One-year review
TCX Infinity Evo Gore-tex £279.99 www.nevis.uk.com
I’VE ACTUALLY USED these boots for two years — at a conservative estimate, that’s about 20,000 miles (they’re not the only boots I wear). They’ve coped with everything from 40°C days in the south of France to snow in Lincolnshire, not to mention rain and one flooded road…
Basics first. They’re made of leather, with suede on the inner edge that touches the bike. They’re lined with Gore-tex and sealed with a Velcro flap and two adjustable buckles. The sole has the tread pattern of a Michelin Anakee III adventure-bike tyre. The toe, heel and shin are all reinforced but there’s still plenty of flexibility.
They are less sturdy and wellar moured than full-on motocross boots but they’re also much lighter and more comfortable, with far more feel for the pegs and much less-restricted movement. I’ve used them for riding unpaved trails in the Alps but I’d want beefier boots before trying any moreserious off-roading.
Really, these are touring boots for road riders on adventure bikes. As such, they’re very good. They’re superbly comfortable and are great for walking in (unlike motocross boots) though the high shin plate encourages a steady pace, not sprinting. They’ve never leaked when it’s been wet and have never boiled my feet when it’s been hot, though it’s fair to say that they do get a bit sweaty when the mercury’s past 30°C.
Those Michelin soles have lasted well and grip rubber-topped pegs well even in the wet. Feet do get tired when standing on spiky metal pegs off-road for an extended period — they’re fine for short runs but half an hour without a break makes the heavy-duty motocross boots start to seem appealing.
Overall, though, for road riders who do only infrequent (and gentle) off-roading, these are great boots. They look the part on an adventure bike and have worn well, performed well and still have loads of life in them.