TCX Dartwood GTX boots in black

The TCX Dartwood GTX boot is an upgraded version of the standard Dartwood boot that comes equipped with a Gore-Tex membrane rather than TCX’s own T-Dry membrane. The question, therefore, is why might you go for the GTX boot rather than the less expensive, regular Dartwood? It’s a valid question because a short boot will never be as waterproof as a tall one, and so often it’s not worth spending extra on Gore-Tex because it won’t deliver much higher levels of waterproofing. But that may not be the case here. And that’s partly because the premium on this particular GTX boot is just £20. What is true is that the GTX version will be more breathable, and therefore nicer to wear in hot conditions. The leather on the GTX boot is also softer and more supple; and this is because Gore demands the highest levels of breathability, and a lighter leather is more breathable. Finally, some will prefer the fact that the GTX version comes with a black sole.

In all other respects, the GTX Dartwood is the same as the standard Dartwood, which is described below.

The Dartwood sits somewhere between a trainer-style motorcycle boot and a more traditional, work boot style. You get D30 in the ankles, a small gearchange pad, and counters in the heel and toe areas. To help ingress and egress, the Dartwood has a zip up the inside of the boot, although it is unlikely that you will be able to get in and out of the boot without loosening the laces. Unusual for a casual boot like this, you get a strengthening shank in the sole. This doesn’t impede the flex you need to walk comfortably, but it does add transverse rigidity across the footbed. The inner sole is from Ortholite, and will mould to the shape of your foot for added comfort. The outer sole is called a Groundtrax sole; it is a rubber sole, non slip and oil resistant. This is a boot with all the bells and whistles that you need, but what cannot be denied is that it is just a great-looking boot with just the right level of ruggedness.