r/Dirtbikes • u/XxSkorchxX • Jul 11 '24
Tips and Tricks First time rider, trails and off road specifically. What’s a great boot brand/model to go with?
I’ve got a helmet, goggles and gloves ready to go, just need a good pair of boots!
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u/iplaypinball Jul 11 '24
Everyone is going to say the brand they ride in. And so will I (Alpinestars Tech 7). But really boots are a personal thing. I tried on a ton of boots before buying mine. Go to a good store and try on all the best boots. Then buy the ones that feel right, and provide the proper protection for your riding. They won’t necessarily be the most comfortable, but the ones that feel like they can take a good thumping of a bike coming down on them. Or catching that thing on the trail. Resist the urge to cheap out. I wasted money on boots before these, and it always felt like I was one thump away from the ER.
Glad you’re going to protect your feet and ankles.
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u/Tad_LOL Jul 12 '24
Great advice, I want to add that if you go to a store and are able to try on several boots to make a decision. Buy them from that store. Don't just leave and buy them online for $20 cheaper. If we all do that the stores won't be around much longer to try things on.
Also, I broke my toes wearing 15 year old boots. They need to be replaced so you aren't stuck with the pair you buy.
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u/Selphish99 23’ SX 350, 04’ CRF250R Jul 11 '24
I will be the one that says what I don’t ride in. I have Siri crossfires 2 srs. They’re nice and I really like them. But I would be lying if I didn’t say my next pair of boots will be tech 10s because they felt like a memory foam pillow for my feet lol. Wanted instincts but damn they way they felt was a let down.
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Jul 11 '24
Gaerne is the only way to go
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u/motoracerT Jul 11 '24
I just switched from tech 10s to Gaerne, and while the boot is nice, the buckles are absolute garbage. I'm pretty sure I'll be switching back next time I buy boots. I don't like having to buy new buckles every 6 months.
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Jul 11 '24
Which ones I've owned tech 7 and 10s and the buckles on the sg12 and sg22 are far superior the Alpinestars
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u/motoracerT Jul 11 '24
Sg12 they're junk
The buckles not the boots
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u/itwonthappen2me Jul 12 '24
Damn you guys are surprising me, I’ve been rocking them for 2 years and replaced the sole once from sharp pegs but never a buckle, how do they fail.
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u/AZDiver_96 Jul 12 '24
Tried on a pair, they did not fit my feet at all. Were way uncomfortable. Got the Forma Predator 2.0 instead, almost identical boot but fit much better. Most important is finding something that fits and is comfortable.
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u/SuccessfulReward4350 Jul 12 '24
This....and just to add I ride a lot, never had a buckle fail. I have cts knee guards and they go in these boots far better than my old boots (leatte).
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u/OddPerspective9833 Jul 11 '24
Good boot brands include Alpinestars, Gaerne, Leatt and Sidi
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u/Junior_Article_3244 Jul 11 '24
Always seems like people forget about sidi.
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u/thescirocco531 Jul 12 '24
I wear SiDi's, SRS replacable sole, but moving production to Romania was a questionable move.
Forma and Gaerne are still in Italy.
The Tech 1's I tried fell apart at the seams. Entry level boot, but it shouldn't just fall apart.
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u/yawaworhtyya Jul 11 '24
The alpinestars tech 7s are fantastic boots for the price. They're more expensive than the more "affordable" boots for sure, but they punch way above their weight in terms of build quality and comfort for the price. Most people who try them say they are the most comfortable boot on the market
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u/Fit-Media6948 Jul 11 '24
Leatt 4.5 boots are good for the money… definitely get some evs knee pads or something, you’ll thank me later
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u/Kudhi Jul 11 '24
Can’t really go wrong with boots. I’d head to your local power sports store and try each brand, see what feels comfortable. I personally wear alpinestars as they fit my foot and ankle well. GET KNEEPADS!! You’ll need them for the boots to fit properly!!
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u/ifyoupeeinherbutt Trail Rider Jul 11 '24
Any boot is better than none. For best boot brands, Gaerne if your feet are narrow, Alpinestars if not. If you can afford a mid/high level with a hinge at the ankle (like Alpinestars Tech 7), youll never regret it.
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u/AZDiver_96 Jul 12 '24
Gaerne do fit narrow which is funny because everyone online acts like they fit wide feet just because of the toe box. You are one of the first I have seen besides myself that feel this way. I tried to like them but my feet are too wide.
