Everyday Comfort Meets Solid Protection: TCX Drifter Motorcycle Boots Review

Everyday motorcycle boots like the TCX Drifter are suitable companions for most average rides from town to trail. They’re not the burliest, tout a CE Level 2 certification, and can handle average adventure rides from mellow dirt to twisting double-track.

The TCX Drifter boot is built with protective armor, especially for ankles and shins. It’s built with full-grain leather, is waterproof, and has excellent buckles that stay shut. But, it’s still walkable and lightweight.

In short: The TCX Drifter ($379) is a superb overall boot for everyday wear that can stretch into lighter ADV riding. This boot is an updated model outfitted with an excellent new buckle system, correcting the major flaw with its predecessor.

Read the full review and see how the boot compares in the Best Motorcycle Boots buyer’s guide.

TCX Drifter Review

I wore the TCX Drifter motorcycle boot throughout the spring and summer, and it’s an upgrade of the TCX Terrain.

Updates

The Italian brand ironed out an update to the buckle system. On the prior TCX Terrain, the buckles tended to spring open when I was standing on the pegs and absorbing bumps off-road. The new buckles held tight while testing the new Drifter on trails and wide-open dirt roads.

Fortunately, the buckles are also very easy to adjust to tighter or looser presets. You just wiggle the clamp arm side to side and pull or push the buckles back into their anchor. This new buckle and strap system alleviated my critical concern with the Terrain.

Armoring vs. Mobility

I want a motorcycle boot that protects me but doesn’t make me feel like I’m stuck in a cast. Mobility is also key, especially for shifting and walking the bike.

On rides when I transitioned from pavement to double-track, the Drifter made moving and shifting body weight easy. The boot had plenty of forward ankle flexion but minimal movement laterally (which could be bad during a crash).

The shin has a hard TPU armor plate, and the toe and ankles are reinforced to help prevent crush injuries.

I appreciated the well-constructed protection when my 360-pound bike stalled on a technical segment and tipped over, pinning my leg. But with the reinforced shin and ankle, there was no physical damage — only a bruised ego.

On rides when I transitioned from pavement to double-track, the Drifter made moving and shifting body weight easy. The boot had plenty of forward ankle flexion but minimal movement laterally (which could be bad during a crash).

The tall boot also proved very comfortable from the start when I was pushing my motorcycle or walking into a gas station. After a break-in, they were even more comfortable. On a weekend tour, while setting up my campsite and building a fire, I even forgot I was wearing them.

Critiques of the TCX Drifter Motorcycle Boots

My critique of the Drifter is that although it’s built with a waterproof membrane, the leather isn’t coated to resist moisture absorption. Sure, that gives it an attractive matte vibe, but at a cost.

The boots never leaked, and my feet remained dry. But once the leather got wet, the boots became super heavy, which made them feel sluggish. But even if the uppers were soaked, the sole of the Drifter remained extra sticky and grippy.

Spraying on Nikwax or a similar leather boot protector would force water to bead up before it could saturate the leather outer. 

TCX Drifter Motorcycle Boots: Conclusions

If most of your rides are on trail or technical terrain rather than asphalt, you will need a more robust option than this boot. Many motorcyclists wear too little rather than too much armor. Armor is usually uncomfortable! It’s typically hot, and it’s meant to be restrictive to offer you the most lower leg, ankle joint, and foot protection.

The TCX Drifter is a good pair for an average ADV motorcyclist and rider. It’s not perfect for any single riding mode, but it’s good enough for most lighter ADV riding demands and terrain.

It’s armored, but not overly so. My ankles could bend forward and aft, making it less of a chore to push an ailing bike a few miles. But, if that bike falls on my ankle, I’m not going to the hospital. Also, if I get stuck in the rain, my feet remain dry. 

After months of testing and riding in various conditions, these boots seem to have gotten prettier. If a boot looks good, is super-comfy, and pairs well with riding-specific jeans, you’ll like wearing them, rather than being tempted to take a spin in sneakers. That could just be the day when you need all that armor — heat and slide protection — and you’ll have it with this boot.