I wish they still made the Hero. I don’t care for the changes to the current Hero2. I have the same boots and as you say, so comfortable I wear them every time I get on a bike. I tried finding an identical black pair, no luck so far.
Agree, the hero 2 is a step down in quality which you only notice when you put them on. Lighter construction, less trim and quality finish. However, I'll reserve judgement until I've used them for 6 months. Cheers.
I think my next boot will be Stylmartin Yurok. It seems clear to me that TCX boots are made by the same people that make Stylmartins. I never use the side zipper so I like that they are lace only and have the fast lace hooks for the top 3 and the style and build otherwise looks very similar to the original Hero. Thought I would make you aware of them…
@@gregorbabic7664I have the original and overused/abused them. They’re 100% still usable but looking for a riding only pair. Sad with changes 😢especially the weird sole
I just got a pair of Indie Ridge boots $200. Extremely comfortable, no zipper but flat sole. Much easier to get controls positioned and comfortable. CE rated 1222. Look good.
Yes, I looked that them, but stuck with the "Devil I know". Having said that, the next gen Hero 2s are a step down in quality for me from the originals. Cheers.
Great review again I do prefer your original boot the top I suspect would be more comfortable and probably more wear resistant they sell both in my local motorcycle shop I’ll buy the original just got to convince the wife as need a helmet also.
T4YC. In Britain it rains alot. So having a lace up front is an absolute no. And then to have a zip. It's an extra entry / exit point for both rain, and in terms of strength. You need proper kit, and that's traditional motorcycle boots. (plus the laces can get caught in your foot levers). Definitely no.
FWIW - Generally would agree about laces, but these are different. Having ridden with them for 6 years, the laces and knot tuck infront of the tongue - locked behind the boot and once tied are never untied again. The tongue is one piece with the boot upper so no water can seep around even with pressure, as there is no where for it to get in. Instead the zipper is used. The zipper has never leaked - having a backing strip and pocket fold behind it, such that the zipper opens another wide triangle of leather and waterproofing which is contiguous with the boot. I can attest that I have ridden with these in rain that is heavier than anything I have experienced in blighty, and they have stayed 100% dry.
Transverse rigidity is about how much the sole can protect your feet when the shoe is crushed from the side. I don't understand why TCX doesn't use their ZPLATE tech in HERO2, which is easily a level 2 protection. Shame. Personally, I would avoid riding shoes/boots without a 2 in transverse rigidity.
Hey there BMR, do you think the weight difference between old and models of the boot is due to the older version having a steel shank? Looks like the application of some boot polish and elbow grease and the old boots are ready to ride again.
They both have the same sole stiffness, even though the next gen version is lighter. For me the leather is a little lighter, they are missing the roll cuffs, and of course half an inch of sole. Definitely a down grade inmo, but still worthy.
Great observations👍
Appreciate the feedback 👍
Great info coming out of the crash--thanks.
You bet. Cheers.
I wish they still made the Hero. I don’t care for the changes to the current Hero2. I have the same boots and as you say, so comfortable I wear them every time I get on a bike. I tried finding an identical black pair, no luck so far.
Agree, the hero 2 is a step down in quality which you only notice when you put them on. Lighter construction, less trim and quality finish. However, I'll reserve judgement until I've used them for 6 months. Cheers.
I think my next boot will be Stylmartin Yurok. It seems clear to me that TCX boots are made by the same people that make Stylmartins. I never use the side zipper so I like that they are lace only and have the fast lace hooks for the top 3 and the style and build otherwise looks very similar to the original Hero. Thought I would make you aware of them…
@@gregorbabic7664I have the original and overused/abused them. They’re 100% still usable but looking for a riding only pair. Sad with changes 😢especially the weird sole
I just got a pair of Indie Ridge boots $200. Extremely comfortable, no zipper but flat sole. Much easier to get controls positioned and comfortable. CE rated 1222. Look good.
Yes, I looked that them, but stuck with the "Devil I know". Having said that, the next gen Hero 2s are a step down in quality for me from the originals. Cheers.
Great review again I do prefer your original boot the top I suspect would be more comfortable and probably more wear resistant they sell both in my local motorcycle shop I’ll buy the original just got to convince the wife as need a helmet also.
Having both, I believe the original is the better boot, and while the Hero2 is still a good boot, it is a victim of cost cutting...shame.
T4YC. In Britain it rains alot. So having a lace up front is an absolute no. And then to have a zip. It's an extra entry / exit point for both rain, and in terms of strength. You need proper kit, and that's traditional motorcycle boots.
(plus the laces can get caught in your foot levers). Definitely no.
FWIW - Generally would agree about laces, but these are different. Having ridden with them for 6 years, the laces and knot tuck infront of the tongue - locked behind the boot and once tied are never untied again. The tongue is one piece with the boot upper so no water can seep around even with pressure, as there is no where for it to get in. Instead the zipper is used. The zipper has never leaked - having a backing strip and pocket fold behind it, such that the zipper opens another wide triangle of leather and waterproofing which is contiguous with the boot. I can attest that I have ridden with these in rain that is heavier than anything I have experienced in blighty, and they have stayed 100% dry.
Transverse rigidity is about how much the sole can protect your feet when the shoe is crushed from the side. I don't understand why TCX doesn't use their ZPLATE tech in HERO2, which is easily a level 2 protection. Shame. Personally, I would avoid riding shoes/boots without a 2 in transverse rigidity.
Hey there BMR, do you think the weight difference between old and models of the boot is due to the older version having a steel shank? Looks like the application of some boot polish and elbow grease and the old boots are ready to ride again.
They both have the same sole stiffness, even though the next gen version is lighter. For me the leather is a little lighter, they are missing the roll cuffs, and of course half an inch of sole. Definitely a down grade inmo, but still worthy.