La Sportiva Unisex's Tx4 GTX Carbon/Flame Low Rise Hiking Boots

Product Information

The ultimate outdoor companions - with Mega-Grip™ technology to enhance your footing and grip, the La Sportiva TX4 GTX approach shoes are designed for a low-to-the-ground feel, to maximise your performance whether you're on a well-trodden approach trail, or scrambling through boulders off-trail. The TX series include three variations, TX2 – a climbing focused approach shoe, TX3 – mix terrain walking shoe, and TX4 – a mountaineering model designed for technical routes, scrambling and hiking. In this case I opted for the TX4 with a Goretex lining for added protection against the infamous Welsh weather…..rain not being an uncommon factor even in the summer season. Choosing such mountaineering boots and hiking shoes might seem like giving up on waterproof properties, but you can have both. With tough, durable and supportive waterproof hiking boots, you can suitably protect your feet from the rain or snow.

I would highly recommend looking at the rest of the TX shoe range to see if there is something that could fit your needs. They come in several colour options (mine being the carbon/flame combo), they do a mid-version of the TX4 for added ankle protection and an unlined version for dry environments that will ultimately be more breathable. As to whether they are suitable for a trip to the local after a day in the mountains, that is completely up to you, taste in fashion is subjective isn’t it? There are no additional costs or duties on products marketed in countries within the European Union. Customers will not have to pay anything on delivery. I found that the rounded lugs gave me plenty of grip on a variety of hard surfaces from gritty sandstone to shiny quartz.

A lightweight and comfortable mountaineering boot for hillwalking, via ferrata and approach routes - the La Sportiva TX4 Mid GTX! The TX4's are perfect all-rounder for just about everything outdoor-related, with every detail, studied to guarantee grip, comfort and protection in a wide range of conditions. The "TX" in the TX4's stands for Traverse X; La Sportiva's range ideally suited towards prolonged use in the mountains and technical climbing routes but also with a bit of everyday use thrown in.

The TX4 GTX is a shoe that offers excellent stability, good grip and effective protection on the front of the shoe with its rubber toe cap In addition, a wide protective edge wraps around the shoe to protect you from impacts. Its low lacing allows the foot to be well wrapped for good precision, better foot support and more comfort. Leather can wet out and grow heavy and misshapen with extended exposure to rain or snow. You can apply waterproofing products, but keep in mind that they will impact breathability. This test will tell you if the shape of the internal heel cup matches your heel to ensure it holds you securely, especially when ascending steep ground. We are trying to eliminate the dreaded heel blister. Built to ensure your approach is as smooth as possible, the TX4 approach shoes are lightweight, comfortable and protective: Gore-Tex Extended Comfort lining provides incredible levels of breathability and water protection, whilst the flared fifth metatarsal area enhances stability and provides extra lateral support. Ventilation plays a crucial part in your hiking experience. You want to walk in a pair of hiking boots or mountaineering boots that allow your feet to breathe but not so open that they pose a risk to injuries.

The La Sportiva TX4 GTX Approach Shoes is a rugged and sturdy, with uppers made of hard-wearing leather and their PU Tech Lite rand giving it enhanced torsion, stability and a “built to last” appearance. You get an aggressive, in your face sole unit provided in this instance by the industry leaders Vibram. The sole unit meets a rubber toe box that looks like it could belong to a climbing shoe and even includes a climbing zone/edge for precision footwork, and a “break” system to assist on steep exists. The comparison to climbing shoes doesn’t stop here though, with a lacing system taken from their Mythos climbing model that offers better volume and tension control throughout the length of the shoe. High resistance to abrasion and low weight is provided thanks to the PU Techlite rand and protective rubber top cap. Vibram Megagrip® insole: The Vibram sole improves grip and stability on rough terrain and provides an optimal balance between performance and durability. Leather shoe with Gore-Tex Extended Comfort designed for technical approach routes and via ferrata, part of the Traverse X approach series . . . Every detail has been studied to guarantee grip, comfort and protection during approach routes and to encourage technical use right up to the base of the wall.

The boot upper is made from suede leather and mesh, and despite some heavy usage over the last 24 months, there’s no sign of wear and tear problems. I’d always considered myself a “Boot Man”, but recently I’ve been tempted by a lighter more flexible option for the hills. Having spent the summer legging it round the Welsh mountains like a lemming in what you would call “Full Boots”, I’ve come to the conclusion that on the right terrain and in right weather conditions, less is more….La Sportivahave transferred their knowledge from stiffer mountain boots into their approach range, naming it their STBControl System. Essentially, the upper wraps around the midsoleat the middle of the shoe which enhances stability on traverses and rough terrain. This also provides a more supportive and snug fit, in turn increasing the comfort and precision while climbing. Lacing: Mythos patented lacing system, very low to ensure better foot support and optimal adjustment of the shoe volume Finding the right hiking shoes or hiking boots for your outdoor activities is vital for the health of your feet. You want to ensure you get the perfect hiking shoes or mountaineering boots that fit and blend with where and how you walk. I found them a little hot in the summer but only rarely where they uncomfortable. For me, they provide the perfect balance between protection and breathability, and I certainly wouldn’t want a boot with less protection just for the sake of cooler feet – next time I may get the version without Gore-Tex as I suspect this reduces breathability of the boot.