Product Review: TCX S-Speed Boots Review

Gallery Introduction Competition check To buy or not to buy Boot Specifics

Introduction

It has been six months since I started using the TCX S-Speed boots. And so far I love them for their fit, their ventilation, and their overall finish that makes them look expensive. I have used them on the street and on the track, in hot and humid weather (read Mumbai) as well as in the cold and the dry climate that was Catalunya. We also told you what we liked and disliked about the boots in the 3-month report we did here. Now, it’s time to find out whether one should actually buy these…

Competition check

The TCX S-Speed sold by High Note Performance in Delhi retails for Rs 19,500. For a similar price, one can also buy Sidi Cobras Air and Alpinestars S-MX6. We have used all three boots and if we were to choose, we’d take the Alpinestars. Like the TCX, these squeak, yes, but these are way more comfortable. In fact, these are the most comfortable as well the hardiest pair of boots in this bunch. The S-MX6 is also the most expensive (the TCX and the Sidi cost exactly the same), but is almost always on discount and can be had for under Rs 20,000.

The Sidis, on the other hand, are the least comfortable. But, these are also the quietest. In terms of comfort and even longevity however, we won’t bet on them. Our TCX S-Speed boots are no different. The comfort levels are average at best, but these didn’t prove to be hardy either. The vented bellows at the front of the boot have developed cracks; the inside lining has begun to shred; and the pull-up zipper got spoiled during one of our track outings leaving us no alternative but to tape them up to use them. These are pretty noisy to walk around in too.

To buy or not to buy

Given our experience with the S-Speed, these certainly don’t qualify as ‘best buys’. It’s possible not every S-Speed owner might face similar concerns, but because we did, you’d understand if we don’t whole-heartedly recommend them. Having said that, the top spec RS-2 from TCX has a much better reliability record. But then, these aren’t your mid-level boots. A pair of RS-2s cost almost Rs 30,000.