TCX Blend 2 WP Ladies Boots | 'A great pair of year-round riding boots, these are almost full marks'

4 out of 5

TCX Blend 2 WP Ladies Boots

from TCX
£188.99 View offer
Published: 17 September 2024

No-frills motorcycle boots that have a leather upper and waterproof membrane, which make them ideal for year round riding. They sit comfortably under textile trousers and look great with riding jeans or jeggings. On the first couple of rides boots felt stiff around the calf and shin, they weren’t uncomfortable on the bike but did dig in a little when off the bike.

Laces are concealed, which make them look neat and tidy. There’s a gusset at the tongue, to help keep them watertight. The heavy duty soles have a small heel, which can aid those who may be vertically challenged. CE approved to Level 2 for abrasion resistance, cut resistance and crushing, they have impact protection at the heels and toe, plus there’s a gear change pad.

Available in black or brown and a full range of sizes from EUR35-42 and they come up true to size, only issue could be they are rather slender, so it could be an issue if feet are on the wider end of the scale.

Price: £189.99 (was £199.99)
Tested by Ali Silcox for nine months, 3000 miles

Pros

  • True to size
  • Waterproofing works well
  • Comfortable both riding and wombling about off the bike

Cons

  • Bit on the slender side, but not overly
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Practicality
    5.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Construction T-DRY membrane, Groundtrax® sole and Dakar leather upper
Type Women’s ankle boots
CE rating 1 / 2 / 2 / 2, WR
Armour Shin, toe and heel reinforcements
  • Reinforced malleolus, toe and heel counter
  • Leather gear shifter guard
  • Lace closure system
  • Groundtrax rubber outsole
  • Ortholite footbed with long term cushioning and high level of breathability

How comfortable are the TCX Blend 2?

From first wear these urban style boots have been comfortable and took only a small amount breaking in, for both riding and when wombling about off the bike. Unlike other boots I’ve worn of late, there’s only a small amount of digging in around my solid calves (thanks to the combination of running and the lovely Joe Wicks’ work outs, I’ve got slightly over-sized calf muscles!).

I’ve ridden throughout the winter months (and the overly damp spring), so they’ve gotten soggy on the outer but never let water in, even on the wettest of rides. The tongue is sewn in, which means there’s little or no opportunity for leakage down the front of the boot. Available in sizes EUR35-42, they come up true to size and fit me perfectly, that said, they are slightly slender in the foot, so might not suit all.

Close up of the CE label on the TCX Blend 2 WP Ladies Boots

Are the TCX Blend 2 practical?

What’s not to like about a simple lace-up pair of riding boots? They are not trying to be all jazzy and fancy pants, just a straight forward, sturdy pair of clod-hoppers and they do the job perfectly. Solid sturdy soles make them good both on and off the bike, the slight heel means they hook onto footpegs and none of that silly slipping around you get with flat-bottomed boots.

Do the TCX Blend 2 look good?

I rather like this style of boot, my first riding boots were a pair of my hubby’s old RAF combat boots (it’s good we have the same size feet, and meant I had free boots for years) so I’m used to the chunky styling. While other more delicate ladies may not see these as acceptable to wear with a skirt, I’m not adverse to keeping them on for a day in the office, when I’ve swapped out of my riding gear and can’t be bothered to carry a second set of footwear for the day.

Wide angle shot of the TCX Blend 2 WP Ladies Boots, showcasing the Ground-Trax soles

I’ve found when on the bike, they team up with riding jeans, leggings or my textile kit, so a great year round addition to the riding wardrobe. They come in a grubby brown or black, both of which are great colour options but I prefer the black, as they go with more of my riding gear. Touches such as the concealed laces and little Italian flag make them look top notch.

Are the TCX Blend 2 good quality?

Great construction, nice attention to detail and showing little signs of wear. There’s not much else I can say about these boots, the quality and feel of the leather is great, I love the fact they aren’t shiny but dull, which as they are aging makes them look better, rather than tired.

Close up of the gear shift pads on the TCX Blend 2 WP Ladies Boots

Protection and CE ratings on the TCX Blend 2

As with all ankle boots, they aren’t quite as protective as some of the higher, sports or adventure style boots on the market. That said, they have an element of protection at key areas, plus there’s a gear change pad, which has protected the left foot well. I like the concealed laces, they look neat and tidy plus they’re not too long, unlike other laces I’ve had on riding boots, which have got caught round footpegs, so not the safest of riding attire!

Are the TCX Blend 2 good value?

£199.99 is a good price for a CE level 2 ranked pair of boots and if you shop around, you may find them reduced on some sites. They aren’t the cheapest boots on the market but as I’ve worn them pretty much year round, they’re decent value for money.

Price: £99.99 (was £159.99)
Tested by Saffron Wilson for nine months, 3,777 miles:

"I’m not a big one for sporty bike boots, so these Forma boots ticked all my styling boxes. They’re very casual and perfect with riding jeans.

"I’ve ridden in these boots for nearly 4000 miles, and it was only recently that I noticed the odd bit of damp on my sock after getting caught in rainstorms. Otherwise, my feet were kept bone dry.

"I’ve topped it up with a waterproof spray and they work like a dream again. The zip closure is a nice design detail and makes them easy to get on and off which is a must-have for me.

