Gaerne Balance Oiled Boots

I received today and they are lightweight and comfortable out of the box ad exactly how they are described. These are perfect for the type of riding I will be using them for 80% touring 20% dirt . Atomic Moto has never steered me wrong Thanks again Bombers!

This is the second pair of boots I have bought from Atomic. I watched all the sizing videos and it helped me choose the right size the first time.
Customer service is excellent, had a slight shipping problem, they were on it and had it fixed immediately
Gaerne balance fit great, comfortable and quality material.
go ahead and put that order in! Dave R

I've worn the Gaerne Balance boots for the past 4 years. They are extremely comfortable, but due to the lack of a shift pad they began to leak after a year. I put a couple layers of Tuff Toe where the shifter meets the boot, that lasted a couple years. Now the boots leak again and it's time to retire them.
My next boots will have Gore-Tex and a shift pad.

The usual review of the GBO's says: "Super comfortable, high-quality materials and construction, but limited protection." I agree with all that. I bought them for knocking-about, light hiking, and my pandemic daily woods walk. The asterisk: I WOULD NOT RIDE IN THEM, due to the limited protection. A plastic shin plate and ankle padding don't make for a protective boot. Atomic-Moto sells plenty of more-protective boots, at least twelve at a lower price point than the GBO's. Don't wait until you are in the ER to decide that your boots aren't up to the job.
Random observations: Often touted as having a wide toe box, I am happy to report that they fit my narrow-ish (C/D width) feet just fine. The sizing seems accurate; I ordered my usual 14/49 size, and they are fine. Straps are fiddly, and the buckles pop open now and then until you get them adjusted properly. Not a deal breaker. It's useful to know that the upper alloy strap holder pivots to help align the strap and buckle. My Dickies dungarees fit over just fine, or tuck in. Can't comment on the waterproof membrane, as I live in Mary Austin's "Land of Little Rain." Before you order these, remember the Bombers' dictum: "Wear as much boot as you are willing to tolerate." If these are all you can tolerate, be sure you ride a bike you can pick up with one hand (trials? pedal?). Mull it over, get BP's input, and you won't go wrong. The one asterisk is your own, though.

This is my first pair of dedicated motorcycle adventure touring boots. They seem well made and are pretty comfortable after I got the buckles adjusted properly. I like the stability of the boots and the increased protection over my old Chippewa Engineer boots. I haven't had them in water yet but I think they will work well in the rain.