Fox Racing Instinct vs Gaerne SG-12 | Which Motocross Boot is Best For You?

[@williamskify]

Chase, just wanted to recognize you as a great presenter! The fact that you’re an avid rider gives credibility to your reviews while they seem honest without bias! Great customer added value RMATV!

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks, Ken! Glad I can help out and I really appreciate that comment. Unbiased, yet enough info to help you make a good decision is the goal. - Chase

[@havasu1326]

Hands-down SG 12, comfortable boot fits great. Took me a long time to get used to them. Worth the money.

[@ethan117_]

How’s the foot to peg feel tho?

[@michail1963]

fox made in china, gaerne still made in italy...gaerne sg12 is the longest lasting safest boot

[@cityofplant]

Mikhail dont forget to add that fox boots only lasted me 1.5 years of hard riding.

[@monton5440]

Gaerne is the best saved my ankle mulitple times rock solid boot almost 2 years just lost the metal on the tip of the boot

[@floridajames04]

Mikhail Also heaviest, worst toe feeing and too stiff.. no thanks!

[@floridajames04]

Jimbo Here’s a hint.. stop hard riding. ;)

[@sarunassurvila7857]

@@floridajames04 which ones are you talking about?

[@rhys7671]

Feel like the gaerne is a lot more of a stronger boot that probably will last a little longer but the fox is just very comfy and has a larger range of movement because of the pivot point on the fox boot

[@rmatvmc]

Hit the nail on the head with that. - Chase

[@Cloud-rp4ev]

I worked 6 years for the BLM mapping trails on dirt bike. 6-10 hours a day IN THE SADDLE. With that much time working on a dirt bike your boots HAVE to be comfortable, protect, and last. I completely destroyed the original Gaernes I had, LOVED THEM. So I disagree with you about 'break-in comfort' or 'too stiff'. When I got a new pair of G10s for working, I was in the saddle for 5 miles before I finally remembered: "OH HELL THAT'S RIGHT! I got a new pair of boot on!" JUST as comfortable as my old destroyed boots first time out! That the Gaernes are "stiffer" at first, and always, is a "GOOD THING", not a negative. They're built to last and protect. I can't tell you how many rocks, downed tree limbs, or roots those boots have smashed into or how many times the rocks and trail/road-side debris have tried to rip my foot off of the bike or off my leg. No broken toes, ankles, legs, no bruises, etc. I even had a piece of 1 inch round broken wood with a sharp spear-tipped end pop-up and jam itself 3/4 of an inch into the stitching at the mid point of the outside of the boot while moving at 50mph. THAT would have been a trip to the hospital and weeks or months off work had it jammed into my foot, not to mention the pain. So, if you're going around in circles all day on 'groomed', nice soft dirt track with no "rocks", tree branches, or roots looking to drag you to hell, buy whatever boot pleases you. Hell the truck and trailer are only a few yards away. But if you're 3 hours "ride-time" from your truck ... "Gaerne S12 please, and thank you very much."

[@slangingiron4016]

Cloud9 do they do good in wet conditions? Have your feet ever gotten wet?

[@jacobkeller29]

Awesome comment

[@Cloud-rp4ev]

@@slangingiron4016 I live (and worked) in the deserts so rain or wet conditions is not generally an issue. The boots will protect some but this is not the Great North West. I have had to cross rivers or creeks with knee high water, ... they hold water pretty good for a while. ;-)

[@Ranger4444]

I just got a pair of 12's as my Instinct are away getting their 4th new sole. Your review is spot on. I am struggling to feel the controls on the 12's so far but they are clearly built to last. I love the Instincts but for me the sole is the weak point. Fox will re-sole for free but it takes 2 plus months to get them back. Great review Chase.

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks, Kelly! I love me some Instincts haha. A little birdie told me that we may see a new Instinct in the near future...- Chase

[@michaelmckay]

I have the Fox and this is spot on. The buckle is meh but really comfortable when you got them on.

[@NathanIsRacin]

I always hear my friends say the Garne are the safest boot on the market. Thats pretty high on my priority list when I buy a boot.

[@michalkunst440]

Im having 3rd pair of Instinct and had only two problems with.First was the toe part riped off a little when hitting the rock and sometimes I broke some of these buckles.Or they just opened themselves during riding when stuck in deep wood. In my opinion, Fox Instinct are very comfy and suitable for narrow foot like I do. Im not gonna go for any other.

