La Sportiva TX4 Review of Approach Shoes

La Sportiva TX4 Review: La Sportiva’s popular TX line ranges from the simple TX2 running shoe to the mid-range TXS hiking shoe. For the past few seasons I’ve loved my mid-range TX3: an approach shoe that offers a great combination of ventilation, support and performance on trails and rocks. But after having issues with the durability of the mesh upper, I decided to try the TX4 leather.Below we will analyze the overall performance of the TX4. To see how they compare, check out our articles on the best shoes, best walking shoes, and best walking shoes for women.

La Sportiva TX4

Weight: 1 pound 4.8 ounces.

Excellent leather

Sole: Vibram Megagrip Traverse.

What we like: More durability and protection than the TX3 for just $5 more.What we don’t: Leather shrinks when wet and for some the sock will be too big.

Performance

Stroll

The La Sportiva TX4 offers a great combination of support, protection and traction on the trail, making it one of our favorite hiking shoes. We took the TX4 on a four-day, 35-mile trip to the Grand Canyon, where we encountered everything from mud and compacted dirt to talus, ice, and snow. Thanks to the same Vibram Megagrip Traverse rubber outsole as the TX3 (very sticky rubber with bumpy tread in the forefoot and more pronounced lugs in the heel), I felt confident on any terrain. 

While stiff soles designed specifically for climbing often give approach boots a reputation for being clunkier on trails than lightweight hiking shoes, the TX4 offers a good balance of stiffness and flexibility. At the start of our trip, my pair of TX4s didn’t undergo any break-in, but the leather upper quickly acclimated to my feet within the first 10 miles. Even with a 40-pound load on my back, I didn’t feel any chafing or overheating and appreciated the light cushioning underfoot. Additionally, the leather upper offers a noticeable increase in protection, especially compared to popular mesh boots and lightweight hiking shoes. Along the way, the Grand Canyon was full of rocks and sharp plants, but the TX4 leather protected my feet where the TX3 mesh couldn’t.

Scrambling

With a leather upper, a stiff, grippy outsole and a wide band along the bottom of the foot, the La Sportiva TX4 also excels at technical tasks. When I took the bottom fifth step to access Monkey Face on Smith Rock, I was able to sit on the small ledges and cover the board with confidence. In fact, I found that the soft rubber under the toe guarantees traction and precision equal to that of a climbing shoe. Plus, the comfortable, grippy leather upper keeps my feet from floating in the shoe, allowing me to stand on the insole and fit my feet squarely into the slots.

Compared to the mesh upper of the TX3 or the canvas upper of the Evolv Cruzer Psyche, the leather of the TX4 significantly improves the shoe’s ability to climb over obstacles by adding protection, rigidity and a comfortable fit. By comparison, the Five Ten Guide Tennie leather boots offer a slightly snugger fit and a more contoured toe box for technical precision, but these climbing-specific features reduce comfort and protection on the trail.

Waterproofing and ventilation

Featuring a leather upper, the TX4 offers excellent water resistance without sacrificing breathability. While this shoe doesn’t have a waterproof membrane like La Sportiva’s Salewa Mountain Trainer GTX or TX4 Mid GTX, I wore it for miles in snow and near water and was impressed. Water quickly pooled on my skin instead of seeping through, and on one particularly snowy hike to the rim of the Grand Canyon, my feet remained dry until the snow got so deep that it penetrated my shoes at the height of the ankle. I expect that with frequent exposure to moisture, the TX4 will become wet and heavy due to water weight, but you can still improve the water resistance of leather shoes by using treatments from brands like Sno-Seal or Nikwax (although they do have negative effects on the water). affects breathability).

Waterproofing and breathability are what most differentiate the TX3 mesh from the TX4 leather. The TX3 provides excellent ventilation on hot summer days, but lacks waterproofing. In contrast, the TX4 offers solid waterproof protection, ideal for walking through wet bushes or snowy fields, but less ventilation. However, unlike Gore-Tex and other waterproof synthetic membranes, leather is naturally breathable. In fact, while hiking in 60-degree sunny weather through the Grand Canyon, my feet never sweated. 

Weight

My pair of TX4s (women’s size 8) weighed 1 pound, 7.6 ounces on my scale (2.8 ounces more than the stated weight), which is pretty decent for a shoe that combines hiking and hiking capabilities . By comparison, my similarly sized TX3 weighs 1 pound, 6.7 ounces on my scale, meaning the TX4 offers significant durability, waterproofing, protection, and ruggedness while weighing just 0.9 ounces. I find the TX4 is light enough for climbing with my harness too, especially if I need support and protection during approaches or descents (like the steep roads of Red Rock Canyon or an icy hike on the Bugabus). If I’m climbing in an accessible area (like Squamish or Tuolumne), I’ll opt for a lighter model like the Sportiva TX2 (1 lb 2.6 oz on my scale) or the Evolv Cruzer Psyche (1 lb 0.8 oz).

Build quality and durability

With a thick leather upper, a thick rolled wedge and a durable Vibram outsole, the TX4 is a durable and incredibly well-crafted shoe that’s built to last. Over the past two years I’ve drilled holes into the mesh uppers of three pairs of TX3s, feeling that the TX4 (which I’ve never tried) was too heavy and bulky for my climbing style. However, now that you’ve tried it, there’s no going back. The TX4’s leather upper offers increased durability at minimal cost and greater weight (less than an ounce and $5). Overall, the Sportiva TX4 is a thoughtfully designed shoe that will stand the test of time.

