TCX Dartwood WP Shoes

We find TCX boots to be very consistent in fit from one model to the next. We checked this boot and it too is consistent with other models. To choose a size, please click here to see the TCX size chart. The general width of TCX is “medium” or D to E. To compare to other brands you may have experience with, I’d say the overall fit is somewhere between a Sidi boot which is generally a bit more narrow, and an Alpinestars boot which has a more generous width.

Today I’ve got two TCX styles to review, the TCX Dartwood in WP (waterproof) and GTX (Gore-Tex) configurations.

To the naked eye, these two variants are nearly identical. The difference is in the technology TCX uses to waterproof each shoe. The standard WP version on this page uses TCX’s in house T-Dry waterproof membrane which is waterproof and breathable. The higher end Dartwood GTX uses Gore-Tex’s waterproof, breathable membrane. I’ve never used the T-Dry membrane so I can’t speak to the breathability of it, but I’m sure TCX has done their homework here. It’s nice to have a choice when you’re trying to be a budget conscious buyer so I appreciate this offering.

The other differences are that the Dartwood GTX uses full grain leather while the Dartwood WP uses grain leather. It’s a small difference but you can certainly tell when looking at them side by side. The Dartwood GTX is a more supple upper and has a shinier finish. The sole of the Dartwood WP are a gum look while the Dartwood GTX uses a black finished sole.

Otherwise, these boots are functionally identical. Each has a thin D3O armor in the ankle, a reinforced toe, and a heel counter. The toe and heel counter are just stiff enough to perform without hindering movement or comfort. The toes have a small textured area to improve interaction with your controls. The ZPLATE® shank offers reinforcement through the midsole but keeps the toe box flexible so these boots are comfortable on the bike and off. The wear-resistant rubber Groundtrax® outsole has a honeycomb like pattern and should offer good grip on and off the bike.

These boots have a full traditional lace up system, and a side entry zip. This gives you the adjustability and comfort of a lace up system that you can “set and forget” and use the easy side zippered entry to easily and quickly get the boots on and hit the road. Another neat feature on these is an elastic band on the tongue that you can pull out and stow the laces behind so you don’t have to worry about the laces flopping around in the wind or getting caught up in anything else.

The TCX Dartwood boots are a great option for riders looking for a high performing option that has very subtle styling. A commuter would be comfortable all day in the office in these thanks to the Ortholite footbeds and shank design. : Mike, 01-30-22