I've read all the threads on boots more than once trying to decide what to buy. I thought about the alpinestar vectors but i ordered the gaerne sg10 for more ankle protection. Had to order on the net, no one here stocks either one. You guessed it, shifting is going to be like learning to walk again. If I head down that road I won't be able to return them. They are comfortable, I can walk in them, I don't think it's a matter of breaking them in as much as the style of boot. I can pivot my ankle, but I can't get the freaking boot under the shifter. I raised the shifter, put it back...!#%^&#@^*()

My question is.... would the vectors make it easier to shift or will I have the same problem with them? It just seems that I have so much more control of the bike if shifting isn't such an issue.

 

That's the problem unfortunately. Ive had to raise the shift lever on myKDX and my sons bike dramatically to get MX boots under it. If I did the same on the KLX then I'd have to lift my leg to change gears in regular boots for street riding. It's just one of those things... No solution yet but maybe there's a happy median in there somewhere. At least you have some ankle pivot in the boot, that's a good thing. Alot of these boots are too ridgid for that.

Mike

 

I just learned to lift my foot to shift. Pivoting feels strange now. Off or on road I don't even give it a second thought anymore.

 

What ever boots you get and what ever alteration you make to the way you shift, you get used to.
Unlike my road bike, there is only course adjustment of the shift lever position on the klx.
As has been the case on every dirt bike I have ever had.

But it soon becomes the norm and I don't even notice how I shift anymore.

IMO pick the boots that are the most comfortable and offer you the level of protection you want.
Shifting will be what it will be.

Oh, and when I upgraded from my trusty old Gaerne's I opted for a pair of Sidi Crossfires.
They were very comfortable straight out of the box.
No break in period.

 

Go with the Alpinestar Vectors - I wear a size 12 and they work fine for shifting - very comfortable and flexible boot.

 

Hey man, this place is buzzin now!

Thanks for the feedback. I have returned the sg10's. I don't ride that agressively and I think the vectors will be a good fit. I will wear them all the time (on the street) if they are that comfortable. It really sucks having to order boots without being able to try them on. Again, I appreciate the help! Rock on.