These boots felt comfortable right out of the gate-no break-in required!
I received today and they are lightweight and comfortable out of the box ad exactly how they are described. These are perfect for the type of riding I will be using them for 80% touring 20% dirt . Atomic Moto has never steered me wrong Thanks again Bombers!
This is the second pair of boots I have bought from Atomic. I watched all the sizing videos and it helped me choose the right size the first time.
Customer service is excellent, had a slight shipping problem, they were on it and had it fixed immediately
Gaerne balance fit great, comfortable and quality material.
go ahead and put that order in! Dave R
I've worn the Gaerne Balance boots for the past 4 years. They are extremely comfortable, but due to the lack of a shift pad they began to leak after a year. I put a couple layers of Tuff Toe where the shifter meets the boot, that lasted a couple years. Now the boots leak again and it's time to retire them.
My next boots will have Gore-Tex and a shift pad.
The usual review of the GBO's says: "Super comfortable, high-quality materials and construction, but limited protection." I agree with all that. I bought them for knocking-about, light hiking, and my pandemic daily woods walk. The asterisk: I WOULD NOT RIDE IN THEM, due to the limited protection. A plastic shin plate and ankle padding don't make for a protective boot. Atomic-Moto sells plenty of more-protective boots, at least twelve at a lower price point than the GBO's. Don't wait until you are in the ER to decide that your boots aren't up to the job.
Random observations: Often touted as having a wide toe box, I am happy to report that they fit my narrow-ish (C/D width) feet just fine. The sizing seems accurate; I ordered my usual 14/49 size, and they are fine. Straps are fiddly, and the buckles pop open now and then until you get them adjusted properly. Not a deal breaker. It's useful to know that the upper alloy strap holder pivots to help align the strap and buckle. My Dickies dungarees fit over just fine, or tuck in. Can't comment on the waterproof membrane, as I live in Mary Austin's "Land of Little Rain." Before you order these, remember the Bombers' dictum: "Wear as much boot as you are willing to tolerate." If these are all you can tolerate, be sure you ride a bike you can pick up with one hand (trials? pedal?). Mull it over, get BP's input, and you won't go wrong. The one asterisk is your own, though.
Best boot I've ever worn. Love the ankle and overall support. I've owned most of the other brands and continue to come back to the SG12. I ride fast desert, and track so I prefer a stiffer more supportive boot. If I were riding slow trails all the time I might go with a less supportive/more flexible boot. I personally use this boot for everything and love it.
These feel like real protection. My Vendramini Lusakas fit like the proverbial glove, but can't hold a candle to these for sheer confidence. Very nice boots. Gaerne and Atomic for the win!
I originally ordered a different boot, when they went to pull the order they found they didn't have the boot I wanted. Im not sure of the gentleman who called me the next day to apologize, He talked me into the Gaerne Daker Aquatech's and im so glad he did, PERFECT !! This is exactly what I was looking for. so..THANK YOU !!!!! for going the extra mile for me.
These boots felt comfortable right out of the gate-no break-in required!
The SG-22s are expensive boots but worth the stretch if you can make it. Comfortable right out of the box just like everyone says. I went with Atomic Motos suggestion to focus on the EU size numbers rather than the US, and it turns out all my 10.5 US sneakers were labelled 44.5 EU. That is what I ordered, and it fits perfectly. I think the Gaerne size chart has a different mapping for 10.5 US, but I ignored that went directly to the EU sizing