Boots - specifically Gaerne GX-1 Enduro

[webbie1]

So I'm about to get some real motorcycle boots for riding my DRZ400s.  I was looking at the Gaerne G Adventure boots, which look nice but at the end of the day they seem more like glorified hiking boots as far as protection goes.  This shifted me to look at more protective boots, so specifically motocross boots.  Like many, I'm on a pretty tight budget so I started looking around and found a site in Italy that really sells them cheap.  I looked them up and lots of guys from here in the US have bought from them, and an employee has actually responded on our forums directly, which seems like good customer service.  I'm going to give them a try.  The other nice thing is they have models that are not available here, like the Enduro model of the GX-1 boot, which is nice because it has the vibram sole on it.  I can get this boot, DELIVERED, for under $170.  Pretty good deal.  Here's a link: http://www.motostorm.it/en/products/motorcycle/gaerne-gx-1-enduro-black.html?currency=USD

 

So my question is, since the sizing are all European (which could also be good, since the US Gaerne's skip some European sizes), what size to order?  I wear a 9.5-10 in US sized shoes (closer to 9.5 most brands).  In US sizing, they offer 9 and 10.  I feel like the 9 would be too small (equivalent to Euro size 43), and 10 would be a bit too large (equivalent to Euro size 44.5), so I'm thinking that size 44 would be the way to go.  So size 44 might be a size that isn't even available in a US sized Anyone have any experience with the GX-1 in the Euro sizing?

 

                   Let me know and thanks,

 

                              Warner

 

 

UPDATE:  I just measured both feet, and they are 26.5 centimeters, which looks more like 43 based on the Gaerne chart, so now I'm not sure.....

Edited March 29, 2015 by webbie1

[The Agitator]

I have size 11 feet - and big feet means big...........

 

And my Alpine Stars are 45.5

 

IMO - Find a local shop and try some different boots on.

 

Not to get off topic but there are some things I'll buy on-line IE tires. Other things like helmets, boots etc you need to try on unless your replacing with the exact thing. All my local shops will normally match or come close to any price I find on-line. Keeps them in business and when you need your local shop, they are there for you.

[webbie1]

I have size 11 feet - and big feet means big...........

 

And my Alpine Stars are 45.5

 

IMO - Find a local shop and try some different boots on.

 

Not to get off topic but there are some things I'll buy on-line IE tires. Other things like helmets, boots etc you need to try on unless your replacing with the exact thing. All my local shops will normally match or come close to any price I find on-line. Keeps them in business and when you need your local shop, they are there for you.

 

I agree with you on the "local shop" thing, but in this case there's no way they're going to match the price.  Did you see the price on the website that I linked to?  Not to mention the US shops aren't going to have Euro sizing....so there is no such thing as a 9.5 here in the US.  But the 43 Euro size is equal to 9.5 US.  AND, you can't buy the Gaerne "Enduro" model here, either....at least I haven't seen any US shop offering them.

 

                           Warner

 

 

Here's what they look like:

Edited March 29, 2015 by webbie1

[The Agitator]

Are you sure about the US shops not having EU sized boots??

 

The only sizing label on my Alpine Stars is 45.5 and pretty sure these are the same boots in Canada/US.

 

Lots of boots I've seen have both sizings.

 

What I was getting at is if you can find a local shop that has EU sizing, try ANY boot with a 43, 43.5, 44 etc sizing to get a ROUGH idea of sizing.

 

IMO - boots, helmets, gear in general is a very personal thing. I've got a wide size 11 and kinda flat footed. Had to try on a # off different boots to find something I liked. Then spent the $$$$$ for my Tech 10's. Your helmet very rarely touch's the ground where your boots get worked.

 

Ya there cheap in Europe but add in the $40 shipping.

 

Maybe with the exchange rate and possible free shipping you could get them here and I have bought from this place many times

 

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/35853/i/gaerne-gx---1-boot

Edited March 29, 2015 by filterx

[webbie1]

Are you sure about the US shops not having EU sized boots??

 

The only sizing label on my Alpine Stars is 45.5 and pretty sure these are the same boots in Canada/US.

 

Lots of boots I've seen have both sizings.

 

What I was getting at is if you can find a local shop that has EU sizing, try ANY boot with a 43, 43.5, 44 etc sizing to get a ROUGH idea of sizing.

 

IMO - boots, helmets, gear in general is a very personal thing. I've got a wide size 11 and kinda flat footed. Had to try on a # off different boots to find something I liked. Then spent the $$$$$ for my Tech 10's. Your helmet very rarely touch's the ground where your boots get worked.

