TCX MOOD GORE-TEX
Okay, it’s a style thing.
Short boots aren’t for everyone, especially amongst the sports bike community where anything that doesn’t offer shin protection is ill advised. But the occasion of an urban ride, complete with kevlar jeans and a ‘social’ destination, these boots offer a high standard of protection in a very stylish package. While TCX changed the urban scene with the release of the ‘Street Ace’ with its Gore-Tex waterproof properties, the Mood is another step forward, matching its predecessor in the waterproofing department and adding a breathable membrane, which makes the ‘wear all day’ experience all the more comfortable. Complete with ankle protection, a reinforced toe and a stiff reinforced sole, the Mood boot offers a good level of protection for everyday urban riding. Well placed padding around the opening of the
boot means you can tighten them right up for added safety without compromising on comfort. Supplied with the boots is a shift strap, held on with an elastic strap. This wraps around the boot so you don’t scuff the full-grain leather uppers. I have ridden with it on and it’s effective, although I have also ridden without it and there was little detriment to the wear on the top side of the boot. This is a leisure-styled boot, available in black and the vintage brown as pictured. My sister-in-law (who is far more stylish than me) remarked how ‘cool’ they were, without even knowing that this was primarily a motorcycle boot – so a big tick in the box for TCX there. In truth, I wear these as often off the bike as I do on. I don’t want to be crashing in them, but then I don’t want to be crashing in anything.