Gaerne SG22 sizing question

PNWMXer
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Good Afternoon All-

Had a question regarding the above. I am a 11.5 in street shoes. I have worn an 11 in Gaerne, over two sets of SG12s and one set of -10s. However, my latest version of -12s don’t fit well. They put a couple pressure points on my foot on top and it’s clear the overall design is much narrower (especially near the toes) than my previous set, which are about 7 years old or more now. I tried riding in them repeatedly hoping they’d break in and alleviate the problem, but they haven’t and I keep having to switch back to my old boots. Interestingly they are also very dead feeling on the brake and shifter, despite having several hours of riding time on them.

I’m to the point of throwing in the towel and ordering something else. I’m looking at the -22s and wondering if I should go to a size 12? Stay with 12s but order a size 12 this time? Or possibly another brand? I’d like to stay with Gaerne because I’ve always liked them, but not opposed to something else. I tried Tech-10s once upon a time but my calves are too big (which was another nice part with Gaerne and their multi position buckles). 

My apprehension with going to a size 12 is I tried that many years ago and the boots were great when new but too loose once broken in. 

Thanks in advance for any help.

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wwdiii
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11/22/2025 2:19pm

I haven’t had Gaerne’s in years and when I did they were  GX1’s which may not count.

I wear a 10.5 in street shoes, cowboy boots and  work boots (not that I work anymore).  My MX boots no mater what brand are always size 11.  I have Tech 7’s, Leatt 5.5 and Sidi crossfire TA3’s.  All are size 11.  With Rocky Mt ATV brand MX socks 11 do me good.  Last thing I want are to tight MX boots.  

If I were going to buy 22’s and I started to a couple weeks back but I’m boot poor and changed my mind.   I would have bought 11’s since I wear 10.5 cowboy boots and shoes.

In your case I’d buy 12’s since you wear 11.5 street shoes.  But that just this old guys opinion.  

2
randbagger
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11/22/2025 2:26pm

I purchased SG-22. They fit the same size wise as 20 yrs of Alpinestars. 9=9.

1
yamahaha131
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11/22/2025 3:50pm

I wear 10-10.5 in shoes. Sg22's I tried on in a size 10 felt great. I was considering switching they felt so nice as a long time tech 10 guy.

1
kicker
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11/22/2025 5:08pm

I had SG12s about 5-6 years ago that were a whole size down from my US street shoe and now SG22s about 2 years ago that are sized the same. I really like my SG22s

1

The Shop

wrc777
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11/22/2025 5:55pm

I wear a 10 in the sg22, tech 7, and Sidi Crossair. They all feel pretty similar to me. The sg12 did not fit me at all. They were way too narrow at my toes. 

1
FGR01
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11/22/2025 6:23pm

You can always get the size 12's and then get some thicker aftermarket "athletic insoles" and/or wear thicker socks to make up the difference.  The stock insoles are basically paper thin.

2
PNWMXer
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11/22/2025 6:25pm
wrc777 wrote:
I wear a 10 in the sg22, tech 7, and Sidi Crossair. They all feel pretty similar to me. The sg12 did not fit me at...

I wear a 10 in the sg22, tech 7, and Sidi Crossair. They all feel pretty similar to me. The sg12 did not fit me at all. They were way too narrow at my toes. 

Kind of what I was wondering as well. There is a definite change in the newer 12’s vs my older pair. The narrower/more tapered toe area is instantly visible just looking at them, and more so when wearing them. 

Thank you all for the help. Much appreciated.

1
11/22/2025 6:30pm

SO i switched to SG22's from SG12's last year and hate them, pinch at the ankles and hurt my feet by the end of a ride .  I think they're too small for me , actually bought another pair of SG12's .Will need a set by spring so will probably try a bigger set of 22's . 

11/22/2025 7:17pm

10 years ago I wore a 10.5 street shoe and a size 10 SG-12 fit me well. I wear a 11 shoe now, and an 11 SG22. The midfoot and toebox is very roomy, feels more like a 11.5 to me. I've worn size 11 Tech 10's and Sidi's in recent years and those fit me well. I would guess an 11 SG-22 will fit you but best to try before you buy. They got better once broken in and I could sinch down the buckles more. 

1
wrc777
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11/22/2025 8:02pm
wrc777 wrote:
I wear a 10 in the sg22, tech 7, and Sidi Crossair. They all feel pretty similar to me. The sg12 did not fit me at...

I wear a 10 in the sg22, tech 7, and Sidi Crossair. They all feel pretty similar to me. The sg12 did not fit me at all. They were way too narrow at my toes. 

PNWMXer wrote:
Kind of what I was wondering as well. There is a definite change in the newer 12’s vs my older pair. The narrower/more tapered toe area...

Kind of what I was wondering as well. There is a definite change in the newer 12’s vs my older pair. The narrower/more tapered toe area is instantly visible just looking at them, and more so when wearing them. 

Thank you all for the help. Much appreciated.

