I've been wanting a pair of these for a while and am about to pull the trigger. Gaerne MX boots have served me very well so I figure to stay with the brand. Plus they're brown. No fashion hound here but I've sworn off buying black M/C gear as much as possible. So my question: Are the oiled boots worth the extra 90 or so clams they would cost ? Would the regular ones be just fine? I've had a pretty good run here lately and I got the dough, it's just that due to my frugal nature I hate to just piss money away unnecessarily.
I feel....no. I am particular in that I think waterproof boots are a liability on more days than an asset....breathability, cost, etc. But I also do not ride in the rain, really. And my Balances are black. BP
I've been wearing the oiled Gaerne's for years for both trials and dual sport/adventure riding. Love them. I'll wear my SG-10's for more 'racing' conditions. The waterproofing really does work, and I really don't think you are going to notice them being any hotter than any other boot. Plus it's very nice to not get soakers every time you walk or splash through a stream. Considering how long the boots will last you, $90 spread over that time is nothing. If it's a factor for you, they are also comfy enough to walk around in all day and never get blisters or feel like you're in ski boots. For bopping around town , pull you jeans over the tops and no one will even notice that you have boots on.
That's pretty much what I've been thinking. If they last like these SG10's they could be the last pair I ever buy. My buddy gets all choked up about my $300 boots but I bet I've spent 1/4 of what he has running through the cheap ones every year or so.
For those of you with these boots have you found they are true to size? I'm a 9 1/2 Nike guy and see they come in whole sizes so goingiwth 10, ??? Thanks for you help Cheers!
They run large.....I normally wear a 12 shoe and I am an 11 in these. If your alternate size to a 9.5 is a 10, you should be OK. If it is a 9, then go with the 9. BP
Strangely, I had the opposite experience re: fitting. However I do need very large "toe boxes" usually. I typically wear a wide 11.5-12, the 11's were definitely too small in the SG10's. 12's fit me perfectly. dc
My balanced oiled boots are the best I have ever had in 40 yrs of riding. IMHO they are worth the money and then some. Super comfortable, can be resoled, waterproof, super comfortable. Pull the trigger, you'll be glad you did. Folks that have them swear by them, folks that don't usually dis them--just saying.
I found their Euro sizing exact on other euro-sized boots and shoes that I wore. Been wearing them for three years: trail riding, street riding, etc. They have given great protection through some spectacular trail riding biffs. The comfort level is incredible, especially appreciated when helping others bump-start their bikes on the trail rides. The Gortex has held up wonderfully, too, and I wouldn't ride without it. -Janet