[@rmatvmc]

That's awesome to hear. They may not last as long as an SG12, but the feel and performance is very hard to beat. If I could only choose one, I'd go Instinct. - Chase

[@Womb2DaTomb]

I love my SG12's, I was hesitent about the price tag, but I'm glad I bought them.

[@one3eightvids405]

Gaerne hands down!

[@derekd4349]

I personally went with the Fox Instinct Irmata (on sale for 350 at some stores). What Chase explains seems spot on. My friend has the Gaerne which helped me decide the Instincts would be my preference. The G's felt incredibly heavy (I know that may mean more durability) and didn't have as much feedback on the pegs. The Instinct buckle is something to consider as it doesn't take a lot of dirt to hinder the performance, however, it seems like a minor inconvenience to me considering all the other positives. I feel like if performance is your main focus the Instinct is the way to go, but, the SG12 might be your boot if you value a long lasting, durable boot with a wider toe. Something to keep in mind with my opinion is that I didn't get to try the SG12's after being fully broken in but I don't think they would feel more organic then the Instincts. Like Chase said, both seem like good options!

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks, Derek! Glad we agree on this. Both are good in their own ways. With any boot, it's a give and take. - Chase

[@zm7089]

Crazy I’ve been trying to decide the last two days which one of these two boots I want so naturally I go to KZbin and you guys made a video. Going to sleep on it probably going with the sg-12 because I’m not crazy on the instinct colors and being a bigger guy 6’3” 230lbs I need the extra room.

[@rmatvmc]

Well Zach, I'm glad you found our video! Both are good boots and you'd be happy with either. Which color in the SG12 are you getting? The grey/magnesium color looks awesome in person. I have the white/grey which looks awesome too. - Chase

[@zm7089]

Rocky Mountain ATV MC The grey magnesium is the one I just bought! Thanks chase. Have a good weekend.

[@michaelselix8817]

I were Alpinestar tech 10, just broke both of my legs at the ankle, i didnt think any of these boots could deform that much. Fox are at a price point and are for the track, they dont last a year in the woods, SG 12 are to me the best boot out there.

[@rmatvmc]

The new Tech 10, in my opinion, has the best flexion support of any boot on the market. But the durability isn't as good as the SG12. I think sometimes we expect a boot to make it impossible to hurt our ankles, but truth is, no matter what boot you have, if you have a big enough impact, no boot will prevent 100% of injuries. This goes for helmets and all other safety gear. - Chase

[@tihomirpodrug4367]

@@rmatvmc If you had to make a choice between Alpinestars Tech 10s or Gaerne SG12,which one would you choose personally between the two of them?

[@mclovin9234]

Whatever u do next, please do Alpinestars and I also think you should do versus with goggles. Something like the new Armega hiper lens vs Oakley airbrakes

[@rmatvmc]

We're experimenting with boot vs right now and seeing how they do. By the looks of it, people are really liking it. We'll move to other categories like goggles soon! -Chase

[@CasalGSA]

I'd like to see some comparative with Alpine Tech 10 vs Sidi Crossfire 3 or Leatt GPX 5.5

[@mdgbdiggio]

Gaerne, Sidi, TCX all the best boots are made in Italy

[@Ayah4304]

Would you to compare TCX comp Evo 2 Michelin VS Sidi SRS Cross fire 3??

[@willyd4850]

Gaerne all the way...

[@dannuthals7045]

Agree with most guys commenting that Gaerne SG12 are way better than Fox Instinct. What are your thoughts (or anyone’s) on Gaerne vs Alpinestars Tech 10?

[@rmatvmc]

We'll have a vs for those coming- Chase

[@shanemoto97]

Dan Nuthals tech 10’s all day long, you’ll thank me later

[@rmatvmc]

Tech 10 has better feel and is very comfy. However, it still won't last as long as an SG12. - Chase

[@dannuthals7045]

shanex197 Thanks bro!

[@AKKDLHNVSDF]

Broke my ankle in fox instincts, 2 of my best friends broke their Ankle and foot in them. And I know countless people who broke an ankle or a different bone in those boots, complete junk

[@CynicalTake]

Yep, almost just as safe to wear some work boots. They feel super free and comfortable, until you case a jump.

[@michalkunst440]

Dont think so, every crash is unique. Friend of mine having sg12 crashed and caused multiple ankle injury. Instinct saved my feet many times from serious injury. And there is one thing why I cant use sg12, they are too wide for my feets.