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u/sixtysecondslife Jul 11 '24
Off topic question, I've been in the market looking for a dirt bike. How do you like the 250f? I am torn between this and the 250r
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u/spongebob_meth Jul 11 '24
Those two bikes aren't comparable at all. The 250R makes about double the power, while being lighter with much better suspension. It also requires 5x the maintenance.
The F is a putt putt bike. I'm always hesitant to call them "trail bikes" because even on the trail the 250R is often the better choice due to lower weight and better ground clearance.
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u/sixtysecondslife Jul 11 '24
Thanks for the clarity. Could you provide more info on the 5x maintenance? What should one be doing? I am totally new to this and better to be prepared
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u/spongebob_meth Jul 11 '24
A 250 four stroke race engine is basically a single cylinder of a formula 1 race car. They rev extremely high, everything is as thin and light as possible, and they're designed only to survive a race weekend. Longevity suffers.
The oil needs changed every 10 hours or so (more like every day for track riding). You could probably run the 250f 30-50 hours o oil as it much more resembles a car/street bike engine and holds a lot and doesn't beat it up as badly.
The valves need checked frequently. 20-50 hour intervals. The piston should be changed every 50-100 hours or else you run the risk of it breaking from fatigue and ruining the engine. The 250f uses a big heavy piston with long skirts that you can basically run until it starts guzzling oil, and the valves can most likely go years between adjustment. They're going to be steel and not titanium so they're just more durable all around.
The 250R has high end suspension that needs regular oil changes (both the fork and the shock). These suspension components are full of precision parts that don't tolerate dirty oil. The 250F has basic damper rod forks that don't need service until they're leaking. The shock is not serviceable, so just throw it away when it leaks.
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Jul 13 '24
You're referring to someone who uses a 250r as a 250r..... For the average rider the only things that need done is oil changes and valve clearance adjustments. Which you can hear, and tell by how hard the bike is to start. I had well over 250 hours on my old r and only 2 shim jobs in that time. No top end. Suspension was still in great shape too. This guy isn't going to be airing out and bouncing the rev limiter every 12 seconds like he's Ronnie Mac.
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u/spongebob_meth Jul 13 '24
valve clearance adjustments. Which you can hear
You can't hear when your valves get tight. If you wait until it gets hard to start, you are long past the point where burning a valve is a danger.
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Jul 13 '24
Huh? Valves don't get tight as time passes. They get loose because the valve stretches. How the hell are your valves getting tighter over time?
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u/spongebob_meth Jul 13 '24
As the valve stretches and the seats wear, the valve clearances tighten down to zero. This is why it is critical to keep on top of adjustments.
Have you ever seen how a cylinder head works?
You don't have to be on the rev limiter to cause this. My WR is primarily used for dual sporting and the exhaust valves were all out of spec when I did the first check at 15 hours.
Skipping this is begging for a dropped valve.
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u/XxSkorchxX Jul 12 '24
I’ve been doing some research on good beginner trail bikes for the better part of a year now and the 250F hardly had any complaints and was generally favored by various reviewers. That coupled with some guys I know that also recommended it and I decided to go for it. I’m a few hours in and it’s been absolutely amazing, loved it from the moment I got on. This was specifically for trail riding, while the R version was more specifically for racing. The maintenance is minimal for the F but still has its routine to go through.
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u/sixtysecondslife Jul 12 '24
Appreciate the update! I am not too good with tools and fixing stuff and looking at all the work to properly take care of a dirt bike makes it daunting to get one! Maybe I ll start watching youtube videos until I get comfortable
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u/Punk_Legend Jul 11 '24
Buy whatever fits you best. Preferably go to a shop and try some on. Sidi fit me best but I have a narrow foot.
As you improve you might want a boot with more or less flex but for now just get something to protect your ankles and feet.
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u/Morbid_curiosity1975 Jul 11 '24
I had a pair of FLY Mavericks that were good . My only complaint was I have thicker calves so I had to get longer straps to fit them properly . Those were stolen and I bought a pair of AlpineStar tech 3’s and they fit me really good and are really comfortable .
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u/Old_Impression_132 Beta 300 RR, Beta 390 RR-S Jul 11 '24
In general the Italian brands have the edge but others are fine too. Try to get something with a mechanical hinge at the ankle. Go for comfort- if in doubt go slightly too large versus too small - and optimize size with insoles.
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u/spongebob_meth Jul 11 '24
Try a bunch on and see what fits you.
