Good choice. I bought the Sidi x- powers last year. First mx style boot and hated them, at first. Several rides later and breaking them in by mowing the lawn and doing several knee bends I love them and actually look forward to wearing them when riding! btw - I removed the metal toe piece.
After lots of research and a very helpful guy at the bike shop I bought these 18 months ago. Incredible boots. Protection and comfort. Warm in the winter and don’t find them hot in the summer. I clomp around the supermarket in them without any drama.
I bought these same boots about 2 months ago and they fit fantastic right out of the box. I have no regrets! I find that the soles have great support when standing on the pegs.
I have Gaerne SG12 for pure dirt bike riding, these Fastbacks Endoro’s for more off road focussed adventure riding and their Dakar boots for less off road focussed adv riding where there is more tarmac involved. All are great boots. The Dakar are super comfortable and still offer pretty good protection but not the level of the Fastbacks. The Fastbacks are a little annoying in the road but great when off road. Everything is a compromise I guess but each boots performs brilliantly for what it was made for. Highly recommended.
Good points there! After breaking my tibia, I was off to buy proper boots and ended up with this Gaerne model. For me, they represent almost perfect balance between safety and comfort (they are good for multi-day rides as well), and they are certainly of high quality. Frankly, I can't imagine riding in something like Sidi Adventure anymore (insert any other boot without a proper ankle protection). I will add that I would have liked the toe box to be a bit wider and they need better i.e. softer insoles because that enduro sole is very stiff.
Great review. I got me a pair of these boots and everything you said rings true for me also, though I haven’t had the problem with clips coming undone. My only bug is the size of that shin guard. Most pants don’t fit over them.
Nice review, Curtis. I have a hate relation with boots, lol. I use the Forma Terrain MX boots, and they are excellent. Like you said, shifting and breaking are very difficult at first. Once they were broken in, movement/feel is much better. I have wide pegs on the DR650 and 800DE, and I had to adjust both leavers. I had no issue wearing them on my 250XC. I also just picked up the MSR Adventure boot for casual adventure rides...not much protection, but are great when you get off the bike and hike to a scenic spot. I choose boots that have treads, I don't know why anyone that rides off-road would pick smooth soled boots. An overlooked item is socks. I've tried a bunch as I have a sock fetish and have a hard time finding perfection. Until two weeks ago I was in Walmart and picked up Dickies Shin Protection knee high socks..what n f'ing game changer they were for me. When I put all my boots on, every little tight spot was softened, and every little loose spot tightened. Everything is so much more comfortable and makes long rides easier.
Hi Jon, I just got the Alpine Toucan ADV boots and a new bike too. CFMoto 450 MT. Went on day long ride mostly tarmac and a little dirt riding. In mountains about Medellin (all tight 2 lane twisties where you need to do a ton of shifting). I had a ton of trouble shifting and feling the gear changes (even in my tenis shoes on this moto its so quick and light) and at times my foot seemed to be trapped under the gear shfter and had to fight to pull out and own shift. And on fisrst day with new bike and new bots we went to pueblo and parking bike I thought I had put kick stand down or it felt like it was . But it wasnt so bike dropped on cobblestone broke part of my clutch lever. Not feeling is what caused the bike to fall. Is there a hack to break boots in so that you can feel and so that they fit not so snuggly underneath gear shifter? Sorry so long!!! And thanks ahead of time!
Great review! Having bought my first adventure bike (T7), I went out and bought some Tech 3's. They feel safe and solid, but they're also heavy and super stiff. I creek everywhere i walk. Can't creep up on anybody. 😂 But they are comfortable when riding. Definitely not waterproof either. If id have had more cash would have gone Tech 7's
Sidi Crossfire 2s. For similar reasons. Solid boot, great quality, replaceable stitched sole. Have done a couple of 1000 ks in them now and have zero complaints. If you can find a 2, you can get a great deal over the crossfire 3s
Good review mate, I’ve been wearing the Alpinestars Toucan Gore-Tex Boots for the last couple of years and find them to be pretty good. The soles on these boots are also replaceable.
