Gaerne GP1 Evo (2025)

The Gaerne GP1 EVO racing boots are part of the Gaerne Racing line. These flagship models are the result of close collaboration between Gaerne R&D and professional riders, clearly demonstrating the brand’s commitment to innovation, safety and high performance within the European motorcycle market.

The Gaerne Floating Pivot System GFPS, made from carbon composite, provides additional lateral support and helps prevent compression and hyperextension. This system helps to keep the rider’s foot in a natural position on the footpeg. The carbon GFPS runs down both sides of the boot and is secured with a simple screw to a second carbon composite protective plate that extends all the way to the sole of the boot.
At the rear, the GFPS comes together in a supportive protective plate, giving the boot a very solid and secure feel while also contributing to its visually striking design. Unfortunately, this construction also introduces a drawback. If the screwed pivot point is not lubricated regularly, ideally using a silicone spray, it will start to produce noise. This results in an irritating squeaking sound while walking. It will be particularly noticeable for riders who ride in all conditions, as rain and wet weather require even more frequent lubrication. With proper maintenance this is not a major issue, but the squeaking is personally a minor irritation.

The Gaerne GP1 Evo features an adjustable calf closure system. On my current boots this is still a ratchet closure, similar to those commonly seen on off-road boots. The newer GP1 Evo models are equipped with a replaceable BOA IP1 closure. This adjustable system allows for a customized fit, making the boot suitable even for riders with larger calf sizes.
The older ratchet closure tightens the entire shin protection, consisting of a replaceable PU-injected shin plate that is anatomically shaped for robust support. This provides a fit that is comparable to the newer BOA IP1 system. The disadvantage of the ratchet system is that adjustability is limited to the preset steps of the ratchet. The BOA IP1 system is a more premium adjustable closure that offers a far more personalized fit and can easily be fine-tuned between every ride. This type of closure is increasingly seen across major motorcycle brands, both on boots and on gloves.

The closure system is completed by an internal zip that works in combination with an elastic insert around the ankle, making the boot easier to put on and close. In my experience, the zip is easy to operate even while wearing gloves and has proven durable over time. A rubber flap covers the zip and is secured with hook and loop fastening, allowing it to be tightened as firmly as desired. The rubber Grip Guard also protects the leg from heat generated by the motorcycle and exhaust.
The lightweight upper is constructed from microfibre, a high-tech material developed for excellent abrasion resistance. Elastic inserts ensure a snug fit, provide a high level of comfort and support natural forward and backward movement. Naturally, a PU gear shift protector is included for maximum feel while shifting and additional reinforcement.

Inside, the boot is fitted with a breathable lining and strategically designed ankle padding with varying thicknesses for maximum comfort. These components appear to be highly wear-resistant and have proven comfortable in use. The boots have never caused real discomfort, even during motorcycle rides exceeding 400 kilometres or a full day walking around a motorcycle exhibition. They are equipped with a removable and washable anatomically shaped insole. While the insole is somewhat firm, it retains its shape very well and provides full support across all areas of the foot. It should be noted that frequent washing will naturally accelerate wear.

The sole features a multi-density profile with different grip zones and a tread pattern that is integrated into the upper. This design ensures excellent grip on footpegs and control components, combined with improved durability against abrasion and contact with asphalt. Unfortunately, my boots do show visible wear on the sole. This is to be expected after extensive use, but the wear appears to have developed more quickly than on the Losail Evo boots I used previously.
The Gaerne GP1 Evo is equipped with replaceable magnesium sliders on both the toe and heel, designed to allow smooth sliding when in contact with the asphalt. The toe sliders are widely available on the market and are interchangeable between different Gaerne models. They are also mounted more securely than those on the Losail Evo, which was one of the major drawbacks of that model.

The heel sliders, however, present the opposite experience. On multiple occasions, one of the mounting screws was lost, causing the slider to rotate or catch. I have tried several alternative bolts, but this remains a recurring issue. At the time of writing, it is unclear whether this problem also affects the newer models. The positioning of the sliders is, however, a positive aspect. Wear patterns on my boots clearly show that they are actively used during more enthusiastic riding. Currently, the heel sliders are secured using coarser bolts combined with thread locking compound, which appears to be working better. I do not expect to replace the sliders before replacing the boots entirely. The fact that the heel sliders show significant wear, and therefore frequently come into contact with the asphalt, may well contribute to the screws working loose over time.