Buying Guide 2026: Which GAERNE boots to choose for enduro and cross-country?

Gaerne embodies the excellence of the traditional off-road boot: Manufacturing 100 % craftsmanship in Italy, with its traditional sewn sole and foot design that has forged the reputation of ‘Italian wide-foot slipper’.

While the iconic SG10 has revered, the Gaerne catalogue is structured around a clear and legible range: the legendary SG.12, the technological flagship SG22 refined on the forefoot, the popular Fastback Endurance in the undergrowth and the accessible GX-1 series. Between smooth cross soles, specific enduro cleats and waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, here is the complete comparison to make the right choice according to your practice and your budget.

What you need to know before choosing your Gaerne boots

• The slipper and toe box: Unlike other Italian trade marks such as Sidi with a very narrow cut, Gaerne is particularly suitable for medium to wide feet. If the SG12 offers a very enveloping slipper via its dense foam, the recent SG.22 further expands the plantar bed and offers a toe box toe) more square that removes any pressure on the small toe.
• The weight/protection compromise: the level of protection is felt in the weight of the boot. On the scale, a SG12 or SG22 weighs about 2.15 kg per boot. In contrast, a Fastback falls below 1.87 kg. On a technical outing of several hours, this gain of nearly 300 grams per leg clearly relieves the knees and thighs. But the other side of the coin, the Gaerne Fastback (or the GX-1) will be less protective than the SG22 or SG12.
• Goodyear sewn assembly: With the exception of the GX-1 Evo (injected/glued sole), all Gaernes use a sewn sole with a metal reinforcement iron on the front of the foot. This assembly offers excellent stiffness on the sharp footrests and allows a complete braiding at a specialized shoemaker.
• Cross sole vs Enduro sole: in enduro, the versions equipped with the notched sole Gaerne Enduro have appeared in recent years. The original cross soles are designed to slide on the ground when cornering and are badly unhooked as soon as you have to push the bike up a greasy climb. The bevelled crampons of the Enduro version ensure an essential motor skills on foot without hooking the underfoot while rolling.
• Sealing: if the aerations of the standard SG.22 regulate the temperature in summer, they allow water to pass through the repeated flows. The SG22 Gore-Tex Enduro is Gaerne’s only high-end off-road boot equipped with an integrated Gore-Tex waterproof and breathable membrane.
• Sewn sole vs. injected sole: With the exception of the GX-1 Evo (injected/glued sole), all Gaerne use one Traditional sewn sole with a metal reinforcement iron at the tip. The interest in enduro is twofold: the sole is not likely to tear out of the pierriers or ruts and it can be more easily braided in a cobbler when the footrests have worn out the rubber.

1. The Gaerne SG22 range: the Refined Technological Flag

Designed to modernise the SG12 formula without replacing it, the SG.22 optimises bending kinematics and solves the historical clutter under the selector.

• 3D profile point Main Body: the front of the boot has been lowered to the point of contact with the selector, avoiding the need to raise the leg excessively to mount the gears.
• Dual pivot Dual Stage 1.0: it guides the natural axis of the ankle while blocking hyperextension, hyperflexion and lateral twisting. The sole incorporates a shock absorber insert Microshock at the heel to dissipate shocks at the jump reception.
• Aluminium retention buckles: an internal ergot holds the strap in place when unlocked: practical to loosen his boots in the paddock without the straps dragging in the mud.

Gaerne SG22 (Standard) – €699.90

The version dedicated to pure motocross and summer riding, equipped with a two-component smooth sole and active ventilation ears on the front plate.

Gaerne SG22 Gore-Tex Enduro – €749.90

The ultimate weapon for extreme enduro, crossing and winter outings. It combines the technical structure of the SG.22, the off-road notched sole and the waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® Extended membrane.

2. The Gaerne SG12 range: the Historical Reference of Gaerne

Reference of circuits and international championships for more than ten years, the SG.12 is known for its extraordinary robustness and longevity that passes through the seasons.

• Dual DSPS pivot (1 ᵉ generation): this historical system is based on a solidary joint of the rear rod and a vertical mechanical slide (sliding glide). It is a shield designed to block hyperextension and absorb energy during violent receptions or vertical crushing (studding). In return for the pivot 1.0 of the SG.22, this kinematic is more voluminous on the footrests and imposes an initial stiffness that requires a few hours of running-in to release the ankle bending.
• Integral thermoplastic chassis: a rigid shell that protects against lateral crushing, rock shocks and repeated underfoot impacts.
• Memory Cell Foam: a dense memory-shaped inner lining that stabilizes the ankle and provides long-lasting soft comfort once ground.
• Adjustment for orthotics: the front tibia plate is screwed and repositionable on two openings to accommodate voluminous knee pads.

