MotoReview- TCX Blend 2 Boots
Greetings and salutations my awesome and devoted MotoReader friends! Today, I'll be talking about my new TCX Blend 2 Waterproof Boots, not to be confused with the X-Blend Boots that I reviewed a few years ago (click here for that review). If you read my previous reviews (I actually did a couple on the X-Blends), you know that I really liked those boots, so much so, that after wearing holes through the soles of my first pair after a few years of constant use, I picked up a second pair. So, after my second pair met the same fate, I figured I'd head on over to my favorite online retailer, Revzilla, and pick up another pair. To my dismay, I learned that TCX had replaced the X-Blend boot with the similar, but different, "Blend 2" boot. Now, I'm going to try my best to do a fresh review, and not a comparison, since the X-Blends are no longer an option, but some comparisons are going to be unavoidable.
Disclosure
If you're new here- before each of my MotoReviews, I like to give a disclosure statement regarding the gear I'm reviewing. My goal is to be as transparent as possible about the company or gear I'm reviewing, and how I came to be in possession of the gear in question. I take pride in the trust that I have established with all of my loyal MotoReaders and I value the confidence they, you, have in me regarding my thoughts on this stuff. So, with that said, this one is pretty straightforward- I was not, and am not (yet? But I'd absolutely be willing to be... hint, hint TCX!) an affiliate of TCX, Revzilla, Comoto, Union Garage NYC, or any other brand related to this review. I bought my first pair of TCX boots after doing my own research, and I've been a loyal TCX boot customer since. I bought these boots with my own hard-earned money, without any deals, promises, affiliate discounts or other incentives and this review is mine and mine alone. With that said, let's get into it.
Similar, But Different
Okay, so I know I said I was going to try to avoid comparing the boots, as much as possible anyway, so let's get those comparisons out of the way, right up front. Apparently, TCX listened to their customers and made some changes to their "Blend" boot design, based on reviews and critiques... or at least that's what it seems like. The first thing you'll see when you compare the two boots, is on the toe. The X-Blend had an additional leather patch sewn onto both toes. I really liked the additional leather, but one of the problems I found on the first pair of X-Blends I had was, after a year or so of use, I noticed the stitching broke loose on the right (brake side) boot, which caused the leather to curl up. It didn't affect the functionality, especially since it was on the brake side, but it didn't look great. The second pair of X-Blend boots I bought, never had that issue, though... so maybe it was just a defect in that one boot. By comparison, though, it looks like this was enough of an issue that TCX did away with the leather toe patch altogether for the Blend 2 boots. The new Blends have an embossed area on both of the toes now, instead of a sewn-on leather patch. While the patch of the X-Blend and the embossed area on the Blend 2 on the brake side boots is for decoration only (unless you ride an older bike with a right side shifter), I do like that TCX designs their boots to be symmetrical... I just think it looks better. As far as the embossed area is concerned, I think it will serve the purpose of masking any shifter marks on the boot, but I do wonder how well it will hold up over time and regular use. If I do see some excess wear as time goes by, I'll be sure to do another review.
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Another change that TCX made was to the soles of the boots. Where the X-Blend had a squared design, the Blend 2 has the inverted honeycomb design you see here. The rubber compound seems to be different on the two boots, as well... which is potentially a good thing, since I wore holes through both pair of my X-Blend boot's outsoles. Hopefully, the new sole of the Blend 2's will hold up better than their predecessors.
One final detail to note, is the new lace stay on the Blend 2, which was absent on the X-Blend. It's a simple, yet smart, little addition that you can use at your own discretion. Basically, it's a small elastic strap with a convenient grab-tab that will hold your laces in place to keep them from getting caught on any protruding parts of the bike, like a shift lever, for example. Some folks may think it's silly, but I've been using it on these boots and, while I don't necessarily think it's needed, I do think it's handy to have.
