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Gaerne SG-12 Product Evaluation
The Gaerne SG-12 boots have become one of only three sets of boots I go to grab when I go ride.
If you listened to the “Keefer Tested” Boot Shootout Podcast you know the SG-12’s scored very high marks. I have been wearing the Gaerne SG-12’s for a while now and they have quickly become one of my favorite boots to put on my feet when lacing up to hit the track. The SG-12’s are Gaerne’s top-of-the line motocross boot as it incorporates a hinged ankle design, large grip guards on the inner calf, a carbon fiber shank in the sole, and a dual durometer Vibram replaceable rubber sole. The boots weigh in just over nine pounds, which is around the same weight as a set of Alpinestars Tech 10’s. However, the funny part about that weight is that it feels lighter while riding than what the scales are telling me at home. When lifting my leg up high in corners the boots feel like they are more compact (without pinching) around my ankle than a set of Alpinestars Tech 10’s and I don’t feel they are as fat or heavy when doing long motos. The sizing runs a size big as I am normally a size 11, but I wear a size 10 in an SG-12 so be aware of the sizing or try some on first. The toe box area is also not as fat as a Tech 10, yet bigger than a Sidi Crossfire boot. The colors that Gaerne offers are some of the most eye popping and cleanest there is.
The inside of the SG-12’s have great traction against the frame on any machine.
The buckle system is excellent with easy moving buckle straps and three available shin plate settings. I am very picky about buckle systems, but the Gaerne rates at the top of my list with four secure, easy to use replaceable clasps. The only other boot that I have tried that has as good of straps as the SG-12 are the Sidi Crossfire’s. The boots have held up very well and I have yet to see a ton of wear as they still clean up nicely with a soft brush and some soap and water (don’t judge my cleaning abilities in these photos however, I was tired from a long day at the track). The dual-composite, anti-shock sole provides good feel on the pegs and is holding up great against my razor sharp titanium footpegs. Getting accustomed to the SG-12’s took very little time and comfort of the non-bootie design is worthy of an all-day ride. Break in time didn’t take that long and I was comfortable after my second ride on the track.
The soles of the Gaerne SG-12 boots have plenty of cushion on those hard landings.
Gaerne has created a terrific boot with the SG-12. My favorite features by far are the easy to use (even when muddy) buckles and the rubber grip guard, which is the grippiest I have felt on a hinged boot. The flat, grippy inner profile makes squeezing the bike very simple yet is seamless enough not to catch anything on the side of the machine. I was also impressed by the dual-composite, anti-shock sole, which felt great on long test days where I am pounding lap after lap. Some non-bootie designed boots hurt the bottom of my feet on a long day, but the SG-12 has enough cushion for my pushin. Yes, the Gaerne is not cheap (at $549.95), but when you’re getting a quality boot that is comfortable and has so far held up very well I will gladly spend the money.
The Gaerne SG-12 is going to be continuing to be in my steady rotation of boots and hopefully I will be getting some more colors added to my collection soon. If you want to check out the SG-12’s you can go to www.gaerneusa.com. If you have any questions about this test you can drop me an email at kris@keeferinctesting.com anytime and I will try to respond.