Need help choosing motocross boots

Tech 10's or Tech 7's would be my vote. 7's if you want to save a few bucks.

If i was starting over....i'd go with the Gaerne SG10 or SG12. I wear Fox Instinct and they are just too comfortable.  The Gaerne boots will last twice as long.......

Sidi is good too.....

I wear Astars but a customer ordered some Sidi's and they are a great product too. The ease of sole replacement is pretty cool too.

I'm a big fan of Tech 7s. Super comfortable, almost no break in time and good protection. Tech 10s are a little heavier and need more break in. 

Having not ridden in moto boots before, no matter what you choose, they're going to feel like you can't feel anything and can't ride in them (Fox Instincts & Motion's might be the only exception). Just know that eventually they'll break in and you'll get used to them.

Had a ton of different boots over the years 
FOX Instinct 
You have all the top lever protection AND you can actually feel the pegs and controlls 

This 100%. I've been riding my whole life since I was a toddler and have tried a lot of different boots even high dollar ones like Gaerne. I keep buying Tech 7s because they are at a good price point, little break-in period, protective, light, but most of all super comfortable. Not a fan of the booties like in the Tech 10s. Tech 7s are like wearing your favorite pair of sneakers..

Cernic's in Johnstown is only a short drive for you. Call and see what they have in stock and go try them on to get an idea.

Which ones are easiest to clean? Asking for a friend 

All the boots I've ever worn have felt bulky and restrictive for a while until they break in, just like Spyguy mentioned above. It takes a little time, but you'll get used to it. Pretty soon, you'll cringe at the thought of riding without good boots. 

I'm tall and wear a size 10 also. I like Alpinestars and I've worn 661 and AXO as well. All were pretty good. The only dissatisfying pair I ever owned were Sidis, believe it or not. (I think they were the Crossfire model - 20 years ago now.) I didn't like the way they fit - my arches are too tall, apparently. If you have high arches, you may feel some pressure on the top of your foot in those.

Everyone always wants to put newbies in the most expensive boots, I wouldn't spend more than $250 if I were you. A set of Tech 3's or Fox Comps probably have more protection than what the sponsored guys have on their "factory modified" boots. 

I have a pair of SG12's and a pair of Tech 1's. I use each pair in relation to what kind of riding I'm doing. If I'm out cutting trail and light trail riding I love the Tech 1's. 

I'm a conscious consumer and I've spent a lot of time researching boots, among other gear. Here's my 2 cents:

As already said, getting the most expensive boots as your first pair might be a bit overkill. Then again, if you're planning on doing this sport for a long time it's better to get proper gear right from the get go. Also the cheaper ones are just not that protective. 

Alpinestars Tech 10s are probably the most protective ones, but they aren't long lasting so a big no. My recommendation would be either Gaerne SG-12, or Sidi Crossfire 3. You are sacrificing some feel with the Gaerne/Sidi but it's nothing you won't get used to. Leatt 5.5 Flexlock might be the best value and thus worth a closer look.
A good rule of thumb is to look for a pair with a hinge system on ankle. That usually indicates a higher end, more protective boot.

I personally don't understand how people ride and recommend the Tech 7s (or lower end, geez). After break-in they get way too soft to offer any real ankle protection. Witnessed a friend roll his ankle in loaner Tech 7s in an incident in which a better boot might have saved it. Same goes for Fox, tho the new Instincts seemed beefier than the last gen.

ONeal's, work great and probably save you some money if interested.

If You wanna save money, try looking for a closeout deal.  I've seen some closeout deal on the Leatt boots . I have never tried any myself, I'm stuck with Tech 7's because they are the only boots made in a 16. Years ago I had some tech 8's with the booties and disliked the booties. I feel like coming from not wearing MX boots that You would feel the same. 

With the size You wear being a popular one, You may have a harder time finding a closeout pair. But try looking online at some of the bigger online places if You have a smaller budget that can help You get into a better boot for  the same money. 

I would go with a pair of Tech 7's .  Alpinestars are the more popular boot that we sell, but Gearne is more durable and will outlast Alpinestars if You are riding a ton of hours . If You are not destroying the boots You have been wearing, durability really shouldn't be too much of a concern since most MX boots will hold up better to riding than non riding boots will. 

There are some entry level boots that are almost like a cross between a work boot and MX boot that people wear on pit bikes and mechanics used to wear. Depending on the type of riding You do something like that might be a good boot to try to get used to the feeling of a full on boot.  Thor has some that retail for $140.  They will not have the shin and ankle protection of a full on MX boot though.

Good call. When I'm ripping my KLX 140 I'm usually in my road race boots. Shhh Spoonman, I know Vans is what you usually see me in😁

Fox Instincts if you're going for lite and comfortable, Tech 7's or SG12's for longevity. 

Sidis with the conventional soles are my choice. The toe is very thin and gets under the shifter easily, they’re comfortable and are lasting like no other. Minor pita to get buckles done up correctly but nothing too bad. I’ve got kinda narrow feet, I’ve heard Sidis don’t work for guys with wide feet.

Sidi crossair or maybe close out Atojos. They are the least expensive boots with top of the line ankle protection. They also take almost no time to break in.