It’s a sad time when you have to throw away a pair of old trusty boots even if they’ve completely given up, which is why I have a shoe and boot collection to rival Imelda Marcos. But it was with extreme delight that I got a pair of TCX Track Evo WP’s. This is the first proper pair of motorbike boots I have had in a few years. I have track day boots, but they are not exactly practical for daily commuting in Scotland. Interestingly, despite their name, TCX market them as a lightweight and flexible all-around adventure touring boot. The TCX Track Evo’s are the less expensive version of their fully gore-tex lined X-Dester Gore-Tex, and with an RRP of £189.99 you still get a lot of boot for your money.
They are lined, not with Gore-Tex but with a generic waterproof membrane and so far they have coped with everything the Scottish winter weather has been able to throw at them; no leaks, no damp patches… Nothing. They are available only in anthracite grey but it’s a neutral colour and I can’t imagine many people complaining that they don’t go with the rest of their kit or their bike. The finish is a brushed swede, nubuck style and although mine have had to deal with quite a lot of road muck and salt so far and they still look mint. I am really pleased with them.
They have three very positive and importantly, replaceable clasps that secure the boot and they have a deep band of Velcro at the top and an elasticated cuff to keep anything out should you wear them over the top of your trousers. I am very pleased to report that mine fit snugly under my trousers even with the large amount of shin padding and no wind has so far made it up to the Trossachs.
Warmth wise, they are much improved on my old army boots but I could always use them a bit warmer. I get really cold feet and some extra insulation would not go amiss. It would be nice if boot makers did winter boots for us all-year bikers. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is my only gripe with these supremely comfortable boots. Could be a bit warmer… It’s not a massive deal really.
They are great to wear all day, even out of the box I had them all day in the office and they were fine. A few times now I have worn them all day and they have been very comfortable. They have good deep soles which are very comfy to walk in and they don’t squeak, rub or click like some bike boots can. They are light and I can honestly say, these are the nicest bike boots I have ever had.
Great on the bike and with lever patches in the right places, they grip the pegs nicely and I don’t feel like my feet are encumbered. I can move about on the bike quite happily. I can’t recommend them enough, but really from an Italian company that ONLY make boots, you would expect them to deliver a quality product when that is their only focus.
RRP £189.99 Available in Euro sizes from 33 to 49
Review by Richard Proctor