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Location
Tallapoosa, GA
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Edited Date/Time
8/18/2025 6:21pm
I am looking at mid level boots: $250-300 range.
Does anyone have any input as to how a Gaerne GX-1 compares to a Alpinestars tech 3 or 5? I like that the Gaernes are still all made in italy.
Anyone have any experience with Forma Pilots, TCX X-Blasts, or Fly FR5's ?
My last boots were Alpinestars tech 5s which sat for too long unused in a hot garage. After trying them back on all the buckles, straps, and every other plastic part just crumbled and fell apart. My brother gave me his set of old, but barely used tech 3s and they did the same thing and fell apart.
I am getting back to riding after a long break and will be doing mostly offroad/trail riding.
I’ve worn the Gaerne Fastbacks and they seems to be the boot with the most support for an affordable boot.
I think they’re $369 & can be found for less than that.
Good luck.
I have used the TCX boots in the past and liked them. They fit well and lasted the whole season of hard off-road racing. They were much more comfortable than my GX-1s, which felt extremely cheap to me.
You can get a “slightly used” top shelf boot for $300, if you’re patient. What size and what color boot you looking to get ?
Been wearing Alpinestar Tech 3s for many years…they’ve worked good for me and don’t break the bank..
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Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
Free shipping: VITALMX
The Thor Radial is an amazing boot for $250 retail. Dual hinges and really comfortable.
No experience with any of the boots you mentioned except tech3, and I did not care for them at all. If it were me I'd be patient and find a lightly used pair of SG12s well worth it.
Size would be 10 or 10.5. Looking for black or black and white.
I am a 10.5 in street shoes but boot sizes always used to be a bit all over the place between brands in the past for me.
My local dealer can hardly be called a "motorcycle" shop any more as they are 90% utv/atv so they have almost nothing on the shelf to choose from. I am going to hit the nearest cycle gear store and see what they may have.
You can check your local stores inventory on-line.
I agree with Sr_Vet_Rider. I would shop around on mxlocker or mxboot.com to find some used high end boots
Oddball recommendation but I've been wearing the Acerbis x-rock boots for a few years and have been happy with them, they're available on govx and expertvoice if you have access to either of those sites as well.
Sidi atojo. Have had my pair since 2021, still in great shape. Replaced the soles I think 3 times. The protection is best in class.
https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/salebazaar/gaerne-sg12-used
These are 10’s
https://www.mxboot.com/used-mx-boots-for-sale
Several pairs here
I switched from Astars and bought a pair of SG-12s a few years ago. Still feel and look like new. It is my first pair of Gaerne (might be my last!). Never tried any of their lower level boots, but if they’re built like the SG-12s, you’ll be happy with them.
The Sidi and gaerne at the $400 price point offer significantly better protection than anything cheaper other than close outs of higher end boots. The leatt 5.5 are usually super cheap on closeout. I would look for those if you want to stay under $300.
GX-1s are a great boot. Vastly better than Tech 5s, and in a different solar system from Tech 3s. I'd recommend them over (the old) Tech 7s. Despite being G's lowest priced model, they give up very little.
They don't sell well, especially in comparison to, well, anything, so you will not find many advocating them. That said they are probably the most underrated boot sold IMO.
HTH.
BP
It happened the same (plastics crumbled) to me with my old Alpinestars, they were 10 or 15 yo, so I think that with any brand should happen the same.
BTW, where would you probably shop those boots? Any recommendations? Discounts?
My friend is going to USA (Miami and Orlando, FL) for vacations and is looking for the same price/models as you.
Thanks in advance.
Alpinestars Tech 7 MX Motocross Offroad MX ATV Dirt Bike Boots 10 Black | eBay
Here you go.
Above your price range but I like the Sidi. For whatever reason I can’t wear Gaerne they rub my foot and ankle raw.
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