TCX X-Cube Boots - Review

Having recently completed a review on the TCX S-Race boots I decided it was time to get a more utilitarian boot under test in the shape of the X-Cube, the selling point on this particular boot is its casual, trainer-esque form factor and the useful waterprrof and breathable function that make the TCX X-Cube a perfect boot for nipping out on short runs or going to work.

Initial Thoughts

I have always been in the camp of big motorcycle specific boots are always best and have had many a discussion about people wearing army boots, steel toe caps etc. While I will never discount the virtues of being able to wear what you work in I just cannot program my head to feel safe in anything less than bike gear, I decided to try out one of the relatively new offerings in the boot market which comprises a motorcycle spec protection (albeit not for racetrack speeds I guess) in a more dumbed down and subtle format, these boots often resemble work shoes or trainers (sneakers) and being someone who used to race karts bear a remarkable resemblance to the type of footwear found in motor racing.

Construction

The X-Cube is a nice and lightweight boot from Italian style mongers - TCX, it offers a waterproof membrane which is claimed to be breathable and just enough padding and protection to give peace of mind, when I say it claims to be breathable I must admit I found my feet did get a touch hot and sticky after a while of wearing them but even after months of wear they still smell ok - perhaps they need to be just a touch MORE breathable?

I have worn these boots out to meetings, nipping to the shops and for trips into town which is where they really show their worth, bang on a set of Kevlar jeans and you look right for a night out, no-one notices you wearing motorcycle boots because of the invariable squeak coming from the andro-cyborg external armour plating (patent pending) or the dead giveaway toe sliders. Nowadays it seems entirely possible to look smart/casual while riding your bike and keeping well protected.

In terms of usage they have seen all weather and other than an absolute torrent of rain I had on one day they have maintained waterproofing admirably, in summer they can be a bit on the warm side but in colder weather they perform pretty well at retaining heat and avoiding the need to pull in to a service station to warm your toes under the hand dryer. Fit wise these are pretty spot on to the equivalent sizing in other shoes so order your shoe size, what is odd though is that the very same size in the TCX S-Race boot had a lot of extra room, I would have thought it would have been the other way around...

The X-Cube from TCX is one of a growing number of similar products within the motorcycle clothing industry, its nice to see this style of crossover casual clothing is being developed and hopefully will make using a motorycycle to work, meetings or casual trips that bit more convenient.

Tech Specs

UPPER: suede leather and AIR TECH fabric
LINING: water resistant PROTECTIONS: malleolous
protection and polyurethane ankle support
CLOSURE: lacing system with VELCRO® band
FOOT BED: anatomic and replaceable SOLE: all uses
sole, high wear-resistant