Cheryl and I have been wearing Alpinestars Scout Boots for years now and actually LOVE them…but like anything else new boots come out on the market always tempting us to try another.
We have TCX air boots for the really hot days and Love them too. Believe it or not the TKC air boots are actually pretty waterproof even though they vent…but have minimal support in the sole. These are not really made for off road use but are perfect for commuting on HOT days.
New to the market is the TCX X-Desert Gore-Tex Boot.
For around $399 USD makes this boot pretty appealing to ADV riders like us having the Gore Tex liner and perhaps being that much more breathable than our Alpinestars Scouts. As we get more obsessed, rather me, Leslie’s obsession with riding we are always striving to save our $$ to invest, YES invest in the best most protective gear that is also comfortable. Riding is not about being a “poser” but finding what fits you and it has to be comfortable.
Comfortable gear is actually safer in the end…and sometimes comfort with protection comes at a cost in $$’s. Trial and error has been our claim to fame but maybe some of our posts will help the new rider gather info from what have learned ourselves. In the end if you save your money and buy quality products you will save money. Trust us, don’t cheap out because you will either wear out your gear because it’s cheap, crash and get hurt or just learn you hate the lack of quality and end up buying better gear as you get more experienced.
This boot intrigues us. However, for the time being we will resist buying and trying them out. Why? We are getting married and the wedding is going to cost a fortune! 
On a serious note, we can wait. Our Scouts are still in good shape, have some H20 issues lately but will continue to use wax to protect them. When it comes the time to buy new boots we believe these will fit the bill.
The TCX X-Desert GTX is a quality and extremely strong but flexible boot. Equally suitable for MX / Enduro Cross or ADV Touring.
Features:
- Full grain leather with GORE-TEX® waterproof membrane
- PU ankle protection with carbon look insert
- PU gearshift pad
- PU shin guard
- Suede heat and wear protection on inside calves
- Reinforced PU heel
- 3 adjustable aluminum buckles
- Anatomical and replaceable footbed
- New Enduro sole with specific profile for maximum grip
Feel free to share what works for you when it comes to boots.
A long time Scout owner myself but wanting a dual sport boot for hot Okanagan conditions, I opted for the Gaerne Balance Oiled. I have a pair of old school Gaerne Explorers for 20+ years that simply won’t take any more Shoe-Goo so I had to do something.
The Balance Oiled are about the same price point as the TCX Deserts and waterproof as well. You might be interested in having a look.
not sure you get the same rain as we do down here…;-) I have heard the the Gaerne are really comfy but can lack in the H20 area?
There are two Gaerne Balance models . . . . the waterproof Oiled and the non-waterproof Pro Tech. My own rain experience with the Oiled is limited but nearly all of them attest to waterproof nature of the Oiled. I guess it’s time to put them on and go down to the lake for some testing.
Some light reading on the subject . . . . .
http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=669864