I had an opportunity to try out an Oxtar TCS once and that convinced me to buy this Oxtar TCS Race boot. It is basically the same model, but with the Gore-Tex liner to make it completely waterproof. The boot is breathable due to a material called Airtex which allows the feet to remain relatively cool. You won’t feel like you have to jump out of them every time you stop riding. To help that, it has a couple of air inlets too.
The out side of the boot is made of Lorica, which is a man-made leather-like material that has unique properties to make it feel and wear like leather. It’s supposedly been engineered to provide superior abrasion protection. It has replaceable toe and calf sliders.
The TCS stands for “Torsion Control System”. It’s an Oxtar-patented design that helps to limit the amount of flex that the ankle can sustain in both the longitudinal (front-to-back) and lateral (side-to-side) planes. Its like a shell which protects the ankle and provides it with support.
This same feature, which is a great feature for motorbikes with standar or race-y positions makes it slightly uncomfortable when riding a motorcycle with a foot forward seating position. The system that does not allow the ankle to bend backwards, works against you and you get a slightly weird feeling.
At the time of writing this, I own a Royal Enfield Thunderbird, which has a slightly foot forward position and I manage with this boot. I found it strange in the begining, but later got very used to it and hardly notice it. However, on the other motorcycle, Hero Honda CBZ, I find this boots extremely comfortable.
Buy these boots a size or so small. These tend to expand slightly.
Some advertised features*:
- TCS Torsion Control System (flexible system of interlocking armor pieces on the sides and back of the ankle.
- CE safety rating (meets specific protection criteria)
- Lorica upper
- Airtex breathable lining
- Side zipper entry with full Velcro closure
- Replaceable and adjustable toe sliders
- Replaceable shin sliders
- Steel shank insole
- Unique sole is durable as well as oil and gasoline resistant
Advertised price: $229
Date of purchase: November 2005
Purchased from: MotorcycleGear.com
Used since: January 2006.
Terrain: Track days + Long rides (500+ kms)
Made in: Italy
Update
I have posted a long term review of this boot in a more detailed manner after many years of riding it. Has images of how the boot has worked for me over the years, now that I am finally replacing it.