 

Yeah, I have plenty of boots and shoes (my wife was manager of the shoe department at Nordstrom for a while) so I know in Ecco boots for example, I'm a 43.  I was just trying to figure out if the GX-1's fit differently.  I've read a few posts where people have said they fit a little tighter than the other Gaerne boots.   But your advice is good...go find a local shop that carries Gaerne and try a 9 and 10 on.  I will NOT be able to try a size 44, as they aren't carried in the US.  A 9 is equivalent to a 43, and a 9.5 is equivalent to a 44, and there is no Euro equivalent to a 10, as the 45's are equal to 10.5.  So if you are truly a size 9.5, you're stuck either buying a boot that's a little too tight (the 9's) or one that's a little too loose (the 10's).  No 9.5 option in the US. So if the 9's are too tight and the 10's are too loose, then the 44 seems like the way to go.

 

                   Warner

Edited March 29, 2015 by webbie1

[webbie1]

 

Ya there cheap in Europe but add in the $40 shipping.

 

Maybe with the exchange rate and possible free shipping you could get them here and I have bought from this place many times

 

Yeah, the US shops can't come close, even if they DID offer the Enduro model.  The price on the boots would be $135.87 plus $31.24 for shipping, or a total of $167.11   I don't think you're going to get close to that in the US.  (and again, no Enduro model here and no size 43).

 

           Warner

[The Agitator]

Looking at the sizing chart in the link I posted there is no half sizes but it does show a 43 = 10 US

 

It kinda feels like we are caught in some metric/US/EU measurement black hole ?

 

I would assume that if if you can try on a different Gaerne model and I'm really surprised that there is no 43 sizing in the US, it should be close to fit etc.

 

My friends tell me my feet look like these...

 

 

Edited March 29, 2015 by filterx

[webbie1]

Looking at the sizing chart in the link I posted there is no half sizes but it does show a 43 = 10 US

 

It kinda feels like we are caught in some metric/US/EU measurement black hole ?

 

I would assume that if if you can try on a different Gaerne model and I'm really surprised that there is no 43 sizing in the US, it should be close to fit etc.

 

My friends tell me my feet look like these...

 

 

 

 

I agree on the black hole comment.  I had to edit my posts above because I had some mistakes.  Basically, here's how Gaerne's sizing chart looks (Alpinestars uses the same equivalents):

 

43 = US size 9 (and in cm they say this equates to 27cm, and my foot measured 26.5 cm)

44= US size 9.5

45= US size 10.5

 

Who know what Euro size a US size 10 is, but it must be something like 44.5 right?

 

 

But then if you go look on Zappos for a size chart there's goes like THIS, which seems more on par with what my Ecco boot sizing is:

 

42 - US size 9

42/43 - US size 9.5  (which leads me to believe that a 42 is actually a little larger than a true US size 9)

43 - US size 10

43/44 - US size 10.5

44 - US size 11

 

 

           Warner

[The Agitator]

http://www.asknumbers.com/ShoeSizeMensConversion.aspx

 

As I posted my normal shoe size is 11 and the 45.5 boot fit great for my foot shape

[webbie1]

Here's the sizing chart from Gaerne. If I ignore the US size column, everything else makes sense.  I'm a true size 9.5 in most of my shoes, and wear a size 43 in my Ecco boots (hiking type).  I measured my bare feet on the floor and they are both 10.6".  So everything on this chart (besides the US size column) points to a size 43, right?  

 

Edited March 29, 2015 by webbie1

[The Agitator]

IMO - I would go with your true size shoe sizing 9.5 or 44 (44 would be a US size 10 if you use my chart)

 

The boots will pack out some but do you want to take a chance and buy something from the EU which will be too small and end up costing you more $$ in the long run.

 

When I was really into snowboarding I would go to the shop and try on lots the same boots in different sizes. I really liked how the size 10.5 outer boot felt with a size 11 inner boot so when the shop guys wasn't looking, I would swap bigger liners and smaller outers. I'm sure it drove the shop dudes crazy.

[webbie1]

IMO - I would go with your true size shoe sizing 9.5 or 44 (44 would be a US size 10 if you use my chart)

 

The boots will pack out some but do you want to take a chance and buy something from the EU which will be too small and end up costing you more $$ in the long run.

 

When I was really into snowboarding I would go to the shop and try on lots the same boots in different sizes. I really liked how the size 10.5 outer boot felt with a size 11 inner boot so when the shop guys wasn't looking, I would swap bigger liners and smaller outers. I'm sure it drove the shop dudes crazy.