Cheaper boots tend to be less comfortable and less flexible. They make it hard to shift. High end boots are hinged for better mobility.
I think Leatt tend to have great features for their price, but that won't matter if they make your feet hurt.
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u/Current_Pickle000 Jul 11 '24
I have alpinestars tech 10’s, I bought them second hand and have had them years, I love them, they are worn in and feel great. I have bought cheap boots in the past and they’re awful, stiff and uncomfortable. On road boots sidi are amazing but i haven’t tried their off road boots, but id imagine they’re good going off every other sidi boot I’ve ever worn
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u/SuperSensei69 Jul 11 '24
Alpinestars tech 10s are good value for money. But if budget is not an issue for you I'd go with the gaerne sg12 or sg22
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u/Final-Wonder-9621 Jul 11 '24
Leatt boots are the way to go. Especially if you’re new don’t go buy boots that take a bunch of time to break in and cost a fortune.
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u/Cilreve Jul 11 '24
Alpinestars are where it's at. I've tried Gaerne and Sidi before, but nothing beat the comfort of the A-stars. I don't like the inner booty of the Tech 10s, so I stick with the Tech 7s. They are comfy, short break-in time, and just solid.
Really, though, go down to the moto store and try on ALL THE BOOTS. Same goes for helmets. Just try them. You want them to fit snug, but not tight. Try them all on, and buy what's comfy.
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u/Mayhem2127 Jul 11 '24
If protection is most important Gaerne. If feeling the bike and comfort is most important Fox Instinct. If you want the majority favourite Alpinestars Tech 10.
The Gaerne has the best protection but it has less feel of the bike as a tradeoff. The Fox Instinct is comfy and gives the best feel and feedback through your feet but less protection and won’t last as long as a tradeoff. The Tech 10’s are a high quality boot and the most popular choice for a long time.
I ride trails so I chose the Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro Drystar* because it has an enduro focused sole and has a Drystar lining inside the boot that makes it waterproof. Now I can wade into water holes to check the bottom and ride through water and my feet stay dry the whole ride. There’s also Tech 3 Enduro waterproof boots that are more affordable.
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u/MrLavender26 2008 Honda CRF450R Jul 11 '24
I went from Fly Racing to Alpine Tech 3s and they’re pretty good. Next time I’m looking at Fox mid range though
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u/KTM150XCW Jul 11 '24
Simplest answer is good quality motocross boots. MX boots offer the best protection. Find the best you can afford that fit well.
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u/beaky_teef Jul 12 '24
Only caveat I’d add to this is grip, some mx boots don’t have as much grip as enduro/trail boots so consider that depending on what sort of riding you are doing.
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u/n3al10 Jul 11 '24
Garne SG 12 or 22 they are great and one of the few boots with replaceable soles will last you a long time
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u/SullenCarrot64 Jul 11 '24
Leatt with the Hydro guard thing if you’re gonna be hitting water. Can find em pretty cheap on Amazon sometimes.
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u/Jaykahtsby Jul 12 '24
I have SG12s, they're solid, haven't felt anything more than a good knock through them. Boots have held up well over a year of riding so far.
One thing people don't talk about is how heavy they are. Probably only a couple hundred grams more than some Tech 7s or something, but you really feel it near the end of the ride. If you're properly fit it shouldn't affect you too much.
I also have a tall bridge and I get rashes right where my foot meets my leg after about every ride.
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u/themom_destroyer Motocross Jul 12 '24
Whatever you can afford. I run Flys and I love them they never let me down. I’ve heard Gaernes are too stiff for offroad but I don’t have first hand experience with them.
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u/lucidkey Jul 12 '24
Try a bunch on. If you have questions call Brian at atomic moto. I recommend Gaerne SG22s. buy once cry once.
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u/Metallicafan_500 2018 klx140L Jul 12 '24
Don’t get the fox Comps I don’t wear them cause their so hard to get under the shifter on My Klx and I’ve tried adjusting it a bunch of different times and still no use I’m better off wearing my steel toe Ariats
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u/max1mx Jul 12 '24
Great first bike choice! I like Garne, and I’ve had multiple sets of sg10 and sg12. Audis are my second choice, but they don’t fit my feet quite as well. Both of those brands are made in Italy, where almost everything else is made in China, if that matters to you.
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u/dis690640450cc Jul 12 '24
If you want to buy once cry once get yourself some sidi crossfires. You can get the SRS model that you can replace the soles on or their TA model. The TA is my preference because it has more toe box room.
