The TCX ClimaTrek Surround are high quality vegan boots that perform from path to pavement

0 out of 5

TCX ClimaTrek Surround Boots

from Sportsbike Shop
£158.98 View offer
Published: 14 May 2024

Introduced in 2022, the ClimaTrek Surround is a rugged, outdoor styled motorcycle boot. Full Gore-Tex membrane, fully-synthetic construction, Ortholite footbed for increased comfort and Groundtrax outsole for improved grip, even when walking on light off-road surfaces.

Price: £159.98 (was £199.99)
Tested by Steve Herbert-Mattick for 22 months/6000 miles

Pros

  • Superb day-long comfort – riding or walking
  • Tough construction
  • Discrete styling
  • Vegan-friendly

Cons

  • Laces are more of a faff than a zip or hook & loop closure
  • Only ankle height
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    3.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Construction High tenacity fabric and synthetic
Type Urban
CE Rating 2/1/2/2, WR, WAD
Armour Heel, ankle
  • Gore-Tex extended comfort waterproof membrane
  • Reflective inserts for high visibility
  • Reinforcements on the malleolus, toe and heel
  • The outsole has Gore-Tex Surround technology with ventilation grid and side openings
  • Strong laced fastening
  • Ortholite footbed with long term cushioning and high levels of breathability
  • Groundtrax rubber outsole for touring, light off-road and walking, with good traction
  • EVA cushioned midsole

Are they comfortable?

Much like a good pair of walking boots, the ClimaTrek felt solid and secure straight from the box. A little stiff, perhaps – but not uncomfortably so and there was no restriction in articulation from the start.

After 6000 all-weather miles, they have become more supple and are one of the most comfortable pairs of boots I own – biking or otherwise. The lace closure is a simple, tried and tested system and while it might be low tech it allows for perfect adjustment and a secure fit.

The TCX ClimaTrek Surround boots, close up of the laces and gear change pad

The Ortholite footbeds are something I use in all my proper outdoor footwear, so are a welcome addition to the ClimaTrek boots. They are extremely comfortable on, or off the bike and I’ve worn them for a full day on my feet at Motorcycle Live with no complaints. They’re warm but breathable so usable all year round.

Do they look good?

I’ve always been a fan of slightly leftfield stuff – as long as it works. The ClimaTrek’s styling is so unlike traditional bike kit that while they work great with my usual touring kit, they don’t look like you forgot your civvies wearing them around the office for the day with jeans.

They’re so unusual they won’t be to everyone’s taste. But the rugged, walking boot style works for me, and I pretty much only wear black and grey clothing every day. They’re a hit for me.

The TCX ClimaTrek Surround boots, side shot

How high quality are they?

The ClimaTrek surround really are tough as old boots. Nothing has worn, frayed, broken… not even the laces. They’re as well made as any bike kit I’ve ever used.

After almost two years all-weather use, they remain waterproof, too. Only once have they ever leaked, from a 2-hour motorway ride in torrential, relentless rain. The left boot leaked most from the constant heavy spray of traffic in the adjacent lane.

The TCX ClimaTrek Surround boots, inside shot

Any breathable, waterproof fabric has a point where it’ll be overwhelmed, so this sole (no pun intended) failure isn’t enough to stop me from wearing them again.

Protection and CE ratings

The ClimaTrek Surround are CE rated 1 (designates a short boot), then its 2 across the board for abrasion, impact cut and crush resistance. WR for water resistance and WAD for water absorption too.

Protection comes from reinforcements to the shin, malleolus, toe and heel. The upper is made from high-tenacity synthetic materials, giving the boots an overall tough feeling.

The TCX ClimaTrek Surround boots, back shot

Unlike traditional bike boots they lack the armour and perhaps structural support. But think of them as hopped-up city boots on steroids and they offer a lot more support and protection than some.

I’ve never crashed in them, but I feel confident riding in them. I never feel like my feet are vulnerable when I’ve got them on.

Are they good value?

The ClimaTrek have had a small update for 2024 which hasn’t affected the retail price of £199.99. But it means online deals are available and we’ve seen the first generation model (which is what I have) for as low as £159.99. Whether you’ll see that as good value or not depends largely on whether this style of boot appeals to you.

