Comfy and protective
Coming from Leatt 4.5 (similar to tech 7s) boots, I wanted more protection and longer life. The SG12 have much better protection and support. Its great that you can replace the sole when the time comes. I was worried about the SG12s being too stiff for me to feel the rear brake, however Brian assured me that its not an issue once you spend some time in them...He was right. My only problem is that now I want them in a few more colors.
Also, Brian spent over 20 minutes on the phone with me discussing all the different boot options. He gave me a great perspective on each option and helped with my decision greatly.
Worked with Brian for about a week trying to decide what would be best for me. Decided on Gaerne SG12's and they are fantastic boots. 47 Euro fits perfect. In street shoes I'm 12-13 depending on brand. 6'-3" and ~220lbs for reference. Boots are very high quality. All parts are replaceable and the boots work well right out of the box. Minimal break-in time - you could walk around for 10 minutes and they're good to go. They feel very protective and served me well on my first trail ride which included multiple offs for my noobish skillset. Of all the things I worry about injuring, my feet and ankles are not on that list! I don't have an issue with the weight of the boot as they are not the lightest, but they are very well made and should last me several seasons. I also considered Sidi and Forma, but the SG-12 features seemed best for me. I really like the extra padding around the ankle and in the top of the toe box.
I can't recommend Atomic-Moto enough! Brian is excellent and extremely knowledgeable. Buy the best boot you can afford! Without Brian's help I surely would have bought the incorrect boot for me and would have in the end cost me way more than a pair of SG-12.
Really wanting a new pair of boots I call Atomic Moto. They were extremely helpful in educating me on the boots that I was interested in and the pro's and con's of each boot. I started off with the Forma Predator 2.0 which was a sweet boot, but right boot didn't feel quite right, mostly due to an injury. Called Atomic back and after long conversation I decided to try the SG 12 Gaerne, they spoke very highly of them. and after having them in my possession (I also tried) a pair of Sidi Crossfire TA 3s......after trying the Sidi TA 3, which were a very good boot, I went with the Gaerne SG 12 for the Quality and comfort. I highly would recommend Atomic Moto.....they are very informative and patient. Thank you again Atomic.
I purchased these boots after years of having some of the other “Italian” boots. These are the most comfortable and most protected that I’ve felt in all of my year of riding. Thanks Atomic!!!
Boots are always a compromise between comfort and protection. I'm 66, live in a rural area and my riding routes are mostly remote dirt forest roads on a 430 pound dual-sport. I want the extra protection a tall, four buckle boot provides when I'm out in the hills and expect that a protective boot is going to provide less feel of the bike and less comfort. I've been riding in the Fastbacks for a couple weeks and around 150 miles, 90% on dirt forest roads, in the dust and in the wet, here in the PNW. For a stiffer, tall, protective boot, these were pretty comfy right out of the box. The sole allows for good feel of the foot pegs and controls but is super comfy with great grip while standing on the pegs. The boots' uppers also help grip the sides of the bike when standing, inspiring confidence and increasing control. There is just enough flex to allow movement for decent shifting and braking. I had to move my shift lever up on the splines to compensate for the toe height. The buckle system is very adjustable, several of the buckles can be detached and moved to compensate for larger or smaller calves and it's possible to get the fit very customized. I found that heating the boots up with a hair dryer and then wearing them while they're still warmed up helped get the plastic to conform to my bony left ankle and knobby feet. I have pretty wide forefeet and am normally an 8.5/43 and these boots are size 9. They are roomy and comfortable but don't feel sloppy. My Re'vit pants will fit over the boots but I have the uppers pretty compressed around my skinny calves. The quality of these boots is outstanding and they look like they'll last for years of dirty riding! I put in some better insoles right away as the stock ones don't have a lot of arch support. Overall, I like the balance these boots strike between good bike feel and protection. For mixed, dual sport riding where I'm off pavement for many miles, I really am happy with these and look forward to riding in them for a long time to come. Although my longest ride so far in these has only been a couple hours, I wouldn't hesitate to put them on for a full day's adventure, even with some pavement thrown in.
I was having a hard time finding in between sizes in these Forma boots. Atomic Moto gets them directly from Forma so you can have it your way, to steal a phrase. The boots are plenty tough for street riding and occasional offroad. The toe box is roomy and are more walkable than MX boots.
I have over 6 months use in rocky, sandy, hardback West Texas terrain and they have served me very well. I would buy again. The fit was perfect- always a concern when purchasing online. I'm a wider size 11 and the 45 fits nicely. Quality is evident and boot is made in the EU. After ordering I received a call from Atomic just to let me know it would be shipped in a few days (not immediately), was that OK? Great job of customer service.
Boot is firm and will take time to break-in, not a great walker but a no joke foot protection beast. I've had a few dabs hitting an unseen rock or stump and the energy is absorbed by the boot and not your foot other than a sting.
Thanks, Atomic
Bought these to replace 6 inch Danner boots I wear during the summer. The Danners although good for walking leak while riding. I also have a pair of Dianese GT fulcrums which are great boots but are not great for camping. MY actual adventure riding is limited but wanted something with better traction than the Dianese and I do a good bit of moto camping but dont want to look like too much of a poser in full height boots. My Klim outrider jeans fit nicely over these. I wear a 11 1/2 to 12 shoe. 12 in hiking and running shoes and 11 1/2 in others. I went with a 46 knowing the majority of what I have is a 46 with the exception of my back packing boots which are 47s. Fit is very good and I think a 47 would have been a little too big. One pre requisite I have is I put green super feet in all my shoes except running and they feel great with them. Yes , at first they feel like ski boots
and are a little clompy but are already loosening. To sum it up I think the support they provide and the fit will be perfect for my gravel road, camping , road riding.
You can see and feel the quality in every part of this boot. Buckles are especially great. Surprising at this price point. I expect to be wearing these for a long time to come. Normally wear 10.5 shoe, but the 10 boots fit just right.