@@onthebackwheel I think if I was doing more serious off-road activities, I’d be looking at a more enduro focused boot like the AS tech 7’s or the Gaerne’s. I think you made a good choice.
The Gaerne FB Enduro boots look awesome. I went with the Alpine Stars Tech 7 Dristar Enduro Boots only because my local bike shop is a dealer, could get them in, and I could try them on. I've heard nothing but great things about the Gaerne boots. I still have my older Sidi ADV boots which I still wear when I'm mainly on the road and a pair of Icon Elsinore boots which are my retro boots for the Royal Enfield Bullet 500.
@@onthebackwheel Yeah, they have been a great boot. I need to put some oil on the hinge because they are squeaky. Other than that home run. Comfortable, have kept my feet dry in long rain rides with over the boot pants. Like you said, it’s good to be protected.
Hi mate, great review. I have the same boot. But my only comment (speaking on behalf of the wide-feet people out there) is that these are too narrow. I shove a timber dowel in them to widen them when in storage, and then they're fine to wear for the day. The mistake I made was buying online. So advice is, if you have wide feet, try them first! I wouldn't buy these again, only for this reason.
No soft adventure boots for me...I also have Gaerne - great quality boot - altho I went full enduro SG-12....but I'm older nowadays and need good protection. 😁 coupled with Leatt knee braces, I feel super comfy and safe...These Fastbaks looks like "almost SG12s" and more comfy...good choice!!
Having worn road riding boots all my life and transitioning to adventure bike riding, it was not an easy choice for me. Going to a full-on MX boot just wasn't going to happen. My first point of issue was that the boot had to work for my shape feet, which then ruled out quite a number of brands. My second issue was that the sole of the boot needed 'not' to be too flexible (less flex the better) so that ruled out a few more brands/models. That left the Alpinestars Tech 7 and Toucan. I went with the Alpinestars Toucan boot because it is Gortex waterproof.
⚠️ Long Post ⚠️ I have the Gaerne Dakar and I had the same issue you described with one of the buckle. What happened for me was the strap loop and the buckle were not properly aligned when you close the buckle… they are ok in a straight line but the front of the buckle is lower than the back because leather underneath is giving in (not enough rigidity) which leads to having the buckle not latching all the way down at the back ( you can visually see it). I contacted Gaerne and explained the problem and their answer SUCKED ! They said the issue is probably due to variation in leather thickness where the buckle is mounted … and there’s nothing they can do. WTF !! They admit poor quality but they can’t do anything 🤔 So what I did, and you might try to do that if you think you have the same issue and can’t exchange them (and I couldn’t: thank you Rocky Mountain ATV 😡): I cut a piece of hard rubber (truck fuel tank liner) about 3mm thick and cut it to the shape of the FRONT of the buckle and drilled it.I bought some longer screws and cut them to the correct length (blind hole in the boot) And inserted the piece of rubber between the buckle and the boot, as a spacer, only at the front of the buckle to raise it and I screwed the buckle down. Problem solved! The buckle never came loose again and I now get a proper “click” when I close the buckle. Beside the terrible customer experience with Gaerne and Rocky Mountain ATV, I really like the Dakar … they’re super comfortable, grippy and “waterproof “ (goretex) BUT I dropped my DR on my leg/ankle the other day on a single track and more protection would have been welcomed 😖 maybe I need the Gaerne Enduro 😆 I enjoy your video btw. Keep them coming 😎 cheers ✌️
I don't see them to be any different, except for more buckles and a bit of plastic. The fastback is just wank value IMHO. Doesn't add anything except if you're riding 200km/h it saves you .5Km/h.
These are great, haven't got any injuries or anything and I've had some definitely moments with them (look at Himalayan 450 where its laying on my leg for eg.). Very happy with my purchase so far
@@onthebackwheel I think they are worth checking. I ask as I have just had a very nasty foot injury and I am looking for adventure riding boots with maximum protection but ideally waterproof as well ( I am in the UK...)
