From “D.W.” (January 2017): “Loved the write up on the TCX boots, and my cheap ones happen to be getting killed by the San Diego Apocalypse. Or ‘rain’ as the rest of the world calls it. Then we’ll switch gears to the TCX S-R1 Gore-Tex Boots (review) from the TCX “Road Racing” collection. If you are generally happy with the fit, leave the helmet on for a good length of time to ensure it is not pressing in places that are not immediately apparant. If a helmet is really pressing on your forehead this can sometimes cause a headache over time so it may be worth trying another size or brand. With the original X-Blend being one of the most popular motorcycle boots out there for several years, the new Blend 2 is a fresh update on a modern classic boot. A clean, minimal aesthetic with traditional lace up fastening, and extremely subtle branding are all the hallmarks of a vintage-styled boot that would be a welcome addition to any motorcycling get-up. From the sides, the sole appears to be a classic rubber type, but when viewed from underneath, the tread pattern is fully modern. The soles also offer excellent grip, even on very smooth surfaces like finished concrete.

Featuring a slight facelift, but with the same styling cues, the Blend 2 is crafted from a premium grain pull-up leather outer, and just like its predecessor will just get better and better with age. Waterproofing comes in the way of a full T-DRY lining, that will not only keep the rain away from your precious feet, but let them breathe so they don’t overheat too. The boots feature reinforcements at the toe and heel, plus malleolus armour for protection, and a leather-reinforced shift pad. Rear reflective inserts are a key safety feature for subtle high-visibility. Price match requests will be processed within 48 hours during normal working hours Monday and Friday (9-5), we cannot be held responsible for price changes by our competitors before your price match request has been reviewed.

The leather used in the X-Blend boots is “Full Grain”. Full grain is said to be the strongest “grain” of leather and it comes from top layer of the leather production process. TCX revamped their boot lineup, which now covers everything from “Road Racing” to “24/7 City Business” and everything in between. complete with ALL tags in place, helmet bag, manual, protective plastic on visor and any other associated parts supplied.

For longer walks or hikes or all-day on-your-feet at work with the X-Blend boots, I would recommend some good replacement insoles. That, or bring along some “mission specific” footwear. This covers the entire range of modern sport riding and racing boots to cruiser boots to subtly styled boots appropriate for the office to off-road boots and even riding shoes that look like classic high-top basketball shoes. Careful examination around the top opening and other areas where the edges are visible show what appears to be hand cutting of the panels.

Add waterproofing to the mix and you have a motorcycle boot that looks old school but has taken lessons from modern riding gear to provide both safety and comfort. A poorly fitting helmet may not only be uncomfortable, more noisy and may move around when riding if too big or give headaches etc if it is too small, it is also dangerous. A helmet simply will not protect or perform as designed if the head inside it is not snuggly fitted against the impact absorbing material inside the shell. The leather sections of the X-Blend boots are sewn with a matching color thread and double stitching is used in all major seams. Crafted from a premium grain pull-up leather outer, the X-Blend will just get better and better with age. Waterproofing comes in the way of a full T-DRY lining, that will not only keep the rain away from your precious feet but let them breathe so they don’t overheat too. The boots feature reinforced toe and heel counters, plus malleolus armour for protection, and a leather-reinforced shift pad.

But while the X-Blend boots may not be an outright bargain, the materials used are of good quality. A price match can not be used in conjunction with any other offers, vouchers, promotions, sale items or discounts by Us.This means the boots were held under water up to the top of their waterproof liner for up to five minutes. For the X-Blend boots, that means about 38 mm (1.5 inches) from the top of the boot. Sizing information is provided by the manufacturer and does not guarantee a perfect fit. Please use the sizes shown as a guide only. In fact, the boots didn’t even feel heavier at all, so it seems the leather is treated in a way that it doesn’t absorb water (or at least is very good at resisting it). Inside the boot is a light neutral-colored lining that is smooth and appears to be a type of nylon. TCX says the lining is waterproof, but the exact type of material isn’t specified (at least anywhere that I can find).