Review: TCX Hero 2 WP Boot

What better way to break in a new pair of boots than a two-week-long cross-country ride? That’s exactly what I did for testing the TCX Hero 2 WP boots.

The first thing I noticed when I laced up these combat-style boots was the OrthoLite comfort insoles. Never mind that I was about to embark on an epic journey across the U.S.—these TCX boots made me feel like I was walking on a cloud.

Pulling the shoes on and off is quite easy, even if tying the laces takes a few seconds longer than fastening buckles. The zippers on the inside open the top to make it easy to get your foot in and out.

For a while, I was hesitant to don anything but full-height boots, because ankle boots often start rubbing in the wrong places, especially when walking around. The Hero 2 WP boots excel in all-around comfort, while somehow combining it with protection. That’s not as easy as it sounds. The soft, full-grain leather looks fantastic and offers that extra level of comfort I believe is best achieved with natural materials.

During this trip, I miraculously encountered zero rain, but a heat wave with sustained temperatures in the 90s and 100s tested the TCX boots in a different way.

While I was plenty hot, I never felt like my feet were on fire. Even with the T-Dry waterproof membrane, my feet were able to breathe, avoiding swamp feet at the end of the day.

The only criticism I have is perhaps the same OrthoLite insole that had me on cloud nine. After a few days in sweltering heat and humidity, I felt like they got a little flatter. They were still comfortable for all-day riding and walking, but I didn’t have the same floating feeling.

The company claims that it won’t lose more than 5% of the insole’s thickness, but perhaps they weren’t prepared for July in the Midwest.

On the protection front, reinforcements on the ankle, heel, and toe protect your feet. The ankle bump even looks good, adding some depth to the side profile.

When laced up, the boots felt like an extension of my feet. The sole is sturdy and offered sufficient grip when I ventured away from the bike over sticks and stones, mud, and thick grass.

The TCX Hero 2 WP are my new go-to boots for just about every type of riding (unless the rare track day comes up). The best part is the brown leather. The more you wear them, the better they look.

TCX Hero 2 WP Boot
Sizes: 3.5-13
Colors: black, brown
$289.00