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.
This is my first pair of dedicated motorcycle adventure touring boots. They seem well made and are pretty comfortable after I got the buckles adjusted properly. I like the stability of the boots and the increased protection over my old Chippewa Engineer boots. I haven't had them in water yet but I think they will work well in the rain.
Just got the boots in the mail. Very happy great boot soft leather but has enough protection for the type of riding I do . Got the size 44.5 I am usually am a size 44 or 43 in the eccho brand if that helps anyone.
I recently started riding motorcycle trials and needed a more flexible boot than my moto boots. At my first club event I noticed a lot of folks in these boots. Everyone had great feedback on their comfort. One rider even used them in the Scottish Six Day Trial right up of the box. They are billed by many as the only true waterproof trials boot although our SSDT friend would disagree. Function - These boots performed flawlessly day one. Super comfy to stand in and you can walk comfortably for a long time. They climb just as good as any hiking boot thanks to the sticky sole. Peg feel was unbelievably dexterous (albeit my first trials boot). I competed in a two day trial in steady rain and my feet stayed bone dry. My secret was over the boot pants but rest assured I stood in ankle deep water several times walking sections that day. A little newspaper in them at night took care of any residual dampness form sweat. Fit - I wear a size 13 in my Sidi Crossfire TAs Alpinestar road boots and street shoes. These fit true to size. I got a small hot spot where the boot flexes on the outer right ankle but that's not uncommon for me. Protection - They're not a moto boot nor are they designed to be. There's some minimal shin protection behind the logo otherwise it's just thick leather with some padding. Having caught a peg on top of the foot a few times it's not terrible. What you gain in flexibility you lose in protection but that's obvious. If you're weighing if they're worth spending the extra $$$ I'd say they have been for me. Brian had some great input buy from Atomic when you decide to pull the trigger. They're good folks!
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.
I recently purchased a BMW R1200 GSA. My past motorcycle was Victory Vision. Last year I underwent surgery for a broken 5th metatarsal on my right foot due to a freak drop of the Victory. Lost 3 months of work and riding. After purchasing the GSA, I decided to get proper foot protection right up front. After asking about my riding style and intentions, I ultimately ended up with this Forma model. I wore them for 8 hours last night and the fit is perfect at a 13. They protect all of the key areas I am concerned about and while not ballerina shoes, have been surprising comfortable to walk around the house with. Brian's recommendation is a home run and he really knows boots. I should be getting out for a days ride soon involving some rough roads and off pavement. I feel much safer knowing I have the right boot for the job. I will update later after I get some miles with these boots, but my gut tells me they will be great.
First set of MX/Enduro boots after a decade and a half of touring/ADV softer boots. A little trepidation about making the switch but in my mind getting the extra protection is a good call. I ride mostly road but here in CO almost any road will lead to a dirt road and any dirt road will, at any time turn to sand or or rocks or ruts or mud so better to be prepared. Before talking about the boots a word about the great buying experience with Atomic-Moto, great unbiased advice, super simple shipping and returns.
I tried both the X-power SC and a pair of A-stars Tech 7. Given the completely different feel of these stiffer boots than I had ever experienced both boots were surprisingly comfortable. Definitely no desire to hike in them but okay for general waking around - wore them around the house and garage for an hour two each a couple of times. Decided to go with the Sidi for a couple of reasons. They were definitely wider and more comfortable in the toe box. They felt lower and lighter than the Tech 7. I like the ease and orientation of the buckles more. Although I wonder how well the little plastic tabs that hold the adjustment will last over time. On the bike I did need to adjust the shift lever a bit higher - brake is fine. Shifting is different than with a boot that allows your ankle to flex down but even after just a couple of hundred miles of short day rides it is easy enough to get used to.