TCX Drifter WP Boots - Long term review after 3 years of riding!

The TCX Drifter WP Boots have been a popular boot since their launch. Made from a 'vintaged' brown leather and featuring a rugged sole, shin guards and ankle protectors they are a good option for Adventure Touring riders. Designed for all-day comfort on and off road, I've been wearing mine for just over three years so thought it's about time I did a long term review.
As I mentioned in the video here's the link for the discounted TCX Drifter boots - tinyurl.com/DrifterSave
Chapters;
Intro - 00:00
Tech Specs - 00:27
On the Road - 01:12
Summary & Price - 03:44

[@scoutadv4568]

I agree, Tony. I've had my TCX Drifters for 3+ years and I love them for ADV rides. Rugged and comfortable all day long! Thanks!

[@dungbeetlemovies]

Good review as always, sir. Thank you. Had to look twice when I saw the thumbnail as these look very similar to the Forma Adventures.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, yes very similar boots

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Long-term follow-ups are a really good idea. All boots should last several years. These boots look great quality and they are cheap. If I was commuting in London again, I'd get a pair. Great shots of the Africa Twin. Great review, too.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers!

[@verdonrocksphotography3510]

My wife just bought her boots from TCX brand Baha version with Gore-Tex didn't do much riding in them but they are very comfortable and good looking, thank you, cheers from Colorado, V!

[@mancavemoto]

Hi V, good to hear from you. I do like the look of the Baja boot too.

[@B1ueStryk3r]

Thank you, thinking of getting this to use on BMW R Nine T.

[@mancavemoto]

Glad I could help

[@mynamedontfi]

Great review, thank you.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@tinks43]

They look like they’re ageing well Tony. Glad they’re serving you well 👍🏻

[@mancavemoto]

They are :)

[@elwynjames5791]

Great review Tony. Refreshing to hear an opinion from someone who has used a product for more than five minutes.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Elwyn

[@WayawayAdventures]

I bought a pair and loved them.. only downside is the height of the toe box. They are too tall to shift my Street Scrambler even after moving the shift lever up a tick.

[@dredeth]

Ha I got this boots a month ago and this is like looking at the future seeing them like this. A very nice patina future! I'm glad I made the right choice. PS. I picked this one because of the look OK, but the Iron Maiden song!! :D

[@mancavemoto]

At least you'll get an idea of how they'll age :)

[@johnmartin7158]

Hi Man Cave ! TCX are a wonderful comfortable brand. I have TCX fuel boots.So awesome. Expensive but real worth it. Top notch. Regards John. NZ

[@mancavemoto]

Yes they are!

[@wulfguy-ragan1571]

Hi, Have had a pair of TCX fuel for the last 5 years, before that was going through a pair of so called top brand boots a year! I ride all year round and as long as you keep up with the dubbing think these may last at least another couple of years. TCX is an excellent brand in my opinion..

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for sharing!

[@moody9931]

Well timed. I was just looking at these was only hesitating on the waterproofing aspect. If they've been leak free for three years that'll do me.

[@mancavemoto]

They have served me well

[@DonkeyDongDoug]

I have waded out into rivers up to mid calf in mine. If I stay out there too long I can feel some moisture start to seep through, but the boot wasn't designed to be a wader.

[@darren4220]

Nice update Tony. I have been using the forma adventure boots the last few years which appear similar. Only just changed to the sidi adventure 2 boots as wanted a bit more ankle support/protection. As you say its always a trade off between walking comfort and protection though. Maybe an update on your ear protection from a few years ago or how your different luggage has held up? Ride safe 👍🇬🇧

[@r13gbs]

+1 for the Forma,Ive got the low version and there a great versatile boot which arn't too un comfy having a tramp around when camping.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Darren, I'd be interested to hear what you think of he Sidi's as I quite like the look of those? Good idea, I'll have a look at what to update on next.

[@OldManTony]

I have a pair of TCX Sport Tour waterproof boots that are probably over 5 years old. They have the same WP lining, mine only let some damp in once after riding for three hours in the pouring rain, but then most of my waterproof kit was failing by the end of that ride!

[@mancavemoto]

They have been faithful servants

[@edsyphan3425]

I have a pair of the less expensive Baja boots. They are supposedly waterproof, but I found out very quickly this was not the case. They leaked at the very first watercrossing. But I have owned motocross style boots in the past and none of them were waterproof either. No matter how much beeswax, mink oil or what have you I rubbed on them. So what i an left with is a lighter, much more comfortable, no break in boot..So, no tears from me, I'm happy as a clam. (Clams don't mind a bit of water)

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Good thing the soul is replaceable, but it looks like one weeks worth of stand up, (whoops), trail riding with stock MX pegs. But I think this boot is for me. The protection looks good enough, and I want to feel the shifter and brake. The bike's brake and shifter takes so little force to move these days, (have not ridden in 20 years). A bit too easy IMO. I can't feel a thing with the modern exoskeleton MX boots I bought.

[@mancavemoto]

The wear on the soles has come predominantly from street pegs. But they are a really comfortable and flexible boot, but still with a decent amount of protection.

[@mightyhavan]

Hey Man Cave Moto, i just happen to look for a pair of nice quality adventure boots but 1 major problem is I am kinda short rider so I really look for a pair that can give me a little lift for better handling on the bike. Does this boot have thick sole of which i'm looking for ?

[@mancavemoto]

Hi, yes it’s a pretty decent sole on this, nice and chunky

[@c.g.c2067]

If you keep them clean and use dubbing as waterproofing they basically last forever

[@fooslinger]

Leather heat guard on the inside of calf? That is for gripping the bike.

[@mancavemoto]

It’s for both...

[@jimmydamgaardpoulsen2286]

Will these fit under the Klim Kodiak trousers?

[@mancavemoto]

Yes

[@dudefromcbee]

How do you compare this with TCX BAJA? AND Is it better than the Gaerne Dakar?

[@mancavemoto]

The Baja is a very similar but with a different sole set-up. I havent seen the Dakar in the flesh, but they do have a tpu hinged ankle which might offer some more protection?

[@dudefromcbee]

@@mancavemoto Yes, it provides more protection. But similar protection otherwise with sole being stiched in Dakar. But somehow feel Gaerne Fastback seems more protective. But not sure how practical it would be for long touring and short walks...thoughts?

[@robertwootton2161]

My favourite go to boot but not waterproof only gortex is truly waterproof

[@mancavemoto]

I would have to disagree, I rode for 5 hours yesterday in constant rain and my feet were bone dry

[@acousticguitars123]

are they suitable for high arches?

[@mancavemoto]

Yes, I have high arches myself and these have been really comfortable

[@michsky46]

I have this boots for over 3years too. they leaking a lot man. they not WP. otherviese great boots, nice design, soil is old style amazing, simply very sexy boots

[@Telamonster2]

How about another followup after another three years?

[@mancavemoto]

The boots have now gone in the bin and have been replaced. The left boot eventually gave up and started letting in water

[@aucklandsadventures]

I’m going to guess that there is minimal “bad” as I wouldn’t wear anything for 3 years that sucks.

[@mancavemoto]

Yep, not much in the way of negativities

[@MsDenver2]

Why is it you men don’t look after your boots , they would last many more years if you applied a leather feed that also helps with water proofing as they are not gortex.

[@mancavemoto]

These are still going strong, so no problem. They do actually have a waterproof membrane similar to Goretex

[@EarthSurferUSA]

I don't worry about them because I heard chicks dig scars. :)