"Overall, they are very comfortable. The soft polymer padding with memory foam works well on and off the bike and the boots are made with a special footbed which is designed solely for women. They also feature TPU ankle protection, TPU Dual Flex with anti-shock EVA midsole and are CE certified."

Pros

  • Subtle and casual style that ticks all the boxes
  • Comfortable footbed designed solely for women
  • Zip closure makes them easy to take on and off

Cons

  • Heels won't suit everyone
  • A bit wide at the top of the ankle
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Looks
    4.0
  • Protection
    4.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Construction Full grain leather
Type Touring
CE Rating 2-2-1-2, WR
Armour Ankle
  • Drytex waterproof and breathable lining
  • Touring non-slip rubber sole
  • Distressed effect sole
  • Below calf fitting
  • Ornamental buckle
  • Zip closure
  • Ankle TPU moulded plastic protection
  • Soft polymer padding with memory foam
  • Special footbed exclusively for women's fit
  • TPU Dual Flex with anti-shock EVA midsole
  • Anti-bacterial replaceable insole

Available in ladies fit

Vegan-friendly comfort
Price: £159.98 (was £199.99)
Tested by Emma Franklin for four months, 2000 miles:

"As it’s designed to work in harsh environments, motorcycling kit has a natural crossover with clothing and footwear for other outdoor pursuits, like hiking, climbing and running. As such, we’re now seeing many biking brands create multi-sport products, stuff that’s been designed primarily as biking clobber, but which also works for other leisure pursuits.

"Fit is true to size if slightly on the wider side of normal, which is another boost to their comfort levels. Although probably targeted at urban commuters, I think they would be brilliant for touring or even adventure riding, thanks to their rugged GroundTrax outer sole.

"Highly treaded, it provides brilliant grip for wandering up rocky trails or across muddy fields and, when you combine that with the all-day on-bike/off-bike comfort, breathability and waterproofing (that is, as long as your trousers adequately cover the tops), as well as nice styling, too – they could be all the boots you’d ever need to take on a touring holiday. Although the £199.99 price is quite high, you are getting a quality and versatile piece of Gore-Tex footwear that you can – and will – wear for other pursuits.

"This is the women-specific version, in sizes EU35-42, and as such features rather jazzy gold-trimmed laces. The men’s version is available in a more muted grey colour, sizes EU 38-47."

Read our full TCX ClimaTrek Surround review

Pros

  • Ortholite footbeds make for superb day-long comfort – riding or walking
  • Tough construction and impressive waterproofing
  • Highest CE protection level possible for a short boot
  • Made with 100% vegan-friendly materials

Cons

  • Looks won't appeal to everyone
  • Need breaking in, as they're quite stiff at first
  • Laces are a faff – why not a more modern Boa closure instead?
  • 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
Price: £224.99 (was £249.99)
Tested by Ali Silcox for eight months, 3,000 miles:

"I’ve been a fan of Sidi boots for years and have worn many different pairs in their range From sports boots through to touring boots, I have always found them hard-wearing and decent value for money – and these are no exception. Specifically designed for women, the boot is a slim fit and I thought they would be uncomfortable, as the foot is narrow and sizing small but surprisingly, after a couple of wears, they’d broken in and are now incredibly comfortable.

"I’ve previously been a bit of a runner, no Paula Radcliffe I hasten to add, but this has resulted in very solid calf muscles, so I regularly find it difficult to do boots up, but that’s not the case here. The zip and velcro closure is snug but not tight and there’s a natty stretch panel, that runs along the side of the zip, which enables a little extra ‘give’ when zipping up.

"Made with a leather upper and Gore-Tex membrane, these CE approved boots are both waterproof and breathable, so ideal for year round wear. There’s a concertina stretch panel at the front and rear, both add to the comfortable fit.

"There’s protection at the ankle and heel, along with a gear change pad. One slight criticism, is the area around the gear change pad is incredibly firm and sometimes rubs the top of the my foot, which can be an irritation on a long journey."

Pros

  • Hard wearing boots
  • Stretch panels make them easy to slide into
  • Lightweight and incredibly comfortable

Cons

  • Area round the gear change pad can rub against the foot
  • Not the most stylish option around
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Looks
    4.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Construction Microfibre
Type Touring
CE Rating EN 138634:2017
Armour Ankle
  • Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane
  • Hook and loop and zip closure
  • Zip elastic panel
  • Breathable textile bands
  • Full length inner gaiter
  • Internal ankle pad
  • Shift pad

TCX Blend 2 – the final verdict

These are almost full marks, they only were marked down a point on the value, as there are slightly better priced boots on the market, but that said, these are definitely a one boot fits all kind of purchase. So perhaps I’m being a little harsh on them. A great pair of year-round riding boots, they look good, are comfortable, keep feet warm and dry, plus look better the more aged they become, bit like the wearer.

While you’re here: how MCN tests boots

At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t test our kit to destruction; we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions. That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on.

Each of our writers has an in-depth understanding of the needs of today’s biker… because they are one.

If you can’t see a review against a pair of boots on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. These boots will only be included if we think they’re important and relevant in the market, and rest assured, we will be working on bringing you a review as soon as we’ve done the miles.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.