GaerneFastback Boots (White, 8)

I ride enduro in a hot and humid climate, and I've used these boots on several long rides and races. This is a review based on my heavy usage. The boots are a bit expensive, but are a great balance of strength and flexibility.Strengths:Construction - The whole boot is made of heavy stitched leather, the plastic is quite solid and provides good protection from rocks and branches - I've smacked my feet against several obstacles with no injuries. Buckles are a solid aluminum alloy.Comfort - The ankles and legs are nicely padded and there are no pinch points or areas to cause blisters. I've worn them for 7 hours straight and not even noticed I was wearing them. They fit with my knee braces too.Soles - The sole is quite stiff, which keeps my foot safe, and the rubber grips the pegs better than I expected. It Is OK to walk around in, but it's not as lugged as a hiking boot - which it isn't supposed to be.Appearance - The grey and white scheme give it a striking appearance, I get lots of compliments from people. The White helps reduce the amount of heat absorbed from the sun. The boots are easy to clean.Flexibility - They support my leg well from lateral bending, but the hinges provide a nice level of flexibility forward and back. I did not need to break them in, the boots were perfect right out of the box.Sizing - I have a size 12 foot, and normally I need to buy size 13 MX boots. Yet, the Fastback are so much larger, that I only needed to get a 12 size. My toes have loads of room in the foot, I usually wear extra socks for padding. This boot is TRUE to size.Weaknesses:Bike Grip - Most Gaerne boots have big sheets of rubber on the inside leg that help grip the bike. But, the Fastback only has a tiny patch of rubber at the ankle. The boots are OK for gripping the bike, but not that spectacular. More rubber on the burn guard would be better.Insoles - The insole is not very soft, and feels quite cheap. I'd like to get some after-market gel soles because the factory ones are not that amazing.Peg Feel: Because the boots are so protective, they are too stiff to get much feel of the pegs. I know where my brake and shifter is from memory alone because I can't feel a thing. I don't mind having a stiff boot because I want protection. I don't need a squishy, "touchy/feely" boot, but some people prefer that. This boot does not let you feel much at all through your toes.Conclusion:Although these boots are not cheap (about $400), the materials, design and construction make it worth it in my mind. If you are just starting off-road, a cheaper boot may be a more appropriate choice. If you are going to do massive jumps in Supercross, an SG-12 may be a better option. If you enjoy enduro and trail riding and want a decent level of protection without too much weight - this may be the boot for you. Provided they last long, I don't see any reason to get another kind of boot beyond the Fastback.

Excellent boots for adventure riding. Super comfortable. Was hesitant because of the soles, but it is the most comfortable boot I have worn apart from Danner boots. Highly recommend them if you are looking for an adventure boot. Plus they are made in Italy vs China or Asia.Update. Steer clear of these guys. Took mine out to Palo Duro SP in Texas and happened to have to ride through a fair amount of rain. They leaked and my feet were soaked. Upon further inspection, water came out where the rubber meets the boot. I let them sit out hoping they'd dry the next day. Nope, still wet. So I cracked on with wet boots. Upon returning I sent multiple messages to Gaerne USA and Gaerne Int. The International company forwarded me over to the US division. Nothing. Never got a response.I explained the issue and asked if there was a way to get a replacement pair. I didn't want a refund and really wanted to give the boots a chance. Nothing.So in summary, the boots may look good, and they are pricey. But they don't measure up to their claims. Plus Customer support is non-existant.Caveat Emptor.

Short break in , years of use

I never had the top notch boots always went with the best price but never again these things are so comfy and not to stiff first ride out so should break in no problem...

The boots are true to size and fit Great!! They are the Best for value and design!!

These boots were true to size and worked out well for dirt bike riding.

Had these a few weeks now. I really like them. Very comfortable even on really hot 90+ degree days. Only way to try how waterproof they are was to stand in the river while fly fishing the other week. Not a single leak !! The sole is flexible enough that walking isn't an issue, and the tread pattern is very secure on the foot pegs.

Very comfy boots. Have not used them in the rain yet, so can not attest to their water proofing capabilities, but the are comfortable and don't get very hot. If you're buying from Canada, beware of outrageous brokerage fees and taxes, making the boots almost twice as expensive as the price tag indicates :(