For me, I like the styling, and they perform so well in almost all conditions, with such little sign of wear over the two years I’ve used them I think it’s a reasonable price for proper Gore-Tex boots. As I’ll only wear cruelty-free, vegan kit my options are more limited than some people’s, so finding suitable kit that performs this well definitely puts a tick in the value box.

Price: £175.74 (was £184.99)
Tested by Michael Neeves for seven months/8,000 miles

"It’s the first time I’ve tried lace-up trainerboot riding boots and they’ve been impressive so far. I wear them with riding jeans and chose the all-black versions, so they don’t show up the dirt. With their soft, padded interior and thick Alcantara-like ankle support, they are as comfortable to walk in as they are on the bike and feel sturdy without being restrictive or clumpy.

"I like their flat sole, which makes it easy to move your feet around on the pegs, but best of all they’ve proved to be as meaty as they look. The thick and grippy vulcanised rubber soles show little sign of wear, other than slightly around the big toe area, which makes them far more durable than the thinner-soled car racing-style riding boots I usually use. The leather uppers are just as hard wearing and although they’ve been splattered with flies and road debris, they’re still in perfect condition and don’t look over 8000 miles old. The leather that touches the gear lever is unscathed and the stitching still all perfectly in place.

"Designed for use all year round, they feature a waterproof membrane For robust, good looking riding boots you can wear for all kinds of road riding, they’re great value."
Tested by Justin Hayzelden for six months/3,700 miles

"I absolutely love these boots, and over the three seasons I’ve tested them they’ve been my go-to choice for any shorter ride or one that’s likely to involve significant time off the bike, such as going to the office, shopping, bike meets or hanging out with mates. And perhaps not ideal for the job due to the lower CE protection level and short height, I’ve toured in them too and they were great for wandering off and exploring on foot.

"They’re comfortable for wearing all day, have more than proved themselves when the going gets wet and feel durable enough for a few seasons yet."

Read Justin's full Forma Hyper Dry Boots Review
Tested by Saffron Wilson for 10 months/6,639 miles

"After 6000 miles together, it’s safe to say I grew quite fond of these boots. They became my go-to footwear during the summer and are comfortable both on and off the bike. I was really impressed how waterproof they were, as they survived proper downpours without breaking a sweat, and aside from some wear on the sole and the sticker peeling off, they have been extremely durable too.

"With CE Level 1 protection, including impact protection at the ankles, they feel like a pair of trainers with the added peace of mind of motorcycle protection including reinforced heels and toes, and D30 protectors.

"But even though they are equipped for use both on and off the bike, equipped with grippy soles, Airmesh material and removable insole, they haven’t compromised on style. The shoes scream retro skater vibes making them stand out from the crowd, and appealing to those of us who wore something similar in our teen years."

Read Saffron's full Furygan Angie D3O Boots Review

The bottom line

Strong, comfortable, waterproof, vegan friendly boots you can use all day on or off the bike, whether you’re riding, walking, or standing around at a show or race meet. They’re clearly built to last, look good in the office or pub, and they’ve become the boots I compare all others to. If the styling works for you, they won’t let you down and while the price might seem a bit high, they’ll earn their keep for years to come.

Price: £159.98 (was £199.99)
Tested by Steve Herbert-Mattick for 22 months/6000 miles

Pros

  • Superb day-long comfort – riding or walking
  • Tough construction
  • Discrete styling
  • Vegan-friendly

Cons

  • Laces are more of a faff than a zip or hook & loop closure
  • Only ankle height
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    3.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Construction High tenacity fabric and synthetic
Type Urban
CE Rating 2/1/2/2, WR, WAD
Armour Heel, ankle
  • Gore-Tex extended comfort waterproof membrane
  • Reflective inserts for high visibility
  • Reinforcements on the malleolus, toe and heel
  • The outsole has Gore-Tex Surround technology with ventilation grid and side openings
  • Strong laced fastening
  • Ortholite footbed with long term cushioning and high levels of breathability
  • Groundtrax rubber outsole for touring, light off-road and walking, with good traction
  • EVA cushioned midsole

While you’re here: How MCN tests products

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Steve Herbert-Mattick

By Steve Herbert-Mattick