Product Report: Gaerne SG-12
Brendan Lutes
- November 21 2008
- 5,464 views
- 30 comments
GAERNE SG-12
PRICE: $559
SIZES: 7-14
COLORS: White, green/black, orange/black, black, red/black, blue/black
RATING: 9.5
WHAT IT IS: Gaerne has long been one of the leaders in the boot market, producing top-of-the-line footwear that has arguably become the benchmark for which a quality boot is measured. New for 2009 is the SG-12. Not designed to replace the long standing high-end SG-10, the SG-12 is rather supplementing Gaerne’s boot lineup by offering one of the most advanced boots money can buy. Featuring a completely redesigned chassis with numerous enhancements, the SG-12 is made to perform under the harshest conditions. The buckles aren’t new; rather they are made out of alloy and are the tried and true non-failure system that is found on the SG-10 boots. The shin guard is completely new and is now anatomically correct and adjustable for larger legs or knee braces, giving it a near perfect fit for almost anyone. The grip guard on the inside of the boot is made of rubber and offers padded protection from heat while still giving the rider excellent unobstructed grip on the bike. Next is the most important new aspect of the SG-12, the double stage pivot system, which provides excellent lateral support. Other smaller aspects of the boot include the new gaiter to keep dirt and water out of the top of the boot, a new stronger Supercross shank for increased support, and lastly a new insole, sole, heal cup, toe-box, and toe cap for improved comfort.
HITS: When we first slipped on the new SG-12, the first thing we noticed was the exceptional comfort. This boot is probably one of the most comfortable boots out there. One thing that was really liked about it was the fact that break-in time was minimal, as all it took were a few laps and the boot felt as comfortable as an old pair of shoes. We’ve been riding with a pair of the boots for a few months now—several times a week—and we have yet to break anything on them or have the sole wear out like other boots have in the past. As for the new double stage pivot system, we’ve twisted our foot in the boots a few times and the lateral support of the SG-12 is awesome. Unlike the older pivot system on the SG-10, which had an actual pivot at the ankle that you could feel while gripping the bike, the SG-12 has a seamless flat inside surface that makes gripping the bike easy. If we were to recommend a high-end pair of boots to anyone, it would likely be the SG-12.
MISSES: These boots are expensive, but be that as it may, it’s a small price to pay to keep your feet and ankles safe while pounding out laps at your local motocross track. The boots also tend to fit a size small, so it’s probably a good idea to try them on at a dealership before ordering a pair.
THE VERDICT: Despite the high price tag, we stand firmly behind the Gaerne SG-12 boots. They fit remarkably well, look killer, and offer a great amount of protection that not every boot does. Sure, you can spend a little less on a pair of boots, but they likely aren’t going to protect you as well as the SG-12 does.
Visit www.gaerne.com
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November 22nd, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Why would you say “try them on at the dealer before ordering?” Don’t you want people to buy boots at the bike shop? How about everone quit subscribing to your mag and just read it at the store instead of buying it.
November 22nd, 2008 at 9:18 pm
The price of these boots is more than the price of reconstructive ankle surgery. I think the only reason for these boots is to make us think that the over-priced SG10’s and Teck10’s seem reasonable. I love my SG10′S but come on! I look forward to buying them on clearance once the dealers can’t move them.
November 23rd, 2008 at 1:27 pm
I guess you lost the point of me saying you should try them on before buying them. There is such a thing as the Internet or mailorder businesses. You can purchase boots and various gear from these businesses, and sometimes the price that you get them for is cheaper than your local bike shop. If you are in fact planning on purchasing from an online business or mailorder, you should probably try them on first. Seems simple enough, right? Oh, and Mr. or Ms. Anonymous, what hospital do you get your surgeries done at? I can’t believe that your ankle would stay together for roughly $600…
November 23rd, 2008 at 6:45 pm
600.00 is way to friggin much for a pair of boots……..there are plenty of boots in the 200-300 range that are just as good……they wont sell and will be on sale in a year…….not to smart in this economy for overpriced gear
November 23rd, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Anyone who thinks a 200-300 dollar pair of boots is going to give you the same protection is an idiot. I used to have boots like that, and guess what… I busted my ankle putting my foot down. I now own a pair of SG12’s and they are amazing. I will never go back to those other crap boots.
November 24th, 2008 at 12:52 am
Wow dude , really? …..an idiot? Strong words.
Riders have been wearing tech 8’s ($300 range) for quite some time which have provided ample protection for the money depending on your speed an how you ride.
The point that Dunn 2500 was trying to get across was along the same thinking as yourself. Its an expensive boot… thats all.
The Sidi SRS crossfire at around $450 is a real comfortable, high end boot thats made with Italian quality.
November 24th, 2008 at 3:58 am
Another good reason to try them on at your dealer is to make sure they fit. I’d hate to pay $600 for a pair of boots online only to find they’re a half size too small. And as far as supporting local dealers goes, they make enough money off me with their overpriced oil and clutch levers. I’d buy from the internet in a heartbeat if it meant saving $100 or more.
November 24th, 2008 at 10:32 am
broke my ankle last week x-rays and cast all together $63… at a first rate hospital… of course i live in china
November 24th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
I have SG-10’s and cannot say enough about them. I love them and find that they’re great! When they wear out after a few years (like my previous SG-10’s did, I’ll be getting SG-12’s. I never want to look back at an injury and think…”If I only owuld have spent $150 more. Thus, my $400 Leatt brace and $500 Arai helmet. Man… never did the math before but for just the lid, Leatt, and boots…over $1100. WOW!!! I need a 2-stroke!