@@nkwd007 they look good. Long as you are getting something that's a mx style with the support they'll be right. The rest is build quality and how long they'll last. The alpine star tech 7 drystar are waterproof too
Good choice. I bought the Sidi x- powers last year. First mx style boot and hated them, at first. Several rides later and breaking them in by mowing the lawn and doing several knee bends I love them and actually look forward to wearing them when riding! btw - I removed the metal toe piece.
After lots of research and a very helpful guy at the bike shop I bought these 18 months ago. Incredible boots. Protection and comfort. Warm in the winter and don’t find them hot in the summer. I clomp around the supermarket in them without any drama.
Thanks bud
I have the same, just brown. I love it.
I bought these same boots about 2 months ago and they fit fantastic right out of the box. I have no regrets! I find that the soles have great support when standing on the pegs.
Same thoughts here mate
I have Gaerne SG12 for pure dirt bike riding, these Fastbacks Endoro’s for more off road focussed adventure riding and their Dakar boots for less off road focussed adv riding where there is more tarmac involved. All are great boots. The Dakar are super comfortable and still offer pretty good protection but not the level of the Fastbacks. The Fastbacks are a little annoying in the road but great when off road. Everything is a compromise I guess but each boots performs brilliantly for what it was made for. Highly recommended.
Got the best of all worlds there mate. I'll have to check out the Dakar, it would be good to have a more road style boot too
Top review mate! been meaning to buy a pair of these for a minute and this has just cemented it
Cheers. Pretty happy so far. Had a couple of great hit outs recently, comfortable and no issues at all with the buckles
Good points there! After breaking my tibia, I was off to buy proper boots and ended up with this Gaerne model. For me, they represent almost perfect balance between safety and comfort (they are good for multi-day rides as well), and they are certainly of high quality. Frankly, I can't imagine riding in something like Sidi Adventure anymore (insert any other boot without a proper ankle protection).
I will add that I would have liked the toe box to be a bit wider and they need better i.e. softer insoles because that enduro sole is very stiff.
They are tough aren't they. Good for standing though and I haven't got sore feet yet
Great review. I got me a pair of these boots and everything you said rings true for me also, though I haven’t had the problem with clips coming undone. My only bug is the size of that shin guard. Most pants don’t fit over them.
Nice review, Curtis. I have a hate relation with boots, lol. I use the Forma Terrain MX boots, and they are excellent. Like you said, shifting and breaking are very difficult at first. Once they were broken in, movement/feel is much better. I have wide pegs on the DR650 and 800DE, and I had to adjust both leavers. I had no issue wearing them on my 250XC. I also just picked up the MSR Adventure boot for casual adventure rides...not much protection, but are great when you get off the bike and hike to a scenic spot. I choose boots that have treads, I don't know why anyone that rides off-road would pick smooth soled boots. An overlooked item is socks. I've tried a bunch as I have a sock fetish and have a hard time finding perfection. Until two weeks ago I was in Walmart and picked up Dickies Shin Protection knee high socks..what n f'ing game changer they were for me. When I put all my boots on, every little tight spot was softened, and every little loose spot tightened. Everything is so much more comfortable and makes long rides easier.
Funny you say that, I got a new set of socks lately and only then did I realise how crap my old ones were. I'll have to check out those Dickies ones
Hi Jon, I just got the Alpine Toucan ADV boots and a new bike too. CFMoto 450 MT. Went on day long ride mostly tarmac and a little dirt riding. In mountains about Medellin (all tight 2 lane twisties where you need to do a ton of shifting). I had a ton of trouble shifting and feling the gear changes (even in my tenis shoes on this moto its so quick and light) and at times my foot seemed to be trapped under the gear shfter and had to fight to pull out and own shift. And on fisrst day with new bike and new bots we went to pueblo and parking bike I thought I had put kick stand down or it felt like it was . But it wasnt so bike dropped on cobblestone broke part of my clutch lever. Not feeling is what caused the bike to fall. Is there a hack to break boots in so that you can feel and so that they fit not so snuggly underneath gear shifter? Sorry so long!!! And thanks ahead of time!