Styling, Comfort, Safety, Sizing & Price Tag
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Overall styling is pretty great, in my opinion. The Blend 2s, like the X-Blends, look like casual boots, but with the right amount of features that someone who knows, will be able to recognize them as riding boots. The best part of them, though, by far... is the comfort. TCX won me over several years ago with the comfort of their X-Blend boots and the new Blend 2s are carrying on that tradition. Most riding boots aren't great for walking around in, and most casual boots lack the necessary safety features of a proper riding boot. Features like the ankle cups and waterproofing that the TCX Blend boots have. I also like that that they lace up and that the eyelets for the laces are well made and durable. Speaking briefly on the waterproofing, I should point out that the X-Blends were more... uh, let's say, water resistant, than water proof. This could be because of the way the leather panels of the outer shell were sewn together, which has been changed on the Blend 2s. The upper leather on the X-Blend boot was sewn flat with exposed stitching, where the Blend 2 has a hidden seam design, which should prevent water from getting into the boot. Admittedly, I've only had the Blend 2s for just under a month now, and haven't had a chance to test that theory, yet. It seems like I have another reason to do an updated review later on.
TCX is an Italian company, which I recently learned was bought out by Dainese in 2020. While both pair of X-Blend boots I own were made in Romania, the Blend 2s that I'm wearing now were made in Vietnam. As an Italian brand, they are sized in EU, so make sure you check their size guide for your specific size. From my experience, they run true to size, so you shouldn't have any concerns there.
Now, let me say this for any critics of "foreign" products- I like American made products, but I'm more interested in quality and value. Most American made products, like boots, are so expensive, that it's hard to justify the cost. Let's be honest, too- we are living in a world market in 2026. The vast majority of the products that you use daily are made overseas. In our modern world, we have the luxury of importing and exporting goods from one continent to another, all to the benefit of you and I- the end consumer. What I look for in any product that I buy and use, is the quality and the value. Sure, I could spend $675 for a pair of White's boots, or $664 for a pair of Nick's Boots (and wait 10-14 weeks for the "Quick Ship" option), or I could pay $218 for a pair of TCX, that I know will last me for several years, and have them on my feet within a week of ordering them.
Look, I'm absolutely not bashing Nick's or White's... I'm positive that they both make an outstanding product, but for the working man, dropping almost $700 on a pair of boots is just not reasonable. That's not to say that their boots aren't worth the price they're asking- after all, both companies make their boots by hand in Spokane, WA... and yes, I recognize that I've now spent close to that, at just over $600 on my three pair of TCX boots over the past 5 years or so... BUT... I also abuse my boots- I wear them ALL the time- I don't even own a pair of sneakers. It's a lot easier for me to justify spending $200-ish bucks every 2-3 years on a new pair of boots, than it is to drop $700 once to get the same amount of time and use. After all, materials are materials... rubber wears out, thread breaks, leather wears and what's left is the same thing- a worn out boot that either has to be replaced or re-soled (which is my plan for both pairs of my old X-Blends).
Bottom line here is, if you want an American made boot, and have the dough to drop on them- go for it... I'm sure you'll be very happy with them. But, if you are a little more budget-minded, and have to spread that expense out, then grabbing a pair of TCX boots is a great way to get a high quality boot at a more accessible price. Personally, I like to buy from Revzilla, but you can also order directly from TCX, which is a nice option if your favorite retailer is out of stock (which Revzilla was for a couple of months).
Final Thoughts
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I am pretty happy so far with my new Blend 2 boots. They look as good as my X-Blends, feel great to walk in and they are breaking-in easily. I've ridden my Road King, my Dyna, my Janus and even my old XR600 in these boots and shifting and braking is easy and comfortable. The short, wedge shaped heels fit on the pegs nicely and they don't "lock" my feet in to one position, like the squared heels of my X-Blends did. I'm still on the fence about the embossed toe protector, and I'm sure I'll have an opportunity to ride in the rain in the coming months (more on that later), but for now, I'm pretty darn happy with them.
So, if you bought a pair of X-Blends based on my previous reviews, found them to be an ideal all-around boot like I did, and you are now in need of a new pair of boots, like I was- fret not because I think TCX did a damn good job of upgrading it with the Blend 2 and, with the price remaining, basically, the same, I definitely think it's a win-win for all of us.
Until next time, MotoReaders...
Ride safe and make good choices!
P.S.
If you haven't checked out my affiliate links at the top right of this page yet, now's a great time to do it. As Summer winds down, and the cooler weather starts coming in, you can save a lot of money on new leather gear or some fresh comms, just by clicking the links on my page. While I definitely don't get enough to pay for my time writing this blog, I do earn enough for a tank of gas and a burger every once in a while, so make sure you gear up for the next phase of the riding season (and save yourself some money at the same time). See you on the road!
