GAERNE CYPHER BOOT

Most boot manufacturers moved their production out of Italy because Italian craftsmen
were paid more than their Asian counterparts. The Cypher proves that a serious buyer can still get a great Italian boot for under $200.
An Italian-made boot for under two bills

WHAT IS IT? An inexpensive Gaerne boot that has many of the same features as their expensive boots.
WHAT’S IT COST? $199.99
WHAT'S IT DO? If it seems to you that motocross boots are popping up faster than garage bands on YouTube, you are right. When production switched from the cottage industry boot manufacturers in the Italian Alps to factories in Asia, the prices dropped and the number of boot marketeers rose. This is great for the consumer, who gets more choices at lower prices. The quality of
the Pacific Rim products has risen so quickly that it is almost impossible to find a true-to-life Italian-made boot in the showrooms of America today, especially in the
lower price ranges. But the MXA wrecking crew found one!

Gaerne, a long-standing producer of high-quality, Italian made motocross boots, hasn’t moved its production to Taiwan, Mainland China, Thailand or any of the former
Eastern Bloc countries. They continue to make boots the old fashioned way—in Italy. Gaerne believes that boots should be made by dedicated craftsmen, and that theory
is gaining some traction, based on the success of the topof- the-line Gaerne SG-10 and its mid-priced Fastback brother. Yet few motocrossers know that Gaerne makes a
sub-$200 boot in Italy. The MXA wrecking crew was fascinated by the concept of a lower-cost boot from Italy and set out to test the $199 Gaerne Cypher.
WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that
stand out with Gaerne’s Cypher boot.

Buckles. Unlike on the Fastback and SG-10,
Gaerne uses plastic buckles on the Cypher instead of metal. Even with the cost-cutting, though, the Cypher buckles are very durable and cinch easily. The straps are
simple to adjust. One caveat, however; overtightening can make the boot crease at the ankle and cause discomfort.

Sizing. The Cypher shares a common trait with
Gaerne’s high-end boots in that the sizing runs to the large side. If you wear a size ten boot in another brand, try a size nine Cypher. Once the MXA wrecking crew
made the sizing adjustment, we were shocked by how comfortable the boot was. The foot bed was roomy for the wider feet of Americans, while the toe box was perfect.

Materials. What makes the Cypher stand out from its competition? The white tag with black lettering that says “Made in Italy.” Those words speak volumes in a market inundated with boots from China. The Cypher
also has a steel toe, steel shank and quality construction.
These boots last a long time!

Sole. The sole on the Cypher came straight off of the SG-10. The sole is strong, lasts forever, and doesn't chunk apart from footpeg abuse. We loved this sole on the SG-10 and Fastback.

Place of manufacture. The Gaerne Cypher boot is made in Italy.
WHAT'S THE SQUAWK?
The sizing is a full size off, so make sure to order a smaller size than you normally
would.