Mid level boots

wwdiii
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League City, TX US
11/23/2025 6:46pm
McG194 wrote:
Didn't expect so much love for the Tech 7's. How are they for bigger calves and how do they compare to the Fox Instinct? I'd also love...

Didn't expect so much love for the Tech 7's. How are they for bigger calves and how do they compare to the Fox Instinct? 

I'd also love to hear any experiences with the Atlas Traction boot. 

wrc777 wrote:

They are terrible for bigger calves. 

SlackBoy wrote:

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.

I have a pair of 5.5 Leatts.  I’ve only tried them on a time or two and walked around the garage.  My calves are not huge, but I’d say a little larger than average.  They seem to fit me just fine.  I plan on taking them to the track this Friday and start breaking them in.  I may post on these Leatt boots once I ride them a time or two.  They look high quality.

wrc777
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Greenwood, IN US
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11/23/2025 8:02pm
McG194 wrote:
Didn't expect so much love for the Tech 7's. How are they for bigger calves and how do they compare to the Fox Instinct? I'd also love...

Didn't expect so much love for the Tech 7's. How are they for bigger calves and how do they compare to the Fox Instinct? 

I'd also love to hear any experiences with the Atlas Traction boot. 

wrc777 wrote:

They are terrible for bigger calves. 

SlackBoy wrote:

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.

Watch the rmatv reviews on YouTube. Chase is good about mentioning the calf room. 

PMR 3
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11/23/2025 8:22pm
wwdiii wrote:
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...

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!!!

I was surprised by the O'neal RDX, pretty good.

ratonmacias
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Guadalajara MX
11/23/2025 8:23pm

Really like the tech 7 and leatt 5.5

The Shop

PMR 3
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11/23/2025 8:26pm
Marty1028 wrote:
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...

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.

BTOsports.com

11/23/2025 11:15pm
Spooner wrote:

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

This is the only response you need. I can buy any boot but only buy T7s

11/23/2025 11:17pm
Spooner wrote:

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

ToolMaker wrote:

And sooo much lighter

And more comfy

Johnny Oz
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AU
11/24/2025 1:46pm
MPJC wrote:
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...

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. 

Same, agreed.

1
BigBoreFan58
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Beverly Hills, CA US
11/24/2025 1:49pm

Tech 7 has zero break-in time. 

ManInBlack
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Location
Hendersonville, TN US
11/24/2025 4:09pm

Tech 7's are great. Boots that I think are even better and in the same price range are the Fox Motion boots. They are basically the old version of the Fox Instinct boots.

PRM31
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Northern, VA US
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11/25/2025 3:31am Edited Date/Time 11/25/2025 5:46am

Motosport has a really good deal on Fox Instinct 2.0 boots. $299 for some colors. 

Edit: my Tech 7s are comfy, but it’s difficult to flex my ankle and I find it difficult to feel the brake or shifter. Stiffness and feel are tradeoffs for protection I’m looking for just a bit more feel. Though, I could certainly live with the T7s if these Instincts are not better for me. 

neysbo
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2008
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Edelstein, IL US
11/25/2025 4:03am

Another plug for tech 7.  Super comfy

wrc777
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Greenwood, IN US
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11/25/2025 10:13am

Sidi Crossair are 375 at revzilla and 400 everywhere else. 

YZed250
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Costa Mesa, CA US
11/25/2025 2:59pm

Forma predator ... about the third or fourth guy in this thread to suggest them. 

Super comfy and high quality sole. 

I just started riding in my third pair (in six years) and have a fourth pair sitting in a box, lol. 

DB505
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Rowlett, TX US
11/25/2025 4:12pm
Flatliner wrote:
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...

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.

FOX instinct, great feel! Don’t care for the buckles tho’

McG194
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Palm Coast, FL US
1/14/2026 1:14pm

I started another thread, but I should fess up here and take any beatings that I get in this thread. 

I was riding with my lower end boots and over jumped a jump and landed in a hole putting all the force of the landing into my heal because I was using proper riding technique and riding on the balls of my feet. I didn't even crash and ended up breaking my ankle. Now when I'm cleared to ride I will be back to my SG12's and I also bought a set of Fastway Ankle Saver pegs. The SG12's may not have prevented it but this has sucked and I learned my lesson the hard way.

