TCX Blend 2 WP Ladies Boots | 'A great pair of year-round riding boots, these are almost full marks'

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No-frills motorcycle boots that have a leather upper and waterproof membrane, which make them ideal for year round riding. They sit comfortably under textile trousers and look great with riding jeans or jeggings. On the first couple of rides boots felt stiff around the calf and shin, they weren’t uncomfortable on the bike but did dig in a little when off the bike.

Laces are concealed, which make them look neat and tidy. There’s a gusset at the tongue, to help keep them watertight. The heavy duty soles have a small heel, which can aid those who may be vertically challenged. CE approved to Level 2 for abrasion resistance, cut resistance and crushing, they have impact protection at the heels and toe, plus there’s a gear change pad.

Available in black or brown and a full range of sizes from EUR35-42 and they come up true to size, only issue could be they are rather slender, so it could be an issue if feet are on the wider end of the scale.

How comfortable are the TCX Blend 2?

From first wear these urban style boots have been comfortable and took only a small amount breaking in, for both riding and when wombling about off the bike. Unlike other boots I’ve worn of late, there’s only a small amount of digging in around my solid calves (thanks to the combination of running and the lovely Joe Wicks’ work outs, I’ve got slightly over-sized calf muscles!).

I’ve ridden throughout the winter months (and the overly damp spring), so they’ve gotten soggy on the outer but never let water in, even on the wettest of rides. The tongue is sewn in, which means there’s little or no opportunity for leakage down the front of the boot. Available in sizes EUR35-42, they come up true to size and fit me perfectly, that said, they are slightly slender in the foot, so might not suit all.

Are the TCX Blend 2 practical?

What’s not to like about a simple lace-up pair of riding boots? They are not trying to be all jazzy and fancy pants, just a straight forward, sturdy pair of clod-hoppers and they do the job perfectly. Solid sturdy soles make them good both on and off the bike, the slight heel means they hook onto footpegs and none of that silly slipping around you get with flat-bottomed boots.

Do the TCX Blend 2 look good?

I rather like this style of boot, my first riding boots were a pair of my hubby’s old RAF combat boots (it’s good we have the same size feet, and meant I had free boots for years) so I’m used to the chunky styling. While other more delicate ladies may not see these as acceptable to wear with a skirt, I’m not adverse to keeping them on for a day in the office, when I’ve swapped out of my riding gear and can’t be bothered to carry a second set of footwear for the day.

I’ve found when on the bike, they team up with riding jeans, leggings or my textile kit, so a great year round addition to the riding wardrobe. They come in a grubby brown or black, both of which are great colour options but I prefer the black, as they go with more of my riding gear. Touches such as the concealed laces and little Italian flag make them look top notch.

Are the TCX Blend 2 good quality?

Great construction, nice attention to detail and showing little signs of wear. There’s not much else I can say about these boots, the quality and feel of the leather is great, I love the fact they aren’t shiny but dull, which as they are aging makes them look better, rather than tired.

Protection and CE ratings on the TCX Blend 2

As with all ankle boots, they aren’t quite as protective as some of the higher, sports or adventure style boots on the market. That said, they have an element of protection at key areas, plus there’s a gear change pad, which has protected the left foot well. I like the concealed laces, they look neat and tidy plus they’re not too long, unlike other laces I’ve had on riding boots, which have got caught round footpegs, so not the safest of riding attire!

Are the TCX Blend 2 good value?

£199.99 is a good price for a CE level 2 ranked pair of boots and if you shop around, you may find them reduced on some sites. They aren’t the cheapest boots on the market but as I’ve worn them pretty much year round, they’re decent value for money.

TCX Blend 2 – the final verdict

These are almost full marks, they only were marked down a point on the value, as there are slightly better priced boots on the market, but that said, these are definitely a one boot fits all kind of purchase. So perhaps I’m being a little harsh on them. A great pair of year-round riding boots, they look good, are comfortable, keep feet warm and dry, plus look better the more aged they become, bit like the wearer.

While you’re here: how MCN tests boots

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