[@chrisjacksondrift]

I broke mine last weekend wearing brand new instincts. Broken talus bone didn’t even fall off just a slight over jump

[@brodeymcgowan8837]

busted both my ankles in the current instincts i have right now, gonna get out and ride in a couple weeks and if i overhumo something and my ankles complain again it’s gonna be a set of sg12’s for me lol

[@austinbirchall3857]

I have the fox boots buckle design not my favorite but in my opinion much more comfortable compared to my old boot gaerne g-react

[@luigifiorillo7680]

Equivalent boot Alpine Stars tech 8, still using a pair from 2009. Replaced the entire sole 6 times. Boots are still perfect condition total time in them is currently at 450 hours. For me the garne sg12 is equivalent in design and style in terms of sole replacement. They will be my next boot if I can ever wear out the leather and plastics of the tech 8??

[@grant7411]

Sg12 sole will outlast tech 8.

[@TaskSwitcherify]

Overall good review, but how did we not cover *protection,* which is one of the most important factors?

[@sumoborc]

can you do more of these kind of episodes please

[@rmatvmc]

More to come!

[@jtraffie1523]

I have the sg12 love the boot.,2 gripes sizing is large. I wear 12 shoe 12 gaerne is giant. 2nd the ankle strap on the inside will hook on your foot peg if you have to dab in a off road situation. It’s happened causes panic followed by tipping over.

[@scottlee2753]

SG 12 best boots save my bad foot many times.

[@nightbasser73]

Gaerne all the way!! Also I am boycotting everything from China going forward!! Chase Rocky Mountain needs to work with manufactures and encourage them to move back to USA manufacturing

[@Jesse-Rodriguez]

Gaerne for the added safety

[@davidbrennan3650]

Gaerne hook got me a few times riding enduro in the hard stuff. Boot gets hooked on the foot pegs. Besides that Ive had the sg12 for 2 years and sg10 for 4years. Sg 10 softer more feel. But never had anything break on them.

[@Mudmowerdiesel]

Awesome channel thank you

[@sparky_zap69]

Hey Chase, I’ve got a pair of Fox Comp 8 boots. I find it harder to feel the shift lever in those boots, but I have big calves so I like the fit in the upper part of the boot for that reason. I wear knee braces as well so the tops have to be super wide. Love Fox’s lineup, but not sure if the instinct would have better feel than the comp 8 in the toe box for the shift lever. Any insight on that?

[@grant7411]

The sg12 will fit big calves and knee braces no problem. I have big calves and wear bulky mobius braces in the sg12

[@rmatvmc]

Hi Kris. Yes, the Instinct will give you the better feel that you are looking for and better than the SG12. The Instinct does have a decently large calf opening (at least as big as the Comp 8) so if that isn't a problem with your 8 then it won't be a problem with the instinct. - Chase

[@mobbniggazz]

Been whaiting for sg12 vs instinct Thanx

[@rmatvmc]

You're welcome! Which would you choose? - Chase

[@mobbniggazz]

Rocky Mountain ATV MC i had instinct, now got my new sg12, yes they are more hard, but man how they stick with the bike!!! awesome, love it

[@rmatvmc]

@@mobbniggazz Nice! Glad you like them. - Chase

[@youtubeaccount9058]

I just replaced the soles on my Sidi Crossfire 2 SRS because the footpegs chewed through the original soles. The SG12 could be my next boot but what do you do about the soles? Or do they just make them rock-hard so they won't wear through because they're harder to replace?

[@chasetherippa]

KZbin Account The sole on the SG 12 isn’t as grippy as the instinct but it does last a very long time. Any shoe cobbler can replace it for you

[@JamesMorrison_Outdoors]

Wasn’t a huge fan of the SG12 because they were really stiff. I like the flexibility and feed back the fox boots give you but they don’t have as good of ankle protection. Do the SG12s eventually break in and give you a little more flexibility? And do you have an opinion of how the the Tec 10s in this subject?

[@rmatvmc]

Yes, the SG12 will break in and give better flex but it won't ever be an Instinct. The tech 10 is much closer to the instinct for feel but I think it has more support. However, between the three, the tech10, I don't think holds up as well as the Sg12 or Instinct. - Chase

[@JamesMorrison_Outdoors]

Rocky Mountain ATV MC thanks Chase for the reply! I I believe I will invest in a pair of SG12s as they have great reviews and it sounds like it’s the boot that would fulfill my needs. Thanks also for putting out product reviews and spot lights! There awesome and helpful! Also love the RM fantasy SX! Go Tomac 😀

[@Team_Banchamek]

If anyone is buying the Fox instinct boots, get a size up. Am a size 8 in pretty much all foot wear but i got a size 8 in these and they to small. My toes where touching the front so I had to send them back and get a 9!