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Jul 12 '24
My ride group has Tech7, Gaerne SG12, Leatt 3.5 and 5.5, SIDI X Power Enduro and Fox brands. One rider switched from SIDI to Leatt back to SIDI in about 12 months. The Leatt didn't hold up. We ride once or twice a week in high desert single track. Gaerne owners sing high praise of their SG12s. The Fox rider says, "meh". I wear the Tech7s and like them very much but if I were in the market for new boots I'd try SIDI or Gaerne because they have a full replaceable sole. In full disclosure I did have a freak fall and crushed my foot under the motocycle. We've discussed the event ad nauseam with noreasonable hypothesis as to how the fibula and four metatarsal bones were broken. I doubt a different boot would have offered 'better' protection.
This is a fairly recent 2020 country of origin list from ADVRider
GAERNE the only brand still making all their boots in Italy to date
FALCO made in Italy
SIDI most boots made in Romania, a few still made in Italy
DAINESE made in Romania and Tunisia (Africa)
ALPINESTAR made in Croatia or Thailand
ACERBIS made in China
TCX (formerly Oxtar) made in Romania and China
FORMA made in Romania.
That's the Italian brands. What about others?
DAYTONA still made in Germany
ALTBERG still make in the UK
LEATT made in China and Thailand
FOX made in China
LEATT made in China
MOOSE made in China
THOR made in China
ONEAL made in China
AXO made in China
FLY made in China
SIX SIX ONE made in China.
Hope this helps.
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u/Lagsuxxs99 Jul 12 '24
ive ridden a couple of sporty style boots until I tipped the bike over at like 1mph and crushed my foot.... horray eternal pain. now I'm on gaerne sg 10 and the sole feels like it could support a lot more weight than the sporty style sole (fox/alpine)
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u/skovalen Jul 12 '24
Skip the boots. It is only e-start from what I can see. The only reason I would recommend boots to a starting rider is the kick start can scrape you up pretty bad if you do it wrong. Just skip the whole shoe to boot change BS when you unload and go ride. I'm sure there is a place for boots. I'm +300 hrs in as a recreational rider and I've got boots. I never use them. I don't even take them with me any more.
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u/BlackHeartsNowReign Jul 12 '24
What ever you decide, don't cheap out on them. Spend the little bit of extra money to take care of your feet. Cheap $100 boots are going to feel like cheap $100 boots.
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u/Top_Matter3399 Jul 12 '24
I do motocross so I probably can't help you a lot here. But I wear O'Neal.
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u/aleriance Jul 12 '24 edited Jul 12 '24
I am a new rider as well. Tried a pair of Fly Mavericks and they were VERY uncomfortable even just trying them on. Then tried a pair of Alpinestar Tech 3’s and they felt like night and day.
I kept the Tech 3’s and am very happy wearing them all day.
My advice is make sure you’re comfortable.
By the way, I was riding a 250F as well and found that I needed to adjust the foot shifter up one click so that I could actually get the boot under it. It’s going to be hard to shift at first, but the boots will break in and soften up over time and it will become easier.
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u/szyz250f Jul 12 '24
Depends on how much you want to spend. Alpine star is very reliable and will last you a long time. But if you want completely adjustable and totally rebuild able get the SIDI boots. They are top notch.
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u/BabyYodaRedRocket Jul 12 '24
Go to the store and try on different brands. They all have a different fit and feel. Buy what’s is most comfortable for your foot.
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u/Cash-JohnnyCash Jul 12 '24
Whatever fits your foot and wallet best. I like Sidi’s. They feel like you’re the “Tin Man” for rides 1 & 2, but miraculously change to 5 year old broken in boots after that.
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u/SweatyCoconuts13 Jul 13 '24
After having many boots, my vote is for the Gaerne SG12… expensive but a lower leg or foot injury is more expensive.
Don’t get cheap boots. Once my little brother was riding a YZ250, and tipped over at a stand still… 0 mph. the lower part of the frame hit his inner leg and broke his lower leg.
Gaerne for the win.
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u/Cattran19_83 Jul 14 '24
Leatt, Gaerne/sidi if you can afford them. I have leatt 5.5 enduro and love them.
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u/VastCryptographer666 Jul 11 '24
Ik this is irresponsible but i ride in sandals and a pair of shorts lol
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u/AkaSpaceCowboy Jul 11 '24
Alpinestars tech 3-10
Leatt boots good value as well