Fit and size

If you have tried the shoes from the TX line, you know the right way: the size and fit of these shoes are one of a kind. First, most people find it too big, so if you’re unsure, we recommend choosing half a size down from your usual size. I have the TX2, TX3 and TX4 and I wear size 8 in all three instead of my usual 8.5. Secondly, the TX3 and TX4 have a wide forefoot designed to improve comfort and stability, which is unusual for La Sportiva. Having particularly wide feet, I really like the fit of these shoes. However, if you have narrow or bulky feet, you will likely find the TX4 too wide. Ultimately, if this is your first pair of shoes from the TX line, we recommend trying them on before purchasing, or at least purchasing them from an online marketplace with a lenient return and exchange policy.

Other versions of La Sportiva TX

We tested the women’s version of the TX4 and the shoe is also available in a men’s version at the same price and with a nearly identical design. As for La Sportiva’s growing TX line, models range from an ultra-lightweight running shoe (TX2) to a rugged hiking shoe (TXS). The TX3 and TX4 are the most similar of the bunch, with the only major difference being the superior design. For $5 less, TX3 Mesh gives you more breathability and slightly less weight, but you sacrifice waterproofness, durability, protection, and a precise fit. The TX4 is also available in a medium Gore-Tex version that weighs 2lbs per pair and costs $190. Rounding out the range is the TX2, the lightest and least durable shoe in the range, while the TX Guide is designed specifically for technical battles with a lightweight, responsive and grippy design (more on this model below).

What we like

1. Unlike most trail shoes, the TX4 offers extraordinary performance for both hiking and climbing.
2. The leather upper is waterproof without sacrificing breathability.
3. Compared to the TX3, you get more durability and protection without adding weight.

What we don’t do

1. Designed for comfort and stability, the slightly loose fit and wide toe box may be too roomy for people with narrow or bulky feet.
2. Skin can become clammy, heavy and deformed if exposed to rain or snow for long periods of time. You can use waterproofing agents, but keep in mind that they will affect ventilation.
3. This shoe is not fully waterproof, although La Sportiva makes the TX4 GTX for $190.

Competition

The La Sportiva TX4 is an impressive shoe that combines durability, protection and performance in a lightweight and comfortable design. We’ve used more than 10 different shoes over the years and the TX4 is our absolute favorite. But despite its accolades, the TX4 isn’t for everyone and there are some worthy competitors. As previously mentioned, the TX3 in the Sport line offers similar comfort, traction and increased ventilation at slightly less weight and price (0.8 ounce less per pair). For those with particularly sweaty feet or hot summer days, the TX3 Grid is a great choice. But with much more durability, protection, and water resistance (and a slight $5 price increase), we think the TX4 is the better all-around device.

A recent addition to the TX line, the TX Guide from La Sportiva represents a capable companion for technical approaches. About $20 more than the TX4, the Guide is a little heavier (1 pound, 5.5 ounces), but is more responsive, grippy, and softer, adding superior comfort and climbing ability. Other differences include a narrower profile (especially in the toe box) and the mesh upper isn’t as durable or grippy as the TX4’s leather construction. Ultimately, the TX4 remains the shoe of choice for an all-round approach, but the Guide is an interesting alternative if you’re more inclined to long days of technical trekking in the mountains.

Like the TX4, the Five Ten Guide Tennie is a leather boot with strong durability and climbing performance that costs $20 less than the Sportiva (see our in-depth review here).However, I found the Five Ten to be stiff and bulky on the trails, and the shoe’s low-cut design sacrifices comfort and protection. Additionally, while the studded rubber outsole is excellent on rocks, it loses traction in snow, mud, and wet leaves. The Guide Tennie has a loyal following among mountain climbers and saves about an ounce per pair, but the TX4 is more comfortable, rides better, and has the edge over us as our favorite leather boot.

Leather boots like the TX4 and Guide Tennie lead the way in terms of durability and fit, but the Arc’teryx Konseal FL 2 synthetic boots aren’t far behind. The Konseal FL weighs 1 pound, 3.6 ounces and keeps the weight down with a ripstop mesh upper and a climbing-focused aerodynamic body, allowing it to handle technical rock better than the TX4. You don’t feel the warmth and coziness of leather, but the Konseal FL is incredibly durable for a mesh shoe (much more durable than the TX3) and we love how the upper dries quickly and doesn’t feel heavy when it gets wet . We’ll stick with the TX series for its comfort on long trips, but the Konseal FL is a good option for jobs where weight matters and ventilation and durability are key.

Finally, if you prefer the mountains, trekking shoes are useful when covering long distances with a heavy backpack. A favorite shoe of Jackson Hole mountain guides for climbing the Tetons, the Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 GTX is a durable, protective and supportive boot with a waterproof membrane for added safety. You’ll pay more in cost ($200) and weight (1 pound, 11.9 ounces for the women’s version), but we think it’s a worthwhile trade-off if you put a lot of miles on it.