The TCX SS Sport Boots, Affordable Foot-Wear
TCX SS Sport boots are worn by fast guys like three-time World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss. The TCX SS Sport boot we tested here is TCX's lower price point model in its 'Racing Line'.The TCX SS Sport Boots are constructed primarly from Lorica, the SS Sport boot utilizes TCX's 'AirTech' mesh liner to enhance breathability and comfort. Injected polyurethane plastic heel guard, ankle guards, shin plate, and shift toe pads protect the rider's foot from harm or wear, along with a replaceable injected PU plastic toe slider to keep from grinding through that portion of the boot by the more aggressive rider. The insole is reinforced in critical areas, with an anti-bacterial treatment to keep it from getting odorous after repeated hard use.
The tree-color sole has two different compounds, with a grippier portion on the forefoot area, and a harder, more wear-resistant mixture on the arch and heel area. Entry is through an inner side zipper, with hook-and-loop fastened flaps ensuring a snug calf adjustment.
We found the TCX SS Sport Boots worked well in a variety of riding situations, from daily commuting to aggressive track riding. The boot's construction around the foot area is pretty sturdy, giving a reassuring protective feel that can be lacking in more comfortable footwear. Peg feel through the sole was decent, and the toe shift protector is thick enough that an all-day ride won't result in a nasty blister above your big toe. The adjustable plastic toe sliders work well and don't wear too quickly, and we really appreciated their well-designed positioning; some plastic toe sliders on other boots extend foot far downward the sole, which can make them very slippery if you put your toe on the inner portion of the footpeg during aggressive cornering, but the TCX SS Sport's sliders are high enough that this isn't an issue.
The only minor complaints we had with the TCX SS Sport boots were centered in the area of comfort. Even though the mesh liner and Lorica outer material should allow adequate breathing, we found the boots to be a bit on the warm side on a hot day. We also found that the TCX boot's stiff construction caused the material around the ankle area to bunch up and chafe on our skin when riding sportbikes, which can caused some discomfort on longer rides.