The last pair of sg12 I tried on were made in 2018 or 2019 I think. 

FGR01
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11/23/2025 8:00am
wrc777 wrote:
I wear a 10 in the sg22, tech 7, and Sidi Crossair. They all feel pretty similar to me. The sg12 did not fit me at...

I wear a 10 in the sg22, tech 7, and Sidi Crossair. They all feel pretty similar to me. The sg12 did not fit me at all. They were way too narrow at my toes. 

PNWMXer wrote:
Kind of what I was wondering as well. There is a definite change in the newer 12’s vs my older pair. The narrower/more tapered toe area...

Kind of what I was wondering as well. There is a definite change in the newer 12’s vs my older pair. The narrower/more tapered toe area is instantly visible just looking at them, and more so when wearing them. 

Thank you all for the help. Much appreciated.

The current SG-12 toe box has been in use for at least 10 years.  I have a 2015 pair that is identical to my newest pair.   Your older pair must be the previous/original toe box like the boot on the left in this pic.

Gaerne SG12 Boots | KTM Owners Forum

wwdiii
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11/23/2025 8:52am
FGR01 wrote:
You can always get the size 12's and then get some thicker aftermarket "athletic insoles" and/or wear thicker socks to make up the difference.  The stock...

You can always get the size 12's and then get some thicker aftermarket "athletic insoles" and/or wear thicker socks to make up the difference.  The stock insoles are basically paper thin.

I did the same thing with my Sidi TA3’s.  They were like walking with two boards strapped to my feet.  I bought the best cushion insoles I could find on Amazon.  I think I paid 30-35 bucks for insoles, but they made all the difference in the world.  We’re a tick tight at first but starting to loosen up.  The SIDI’s are not best to walk around in, dang stiff but with that low toe they are easy to shift.  

Dynamometer
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11/23/2025 8:54am Edited Date/Time 11/23/2025 8:56am

Probably not very helpful but my SG12's have ran true to size. Some say they run 1/2 size big

1
PNWMXer
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11/23/2025 1:44pm
wrc777 wrote:
I wear a 10 in the sg22, tech 7, and Sidi Crossair. They all feel pretty similar to me. The sg12 did not fit me at...

I wear a 10 in the sg22, tech 7, and Sidi Crossair. They all feel pretty similar to me. The sg12 did not fit me at all. They were way too narrow at my toes. 

PNWMXer wrote:
Kind of what I was wondering as well. There is a definite change in the newer 12’s vs my older pair. The narrower/more tapered toe area...

Kind of what I was wondering as well. There is a definite change in the newer 12’s vs my older pair. The narrower/more tapered toe area is instantly visible just looking at them, and more so when wearing them. 

Thank you all for the help. Much appreciated.

FGR01 wrote:
The current SG-12 toe box has been in use for at least 10 years.  I have a 2015 pair that is identical to my newest pair...

The current SG-12 toe box has been in use for at least 10 years.  I have a 2015 pair that is identical to my newest pair.   Your older pair must be the previous/original toe box like the boot on the left in this pic.

Gaerne SG12 Boots | KTM Owners Forum

You’re right, they must be older than I was thinking. I quit riding for awhile and they must have been from before I quit vs after like I was thinking. They are exactly like the ones on the left. The newer version has a pronounced taper on the outside towards the toe compared to those, which I believe is causing most of my problems (with my boots anyway…lol).

1
FGR01
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11/23/2025 2:13pm
PNWMXer wrote:
You’re right, they must be older than I was thinking. I quit riding for awhile and they must have been from before I quit vs after...

You’re right, they must be older than I was thinking. I quit riding for awhile and they must have been from before I quit vs after like I was thinking. They are exactly like the ones on the left. The newer version has a pronounced taper on the outside towards the toe compared to those, which I believe is causing most of my problems (with my boots anyway…lol).

Yep, that was the difference from the old to the new version.  For what it's worth, if I put the current 12's and 22's on back to back, they both fit exactly the same to me.  Just one anecdotal opinion.  I realize lots of other people think the 22 fits a little roomier.  But I have a very wide foot just behind my pinky toe and the 22 has no extra room there that the 12 doesn't.   If you have a ski shop nearby they can heat and stretch the plastic toe box.

1
sandman768
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11/24/2025 4:47am Edited Date/Time 11/24/2025 4:50am

IMG 3275 9.jpeg?VersionId=R2xI have wide feet and bunions….I know, lucky guy…..I could not wear 12”s right out of the box, needed to have them stretched at a ski shop…bought a set of 22”s this summer, first set of boots I could wear without having them stretched, IMO they have a wider toe box area, otherwise true to size…600$ for a set of boots….😘👌🤡

1
Brtp4
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Bend, OR US
11/24/2025 10:26am
PNWMXer wrote:
Good Afternoon All-Had a question regarding the above. I am a 11.5 in street shoes. I have worn an 11 in Gaerne, over two sets of...