I ended up going with the SG-22 Enduro WP.
Great review! Having bought my first adventure bike (T7), I went out and bought some Tech 3's. They feel safe and solid, but they're also heavy and super stiff. I creek everywhere i walk. Can't creep up on anybody. 😂
But they are comfortable when riding. Definitely not waterproof either. If id have had more cash would have gone Tech 7's
Haha definitely no creeping in the alpine star boots 😂
Nice boots! I'm running the Fox Motion boots and liking them!
They look nice. We really are spoilt for choice
Sidi Crossfire 2s. For similar reasons. Solid boot, great quality, replaceable stitched sole. Have done a couple of 1000 ks in them now and have zero complaints. If you can find a 2, you can get a great deal over the crossfire 3s
Sidi and Gaerne seem to be some of the favorites atm for quality. Heard great things about the Crossfires
Good review mate, I’ve been wearing the Alpinestars Toucan Gore-Tex Boots for the last couple of years and find them to be pretty good. The soles on these boots are also replaceable.
Cheers. The Toucan seem to be a popular choice
@@onthebackwheel I think if I was doing more serious off-road activities, I’d be looking at a more enduro focused boot like the AS tech 7’s or the Gaerne’s. I think you made a good choice.
GAERNE for me Curtis, I love em..
Loving mine so far too mate
The Gaerne FB Enduro boots look awesome. I went with the Alpine Stars Tech 7 Dristar Enduro Boots only because my local bike shop is a dealer, could get them in, and I could try them on. I've heard nothing but great things about the Gaerne boots.
I still have my older Sidi ADV boots which I still wear when I'm mainly on the road and a pair of Icon Elsinore boots which are my retro boots for the Royal Enfield Bullet 500.
Are you happy with the tech 7s mate?
@@onthebackwheel Yeah, they have been a great boot. I need to put some oil on the hinge because they are squeaky.
Other than that home run. Comfortable, have kept my feet dry in long rain rides with over the boot pants. Like you said, it’s good to be protected.
You could make a Walk Squeak Index of Boots. Tech 7's as benchmark 😅
Haha yes! They would be on the podium for sure!
I have the sg-12 and they look pretty similar. Hard to tell the difference. Nice boots!
They do a bit. The sg12 seem like that next step up
Hi mate, great review. I have the same boot. But my only comment (speaking on behalf of the wide-feet people out there) is that these are too narrow. I shove a timber dowel in them to widen them when in storage, and then they're fine to wear for the day. The mistake I made was buying online. So advice is, if you have wide feet, try them first! I wouldn't buy these again, only for this reason.
Good to know mate and clever thinking with the dowel
I have Sidi's adventure boot and one of their motocross boots, their adventure boot is a glorified street boot imho when you compare the two..
They are a bit like that hey. Definitely suited to gravel and dirt roads, not real off-road riding
Personally, I will only ever wear MX boots. I've been riding with Gaerne React boots for years. I am also considering the Fastback boots next.
Fair enough mate. It's hard to look past the protection
Nice. Looked up the price here in New Zealand and they are $200 more than Aussie.
Goodness, so $750?!
I currently have to Eleveit X PRIVILEGE WP ENDURO. They are really good quality for the affordable price.
Haven't heard of them and just searched for them. They look top notch
No soft adventure boots for me...I also have Gaerne - great quality boot - altho I went full enduro SG-12....but I'm older nowadays and need good protection. 😁 coupled with Leatt knee braces, I feel super comfy and safe...These Fastbaks looks like "almost SG12s" and more comfy...good choice!!
Pretty happy so far hey. Can't go wrong with SG 12s (and Gaerne), I only hear good things about them
Yes nice review.....and obviously too late now, but did you look at the tcx drifter?
