Gaerne Balance Oiled Dual Sport Boots

What more can we say on the Gaerne Balance Oiled Boot- We get the call at least once a week: I have a DXKRLGZS 400/650/800/950/1200. Do you have a boot that is softer than an MX boot, but has more protection than a street touring boot? Something that will keep me from breaking my ankle but will let me walk? We do, and it is one of the best boots in the world: The Gaerne Balance.

We gush over Gaerne Balance boots so much because they blend super high quality materials - this cannot be overstated - with great fit, good protection, and just enough flex to comfortably wear and walk in, all day.

The Balance are made from MX boot leather, which is about 30% thicker than street boot leather. They have sturdy buckles and enough height to clamp onto your lower leg firmly. These factors distribute twisting force up through the boot structure. A plastic shin plate reduces the amount of fold / distortion in the leather, stiffening it further. On the other hand, they are light in weight and have a soft, easy-to-walk-in sole. They split the middle ground perfectly between street boots and MX boots.

Gaerne probably has the best fit in the world, and the comfort of these is outstanding. The entire upper of the boot is made from 5 pieces, so very few seams. This allows the boot to crease without pressure points. Best of all, they have a wide toebox, and are great for people with wide feet (unlike Sidi's...).

There are two versions of the Balance: this is the Oiled version, with an oiled leather that is a little softer, and features a waterproof liner. There is also the Pro Tech version, which uses standard leather, is a little stiffer, non-waterproof, and costs about $100 less. Both are BOMBER recommended.

• Super-high quality full grain oil-tanned leather - probably the best boot leather in the world
• Wide toebox - great for wide footed riders
• 3 alloy replaceable buckles
• Waterproof / breathable Drytech liner
• Gum rubber sole for grip and easy walking

Other BOMBER Reviews

Average BOMBS Rating   Launch All Reviews

5

19

	Perfect light dual sport boot
	Everything you hear about how comfortable these boots are is absolutely true. I was amazed at the quality of the leather and materials to conform and stretch to fit my abnormally wide 4E feet, not comfortable out of the box but within a few days I felt I could walk out of anywhere I could get myself on my little Yamaha. These are perfect for me, a 250 rider who likes to explore forest service roads at low speeds and also commute around town. But those with bigger, heavier bikes or those who are aggressive trail riders might not be as protected from injury. The boots have a lot of flexibility, the ankle has full motion like a stiff work boot but with impact padding internally and burly metal clasps on the outside, and the sole is stiff but no full metal shank, and only light internal plastic protectors at the toe and heel. That being said they do look awesome and along with the comfort means I have no problems putting them on anytime I ride anywhere and that is a very underestimated feature with motorcycle boots and protective gear. If you don't want to wear it all the time It can't protect you all the time. The quality of workmanship and materials is obvious and after my 200 mile ride in the rain yesterday where the only warm and dry part of my person was my feet they are definitely waterproof. My experience with Atomic Moto was also great, I followed their recommendations for sizing and was not disappointed, I look forward to being a bomber for life.
	Reviewed by:  Daniel Ehrich from Eugene, Oregon. on 9/27/2013

	Comfortable boots!
	Only had these boots for about a week but so far they are great! The leather is a little darker than the pictures but I think they will lighten up over time. Also, as some have stated, this is the type of leather that when you brush, scratch, or rub it it leaves a "mark" in the leather, I don't mind as it lightens the leather some but I'm sure it would buff out with some leather soap and a buffer. Other than that, the clasps are nice, inner liner is nice, and I'm just waiting to really get to use them to break them in!
	Reviewed by:  Ronnie from Louisiana. on 9/24/2013

	Money well spent Thanks AM
	Purchased my boots on the web 9/18/13, they showed up 9/21/13. Atomic-moto was one of the only sites that carried the Balance Oiled boots in size 14 (49). AND, they had a great price, better than all of the other sites that I checked. I am so glad that I found these guys thru posts and positive feedbacks on the ADV forum. Boots fit and finish is perfect and they are so comfortable. I asked my wife if I could wear them to bed tonight as I do not want to take them off of my feet. I fully expect to have these boots for life they are of such high quality. If you are thinking about them, but them, you will not be disappointed. Regards, Pete - Chandler, AZ, BMW R1200 GS/A
	Reviewed by:  pete weinert from Chandler, AZ. on 9/21/2013

	Amazing Boots!!
	After years of messing with clunky motocross boots I have found the best of both worlds. Amazing fit, comfortable, I can WALK in them. A must have for any ADV rider or weekend warrior who likes to get off the bike and explore a bit too.
	Reviewed by:  Rannalt Bahr from Abu Dhabi, UAE. on 7/24/2013

	Great DS Boot
	I wear a US size 11.5 The 46 EU fits like a glove. Very impressed with the quality. Compares to my high end hiking boots. Can't go wrong with Italian made. We've had a lot of rain lately, so the Balance Oiled got a mud puddle work out. No problems. I would recommend a good coating of Nikwax leather conditioner (works with the breathable, waterproof liner). Thanks to Brian for the great service and super fast delivery.
	Reviewed by:  Ken from Augusta, GA. on 7/22/2013

	Fine Trials Boot
	I needed to replace my worn, 12 year old Gaerne trials boots - so I bought the Gaerne Balance Oiled Boots. Since I wear size 91/2 shoe, I ordered the size 10. My order arrived promptly. They fit fine, and feel comfortable. Have foot problems, so I installed an additional shoe liner. They still fit fine. They're more comfortable than my old boots. I'm still getting used to how much better the soles "stick" to my searated foot pegs. This could be helpful in the "sections". The buckles are different than the ones on my old boots. They adjust differently, and have more range. I need to fiddle with them more to get the right settings, though.
	Reviewed by:  Dave from Wisconsin. on 7/11/2013

	Gaerne boots
	best pair of boots Ive ever owned comfortable kool to the wear and atomic moto went out of there way to get me the boots I wanted with top notch service.
	Reviewed by:  C.L. from Independence,mo. on 6/15/2013

	The best boots I've ever had.
	I just got back from my first trip using the Gaerne Balance Oiled boots. 1042 miles in mostly rain. They were super comfy and kept me dry all the time. I even used them off the bike in the evenings at the campground. I use shoe size 9.5 and first ordered size 10 but they were to big. Atomic-Moto sent me size 9 as well and while first they felt small, after using them for some days they now fit perfectly. The service from Atomic-Moto was excellent.
	Reviewed by:  Tom Andersen from PA. on 6/13/2013

	As good as they say
	The fit is awesome and true to size. I have problem feet and need a wide comfortable toe box and not too much heel - these are perfect. So comfy and good looking too. Note that the brown is very dark, at least on the pair I got, whereas the picture shows it to be lighter. But in any case, they look great. Thanks guys.
	Reviewed by:  JRB in PDX from Portland, Oregon. on 5/17/2013

	Excellent fit
	I bought these boots on recommendation from Brian and they have a fantastic fit. The boots are extremely comfortable and are easy to walk in. I even had a MC salesman at a dealership compliment the way they looked. The only negative I have found is the need for more protection for the left boot shift area. I also highly recommend Atomic-Moto as I received excellent help from them.
	Reviewed by:  M.M. from Ohio. on 4/29/2013