I'm on my 2nd pair of Tech 7s. They are as comfortable as a pair of old slippers but I have concerns about their level of impact protection.

A few years ago, I had a bad crush injury that broke my left ankle in the 1st pair after catching my leg between the bike and a tree avoiding a bolting horse on a trail ride. I swapped to a pair of SG12s which are like wearing a concrete drainpipe but took every hit without issue. Over time, the plastic has gone very hard and inflexible and they are now very uncomfortable.

The new Tech 7s have just recently left me with a nasty dent in my shin. I whacked my leg into the footpeg and it felt like it was onto bare flesh despite hitting the front face of the boot. I ended up with a massively swollen leg and bruising all the way down to my toenails than took 6 weeks to clear.

I haven't tried the Leatt boots but fancied the look of them as well. I was in Eurotek and asked about them but they dropped the Leatt brand completely as the quality was poor. In particular, the boot fasteners either broke or fell off all the time. They also reported soles coming unstuck.

I'm now looking at Gaerne again but the Fastback enduro rather than the SG12s.

 

The fastback are a good boot
Slightly lighter built than the sg 12s but still good protection.
My sg 12s took ages to break in but are comfortable now

 

I’ve got the Leatt boots, had them for a few months now and they are great to be fair, very comfy, I’m comparing to some Sidi’s though.
Only issue I’ve had with them is that they keep disappearing due to my Son wearing them instead of his Fox boots.

Kev

 

These video series are good… think the Tech 7 is typically on the mid-level video. Not ridden with the Leatt but they look like a decent boot, use their body protection, gloves and neck brace. All top notch.

Personally I run the Tech 10 for protection in the desert… big surprise drops/hits and potential for high speed spills. Willing to trade feel for protection, rode out the desert with a broken ankle (oblique medial malleus) with them on. 2020> model a lot more like a Tech 7 on steroids, unlike the old Tech 10 which was like riding with two plaster casts (stookies) on.

 

I’d happily pay £90 more to save a broken ankle! I’m pleased with the quality of the Leatt boots and (hope I never find out) they are sturdy enough to take a fair old knock I’d say.
Saying that, the Gaerne’s look decent.

Kev

 

The SG12s are designed for MX with the capability to handle impacts from high and long jump landings. Not particularly flexible and they have a tall toe box which can be awkward to get under the gear lever.

 

SG12's here. Never had a problem with them personally. Wouldnt have anything else now.

 

I went from Tech 7's to the Leatt 5.5's
Had them over a year now and done the Hellas Rally twice and various days at sweet lamb complex. Also green laning.
They are super comfortable and I've had some large rocks contacting my toes and shins as well as some serious offs.
Feet stayed protected so did their job.
The Tech 7's I used to get bruised toes from rock impacts and after a day of wearing them I couldn't wait to get them off.

 

Boot choice is massively influenced by your foot/ankle/leg shape. I think it’s always worth going to a stockist and try on as many styles and makes as you can - forget cost at this stage.

Once you know which fit you best you can then zone in on price and features.

I’m a Tech7 man. They fit me like a glove. No complaints. I’ve had several sets.

 

Sorry Al, for chiming in late, somehow missed that thread. I had and still have both, Alps Tech 7's and Leatt 5.5 Flexlock. I also have Gaerne SG 10's and I had Gaerne SG 12's. The SG 12's are the heaviest but also the safest boots ever. I had a bike falling on my left ankle and the tip of the brake pedal punched through the boot. With a Tech7.... well I don't want to imagine.
However, my personal opinion about the Tech 7:
pros: comfiest boot ever, good buckles, light. Cons: say the words "water", "wet" or "rain" and your feet will be wet immediately, worst boot in this respect but the "Drystar" model will be better in this respect. The buckle on the instep looks weird and tends to come undone..

I had about 10 to 12 rides with the Leatt so far and I am pretty happy. They have sure better protection than the Tech 7's keep water out longer, have good buckles and an ingenious velcro closure system. The buckles are a pain to close when dirty and need more attention, in other words you need to clean them thoroughly after every ride. If dirt remains under the pivot point you need a massive force to close them.
They make weird noises when walking and the two little plastic parts that come with them to adjust the angle of the bootleg are crap in my opinion. Tried both, felt no real difference, so leave them alone as the tiny screws are secured with Loctite and can be a pain to get out.
It is strange but I feel the soles are thicker and I stand higher on the pegs but in reality they are not. My mate had the same impression but maybe it is due to a different cushion.
I bought them because they are really comfy, I got them for 289.- instead of 399.- and they do not look to Star Wars like. To reduce the strange noises they make I always spray them with lots of silicone spray.

 

Excellent feedback guys. Thanks.

I'm probably just going to spring for the Tech 7s because I know that boot fits perfectly and performs as well as I need it to. Also, it's a bit close to an important event to go trying something different with as critical as an item as boots.

The only issue I have with tech 7s is that as mentioned, you only have to look at water and your feet get wet, and on both pairs I've had, the inner plastic part that covers the calf muscle has come apart at the rear (the stitching has broken) and it catches on the bodywork of the bike which can be pretty dangerous.

 

Don't all offroad boots eventually leak? The only sure way to keep feet dry ime is to go down the 'carrier bag' route (no room in the 'ergonomic' S12 for waterproof socks) .........

 

Yeah, I personally don't care about wet feet but if it's very cold and I want to stay dryish then I use sealskins, which are brilliant.

 

I'm lookin at thees boots n the cost has surprised me r ther any cheaper brands that eny wer on here??

 

Honestly, I think boots are one area where you shouldn't try to cheap out. Admittedly that's why I was looking at the Leatt boots but they are still considered premium boots.

I've had Tech 3s and they worked fine and are a lot cheaper than tech 7s but for comfort, protection, and general riding enjoyment, I think you need good boots.

 

Working from home today, my son and his mate went out trail riding for the afternoon. I had to admit that I've lost my Leatt flexlocks as he loves them so much.
Had a mooch about and got a really good price on some new ones, in really boring black so may stand a chance of keeping them!
£249 delivered which is quite a bit cheaper that my last pair, must be a new range coming out perhaps?

Kev

 

As I said previously, ordered a pair of the Leatt boots from a well know source ending in Express, paid the extra for Saturday delivery as we have a ride planned tomorrow.
Boots turned up this morning , opened and wrong boots sent, (really bright red). If I was younger or were a better rider perhaps I would have kept them but I like being incognito.
Emailed said dealer and had to go through a procedure of proving what they had sent along with what I ordered.
So now I have to wait for them to collect on Monday (all day slot so waste of a day), wait for them to arrive with said dealer to be checked over and then they will dispatch the correct item - what a shoddy service.

rant over

Kev