I saw them, but didn't consider them as I wanted something with a bit more protection. I had tcx mx boots previously and they weren't too bad
Great boots but remove the steel toe cap, it is safer without it - more grip
Never even thought to, I'll look into it
Toucans, and now Tech 7s. Though since I always end up taking my AT somewhere "it shouldn't be", I may aswell get some better protective boots.
Hehe I get that same itch mate 😜
Having worn road riding boots all my life and transitioning to adventure bike riding, it was not an easy choice for me. Going to a full-on MX boot just wasn't going to happen. My first point of issue was that the boot had to work for my shape feet, which then ruled out quite a number of brands. My second issue was that the sole of the boot needed 'not' to be too flexible (less flex the better) so that ruled out a few more brands/models. That left the Alpinestars Tech 7 and Toucan. I went with the Alpinestars Toucan boot because it is Gortex waterproof.
Waterproof is very nice to have. Do you find them hot?
@onthebackwheel Not any hotter than usual. I don't feel them hot while riding the trails, too busy concentrating on the terrain I suppose.
⚠️ Long Post ⚠️ I have the Gaerne Dakar and I had the same issue you described with one of the buckle. What happened for me was the strap loop and the buckle were not properly aligned when you close the buckle… they are ok in a straight line but the front of the buckle is lower than the back because leather underneath is giving in (not enough rigidity) which leads to having the buckle not latching all the way down at the back ( you can visually see it). I contacted Gaerne and explained the problem and their answer SUCKED ! They said the issue is probably due to variation in leather thickness where the buckle is mounted … and there’s nothing they can do. WTF !! They admit poor quality but they can’t do anything 🤔 So what I did, and you might try to do that if you think you have the same issue and can’t exchange them (and I couldn’t: thank you Rocky Mountain ATV 😡): I cut a piece of hard rubber (truck fuel tank liner) about 3mm thick and cut it to the shape of the FRONT of the buckle and drilled it.I bought some longer screws and cut them to the correct length (blind hole in the boot) And inserted the piece of rubber between the buckle and the boot, as a spacer, only at the front of the buckle to raise it and I screwed the buckle down. Problem solved! The buckle never came loose again and I now get a proper “click” when I close the buckle. Beside the terrible customer experience with Gaerne and Rocky Mountain ATV, I really like the Dakar … they’re super comfortable, grippy and “waterproof “ (goretex) BUT I dropped my DR on my leg/ankle the other day on a single track and more protection would have been welcomed 😖 maybe I need the Gaerne Enduro 😆
I enjoy your video btw. Keep them coming 😎 cheers ✌️
Ingenious mate, you certainly made the most of it. I'll keep an eye on them, went on 2 rides this weekend and they were perfect...
I don't see them to be any different, except for more buckles and a bit of plastic. The fastback is just wank value IMHO. Doesn't add anything except if you're riding 200km/h it saves you .5Km/h.
2 days ago my Transalp came down on my calf. Still limping😅
How’s side to side crush protection on these in the calf area?
These are great, haven't got any injuries or anything and I've had some definitely moments with them (look at Himalayan 450 where its laying on my leg for eg.). Very happy with my purchase so far
@onthebackwheel thanks, one of the few wide boots sold in japan
have you considered Leatt 4.5 Hydradry?
I'm going to be honest, I didn't even know they did boots!
@@onthebackwheel I think they are worth checking. I ask as I have just had a very nasty foot injury and I am looking for adventure riding boots with maximum protection but ideally waterproof as well ( I am in the UK...)
@@nkwd007 they look good. Long as you are getting something that's a mx style with the support they'll be right. The rest is build quality and how long they'll last. The alpine star tech 7 drystar are waterproof too
@@onthebackwheel I see, I will check both. Thanks a lot. I like your videos, good work 👍
@@nkwd007 thanks mate. There are some great options ATM. In the comments there are some good recommendations
I'm pretty sure these are Gaerne, not Guyannee.