 

I really don't know.  My Ecco's are 43's, and two of the 3 criteria on the Gaerne site match up - The centimeter  and inches measurement shows me as a 43.  Like I said, the only thing that doesn't match up is they show the 43's equal to a size 9.  Weird.  Then I read about guys saying these are sized larger than their size, and other guys saying they are true to size.  Decisions, decisions......I'm still looking for a dealer in the area who carries the Gaerne MX-1's.

 

             Warner

[not_again]

I really don't know. My Ecco's are 43's, and two of the 3 criteria on the Gaerne site match up - The centimeter and inches measurement shows me as a 43. Like I said, the only thing that doesn't match up is they show the 43's equal to a size 9. Weird. Then I read about guys saying these are sized larger than their size, and other guys saying they are true to size. Decisions, decisions......I'm still looking for a dealer in the area who carries the Gaerne MX-1's.

Warner

I wear the GX-1, been my favorite boot for years. They run true to size lengthwise but are wide and with a roomy toebox. If you are in between sizes stay toward the smaller end and you'll be fine.

[webbie1]

I wear the GX-1, been my favorite boot for years. They run true to size lengthwise but are wide and with a roomy toebox. If you are in between sizes stay toward the smaller end and you'll be fine.

 

Yeah, I measured both feet, twice.....once with my wife measuring them and we both came up with 10.6 inches or 26.8 cm which points to a size 43 on their sizing chart.  I have a narrow heel but a fairly wide front part of my foot.  I run 9.5 is most dress shoes, but have actually fit better in size 9 on some dress shoes, and sometimes (rarely) a size 10 on others.  My Ecco's are 43 and they fit me perfectly.  Like Filterx says though, the last thing I want to do is wait for them to come from Italy, only to have to figure a way to send them back, then wait again for the correct size.....

 

              Warner

[The Agitator]

Right so being in Canada, we use the UK sizing cus apparently If you are American and have a size 11 we in the colonies have a size 10.5.

 

I'm been trying to figure out the litres vs UK/US gallons for the last 20 years and just gave up

 

So my size 11 UK is 45.5 EU.

 

I really don't understand why the US sizing is slightly larger than the UK sizing other than it it goes back to the revolution and if you have bigger feet, your a bigger man ?

 

Does this also mean that if you have a 36" waist in the:US I've got like a 35" waist in Canada?

[webbie1]

Right so being in Canada, we use the UK sizing cus apparently If you are American and have a size 11 we in the colonies have a size 10.5.

 

I'm been trying to figure out the litres vs UK/US gallons for the last 20 years and just gave up

 

So my size 11 UK is 45.5 EU.

 

I really don't understand why the US sizing is slightly larger than the UK sizing other than it it goes back to the revolution and if you have bigger feet, your a bigger man ?

 

Does this also mean that if you have a 36" waist in the:US I've got like a 35" waist in Canada?

 

No.....you got it all wrong.  Here in the US, it's cool to have big feet, big biceps, and  a SMALL waist.  Hahaha.  But seriously, I think it comes down to different companies just having different sizes.  Like I said, my wife was a mens shoe department manager at Nordstrom for years, so I'm not embarrassed to say that I have roughly 30 pair of different (nice!) shoes so I've seen how they are sized differently sometimes.  And sometimes the country of manufacture DOES dictate this....

[The Agitator]

Good advice from someone who actually has these boots!

 

It's friggin monsooning rain where I live otherwise I be riding - So I've been drinking beer, watching nascar and a bit bored. Not even sure why I replied to this  so I'll shut up now ?

[webbie1]

Good advice from someone who actually has these boots!

 

It's friggin monsooning rain where I live otherwise I be riding - So I've been drinking beer, watching nascar and a bit bored. Not even sure why I replied to this  so I'll shut up now ?

 

Hahaha....no worries!  I appreciate all the replies....and it's windy as hell here in Chicago and still cold.....

[webbie1]

Okay....a quick look through my shoe cabinet and here's what i found.  My Ecco dress shoes are all 42's, my Ecco boots (as mentioned earlier) are all 43's.  My Magnanni dress shoes are 42's.  I don't have ANY shoes that are 44's.  I went ahead and ordered the 43's.  I have shoe trees that I can use to stretch them if need be (which I doubt will be needed based on my foot measurement in cm/inches in reference to the Gaerne sizing chart).  I'm pretty psyched to be ordering them....with a sole that's not available here in the US.  I'll post my results once I get them, both with the sizing and with the site that I'm buying them from.   The interesting thing is that I had to change the default language on their website to Italian before the "continue" button appeared to check out.  Hahaha.....oh well.  Saving $50 and being able to buy a boot that's not available here makes it worthwhile.

 

             Warner

[webbie1]

This clinches it....just looked at my Italian made speedskating boots. Guess how they're marked? US size 11, Euro size? 43.

Warner