So far so good! I've ridden with them in the dry and in the wet. Gortex seems to be doing its job. the boots are quite comfortable right out of the box. Seems like they might run a bit big, my size 13 are a full inch longer than my size 13 Alpinstars. I thought about replacing with size 12 but I like the way they feel on my feet so much I didn't do it. The wider boot combined with the stitching around the sole took a bit to get used to compared to the slim Alpinstars. had to adjust my shifter, which helped.
These boots feel very sturdy and protective which I love. Protection was my top priority with this purchase and I feel these boots will hold up to whatever challenge I put them to.
Having wide feet I was worried that they would be too tight, but the fit is just right. Maybe a bit snug, but the sizing in my eye seems a bit generous and there's enough room for my feet to not feel cramped.
I did have one issue with the lowest buckle on the boot. With my high arches/instep, the part of the buckle where the strap is held in place created a pressure point that made my feet/toes fall asleep after about 5 minutes of wearing the boots. Even leaving the buckle at the widest setting would not alleviate this issue.
I ended up taking some side cutters to the retaining bit of the strap and cut the protruding bit flush with the rest of the strap parts. After this mod the boots feel much more comfortable and I do not have issues with my toes falling asleep. The only concern now is that the removable part of the strap could "fall out", however if the buckle is left done up when the boots are stored there does not seem to be an issue.
All in all, I highly recommend these boots to someone with protection as their top priority and reasonably wide feet. If you have high arches/instep, be aware that there may be pressure points, but easily fixed through a simple "trim".
It is so tight around the ankle it will leave a bruise. Maybe I’ve big ankle bones.
So far it has been difficult to contact Atomic in order to determine what my options are.
From my hunting days, I learned the only durable, breathable and waterproof membrane is GoreTex. I've been hoping for years someone would make a full size MX boot with GoreTex. So stoked it has finally happened, and by the best MX boot maker out there, Gaerne (at least in my experience).
The folks at Atomic had the boots in my size in stock and shipped them out quickly. They are always good to work with.
The Goretex liner comes up 3/4 of the way to the top of the boot. I had to step in about 15" of water with them last weekend, and they worked as advertised. Dry feet. And I have no worries they will stay waterproof for years to come.
The SG-22s are expensive boots but worth the stretch if you can make it. Comfortable right out of the box just like everyone says. I went with Atomic Motos suggestion to focus on the EU size numbers rather than the US, and it turns out all my 10.5 US sneakers were labelled 44.5 EU. That is what I ordered, and it fits perfectly. I think the Gaerne size chart has a different mapping for 10.5 US, but I ignored that went directly to the EU sizing
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.