Gaerne Boot Sizing: Do Gaerne Boots Run Small?

You'll hear plenty of sizing advice about Gaerne, the Italian boot maker best known for the SG-12 motocross boot. Some of it contradicts itself. Here's what Gaerne publishes, what riders and testers report, and where they disagree. Most of the reports below are about the SG-12, so treat other models with care.

Start with Gaerne's own chart

Gaerne lists boots in EU sizes and prints the US equivalent on each product page. For the SG-12 and SG-22 off-road boots, the conversion is [1][2]:

EU	US
41	7
42	8
43	9
44	9.5
44.5	10
45	10.5
46	11
47	12
48	13
49	14 (SG-12 only)

Gaerne's older catalog shows simpler, whole-size steps for some models (for example, EU 44 = US 10) [3]. Use the chart on the page of the exact boot you're buying, because conversions differ between brands too. Alpinestars, for one, lists EU 44 as US 10–10.5 [4].

Do Gaerne boots run small?

We couldn't find a source that says so. SG-12 owners lean the other way. In r/Motocross and r/Dirtbikes sizing threads, many owners say the SG-12 is true to size, and others say it runs up to about half a size large [5][6]. One commenter put it at "less than 1/2 (US) size large, so just order your regular size" [6]. A few riders wear a full size below their sneaker size [5], but sneaker sizing varies by brand too, so that tells you less than it seems. The common thread is to order your normal boot size, not your sneaker size.

Is the toe box roomy?

Mostly yes, compared with the competition. Motocross Action's long-term test says Gaerne boots have "always offered a bigger toe box with more room than their Italian competition" [7]. The same test notes that Gaerne narrowed the "overly broad" SG-12 toe box around 2016–2017 and slimmed the inner foot since then, but the magazine says the boot still has more room than an Alpinestars Tech 10 [7].

Where reports differ: very wide feet. One ADVrider member with 12 4E feet found an SG-12 size 13 "barely wide, and too short" and ended up in a 14. Another rider with the same foot found the SG-22 too narrow in the toe box in a 12 [8]. A commenter in r/Dirtbikes says the newer SG-22 runs a little wider than the SG-12 [6]. If your feet are 4E-wide, plan on trying a size up or trying the boots on in person.

Is there room in the calf?

Partly. Motocross Action says the SG-12 buckle straps fit most legs, but riders with large calves may run out of adjustment. The fix is the adjustable shin plate, which extends for more room [7]. One r/Motocross rider picked the SG-12 specifically to fit larger calves [5]. That's more room than average, with limits, so it's not a promise of a roomy calf.

How to choose your size

Use your normal boot size, not your sneaker size, and convert with the chart on that boot's own product page [1][2].
Try them with the riding socks you'll actually wear. Several owners adjust fit with thicker or thinner socks [5].
Wide feet (4E or so)? Expect to size up, and check length once you do [8].
Big calves or wearing knee braces? Check the shin plate adjustment before you buckle down [7].
Don't expect a long break-in. Testers report the SG-12 is comfortable from the first ride [9].

Measure once. We'll do the chart math.

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Sources

Size charts change. Always check the chart on the exact product page before you buy. Last checked October 15, 2026.