Bought this boot to encase my feet for riding - due to extensive foot surgeries I do not want to EVER suffer injury/impact/abrasion to my feet or ankles so I searched for boots that offered above average support. The CE Rating on this boot is 2-2-2-2. The ratings are hard to learn from manufacturer and dealer websites for some reason. 2 is the highest rating, 1 is the lower rating, and 0 is essentially going barefoot. The 4 buckles will keep the boot on my foot with no doubts (protection isn't any good if the boot flies off the foot. Police find riders boots and shoes often missing both on impact and abrasion crashes). The side-bend support is very good in these boots which was important to me. The sole is rigid which is another key attribute so if you go toe down your boot/foot doesn't rip backward and if you go toe up into the ground the sole won't rip off or twist the ankle to mush. The side panel and front panel are plenty adequate for ankle crush protection and smash resistance/protection if an object is hit. This is the first product I've owned Made in Romania and I am well impressed. The buckles are nifty and durable. Comfort?? They are comfy now but took a good 20 hours of walking about, flexing, bending, stairs etc. to get comfortable. I jam a softball down into the ankle area when I'm not wearing them to encourage the plastic boot plating to conform to a shape similar to my foot. These are structured stiff boot and required break-in for me. I keep the top 2 buckles buckled tight when I'm not wearing them to encourage the uppersto take on a cylindrical shape rather than being flat which makes the shafts more comfy on my calves/shins. Happy I bought them - they are very protective yet comfortable enough to walk around in and wear all-day and on multi-day rides. I am able to insert custom orthotics in for improved arch support and comfort. Toe box is thick so a bit of adjustment to my gear shift linkage was helpful. Glad I bought them and I'd buy them again. They are warm but not hot. Talk to Brian for exact sizing/fit. He (and I)recommend a size larger so that if ever you crash your toes don't smash into the inside end of the boot. A shot of silicone spray makes them easy to slip into (talcum powder could work too if needed). No negatives to comment on. They are solid protections, fairly comfortable, stylish I suppose and do what I want them to do. I wear them under my riding/touring pants - it's a snug fit but does fit. I don't like riding without them. I highly recommend you wear protective boots when riding ANY motorcycle not just off-road or adventure. Be safe!
Great padding around the ankle. I have a wide foot and these fit great.
A benchmark boot lives up to the hype. OK, we know that Gaerne makes a premium motorcycle boot, and the Balance Oiled are, if not their apex offering, pretty darn close to it. It is genuinely hard to describe how beautiful these boots are until you hold them in your hand. Everything about them oozes quality and attention to detail. At the same time, these boots are clean and simple. Everything you need and nothing you don't. Instantly comfortable and the gum rubber sole is awesome on and off the bike. I didn't purchase these for off-road use because they don't offer the requisite level of protection for anything more than a fire road. For me, these are an urban or weekend street boot that feels good, looks good and does everything I need it to. And boy are they a looker. People who know nothing about motorcycling comment on these boots. The consensus is that they are "wicked cool".
The Gaerne Oiled Leather Balance boots are a pretty complete package out of the box, but swapping out the OEM insoles for these babies is a very nice upgrade. Super comfortable and takes an already awesome pair of boots to the next level.
Fit was true to size. Very comfortable so far. Havenot hit any water yet so not sure how waterproof they are. Very happy with the purchase so far. Would recommend them.
You guys are always fair and consistent. Good company to deal with.