TCX Pro2 Boot - Dirt Rider Magazine

TCX isn't new by any means; the boot just received a name change since its old name, Oxtar, was too similar to another popular boot maker. While TCX is getting the new brand established, the company decided it was time to make some well thought-out upgrades to the former design. Here it is, DR Tested.Firstly, it seems the company got the sizing a little closer, yet I still wear a size 11 in the TCX when I wear a 10 in almost every other brand, including my street shoes. To me these boots run a solid half-size small. Then there was the issue of the buckles. Those little buggers used to allow the strap to get hooked underneath the clasp. It was terrible and really tough to get off, especially when removing them with numb fingers on a cold day! Thankfully, this issue has been sorted out, and the new clasps get the job done without fuss.The unique pivot the boot uses is more of a slider than a hinge. It utilizes a stiff plate in the side and on the back that slides in channels and allows a fixed amount of forward and aft flex while strongly limiting side flex. The boot and its pivot do a good job of mimicking the normal amount of ankle movement that you need to ride while protecting your joint by stopping your ankle from getting bent in ways you don't want it to. It's stiffer than most nonhinged boots and not as stiff as some aggressively hinged boots. It takes a few rides to fully break in (not a bad thing), and once it settles in it seems to stop breaking in, resisting breakdown as the boot ages, especially in the ankle area.The side of the boot is smooth and I never have issues with it hooking on the bike-and I'm picky about this as I grab the motorcycle with my ankles. There's also an inner bootie which doesn't really like being left in while you slip on the boot. Let it come out when you take off the Pro2, then put it on your foot before you put on the boot. Once on, I didn't notice the bootie and the feel, if you can say any boot truly has "feel." Typically, if I can feel anything, it's mostly flexing; I'm afraid of breaking off some of my remaining nine toes.The boot ages well and has plastic in the right areas to make it tough and leather to allow flex in the right spots.The sole is grippy and stands up to abuse well. I've been riding in the boots shown for more than two months now, and that's typically a life span for a midpriced pair of boots for me. The lip around the upper tries its best to seal and does a decent job unless you have a funky knee brace in the vicinity, then it has a tough time. Although not waterproof, these rank right up there with the best of them at keeping your toes dry; they are average in venting, meaning there's little to none. Priced on the high end of the midrange at $359.99, TCX is still offering a $100 rebate extended till at least August 1, 2008, or while supplies last. These were good, solid boots before the rebate; now they're better at under $300. -Jimmy Lewis*10 with rebate www.tcxboots.com