BOOTS REVIEW
Gaerne SG22 motocross boot review
A properly durable, supportive boot that earns its place as Gaerne's signature MX boot. Just be ready for the break-in.
Summary
The Gaerne SG22 is stiff, protective and built to last. The Dual Stage Pivot System gives real ankle support, the memory foam sole moulds to your foot, and after nearly a year of use the sole is still in incredible condition. It takes three or four rides to break in, and at £649.99 it's not cheap, but the durability makes the case.
Pros
- Outstanding durability, sole still like new after nearly a year
- Dual Stage Pivot System gives real ankle support
- Great ventilation in summer conditions
- Metal toe cap improves peg feel and lasts
Cons
- Three or four rides to break in properly
- Stiff and uncomfortable on the very first use
- £649.99 is at the premium end of the market
The SG22 is Gaerne’s signature MX boot, and it feels it. Straight out of the box it’s stiff, and it takes three or four rides to break in properly. Push through that and the memory foam sole moulds to your foot and it becomes genuinely comfortable.
Support and durability
The Dual Stage Pivot System gives real ankle support without locking you up, and the four aluminium buckles hold everything in place. The standout is durability: after nearly a year the multi-density sole is still in incredible condition, and the metal toe cap keeps the peg feel sharp.
The money
At £649.99 it’s premium, and the break-in asks patience. But if you ride often and keep boots for years, the support and the durability earn it.
Who it's for
Racers who want maximum ankle support and protection.
Riders who keep boots for years and value durability.
Anyone who rides in the heat and wants ventilation.
Who it's not for
Riders who want a boot comfortable straight out of the box.
Budget buyers.
Anyone after a soft, flexible boot.
Bottom line
Push through the break-in and you've got a boot that'll last seasons. The support and durability justify the price if you ride often.
Common questions
How long does the break-in actually take?
Three or four rides. Straight out of the box the SG22 is stiff and uncomfortable on that first outing, so don't judge it then. Once the memory foam sole moulds to your foot, it settles down and becomes genuinely comfortable. If you want a boot that's ready on day one, look elsewhere.
Will they last more than a season?
Durability is the SG22's strongest card. After nearly a year of use the multi-density sole was still in incredible condition, and the metal toe cap holds up while keeping peg feel sharp. The four aluminium buckles keep everything locked down too. If you keep boots for years, they're built for it.
Is £649.99 worth paying?
It's at the premium end, no argument. The case for it is simple: if you ride regularly and hang onto boots for years, the ankle support and the sole durability justify the spend. If you ride occasionally or you're shopping on budget, you'll struggle to make the numbers work.
How much ankle support do you get?
Plenty. The Dual Stage Pivot System gives real support without locking your ankle solid, which is exactly what you want racing. Combined with the four aluminium buckles holding everything in place, it's a stiff, protective boot. Riders after something soft and flexible won't get on with it.
In detail
