Mid level boots

Try a tech 7.  Great protection but more flexible than a tech 10.

Sidi X-Power are another mid level option.  Very lightweight and good pedal feel.

I love my Leatt 5.5 boots. I had Gaerne SG10 before the Leatt and the Leatt's didn't take much breaking in to be race ready. I've heard nothing but great things about Astars Tech 7's.

Take it for what its worth, but I've had many a mid range boot, and a few of the high end ones from Astars, tcx, Berik, 661, msr, fox off the top of my head. Fox instincts are my favorite.  Once they broke in the comfort was off the charts, no issues with shifting, foot placement, or brake use.

Alpinestars Tech7 or Gaerne Fastback Endurance

Currently have a pair of Fox Instinct 2's and the newer Motion boots. Can't tell much difference personally. I think you can pick up motions under $200 on sale right now at some places, which is about half off.

Gaerne Fastback. I wear the Enduro version for Baja rides and they’re great protection and very comfortable.

Anyone tried Sidi Crossairs?

For mid level boots I’d say Tech 7 would be hard beat.  They are popular and can be bought on sale quite often.  A broke it pair of Tech 7’s is like riding in tennis shoes.  Doesn’t take but a couple of good rides to break in either.

For the average guy 7’s offer good protection.  Serious racer, higher end boots probably more appropriate.

Another comfortable boot mid ranged priced is O’Neal RDX.  I ordered a pair or RDX’s once, tried them on but decided on Tech 7’s.  So I sent them back.  If I had it to do all over again I’d kept them for back up.  I got the RDX for a good priced and they were a wicked cool looking red color too.  I feel certain the RDX would have broken in easy and been comfortable.  Seemed to have a decent amount of support.

If a guy is looking for support and safety, I’d say a SIDI Crossfire TA3 would be hard to beat.  Not the most comfortable, very stiff but dang good boots.  I have a pair I’ve been trying to break in for the last few years now lol!!!

Yeah they allow more ankle flexion and provide more ankle support than a tech 7. 

Anyone here tried the Atlas Traction boot?

I say T7 as well. I have both 7 and 10s and find myself using the 7s more these days.

I love my tech 7 enduros.  Really good flexibility, nice grippy sole and much less $ than tech 10s.

Speaking of boots. Any place offering some killer black friday deals on tech 7s? I need a pair. Ive only ever bought low end entry level boots, and by the time i complete one XC season, they are shredded to the level of the soles separating. Had a pair of entry level oneal's, the sole split after 2 races. Entry level fly boots held up pretty OK though.

Perfect candidate for Instincts 

Pretty much the same as Atojos without SRS. Atojos have worked great for me +200hours and just bought a spare part set(pivots, soles etc) to get another 200h

Much more support than Tech7, but still close to zero break in time. 

I also have new unused Crossairs and there is only very little difference to my old Atojos in the support feel 

Forma predators are widely available for 350 bucks. Super high quality boots with stitched soles. Picked up a pair because I heard good things. They are a little heavier than an sg10/12 but every bit as nice/durable/protective.

Tech 7 all the way. I’ve had 10’s, but I always go back to the 7’s 

Predators are great boots, I’ve got a pair I need to get re-soled. I tried tech 10’s but they rub my ankles raw for some strange reason so I picked up the mid level Forma Pilots. They are lighter than the Predators, have a hinged ankle as well but definitely not as protective as the Predators in my opinion. Still a great boot and I’ll continue to wear them until I get the Predators re-soled. Time to clean up the Tech 10’s and list em.

If a guy wants to take a risk.  MotoStorm, Euro site has Acerbis X Rock boots most of the time for a decent price.  I’d say they are generic SG12’s.  I bought a pair 5 or 6 years back but bought to small.  Sold them here on the sight for close to what I paid for them.  They were stiff as all get out but good boots for cheap.

If a guy wants to save a few buck the Acerbis X Rock are with a look.

And sooo much lighter

Forma Terrain TX is great bang for the buck if you can still get them. I had a pair that I bought about 8 or 9 years ago. They were the cheapest boot I could find with a hinged ankle. I wouldn’t call them cushy but they were great quality and lasted several years. 

Sidis have great colorways but zero comfort

A stars by a mile

I have both Tech 7 and Gaerne G-React boots, size 9 1/2.  Yes, the 7’s are comfortable, but for me the shorter length and shape of the sole, with the lack of the front metal sole protector means more foot movement to use the shifter and rear brake.  Initially it was a major distraction, but like most things I get used to it and plan for it.  

But, the traditional sole of the Gaernes means less movement, faster response, so I can focus ahead.  Coming out of corners it’s easier for me to just quickly upshift through the gears.  Conversely, I can cover the rear break to kill speed coming into them without shifting my balance.

That’s been my experience.  I’m curious if anybody else has had a similar one.

I still prefer Super Victories and wish they made them in white.

I’ve had good luck with the acerbis boots. Soles wore out before the boots did, and their vibram soles. Plenty of flex with the ankle pivot and as stated they are sg copies.

Just ordered some Fox Instinct 2.0. Currently have Tech 7s and 5s. 

Tech 7's all day!

They are terrible for bigger calves. 

How are the Leatts for those of us that aren't chicken legged. Hopefully being south African they make em to fit the big saffa rubgy players.