Update: I received my TCX S-Sportour (waterproof) boots this week. I've worn them around the house but haven't ridden in them yet. I can compare them directly to my old Oxtar Matrix and the Sidi Fusion (waterproof) that I purchased and returned.
Fit - True to size, on par with my old Matrix and is wider than the Sidi. I'm pleased with fit.
Comfort - Much more comfortable than the Fusion. Fusions were narrow, stiff, hard....felt like they were carved from wood. My Matrix boots are completely broken in. The S-Sportour isn't as comfortable now, but has the potential to at least be in the same ball park with them. There's no way they will ever be on par with the Matrix because there is more armor and the synthetic leather is likely to stay more stiff than the all natural leather Matrix.
Protection - The shin armor is more substantial than the Fusion and the Matrix. The Fusion has more lower calf/achillis protection. The accordian stretch panels on front and back are much thicker and more protective than the Fusion and about on par with the Matrix. Heel cup is at least as substantial as the Fusion (Fusion is already returned and I'm going from memory). The Matrix has no external heel cup. Ankle bone armor is internal on the Matrix and Fusion. The Sportour's is internal on the inside for smoothness against the bike, and external on the outside allowing it to act as a slider also. It feels a little more substantial on the Sportour boot. The toe slider isn't really a protection feature, but I'll mention that they are plastic on both the Fusion and Matrix and won't last a minute before you grind down to the screws that hold them.
Waterproof - The Oxtar Matrix wins hands down by using Gore-tex. The Sidi Fusion and S-Sportour use a proprietary waterproof breathable membrane, but Gor-tex is in a class by itself. I'm not going to ride around with one old Matrix and one new S-Sportour to compare breathability so we will just say the new boot will do the job, but Gor-tex would have been nice.
Looks - Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I like the all black look and no toe sliders on the old Oxtar Matrix when walking around off the bike. The Sidi has an Italian look all its own and the little red logo adds flair. The TCX S-Sportour waterproof boots have the TCX logo in grey instead of white. That fits in with the color of my bike and leathers (non-waterproof's logos are white). They are no more or less flashy than the Sidi, but the Sidi does have a certain look about it and brand recognition that most people would probably prefer. Oxtar/TCX is also an Italian company, btw. (They make James Stewart's Nike MX boots)
Overall, I'd rate the S-Sportour a home run for sport touring.
I'd stick with the Matrix if I were going to be off the bike considerably more than on it and will probably repair them best as I can to use on the rare occasion I ride in jeans. I would leave the Fusion on the shelf to look at, but I wouldn't wear it even if it were free....and wide enough for my foot.
Note: The Oxtar Matrix evolved to the Matrix 2, TCX X-5, and now is the TCX X-5 Plus. I don't know if the X-5 Plus is as comfortable as the old Matrix, but going by the comfort level of the S-Sportour, I'd bet that it is pretty close.
If I feel any different after several hours of riding, I'll come back and add to the review.
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