I need to get some boots, like this week. I ride a BMW 1100GS so I want something that will be comforable on road and can handle some mild off road stuff.. I really like the Gaerne balance trials boots, but im having a hard time seeing the differances bettween the pro-tech boots, oiled boots and classic boots. Anyone out there know much about this line of boots? specifically I want to know if the pro-tech boots are waterproof? I'm thinking there not.
I have been riding Balanced Oiled for a month now. It is the only trials boot they offer with a waterproof membrane. That is why it costs $100 more. I don't think they offer the 'Classic' Balance, but the Pro-Tech version of the Balance appears to be the same boot except for the oiling and the membrane. They have a lower price point boot called the G-Adventure, which is a similar 3 buckle design with shorter than the traditional 4 buckle boot designs. I tried all the models on before settling on the waterproof boot. All have a soft sole for easy walking. The G-Adventure is clearly a lighter boot. The stiffest was the Pro-Tech. The Oiled model was more supple because of the oiling process, but still a protective boot. I have an old pair of Sidi Discovery boots for about 9 seasons now. The Balance trials models are all more comfortable than my Disco's. The buckles strike me a little fiddly, though.
Check out the Gaerne Midland boot. I've only found one place in the US that is selling that model though. http://www.atomic-moto.com/gaerne-g-midland-boots_p_351.html
I have a pair of the Balance Oiled Boots and love them! They are super comfortable, and are even ok riding in 90+ temps.
I ended up buying the Balance Classic as it was a bit cheaper that the Balance Oiled. Due to the shape and size of my feet few boots actually fits my feet (45-46 wide, neither here nor there). The Balance Oiled and Classic is water proof but the Pro tech not I think.These boots are very comfortable, like your favourite slippers with all the protection that you need. I love it and recommend it above the mainstream competition. Review here http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=669864&highlight=gaerne
I have wore these boots probably 7 days and the stitches are letting go the boot is disintegrating on me. Probably not waterproof anymore. Very bad purchase and built quality. The most expensive boots ever 43$ per day!
I sure hope you got a "Friday" boot. 'Cause this is the boot I decided on getting. I've got maybe four good rides on them. So far, so good. Wish me luck. I wanted Sidi, but the Gaerne fit better.
Mine have endured about a year and a half of serious abuse with no issues, so I wouldn't worry too much. I think huguesfrederic must have gotten a bad pair, sounds like a warranty issue to me...
I've been riding in Balance Pro-Techs since August. They are great and very comfortable, on and off the bike, in hot or cold weather, but NOT waterproof. They can handle some rain but not a long ride in a rainstorm or crossing streams. The Balance Oiled and Balance Classic both have waterproof membranes. The Oiled is (obviously) oiled leather and the Classic is made of Lorica, a mircofiber synthetic leather. Derek
Another thumbs up for the Balance Oiled, comfortable and you can actually walk around quite a bit in them. Not a lot of ankle protection though, that's the trade off.
That must be bad luck; I've had mine for sometime and even crashed pretty hard while wearing them and they still look tops. I'd contact them to get it resolved.
I find my pro-techs to be really warm. Do you find that as well? I don't mind, but some people really hate have hot feet.
ive been riding in the balance pro's on the big bike. Certainly not the protection of my crossfires, but incredibly comfortable! I have about 6k miles in the boots now. some wear, but holding up really well. My Dad wanted a boot between the mx boot and the balance pro's. He ended up with the forma adventure boot. So far he is really happy with them. Give Brian at atomic moto a call. he's awesome to deal with
No I don't. We have hot, humid summers here and I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the boots were. I've worn them for 8-10 hours at a time and my feet have never really been hot. I wear Smartwool socks year-round with all my shoes and boots and I'm a big believer in the magic of wool socks for keeping feet comfortable. I did a few hours of offroading on Sunday and it was about 90F (around 32C) and my feet never felt hot. When I took my boots off my socks were barely damp from sweat. Derek
Good to know. I've placed an order for 5 or 6 wool socks, so maybe that will keep my feet feeling good. I wonder if the issue is that they have a lot of insulation value, so on a cold day they (the boots) feel plenty warm, but on a hot day, they don't absorb the heat from the road, engine, sunshine, etc.
I have had my Oil balanced for a couple of months now. Excellent in the comfort department, you actually feeling like wearing them even after I get off the bike. No hotter than any other boots I have owned.
