Review | TCX Blend 2 WP boots
Rugged, waterproof, traditionally-styled boots that are comfortable, versatile and work impressively
- What is it: Traditional lace-up waterproof on/off bike boots
- Protection level: CE level 2
- Price: £199.00
TCX Blend 2 WP Boots tested
One of the dilemmas when choosing a pair of biking boots is knowing what style to go for, whether it be racing, sports-touring, adventure, urban or trad. I do a lot of riding, but also intersperse it with a lot of stops. I also wanted something suitable for pairing with different styles of bike, ideally waterproof (or at least showerproof), warm (but not too warm for summer), hard-wearing, comfortable to walk in and would look good paired with my default riding jeans. TCX stepped up with these Blend 2 WP boots.
When they arrived, I admit I was at first a bit doubtful. They were taller than what I’d been used to and seemed fairly heavyweight and likely uncomfortable off bike, too. In reality, however, they’ve been anything but and I’m very impressed. Although tall they’re easy to pull on, fit very well, have required no breaking in at all and have proved very comfortable when walking about with no chafing or rubbing. Indeed, I’ve had worse from similarly-styled non-bike Timberland or Caterpillar boots.
I’ve worn them all day on three recent biking launches and certainly looked the part on the Harley-Davidson Sprint 440 I was riding in Barcelona the other week, surviving riding spirited enough to have the pegs grinding while also nice and grippy when walking down sand-dusted marble steps to a beachside café. So, confidence inspiring on- and off-bike!
They were just as appropriate to the Honda CB1000F I was riding recently, brushing off a couple of showers along the way and smart enough to wear off the bike, too. Once again, they fit the look of the Royal Enfield Flying Flea I was testing the other week, suiting the city riding vibe and comfy for a busy day of dashing about for photos and the rest.
No, I haven’t crashed in them or ridden through a downpour, but that proviso apart (and I’m confident they’d be fine), they’re already some of the best – and most versatile – bike boots I’ve had. Thank the Blend 2 WP’s design, materials and construction for that performance. The overall style and design may be traditional but there are plenty of clever touches. The outer ‘shell’ is full-grain leather, there’s a T-DRY waterproof membrane inside with an integral, non-leaking ‘tongue’ plus sturdy brass eyelets and laces. Even so, they’re easier than expected to pull on. Extra safety comes via protective inserts on the ankle and reinforcement in the gear area, toe and heel while neat detail touches include the subtle metal TCX logo positioned vertically on the outside of the ankle. The sole, meanwhile, is impressive, too, being a Groundtrax rubber outsole type with chunky grips which have proved, in all of my antics so far, to be grippy and durable. The OrthoLite insole is presumably responsible for much of the impressive comfort and also claimed to give high levels of breathability.
Verdict
