TCX Hero 2 boots in black

One of the boots that historically always worked well for us was a model called the Hero. Well TCX has now replaced that boot with one called the Hero 2. It's similar to its predecessor, but has been upgraded in a number of ways. Most noticeable is a new 'printed' leather that has a texture similar to Scotch Grain leather.

 

It's a work-style boot with a tallish shaft. It comes in black or in brown, and it has a zip up the inside. The leather is super soft. It's still well up to the job as a motorcycle boot, but this is clearly going to be a boot that's easy to walk around in.

 

TCX term the way it's constructed as 'Ideal Stitching'; and I think this is meant to imply that the Hero has a Goodyear Welt. Well, emphatically it doesn't. Indeed, technically there's no welting at all involved here. Basically, the leather is cut such that when it's lasted there's enough of a flange for the upper to be sewn to the midsole. And that's not nothing. You don't get a cork filling between the insole and the midsole, but there is real sewing going on here. It looks the part, and it makes for a more robust construction.

 

In terms of protection, there are toughened counters in the toe and in the heel. The ankles are protected with D3O pucks. There's another panel of leather sewn onto the toe by way of a gearchange protector.

 

Now the Hero 2 is perhaps no Rokker Urban Racer, but we reckon that it's going to be a lot tougher and more robust than some of the ankle boots we have come across; some of which just aren't up to the job. We've seen some that have worn out in just six months. You should get at least three or four years' proper riding out of these boots.

 

For waterproofing, the boots come with a T-Dry waterproof membrane. It's a membrane we know well, and it works.

 

Up the inside of the boot, there's a full-length zip. In all probability, you are still probably going to need to use the laces to get in and out of these boots because of the waterproof gusset, but with the zip you won't have to undo them as far.

 

The outsole is a pretty grippy affair. Fine for any kind of road riding, although it would be out of its depth off road. For comfort, inside the boot you get an Ortholite footbed.

 

The Hero 2 is a classic, motorcycle, ankle boot. It really has everything, and does everything, you would expect. It's going to be comfortable on and off the bike. It's more than protective enough for sensible road riding. It's going to be waterproof and easy to live with. And we think they're tough enough to go the course.

 

You'd need to pay a lot more to get a boot that outperforms it. Something like the Rokker Urban Racer would be just such a boot, but they come at a significant premium. For most riders the TCX Hero 2 boots are pretty much the perfect option.