When creating boots that are destined for the racetrack, designers and engineers are faced with the always present challenge of balancing the requirements for protection with the desire for comfort and feel. Along the way, it’s an added bonus if the finished product looks good as well.
With the RT-Race Pro Air boots, the team at TCX has focused on all three fronts, and when an offer from our good friends at Motovan to test a pair coincided with a planned two-day track event at BC’s Area 27 racetrack, I did not need to be asked twice.
Right of the box, these boots look incredible, with our test pair arriving in an eye-catching black/white/grey colour scheme that drew compliments throughout the paddock. I typically wear a size 42 (EU) boot – translates to an 8.5 in North American sizes – and I was pleased to find that the TCX was a perfect fit. Securing the inner Air Tech breathable mesh lining with its quick slide lace enhances the fit even further and will allow users to adjust it to their own unique foot shapes. The side zipper with elastic stretch panel and adjustable top strap ensure that the boot will accommodate different size calves and thicknesses of leathers.
On the protection front, the RT-Race Pro setup includes the company’s double-flex control (DFC) system which is designed to prevent ankle twisting and injury while still providing a reported 27 degrees (13 degrees rear and 14 degrees forward) of flexibility. This mobility was evident both on the bike when adjusting body position and moving feet around on the pegs as well as walking through the pit area in between on-track sessions. As an added benefit, the frame of the DFC system is shaped in a manner that it avoids getting caught on the bike, which is an issue I have encountered with other brands of boots.
Adding to the protection, the TCX RT-Race Pro Air incorporates replaceable, abrasion-resistant magnesium sliders on the toe and heel as well as a polyurethane reinforcement in the shin, ankle, toe and heel areas. Created in collaboration with the research team at Michelin, the sole features slip-resistant compounds organized in multiple areas which provide excellent grip on foot pegs as well as the cool wet asphalt that greeted us on our first morning at the track.
Out on the track, the RT-Race Pro Air boots provide an excellent level of feel allowing the rider to adjust their foot position and work the foot controls with confidence. Thanks to the Ortholite foam insole and the strategically increased thickness of the lining in the ankle areas, the boots were comfortable and fatigue free for a full day of riding and walking around paddock. Further enhancing the comfort factor, the inclusion of perforated microfibre on the upper and air intakes in the shin plate kept my feet dry and cool throughout our two days on the track.
Of course, all of these great features, technology and design come at a price and the $746.95 MSRP listed on the Motovan website may cause some potential customers to rethink this purchasing decision. I would suggest that before making a final decision, some online research will confirm that this price is in line with other boots with comparable features and quality.
After two days of track riding with the TCX RT-Race Pro Air boots, I can confirm that they have earned a permanent place in my gear bag and are definitely recommended for racers and track day enthusiasts who are in search of a top-shelf motorcycle boot.
Visit www.motovan.com for more information on the TCX RT-Race Pro Air boot as well as the complete lineup of products available from Motovan.
TCX RT-Race Pro Air Boots
MSRP: $746.95
Available colours: Black/White/Grey and Black
Available sizes (EU): 38 to 49
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