TCX S-TR1 WP review: Proof that waterproof, practical boots don't have to be boring

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The TCX S-TR1 WP is listed on TCX’s website as a road/racing boot but I tend to think of them more like a set of very stylish touring boots. If you want the comfort and practicality of a sensible waterproof boot without looking (and feeling) like you’re wearing a black Wellington, these could be for you.

The S-TR1 range now sits at the bottom of TCX’s sportsbike boot offering with the RT-Race and RT-Race Pro Air above. Unlike the more serious motorbike boots in the RT family, the S-TR1 comes with no internal lacing which does mean you feel slightly less secure when wearing them.

This feeling is backed up when you take a look at the CE rating, too, as the S-TR1 achieves the lower 1 score for abrasion resistance. The bulbous shin reinforcement isn’t rated for impact protection, either, so I’d probably reach for a different pair of boots for a trackday, but feel perfectly safe on the road.

Are the TCX S-TR1 WP comfortable?

I’ve tested a load of TCX boots in plenty of different styles and have found that their comfort levels are usually top-notch right from the first time you pull them on. The S-TR1 WPs are no exception and they are a pleasure to wear on and off the bike.

Lots of sportsbike boots are squeaky when you put them on and require a little squirt of Mr Muscle or silicone spray to quieten them down. These boots were so loud that they drew the attention of the whole floor at MCN Towers as I walked through in the morning. In fact, I returned from lunch to discover a can of WD-40 had been left on my desk. Easily remedied problem, though.

On the bike, the sole is rigid enough to be comfortable and feel safe but flexible enough to allow you feel on the pegs and controls. This is a balancing act I think TCX are particularly good at getting right.

Do the TCX S-TR1 WP look good?

The TCX S-TR1 WP boots are great-looking and I much prefer them to dreary touring boots in the fashion department. Being all black, they don’t look flash at first glance and you don’t feel conspicuous or out of place wearing them on a bleak winter’s day.

But on second glance you notice the colour-matched PU toe slider, ankle reinforcements and the seriously cool black on black faux suede inner panels. They’re a subtle yet stylish addition to your kit options.

Worth noting that the bulbous shin reinforcement makes it tricky (but not impossible) to pull slimmer fitting riding jeans over the top, but it’s not a problem at all with regular cut denim.

Are the TCX S-TR1 WP good quality?

Everything about these boots feels well-made and sturdily constructed. After 1500 miles of use (and a fair bit of walking around), they look almost brand-new. Even the gear shift reinforcement – which has been mostly operating the stiff aluminium quickshifter lever on the 2023 MCN fleet BMW M1000R is completely unscuffed.

The waterproofing provided by the T-dry membrane is impervious to even the harshest of sustained rain – TCX submitted the S-TR1 WP to the optional waterproofing test and they wear the WR marking on the CE label.

The zip doesn’t feel particularly heavy-duty but it has performed excellently, even with my leathers stuffed inside.

Do the TCX S-TR1 WP offer good protection?

As mentioned above, the S-TR1 WP has a 2-1-2-2 CE rating. This translates to them achieving the lower rating on abrasion protection and the shin reinforcement isn’t certified as protection, either.

That said, they’re rated level 2 for cutting and have a torsion control system to protect your ankles as-well-as a reinforced polypropylene insole to protect against crushing injuries. I have no qualms about pulling these on for day-to-day riding but will opt for something with more shin protection for track duty, where the riding speeds are higher and a long slide is more on the cards.

Are the TCX S-TR1 WP good value?

TCX themselves list the S-TR1 WP boots with an RRP of £259.99 but you can find them cheaper than this at plenty of UK retailers. At this price point, I would expect CE level 2 scores across the board.

However, it’s difficult to put a price on genuinely waterproof kit, especially in the UK. If you view these boots as a dependable pair of touring boots that happen to look great rather than sportsbike boots, I don’t think the price is bad.

A pair of Alpinestars SMX-6 V2 Gore-Tex will set you back £310 and they do score a CE level 2 for abrasion resistance. MCN gave the A-Stars a maximum five stars in a waterproof boot showcase. We said: “Not the cheapest set of waterproof boots, with only modest discounts to be found online, but these offer such a great mix of comfort, feel, safety and weather protection that most riders won’t begrudge reaching slightly deeper into their pockets.”

A pair of Richa Blade WP only costs £139.99 and they come very highly-rated. Fellow MCN rider and Online Editor Gareth Evans gave them four stars overall after 3000 miles of riding. He said: “These boots have served me will so far this year. Together we’ve weathered some impressive weather; most notably massive thunderstorms, both on road and on track. I can confirm Richa’s claim that they’re 100% waterproof.”

RST’s Tractech Evo 3 WP are considerably cheaper at £149.99 (currently on offer £119.95) but we were less impressed with them in our waterproof sportsbike boot showcase. We said: “Substantial shin plate and prominent ankle bracing give these a very racy look. Feel quite stiff in construction though – it can be difficult to reach your left foot forwards enough to get under the gear pedal.

“That bracing had a habit of digging into ankles on both sides too. Waterproofing is provided by RST’s own SinAqua membrane, which stayed totally dry in the spray test, thought did let water through when the boots were submerged. Fit is good, through it takes a couple of goes to get the main zip done up and the Velcro closed properly.”

The verdict

The TCX S-TR1 WP are an excellent pair of boots that genuinely keep the weather out and are comfy on and off the bike. They may not be the highest-rated for abrasion but I feel perfectly secure using them on the road with jacket and jeans, my leathers or textiles.

If I was looking for a great looking, waterproof touring boot, I would certainly consider these but if I wanted to use them on track too, I’d opt for something with CE level 2 ratings across the board.