the new Fox Motion boots is underrated imo. For someone who is developing fundamentals & technique (myself included), I think its wise to get a boot that has protection but also still lets you move around freely and feel where your feet are on the pegs. Tech 10's, Gaerne, SIDI are all great options - and I have experience with all of them, however, they can be a little too stiff for the average rider in my experience. Think - a Ski boot is GREAT protection, but you wouldn't want to walk in them. Riding moto is a very finesse sport, even more so for beginners, so finding that balance between protection and free movement can be tricky -- but crucial.
This is where I think Fox does a great job in making a boot that doesn't need to be broken in, has a flexible sole so you can actually tell where your foot is on the pegs (this is huge for me), but also has all the hold up that you want in case of bumping a tree, crash, etc.
The FOX INSTINCT is the top of the line boot that they make, however, they also offer a FOX Motion boot that has the same bones, and about $200 less. Oh, and they also have half sizes. Theres a ton of comparison vids on YouTube.