For us dualsport and adventure-touring riders, the question of which boot to wear often is a topic.  While many motocross boots supply the maximum level protection, they are usually very uncomfortable until they are well broken in. This break-in process can last for an entire season with some MX boots!  Also, the super-hard rubber, uni-directional sole of the motocross boot is not fun when it comes to walking in the bush, or when trying to get traction on slimy rocks during water crossings.

At the other extreme, there is the hiking boot. This offers a minimum of protection, but they are usually very comfortable right out of the box, and they can be obtained cheaply. The additional flex that the hiker offers over the MX boot means better feel and control. Personally, I was a real big fan of the steel-toe hiker because at least my toes would make it into the casket if all else failed. Again, that's was a big fan. 

In preparation for the Labrador trip, I decided to investigate the appropriateness of using a trials boot. I have heard trials boots mentioned in discussions before, and I have seen a few riders wearing them at organized dualsport events. What got my attention was that trials boots are more flexible and require less break-in time than an MX boot. After searching, I decided on the Gaerne Balance series trials boots. The initial features that hooked me were the clean styling and the gum rubber lug sole. The only thought was, "Which ones should I get?"

The Gaerne Balance boots come in two styles, the Balance All Terrain Black Boots and the Balance Oiled Boots. They are similar in design, but there are a few differences aside from just the finish on the leather.

Both boots are made in Italy with a thick, 3-3.5mm top-grain leather upper, double-stitched to the rubber sole with leather insole. They are about 1 inch lower than an MX boot and have three widely adjustable, strong locking, smooth-edged buckles. The embossed 'carbon fiber look' Lorica flex panel at the ankle front adds comfort. There is an elasticized Lorica (not vinyl) top opening with a Velcro closure, as well as a vinyl-coated Lycra gusset to keep debris from falling in.  The shin area is protected by a large plastic plate, with an inner padding and embossed Gaerne logo. The ankle sides have padding above the sturdy heal counter.

Here are the differences:

The Black Boot:
-Durable finish to the leather resists scuffing well and is water-resistant.
-Leather is stiffer than the Balance Oiled boot, but only took a day to break in. This boot is comfortable enough to wear for 12 hours straight.
-Exterior tendon with flex bellows adds support to the boot without detracting from flexibility.
-Embossed suede inner calf area with liner offers marginally more protection versus the Oiled boot.
-Plush Cambrelle lining

The Oiled Boot:
-Beautiful brown oiled leather, my answer to my wife's classic Coach handbag!
-Leather is softer and these boots took a whole 4 hours to break in.
-Leather will get marked up easily, but conditioner helps remove the marks and lets the leather develop 'character.'
-Leather Achilles flex zone rather than exterior tendon adds flexibility.
-Soft leather lining from the top of the ankle to mid-foot.

Between the two boots, it's a real tough call. The main deciding factors are your preference between the brown oiled leather, or the black finished leather and whether-or-not you want the added support of the exterior tendon versus greater flex.

These boots are not waterproof, but Gaerne makes no claims to that effect either.  I find waterproofness to be a liability when crossing deep streams (which I do often) anyway. The Oiled Boot does have natural water repellency sufficient for riding in light rain. Sno-Seal really helps the Oiled boot keep the water out for extended rain riding. The finish on the black boot is so tight that neither water, nor Sno-Seal wanted to penetrate the leather, but I sealed the seams.

There is no shifter pad, but I have yet to wear out the toe on a hiker, and with this thicker leather, I'm not worried.

These boots run true to their European size. I wear a US 11 1/2 in a street shoe, and can get away with either European size 46 or 47, depending on my sock preference. It's best to compare your US size to the European size chart before you buy.

One thing to consider, though, is that if you have bulging calves, these boots will be a tight fit in that area. I think that's because most Trials riders have a slim build. My calves measure 18 1/2". I'd say 19" is the limit if you tuck your pants in, a little larger if you leave your pants out. The fact that pants can be left untucked adds to the versitility of these boots; you can actually walk into a nice restaurant after a ride without drawing stares.

Ups:
-Comfortable enough to wear all day, on a daily basis.
-Excellent soles for walking and hiking, non-slip on hard, wet surfaces.
-Soles grab the foot pegs nicely, but don't get hung up on them.
-Great styling and superb workmanship.
-Plenty of protection for all but perhaps the most extreme, enduro-style dualsport riders.
-Smooth buckles have a wide range of adjustment, stay where you leave them and lock firmly.
-You can wear them in public without looking like a Pro-MX star wannabe.
-Unlike bulky MX boots, my straight-leg, relaxed-fit Jeans will fit OVER them.
-Can be resoled with an OEM-available replacement sole.

Downs:
-Not waterproof, but again, that's not a problem for me. With the application of Sno-Seal, these boots seal out water extremely well for riding in the rain.
-Could be more generously cut in the calf area.
-A tad pricey, around $260 a pair, but that's what you pay for leather and workmanship of this caliber. However, for the cash-strapped, there is an econo-version of these boots of similar design for about $50 less.