November 24th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
i broke an ankle w/sidi crossfires………..all boots are 200-300 except for these and the sidi’s…..you are exactly the prototype marketing/sales people love….has that 1000.00 pipe made you faster?
November 25th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
“If you are in fact planning on purchasing from an online business or mailorder, you should probably try them on first. Seems simple enough, right?”
Brendan Lutes, how do you suggest one tries on the boots?
November 25th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Go to your local bike shop. Or somewhere close to your home that sells the boots and has them in stock to try different sizes on. I guess if there isn’t a shop that sells them around you, or they won’t let you just try boots on, you’re outta luck. Seems simple enough, right?
November 25th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
I let Donald Trump know about these boots.
November 26th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Brendan, those shops where you advise people to try their boots on, have to buy and pay for all of those boots! And the helmets, chest protectors and riding gear also. Sure these boots are expensive, now imagine if you had to buy all of the most popular sizes and colors, just to have them in stock for people to try on, when they have no intention of buying them. I think the concept of local shops making millions off of clutch levers and oils is pretty hilarious, but I guess that’s a whole different subject.
November 27th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
idiot?? alpienstars tech8 (300rate) ivan tedesco - jeremy Mcgrath wore those boots and other riders wore tech10
i think that this boots are siick!! and comfortable
but they are to expensive!!!
November 29th, 2008 at 8:09 am
If you get the boots at the dealer you have the chance to make sure you get the right size. Ordering them from your locals supports local economies wich we need right now. As far as a dealership making a killing on clutch levers and oil…dealers are lucky to make 30% to 40% before a discount, on a sale. Other retailers…clothing, jewlers, electronics…are making a higher than a 100% on each sale. Locals are hurting now, what happens when our local dealers, service, and parts departments are exstinct?
November 30th, 2008 at 12:37 am
I gotta go with brendan on this one besides like hell if i’m gona pay that much and the boots not be perfect might not pay that much at all.
December 1st, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Brandon,
You wrote a good product report. The manufacturers have opened the doors to alternative marketing via SH, MX Resultz and MX Sponsor. You don’t have to apologize for this shift in how we buy our stuff. Basically we can get stuff now for close to what the dealers pay. Who wouldn’t take deal in our sport. It’s a bummer for the dealers but the riders didn’t open that door.
December 28th, 2008 at 9:44 am
The guy that thinks surgery is less than 600 bucks better think again. I Just broke my ankle the telis in two, just for the hospital $57,353 for 7.5 hours of surgery, and I have not seen the bills from the ortho Surgeon, or the anesthesiologist. Best guess looking at probably 80K when everything is said and done. Luckily max out of pocket from insurance is $2500, but $600 is better than $2500 and several months off the bike. I was wearing fox F3’s simply over jumped a double and bam, not to say this couldn’t happen with the SG-12’s but as soon as I’m out of my cast I will be getting a pair.
January 1st, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Thanks for write up and review Brendan! Now when you say the boots fit a size small, you’re meaning that if I normally wear a size 10 I should consider possibly moving down to a size 9 with the SG-12’s…right?
January 2nd, 2009 at 11:35 am
I think like that first one
January 13th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
have u tried both because i own a pair of sg10s size 12 and i was wondering what size i should get
January 13th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
have you ever thought of applying for a sponsorship im sponsored by Gaerne and i can get the Sg-12 for $389.
January 17th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Thanks Brendan for the awesome review! Im buying these but I need to know what size to get. I wear an 11 comfortably in shoes, if that helps. Reason I ask, I cannot find these at the shop and will order from Loco MX. Thanks, Derek2009
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:11 pm
I would hate to tell you the wrong size, but I wear a 9.5-10 in shoes and can fit into a 9 in the boots. The 10 that I ride in now has a little room in it, but is comfortable none the less.
January 27th, 2009 at 11:08 am
I would say this: If you goto a dealer to try on the boots, atleast give them the chance to make it worth your while to buy from them. Its their decision to match (or get close to) an online price with shipping. In the past, when I have done something simular, and they wouldnt lower their prices, I just buy some oil or other needed supplies to support the dealer, then order from the online retailer.
Luckily, I’m sponsored for most items, but, in this case Gaerne doesnt have size 14s in country, for some reason they didnt order any in their major December order, so I have a special order waiting in the hopes they do another small order from Italy. So don’t expect them to have any 14s instock.
February 23rd, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Man, what a bunch of bitching. Lets face it, companies make products for all different budgets. Sounds like some people are just pissed they cant afford them.
My questions is this for those of you who have these boots. I was told that the Sidi Crossfire is for people with narrow feet and that Gaerne is for those with wider feet? Can anyone on here tell me if that is the case? Unfortunately, no one stocks these boots near me due to the “over priced tag” on them. I have a narrow foot and want to get the right boot between these two options.
Thanks,
RK
June 12th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
i agree i have a pair of F3's and i overjumped and ruined my ankle!
August 5th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Hey Brendan
I agree with the comment above from Ron. You said "The boots also tend to fit a size small, so it’s probably a good idea to try them on at a dealership before ordering a pair" This suggests quite clearly going into a dealership to try them on, then ordering the boots… You really should be more clear if you are honestly suggesting a purchase from the "shop". Tranworld would be really bummed if all your readers simply read TWMX at Barnes and Noble and didn't purchase it. Imagine how dealers feel about your review!
October 29th, 2009 at 6:32 am
tech 8's are $430.. and tech 10's $480 btw