Gaerne SG12 – €579.90

The legend of motocross tracks with its smooth composite double sole designed to offer the best grip/slip compromise on footrests.

Gaerne SG12 Enduro – €579.90

The SG12 boot with the original enduro vulcanised notched sole, designed to combine maximum protection and also motor skills outside the bike on slippery terrain when you have to push the bike.

3. The Gaerne Fastback Endurance range: the perfect balance for enduro

Replacing the React, the Fastback Endurance eliminates the second upper mechanical axis in order to favor ankle mobility and lightness.

• Single pivot Wrap-Around: it allows flexible longitudinal bending from front to back, ideal for the recognition of foot specials or the pushing of the machine.
• Lightness and motorcycle contact: with almost 300 g less than a SG12, it reduces the lever arm on the knees. The suede leather interior panel brings the boot closer to the frame.
• Adjustable upper buckles: unscrewable and adjustable to accommodate strong calves or orthotics up to 46 cm in circumference.

Gaerne Fastback Endurance (Standard) – €379.90

The smooth-sole cross variant, tailored for cross-country, motocross field training and fast enduro tracks.

Gaerne Fastback Endurance Enduro – €379.90

Equipped with a bevelled toothed sole and TPU ramps protecting the first loop of the projections, it is the editorial master choice for the regular endurist.

4. The Gaerne GX-1 range: the technical entry-level Made in Italy

Gaerne maintains full production of its GX-1 series in Italy. The objective: offer a reliable and durable boot below €280 without trimming the assembly.

• ATP (Anti-Torsion Pocket) technology: as a replacement for the external mechanical pivot, two rigid PU ergots slide into integrated housings to accompany the front/rear bending while blocking the lateral twist.
• Proven design: four replaceable aluminium buckles, textured suede leather inner panel and side vents to remove moisture.

Gaerne GX-1 – €269.90

The initiation cross model with its traditional stitched sole with screwed metal front reinforcement iron.

Gaerne GX-1 Enduro – €279.90

The ideal solution for starting enduro or equipping yourself for leisure hiking with a real stitched sole sews Goodyear.

Gaerne GX-1 Evo – €269.90

Only adult Gaerne version with a sole injected and glued directly to the stem.

Summary table of the Gaerne off-road 2026 range

The Freenduro verdict: which Gaerne boots for you?

• The extreme and hard-enduro driver: the Gaerne SG22 Gore-Tex Enduro is the absolute reference. Its refined profile under the selector, its notched sole and its total tightness make it possible to face the pierriers and the piercing passages by keeping the feet dry, without cutting back on the mechanical rigidity. Be careful, however, in the middle of summer: the Gore-Tex membrane isolates more and will keep warmer and promotes perspiration of the foot.
• The motocross or enduro competitor (SG12 vs SG22): For complete protection and longevity, both models dominate the paddocks.
  • Prefer the SG12 for its unbeatable price/protection ratio: for €120 less than the SG22, its historic DSPS double pivot perfectly does the job and offers indestructible armor against the frame and vertical shocks. Compared to the SG22, it will be just a little behind on the comfort and feeling of the controls (brakes, gear lever).
  • Choose the SG22 if you are looking for superior comfort, more natural front/rear bending and more efficient locking of hyperflexion. In addition, if you have a wide foot or ankles, its new toe box (toe box) more square is significantly more welcoming and removes compression points on the toes.
• From the hiker to the regular franchisor: the Gaerne Fastback Endurance Enduro is the most balanced choice for 80 % practitioners. Lightweight (~1.87 kg), very well articulated for easy walking and with an excellent notched sole, it preserves the knees and thighs from fatigue while remaining priced below €380.
• The beginner cross, enduro or tight budget: the Gaerne GX-1 Enduro provides assurance of manufacturing 100 % Italian craftsmanship with Goodyear sewn assembly for less than 280 €. It is a much more rational and sustainable investment than imported entry-level boots with simply thermo-glued soles.

Maintenance: on the maintenance side, wash your boots in clear water, avoiding insisting on the high-pressure jet directly on the mechanical joints. On versions with suede leather inner panels (Fastback and GX-1), regularly apply a leather balm or grease to nourish the material and prevent it from drying out in contact with the exhaust heat.

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