Good Afternoon All-

Had a question regarding the above. I am a 11.5 in street shoes. I have worn an 11 in Gaerne, over two sets of SG12s and one set of -10s. However, my latest version of -12s don’t fit well. They put a couple pressure points on my foot on top and it’s clear the overall design is much narrower (especially near the toes) than my previous set, which are about 7 years old or more now. I tried riding in them repeatedly hoping they’d break in and alleviate the problem, but they haven’t and I keep having to switch back to my old boots. Interestingly they are also very dead feeling on the brake and shifter, despite having several hours of riding time on them.

I’m to the point of throwing in the towel and ordering something else. I’m looking at the -22s and wondering if I should go to a size 12? Stay with 12s but order a size 12 this time? Or possibly another brand? I’d like to stay with Gaerne because I’ve always liked them, but not opposed to something else. I tried Tech-10s once upon a time but my calves are too big (which was another nice part with Gaerne and their multi position buckles). 

My apprehension with going to a size 12 is I tried that many years ago and the boots were great when new but too loose once broken in. 

Thanks in advance for any help.

I can probably help, if you do this: remove the footbeds, put on the floor, stand on them in the correct location*, and LMK where your toes fall in relation to the perforations on the footbed. Better yet, post a pic here.

*your feet will hang off the sides of the footbeds. Disregard this, that happens with everyone regardless of whether boots are or are not wide enough.

Thanks,

BP

Brtp4
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11/24/2025 10:29am
FGR01 wrote:
The current SG-12 toe box has been in use for at least 10 years.  I have a 2015 pair that is identical to my newest pair...

The current SG-12 toe box has been in use for at least 10 years.  I have a 2015 pair that is identical to my newest pair.   Your older pair must be the previous/original toe box like the boot on the left in this pic.

Gaerne SG12 Boots | KTM Owners Forum

You are correct, they changed around 12 years ago. Compliments.

BP

Brtp4
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11/24/2025 10:38am Edited Date/Time 11/24/2025 10:38am

Having spent an inordinate amount of time studying boot sizing.....Gaerne's do not technically run large, but their sizing is a little complicated. Size 12s are 12s, but size 11s are not 11s, they are closer to 11.5 than anything else. 

And shape is always an additional factor.

I'd guess some of you are rolling your eyes, but there is a methodology to my comment.

HTH.

BP

Splat03
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11/24/2025 2:45pm
sandman768 wrote:
I have wide feet and bunions….I know, lucky guy…..I could not wear 12”s right out of the box, needed to have them stretched at a ski...

IMG 3275 9.jpeg?VersionId=R2xI have wide feet and bunions….I know, lucky guy…..I could not wear 12”s right out of the box, needed to have them stretched at a ski shop…bought a set of 22”s this summer, first set of boots I could wear without having them stretched, IMO they have a wider toe box area, otherwise true to size…600$ for a set of boots….😘👌🤡

Is the clown face emoji related to the $600 boots or the funny shaped feet? Maybe both?  😁

sandman768
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11/24/2025 2:50pm
Splat03 wrote:

Is the clown face emoji related to the $600 boots or the funny shaped feet? Maybe both?  😁

Definitely both….

1
11/25/2025 6:21am

Get the SG22s in size 12 and get some of these insoles.  You won't want to take the boots off.  Amazon.com: Shoe Insoles, Memory Foam Insoles, Providing Excellent Shock Absorption and Cushioning for Feet Relief, Comfortable Insoles for Men and Women for Everyday Use, L,(US M: 8-12/W: 10-15) : Health & Household

I had a similar situation and couldn't wear my SG12s anymore due to injury.  I went up 2 sizes from size 11 to 13 with insoles, in the SG12s.  It was manageable but not comfortable.  I went with SG22s with those insoles and now I never want to take them off.

Xracer
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US
11/25/2025 9:54am
SO i switched to SG22's from SG12's last year and hate them, pinch at the ankles and hurt my feet by the end of a ride...

SO i switched to SG22's from SG12's last year and hate them, pinch at the ankles and hurt my feet by the end of a ride .  I think they're too small for me , actually bought another pair of SG12's .Will need a set by spring so will probably try a bigger set of 22's . 

I was starting to wonder if it's just me.  I switched from 20 years in Tech 7's to SG22's last year and end up with sore ankles every time I ride. The fit feels fine, I think it has something to do with the mechanics / flex of the boot. I thought I would just need to get used to them, but I have 30-40 hours in them now and it's still an issue. I'm "downgrading" back to Tech 7's next year and I'll just put up with the squeaky walk.

 

adams189
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11/28/2025 3:27pm

For what it’s worth. I have tried A-stars tech 10 and have been through multiple sets of SG-12 and have had a hard time getting my size right. I have tried size 9 and 10. My street shoes are a 10. Obviously the larger size the wider it gets. I just order a pair of 10.5 SG22 and they fit great. I broke my right ankle in 2016 and have had a rough time with all shoes since. The 10.5 do not pinch by foot and I am excited to wear them. If you need an after ride review let me know and I’ll post again after I ride in them all day. 

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