Finally purchased a pair of the Gaerne SG-22 Enduro Gore Tex Boots.
I was concerned about sizing but Brian assured me that once I received the boots to try them on and walk around the house a bit to make sure they were the correct size. If they didn't feel right I could exchange them for a different size. Turns out the fit was just right. My feet measure 11" long, I usually wear a 10 or 10-1/2 (mens) but some shoes I take an 11. Well the SG-22 10-1/2 was just right in length and I am very please with the boots so far. I have only two rides to date but here is my impression thus far.
They are STIFF!!! Which is the exact reason I was looking at these boots, I'm 72 and my old bones don't heal the way they use to so I wanted all the protection I could get but still be able to walk around a bit. These boots thus far are just right. I certainly wouldn't go for any kind of hike but walking around is not a problem, sort of like ski boots but with a fare amount more flexibility.
Comfort wise they are good, I have narrow feet so I have taken up the space with a thicker sock but I have also worn them with "regular" thickness socks and they would be fine that way as well.
So far I am very please with my purchase and thankful to Brian for taking the time to email AND call me to discuss sizing, ultimately what he recommended was spot on.
One note though, these are BIG BOOTS and I had to adjust my shift and rear brake lever to accommodate them but easily done and I think that this is not uncommon when using "Off Road" style boots.
Thanks Brian! Thanks Atomic Moto!!
al
I felt I won the lottery by scoring these boots as I kept checking for weeks Atomic Moto WS for size 46 availability (non-Gore-Tex) and usually got Out-of-Stock for my size. Well I lucked out and order landed. As usual, fast shipping and good communication from AM. SG-22 fit me great right out of box. Felt way more flexible / walkable vs. new SG-12 that I ended up selling as being too stiff less communicative wrt foot controls. I like the Enduro's more aggressive sole, more traction when dragging a stuck bike out of the weeds /mud. I currently wear Gaerne Fastback Enduro, 46. Not waterproof, thus I went with the SG-22 Enduro Gore-Tex. Seems a bit stiffer but they're new and I expect they'll loosen up. Sg-22 toe box is bigger, wider and taller, IMO. I like the room for heavy socks and being able to move toes around. I have not trail ridden them yet..this weekend I expect a couple hundred miles on them. Hopefully I can come back and edit review. Boots from AM always a good purchase experience.
The fit was right on. Some 10.5s are a bit snug but these 45s, for me, seem between a 10.5 and an 11. The form is what I was looking for; a slim sole and toe along with ankle protection that doesn't restrict a little flex. 4 and a half stars on the functions of riding and walking and
staying dry. Easy to adjust to shifting and braking feel, good support standing on pegs, no hint of a leak when submerged, only a knock on the left boot sole not being perpendicular to the upper. Kinda throws off my gait and stresses my knee a bit. Your mileage may vary.
Brian was super communicative and helpful. His videos reviewing boots were crucial in helping make my decision. The Sidis are excellent. So light, stiff where it counts and comfortable. I would have never known that these work for wider feet without Brian's review as well.
very stiff boot that is going to take a bit to break in. Compared to the X-3, they are not as comfortable but have more protection around the calf. I bought these for my wife, who is 5'4" with 16" calves. They fit her great and have room around the calf to spare. I took a star off from 5 because the top buckle strap is inside the boot with nothing between the strap and your leg. All my other boots have the strap between the liner and the shin pad.
These pants are super comfortable, have lots of pockets and vents to keep you from overheating when it gets warm. I ride in the mountains so the temperature changes with the change in altitude. These pants just plain work.
Tons of vents, lots of pockets, padding where you want it. Doesn’t flap in the wind because it has cinches in the arms. It has a removable liner for warmer days too.
I don’t think I will wear anything else.