[@ThrillsOnWheels71]

Please do a video like this with the sg12 and the a-star tech 10 I can’t decide witch one to get I love my Graeme they last a very long time, they feel just as safe as the day I got them.

[@rmatvmc]

We'll have a vs between those two coming soon. What questions do you have right now I can help with? - Chase

[@ThrillsOnWheels71]

Rocky Mountain ATV MC Are the tech 10’s as durable and as protective as the sg12

[@rmatvmc]

@@ThrillsOnWheels71 As protective? Yes. As durable? No.

[@joeshawley1626]

I went from a tech7 to the g12. Gave the fox a try and did not like them. G12 all day long for me!

[@aengus.tavalero]

(Very late, maybe you’ll still answer) I have a size 14 boot and I’m a very tall rider. Boots seem to increase the toe box section making it difficult to shift at times. Gaerne seems to be lower in the toe box and not as bulky as the Fox boots but I don’t know. Any recommendations or are the really just the same?

[@rmatvmc]

No boot is easier to shift and brake in than the Instinct. But when it comes to durability, the Gaerne wins. Both of these have a low toe box, but the Instinct just has more flex. - Chase

[@beastgirl43]

Great review 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@rmatvmc]

Glad you liked it - Chase

[@chrisjacksondrift]

I’m blaming the fox boots for my broken talus bone in my ankle. They look sick but are way too flexible

[@GeniusEnis]

I wear the alpinestars tech7 but im interested in the leatt boots for my next pair. Make versus video on those!

[@rmatvmc]

Trust me, we've got a lot more of these to do! I want to have all the premium boots vs each other. Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it. - Chase

[@kettlemotofilms1497]

Do the instincts have ankle memory foam like the gaernes?

[@rmatvmc]

They don't, but they hold the ankle in place really well. I love the fit of the Instincts. - Chase

[@laryangel4082]

Fox lasted me only 3 months. Gaerne is now 3 years and still counting

[@shaun88R]

Man, great timing. Was thinking of getting some instincts this week!

[@markostarr4062]

go with Alpinestars or G bro, I got a lot of money and own all three.. looks can be deceiving Fox is the worst

[@shaun88R]

marko starr What if I ride MX on a sport quad though? My feet never touch the ground. I want good feel and flex with decent protection.

[@mclovin9234]

Shaun Alpinestars are still the best boot. I ride the 450 quads super hard and as well with dirt bikes and the Alpinestars boots have nice ankle movement, not a ginormous toe box, and are super comfy. There’s a reason most riders use them😏

[@shaun88R]

@@mclovin9234 True. I did like the Tech 7's.

[@rmatvmc]

Both are good. If I had to choose just one boot, I'd go with the Instincts for the performance. You just have to accept that they won't last as long as the SG12 most likely. But you can always find a pair of instincts at a good sale price on our site! But the SG12 is a REALLY good boot. I go back and forth all the time. - Chase

[@kkbs44]

These two boots are bets on a market, let me tell you straight if you crash hard and awkward no boots will save you so moral of the story is buy most comfortable boots to ride

[@brody_517]

Make a gaerne sg12 vs alpinestar tech 10

[@rmatvmc]

It's coming soon! - Chase

[@joeybishop7604]

Hands down Gaerne over Fox

[@smoke6253]

Sg12. Simple.

[@mgl9284]

Yo

[@markostarr4062]

how smart... a two letter word, is that all you could come up with?

[@FirstGendodgegarage]

Mommy the buckles hurt my wittle fingers

[@toddyrightonit]

Tried both on fox has a shit ankle support system that’s uncomfortable didn’t buy , sg12 once again has extra cushion on ankle bone felt extremely uncomfortable as previous years 9 in fact went with a tech 7 Alpinestars boot . Had the money to buy anything settled with the 7 and that was over the Alpinestars 10 too !

[@robertbartholomew7602]

If this was a shootout, the SG-12 wins.

[@utahdesertrider1806]

Never worn either one. From what I’ve heard Fox Boots are the worst quality boot. Guerne has nothing but good reviews

[@FirstGendodgegarage]

Fox boots feel like cheap Chinese junk