TCX are well known for blending protection and everyday usability, and these Mood 2 Gore-Tex boots sit firmly in their urban kit range. They’re aimed at riders who want something that works on the bike but doesn’t scream “motorcycle boot” when walking into the office or a café.
I inherited this pair from a colleague who ordered the wrong size, and I probably wouldn’t have picked them myself because I prefer a zip fastening over laces. That said, aside from the lace-only entry, they’ve been excellent in every situation I’ve used them in.
4.0 Price: £148.04 (was £189) www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk
4.0 Looks 4.0 Quality 4.0 Protection 3.0 Value 4.0 Construction: Cowhide leather upper; Gore-Tex Extended Comfort membrane; Groundtrax rubber outsole; Midsole with Zplate shank; Ortholite footbed Type: Urban waterproof motorcycle shoe CE rating: Certified to CE – Cat. II – EN 13634 (Performance rating stated in transcript as 1-2-1-1) Armour: D3O ankle reinforcements; Reinforced TPU heel structure; Reinforced inserts on toe and heel Elastic band to store laces Groundtrax sole designed for grip and walking comfort Zplate insert for longitudinal flexibility and transverse rigidity Ortholite insole for cushioning and breathability They’re clearly designed as a short, urban-style riding shoe rather than a full-height touring or sports boot . The blend of Gore-Tex waterproofing and D3O impact protection suggests they’re pitched as a do-it-all everyday option rather than something for trackdays or winter extremes. For that brief, they make a very strong case for themselves.
Comfort is where these really shine. I’ve worn them riding in the UK, around the office all day and then back home again without any discomfort. More recently, I covered over 1000 miles in a weekend on a trip to France and wore them the whole time. They were cool in hot weather and stayed comfortable on cooler starts in double-digit temperatures.
They cope well with rain and road spray, though in the depths of winter you might want something more substantial. That’s more a reflection of their lightweight construction than any failure in performance.
On the bike, the sole is grippy and comfortable on the pegs, with enough thickness to prevent pressure points. They don’t slide around and offer good feel. Off the bike, the sole flexes just enough to avoid the stiff, clumsy “Frankenstein” walk you get with some riding boots , yet they still feel supportive.
I wore them for 12 hours walking around the Le Mans circuit over tarmac, gravel, grass and uneven ground, riding between locations and stopping at cafés. The comfort was exceptional throughout. They’re not big or clunky, so you don’t feel self-conscious wearing them in non-biking settings.
The main comfort-related downside is the lack of a reinforced gear change panel. I’ve noticed wear on the top of the left toe, and because that area is relatively thin you sometimes have to adjust your foot position to avoid creating a hot spot when changing gear.
Looks are subjective, but these strike a great balance. They have a cool, casual high-top style that blends in easily off the bike. I never felt conspicuous wearing them in the office or walking into cafés.
They look like stylish trainers rather than traditional motorcycle boots, which is exactly the point in this category. If you want something subtle that doesn’t advertise itself as riding kit, these work well.
For a lightweight urban boot, the overall qual…