Flame away!

2
mxbrian15
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Orlando, FL US
1/14/2026 1:51pm Edited Date/Time 1/14/2026 1:51pm
McG194 wrote:
I started another thread, but I should fess up here and take any beatings that I get in this thread. I was riding with my lower end...

I started another thread, but I should fess up here and take any beatings that I get in this thread. 

I was riding with my lower end boots and over jumped a jump and landed in a hole putting all the force of the landing into my heal because I was using proper riding technique and riding on the balls of my feet. I didn't even crash and ended up breaking my ankle. Now when I'm cleared to ride I will be back to my SG12's and I also bought a set of Fastway Ankle Saver pegs. The SG12's may not have prevented it but this has sucked and I learned my lesson the hard way.

Flame away!

That's a bummer! What boots were you wearing when you broke your ankle?

McG194
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Palm Coast, FL US
1/14/2026 2:07pm
McG194 wrote:
I started another thread, but I should fess up here and take any beatings that I get in this thread. I was riding with my lower end...

I started another thread, but I should fess up here and take any beatings that I get in this thread. 

I was riding with my lower end boots and over jumped a jump and landed in a hole putting all the force of the landing into my heal because I was using proper riding technique and riding on the balls of my feet. I didn't even crash and ended up breaking my ankle. Now when I'm cleared to ride I will be back to my SG12's and I also bought a set of Fastway Ankle Saver pegs. The SG12's may not have prevented it but this has sucked and I learned my lesson the hard way.

Flame away!

mxbrian15 wrote:

That's a bummer! What boots were you wearing when you broke your ankle?

Do I really have to say? It makes it worse. lol

I have a pair of Tech 1's that I got to cut trail with and I was testing my new to me 22 GasGas 450 Factory edition against my 21 KTM 350 XCF to see which one I was fastest on and wanted good feel and not screw up any shifts. I equaled my 350 lap times on my first hot lap on the 450 and broke my ankle on the second hot lap. 

Saz
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E, FL US
1/14/2026 4:39pm Edited Date/Time 1/14/2026 4:43pm
McG194 wrote:
Didn't expect so much love for the Tech 7's. How are they for bigger calves and how do they compare to the Fox Instinct? I'd also love...

Didn't expect so much love for the Tech 7's. How are they for bigger calves and how do they compare to the Fox Instinct? 

I'd also love to hear any experiences with the Atlas Traction boot. 

wrc777 wrote:

They are terrible for bigger calves. 

SlackBoy wrote:

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.

I have large calves and owned a pair of Leatt 5.5 Flexlocks, I also wear Mobius Knee braces which just adds to the size. I absolutely loved them, the sliding velcro was a godsend to getting a good fit. Only downside is they wear the insole out quick. I went and got a set of Dr.Scholls Gel Work boot insoles and put them in and they became a pair of boots I could wear all day without issus. 

The ankle blocks are a bit strange to deal with especially the more restrictive set, they can be tough to get on, but they work well. Another awesome thing is if you keep your eye out you can snag a pair on sale for about 180 bucks. 

I'm currently wearing Tech 10s, but Id definitely consider getting another pair of the 5.5s. 

 

wwdiii
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League City, TX US
1/14/2026 7:27pm

Like a couple hundred people already said……..Tech 7’s

3strokemx
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US
1/15/2026 7:24am
PRM31 wrote:

Anyone tried Sidi Crossairs?

I got some Crossairs last month.
   Super light.
    Solid construction
    Fit/sizing was the same as Tech 7s.
    Allows a lot of ankle flexion but have stoppers to prevent over extension.
   Sole / peg feel was not as good as Tech7's, but still acceptable, similar to SG12's.

Unfortunately I was feeling an uncomfortable pressure on one of my ankles so I bought another pair of Tech 7's and put the Crossairs up for sale.

1
ratonmacias
Posts
1191
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4/1/2008
Location
Guadalajara MX
1/16/2026 5:28am

of all the boots that i have worn i would only repeat on the the tech 7 and flexlock 5.5 

zippytech
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Bethesda, OH US
1/16/2026 5:49am

I like the Gaerne GX1, I just don't' like the squeak.

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