The SG-12 is the latest and greatest from the Italian boot
maker, and it takes the design of the tried-and-true SG-10 and goes so
much further that the new boot skipped right past the number 11.
We thought that the existing SG-10 was comfortable, but compared to the
ultra-plush SG-12, the old boots feel like ancient torture devices. The
interior memory foam padding is the plushest we’ve ever slipped our
feet into, and thanks to the boot’s Twin-Pivot hinged design, the ankle
of the SG-12 is snug and streamlined, with absolutely no outward
bunching when flexed. The rubber that surrounds the actual pivot point
of the SG-12 is vastly improved over the SG-10’s, which used to tear or
wear away when worn by an aggressive rider who rode with a firm grip on
the motorcycle’s frame. Additionally, the massive rubber panels on the
inside surface of the SG-12 offer maximum grip against the motorcycle,
which in turn equals better control out on the track. The new buckles
are among the easiest to operate, and require no special technique or
care to operate. The glued-on soles feature softer compounds in the
shifter and brake pedal contact points, and thus far, have exhibited a
long lifespan, even against super-sharp aftermarket foot pegs. The
all-new look of the SG-12 is both progressive and stylish, without
being overdone.
The new Gaerne SG-12 had a tall order to fill to dethrone the existing SG-10 as the TransWorld Motocross testing staff’s favorite boot, but Gaerne scored a home run with its
first at-bat with the exciting new boot. Now, if only the dollar would
gain some leverage against the almighty Euro…