Gear Review: TCX Women’s Café Race and Vintage Motorcycle Boots

Well known for dirt, sport, and sport-touring footwear, TCX has been making high-quality motorcycle boots for decades and was the very first company to offer CE-certified motorcycle boots. With a variety of women’s riding boots and shoes to fill the needs of different riding styles, I decided to try out two of TCX women’s waterproof boots, both from its café race/vintage collection.

gear review tcx womens cafe race vintage motorcycle boots brown black — TCX Lady Blend (left) and Lady Biker (right) boots are both mid-calf waterproof, armored motorcycle boots from the company’s vintage/café women’s collection.

gear review tcx womens cafe race vintage motorcycle boots lady biker — The TCX Lady Biker is a traditional cruiser style motorcycle boot. The leather is soft and supple, something Ive appreciated on several other TCX boots Ive tested through the years.

The first thing you need to know about TCX boots is that they tend to run a little long. For example, I ordered my boots in a size 42, which is translated to a US 9.5, my usual size. When the Lady Biker and Lady Blend boots arrived, I found both pairs to fit a little tight in the width but long in the toe. I decided not to exchange them, as I’d recently been told by a reputable podiatrist that I should be wearing footwear with extra room in front of the toe anyway. And I figured the width would stretch as I broke them in. My assumption was correct.

gear review tcx womens cafe race vintage motorcycle boots wearing — After wearing each style about a half dozen times, they were sufficiently broken in. I thought it would be fun to see the difference by wearing one of each at the same time for this photo.

The Lady Blend and Lady Biker boots share many things in common: mid-calf shaft (8.25 inches), 1.375 inch heel, waterproof removable footbeds, and grippy rubber soles. Both styles include TCX’s malleolus inserts at the ankles and stiff reinforced toe and heel areas. Both are made of grain leather and have a vintage-style waxy finish.

gear review tcx womens cafe race vintage motorcycle boots group — The differences between the two styles are fairly obvious. The Lady Blend (left) are dark brown and lace up whereas the Lady Biker’s (right) are black and have a side zipper and buckle.

There are pros and cons to each style. As the boots broke in, I found the Lady Bikers to be more difficult to walk in as they stretched out in the width. The Lady Blend also stretched a bit, but I can get the right fit by tying the laces tighter. The Lady Bikers take seconds to pull on and off, but messing around with the Lady Blend laces takes a few extra minutes before and after each ride.

gear review tcx womens cafe race vintage motorcycle boots gusset — The single side zipper makes it super easy to get the Lady Biker boots on and off quickly. A wide gusset keeps water out.

gear review tcx womens cafe race vintage motorcycle boots laces — Riders concerned about zipper pulls scratching bike parts will appreciate the Lady Blend laces.

I personally love the look of both boots, but the vintage brown and stitched details of the Lady Blend win me over.

gear review tcx womens cafe race vintage motorcycle boots toe — I particularly like the extra patch of leather in the toe shift area on the Lady Blend boots—and appreciate the symmetry of its duplication on the right boot.

gear review tcx womens cafe race vintage motorcycle boots mens — TCX offers vintage/café styles similar to the Lady Blend built for men as well.

Both boots look and feel great while cruising, and I’m happy to report that the waterproof liner really holds up, even when wading through ankle deep water (don’t ask!).

I expect to enjoy years of great riding with both TCX Lady Biker and Lady Blend boots. Both styles are available in sizes 35 to 42 (US 4 to 9.5) and cost $199.99. Visit RideTCXBoots.com for more information and to find a dealer near you.

Gear Review: TCX Women’s Café Race and Vintage Motorcycle Boots

Two different styles of mid-height protective waterproof riding boots

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