Motocross boot protection comparison - Gaerne SG12 vs AlpineStars Tech 7 vs Leatt 5.5 vs. Sidi Adv 2
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- čas přidán 22. 02. 2024
- In this video I'm comparing the relative protection level provided by some of the more popular / common motocross or dirtbike boots.
Specifically I'm comparing a cowboy or work boot vs. Gaerne SG12 vs. Leatt 5.5 FlexLock vs. AlpineStars Tech7 Enduro Drystar vs. Sidi Adventure 2 Goretex
All of these boots I own, paid for myself, and have ridden in quite a bit, so I can offer a long term ownership type perspective.
While I talk mostly about protection in the video, if you want more of my thoughts on any of these boots, please leave a comment! - Auta a dopravní prostředky
good info. exactly what I have been looking for in a boot review video. nice job!
Thanks! Glad you found it useful!
Great Review! I’m a street rider ( returning after 25 years). I’m looking for a protected boot and considering moto x and just leaving in boxes and carrying street shoes to change into. I’m surprised at lack of good protective street boot.
There are some pretty protective road racing boots out there. Speaking from experience, I think an MX boot might be somewhat difficult to operate typical street bike controls with.
The reality is that mx style impact protection (boots, body protectors...etc) really only works at relatively low speeds and for things like smashing your feet against rocks, stumps, and other motorcycles.
You may want to look at something like a trials boot as Ryan F9 suggests.
I think the best middle of the road for hard enduro from the Gaerne line are the Fastback Endurance Boots. Waay more comfortable than the SG-12 and you sacrifice just a bit of protection and rigidity that you need in mx mainly. Comparing Astars Tech 7 with SG-12 and Leatt 5.5 is a bit of a stretch since they are in another class. A more suited comparison would be against Tech10.
Personally I found the SG-12 super stiff and my feet hurt everywhere and bought the Fastbacks. And then for the supreme comfort I got myself the Tech 10 and never looked back. Even with the Fastback Endurance after the breaking in period when you ride all day you start feeling your ankle bones hurt etc. , while with Tech 10 I feel like I can wear 'em in the house after the riding session.
Anyways it's a very much subjective topic when it comes to comfort and pretty much all the top tear model no matter the brand are good boots. I just think that Tech 10s are above everything else on the market in terms of comfort due to that inner shoe exclusive design. Cheers for the time and effort to compare the boots that you got there!
Thanks!
I think comfort is a very subjective thing since everyones feet are different. I find all Gaerne boots supremely comfortable, I've had a few different pairs. SG12's take a couple rides to break in, but after that I can wear them all day with no issues what so ever. I've worn them on multi-day BDR and dual sport trips and have never felt like I needed to get them off ASAP at the end of the day. Similar to what you describe with the comfort you get with the Tech 10.
Tech 10's are definitely on my list of boots to try in the future, so thanks for sharing the feedback on those!
Not disagreeing with the opinions on the tech 7’s, but I think you’d find the tech 10’s closer to the least and gearne.
That would make sense, since it's their top of the line boot. I have a couple friends with Tech 10's who love them.
Do your Leatts click like mad ?
The red flexlock insert never stays in its opening on mine and hardly restricts the rom.
They did click quite a bit when new, I don't notice it now.
@@DmitriyAdv thanks for taking the time to reply.
I don't think these will calm down after looking closely at them. As well as the flexloc insert constantly coming out, when standing and dropping the heels to put the boot in dorsiflexion, the other plastic supports click and pop out of the rear.
Looking at the black plastic holder for the inset, shaving some off the rear might just do the trick of stopping the red insert popping out.
Overall I like the boot though, I think the Leatt designed these with a different approach to other manufacturers with passive protection to remove the heavy initial impact/deflection forces, rather than making a solid unforgiving boot.
I'm comparing them to Astars tech7, Sidi Atojo, crossfire 3 and the X power.
Tech 7 were too soft after a few rides, and I always struggled with shifts.
Crossfire 3 are still going strong, however not the best support for the leg in side impacts. Also the worst boot to get on with the little routine you have to do to strap in.
Atojo - very comfortable, better toe box than crossfire, go on easy and are solid despite just three buckles. Very good dexterity of controls.
Current favourites are the X power with trails soles, Game changer ! Excellent support and a welted sole, total connection to bike and the reason why the top hard enduro lads use them, although they are always a pain to strap up.
I'll see how I get on with the Leatt, with a view to getting the new Sidi with the Vibram soles
@@adamhrachowina9119 appreciate the detailed breakdown of your own experiences. I haven't owned any Sidi boots aside from the adventure, but have been curious to try them. Riding a lot of hard enduro badly, as well as a decent amount of faster single track, I do usually like a boot that has a lot of solid plastic protection. It's pretty typical for me to have my foot pinned between the bike and rocks, get hit by pegs, or big sticks/rocks at speed. In that respect, I don't think the X Power would be for me, but I can see the appeal! When the time comes I will probably bite the bullet and pay $500+ for a set of Gaerne SG22s.
@@adamhrachowina9119 I did a bit of research on the X power boots and they seem interesting! How would you compare the protection level / amount of hard plastic (specifically impact/flexion) vs the Leatt?
@@DmitriyAdv Hi, the X power feels less bulky due to less plastic, but the toe area is better protected than the Leatt as the plastic completely covers the vulnerable areas likely to get a puncture from a branch. The leatts have that soft part like the Astars with no plastic over it.
The Sidi feel less substantial after having the Leatt on, but that's because of the thick lining and outer skeleton of the Leatt. In a side impact or crush the Sidi is very resistant to a snapping impact.
The Leatt doesn't even come close to the Sidis dexterity on the bike, although I've only worn the Leatt a couple of times so my opinion may change.
The best review I've seen on the Sidi is by Atomic Moto, he explains the boot well. If you do go for a pair get the flat trials sole fitted 👌
Have a look at
Riding for 30 years, and there is nothing even close to the build quality, protection, ease of use, durability of the Gaerne SG 12. They are expensive, but worth every penny. Tried all these , the tech 7 is comfortable but l get heel float in it. If you want a less expensive boot then get the Leatt.
They last forever too. I think the cost per hour of a Gaerne SG12 is probably lower than many other boots.
SG22…
@@jacobmcvay123one day... SG12's take a while to wear out.
99% of Adventure boots are street abrasion reistance boots only and are not true off-road boots. The Sidi 2 are reasonable, boarder line for offering adventure riding protection.
I like my Tech 7's and have had my KTM enduro and Yamaha MX bikes ontop of my boots many times and along with Mobius knee guards have never had a lower body injury over years.
Many AMA pro MX & SX riders prefer & wear the Tech 7 over the Tech 10 boots.
Thanks for your comment and feedback on the Tech 7s!
I feel like whats "enough" protection is a very personal choice with a lot of personal variables involved. There are many people who don't wear any upper body armor and many who like to pad every bone in their body.
Sidi Adventure 2's are not motocross boots. Better comparison would be with Sidi Crossfires or similar.
I 💯 agree, just using the boots I personally have. I actually wanted to include them specifically to point out that adventure boots don’t offer nearly as much protection.