Those Gaernes....Heaven on the feet

I've got a pair of alpine stars I got for 130 second hand (hadn't been worn), awesome boots, very comfortable, good for protection against the chain, wheel and other parts of the bike! Most boots have adjustable buckles these days, maybe buy a size up?

And good luck and enjoy yourself from a fellow newbie

I have 4EEEE wide feet.

The Gaerne oiled balance fit me really well.

A LOT less protection and MX boot. Like not much more than walking boots.

So I wear them for trials (where I've already seen where potential toe jammers are) or sometimes for certain slow trails where I'll also be walking a lot.

I trail ride my OSSA mostly, so use my Gaerne SG12s. Not much feel but I'm always hitting hidden stumps.

I'm new also- just riding the bike taught me loads- it will tell you if you are wrong in a hurry.

The local club members are really helpful- giving lots of good advice without making me feel like a dope. (Well, anymore than I usually am anyway)