TCX Pro 2.1 Boots
TCX's new top-end boot, the Pro 2.1 isn't as popular as it deserves to be. I spent a lot of happy-feet time (is that measured by the hour or by the foot?)
in the previous 2.0, and the 2.1 makes my piggies even happier.
The Pro 2.1 is a traditional sewn-sole, inner bootie, articulated ankle, top-end protector, and the boot upper and bootied lower are completely comfortable from the first ride.
The boots do a great job of not snagging bikes (even snag-grabby machines) and offer excellent feel of the bike, pegs, brake and shifter.
The boots feel a little wider than some at the ankle, but otherwise the hardest part of testing the 2.1s was remembering I was testing the 2.1s-they don't do anything wrong to draw attention to themselves while riding.
If you're a fan of Alpinestars' Tech 8, you will also love these boots-the sensation is very similar with the major difference being that the 2.1's sole seems to be made up of a harder material. This gives the 2.1 a "leg up" in bottom-sole durability, but some riders may feel the Tech 8 offers better peg traction, though I found the TCX's sole to be perfectly grippy in both dry and wet conditions.
The overall durability, based on a few months in the 2.1s and over a year in the 2.0s, is great, right on par with the top performers in the field. I got to see firsthand how much thought and design went into these boots (December 2010, "TCX/Novation Factory Tour"), so their comfort and mobility were not a surprise.
The toe box is stiff for great front protection, and Pro 2.0 wearers will be happy to hear the new buckles are vastly improved and right up there as a tie for second best buckle (behind Sidi's design). Some knee brace-wearers did have gator-sealing issues, allowing sand in.