would say it is really close between my Sido Atojo SRS that I currently wear or my last pair of Gaerne SG-12's. Whichever fits you better, IMO
They are both great. My A-Stars never seemed to last and Fox weren't quite as comfortable.

Pit Row

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chrisclifford 10/12/2022 2:21pm
10/12/2022 2:21pm
I have Sidi Crossfire 3s (SRS version) though I have friends with SG12s and wouldn't hesitate to buy them. A couple buddies with Tech 7s and 10s too and they seem to like them. They definitely don't last like the Italian made boots (Side and Gaerne). Personally, I would have a hard time paying Sidi money for a boot made in Asia
1
Tim507
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Tim507 10/12/2022 2:37pm
10/12/2022 2:37pm
Daytona, purchased them in Germany in 1973. Wore them for 3 seasons.

Awesome boots as they were very light! Loved them boots.

Never had any issues with them except one - they lasted 6 months and then you needed a new pair as they were not rebuildable.

Still worth it as the cost was acceptable.
Spooner
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Spooner 10/12/2022 4:08pm
10/12/2022 4:08pm
chrisclifford wrote:
I have Sidi Crossfire 3s (SRS version) though I have friends with SG12s and wouldn't hesitate to buy them. A couple buddies with Tech 7s and...
I have Sidi Crossfire 3s (SRS version) though I have friends with SG12s and wouldn't hesitate to buy them. A couple buddies with Tech 7s and 10s too and they seem to like them. They definitely don't last like the Italian made boots (Side and Gaerne). Personally, I would have a hard time paying Sidi money for a boot made in Asia
Tech 10's aren't made in Asia.
Leget
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Leget 10/12/2022 4:18pm
10/12/2022 4:18pm Edited Date/Time 10/12/2022 4:18pm
I’ve been wearing Gearnes since the ‘80’s (I wanted to be like Johnny O’) LOL
I did have one pair of Alpinstars, they did not last very long and back to Gearne!
Come to think of it, Gearne was the first MX boot I ever had... so excluding the one pair of Alpinestars I’ve been 100% Gearne !
Not sure if that’s helpful but I have no complaints.
Sparkalounger
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Sparkalounger 10/12/2022 4:19pm
10/12/2022 4:19pm
Sidi
Hands down.
Not in love with the look / "cool factor", but hands down the best boot I've ever owned.

Since 1988. Several pairs of all of these brands. (except the sweet Daytona's)
Daytonas
O'neals
Fox
Alp's
Gaerne's
Sidi's
Leget
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Leget 10/12/2022 4:27pm
10/12/2022 4:27pm
Johnnydirt wrote:
SG12 for me. As another poster said buy them from Europe and save a ton of money. Just got a pair of SG12 from FCmoto after...
SG12 for me. As another poster said buy them from Europe and save a ton of money. Just got a pair of SG12 from FCmoto after they had a 15% off sale. $379 shipped .
I just got a new set of Gearnes from FCMoto too and got a great deal.
They are worth a look, and shipping was fast.
wrc777
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wrc777 10/12/2022 4:29pm
10/12/2022 4:29pm
chrisclifford wrote:
I have Sidi Crossfire 3s (SRS version) though I have friends with SG12s and wouldn't hesitate to buy them. A couple buddies with Tech 7s and...
I have Sidi Crossfire 3s (SRS version) though I have friends with SG12s and wouldn't hesitate to buy them. A couple buddies with Tech 7s and 10s too and they seem to like them. They definitely don't last like the Italian made boots (Side and Gaerne). Personally, I would have a hard time paying Sidi money for a boot made in Asia
Crossfire 3 are not made in Italy.
olds cool
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olds cool 10/12/2022 6:39pm
10/12/2022 6:39pm
My personal favorite boot ever was the sixsixone Hurricane. Loved those boots. When they finally started rotting and coming apart, I switched to Sidi and haven’t looked back. Ease of sole replacement and “rebuildability” are a nice plus.
2
profeshenal125 10/12/2022 6:50pm
10/12/2022 6:50pm
Wil Denis wrote:
Tech 8’s for me
I got hit on the rt on a start it knocked my left foot off and it went into a riders front wheel. It tore my big toe nail off. The boots sat for 12 yrs I pulled them out this yr and the top toe plastic was peeled off. I wanted the best foot feeling for a lot of shifting. Fox instincts are Great for that. I put them on never adjusted the buckles the 1st ride this yr. The boots fit perfectly ps I hv narrow feet.

1
Bearuno
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Bearuno 10/13/2022 12:51am
10/13/2022 12:51am
For the people with SIDI Atojo boots : how do you find the top sections Velcro flap in use?

I had boots years ago with such a feature - AXOs - and it was not good enough; always coming undone, despite keeping the Velcro clean / clear of debris.

Tim507s comments on Daytonas - I had a couple of those, decades ago . The Ones with the pleated / puffy jacket type section on the shin ( though I think that was a feature even on their Road Race boots) that I picked up in Germany - I think Adolf Weil wearing them brought them to my attention.

They were fantastic boots.

I know it's a near standard line for us Old Bastards, but boots just don't seem to last as long as they did in my younger years, despite their advances. It's a head scratcher, that.
mx4all 10/13/2022 1:16am
10/13/2022 1:16am
Sidi Atojo I like them, lightweight and nice..
1
Madmax31
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Madmax31 10/13/2022 5:10am
10/13/2022 5:10am
crt32 wrote:
The most comfortable was JETT boots, like wearing slippers. Longest lasting and pair I'll buy from here on out, Sidi. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/10/10/572639/s1200_Jett.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/10/10/572640/s1200_sidi_crossfire3_ta_boots_black_750x750.jpg[/img]
The most comfortable was JETT boots, like wearing slippers. Longest lasting and pair I'll buy from here on out, Sidi.









I've been around and I've had everthing at one time or another. Currently running Tech 10's which are pretty nice.

But those Jett boots were the best. Extremely comfortable, lite, yet felt very protective. Too bad those didn't take off. They built a great boot but the finicky mx crowd is buying the latest cool boot from Gaerne, Sidi, or Astars.
1

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