The La Sportiva TX Guide is a hybrid rock climbing/approach shoe that is designed to provide excellent technical performance on a variety of terrain while also offering comfort and durability. In this La Sportiva TX Guide review, we will take a closer look at the shoe’s features, performance, and overall suitability for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Table of Contents
Quick Review of The La Sportiva TX Guide Approach Shoe
La Sportiva TX Guide is a hybrid rock climbing/approach shoe designed for technical performance, comfort, and durability. It offers a double EVA midsole for a stable platform on uneven and rocky terrain, co-molded TPU layer for added protection, and a rubber sole recipe with Mega-Grip and Idrogrip for excellent grip and stickiness.
The shoes are made of an ultra-weave Jacquard fabric upper for abrasion resistance, split leather suede for adaptability, and nubuck for abrasion resistance. They are a bit bulky for hanging off a harness and heavier than some other approach shoes but provide excellent support and shock absorption for long hiking approaches. The La Sportiva TX Guide is versatile and offers excellent technical performance and comfort for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Pros:
- Comfortable for long approaches
- Excellent on technical terrain
- Good support for uneven boulder-strewn trails
- Responsive, precise, and comfortable for injured or recovering climbers
- Durable and abrasion-resistant
- Excellent gear loops make it easy to attach to a harness
Cons:
- Can be a bit bulky for hanging off a harness
- Heavier than ideal for running-oriented approaching
- Fit can be small and slightly snug
Performance
The La Sportiva TX Guide is a versatile shoe that performs well on a variety of terrain, making it an excellent choice for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts. The shoe’s double EVA midsole with shock-absorbing compression on the heel and stabilizer on the forefoot provides a stable platform for tackling uneven and rocky terrain, while the co-molded TPU layer acts as a stabilizer at the climbing zone and a medial shank and rock-guard layer on the forefoot offer additional protection.
The Traverse X (TX) series from La Sportiva combines the best features from various mountain footwear, including shock absorption, active fit and flexibility, durability and protection, and lacing and grip inspired by climbing shoes. This combination of features results in a shoe that is both lightweight and high-performing, making it ideal for technical approaches and scrambling.
Breathability
The La Sportiva TX Guide is available in leather or knitted material and mesh. The leather version offers a natural, breathable material that allows ample airflow while also providing nearly peerless toughness. The knitted and mesh version offers more breathability but less durability. Overall, the shoes allow your feet to breathe and remain relatively dry in wet and muddy conditions.
Durability
The La Sportiva TX Guide is made of an ultra-weave Jacquard fabric that is almost rough to the touch, providing excellent abrasion resistance and showing only minimal fuzzing and scuffing, even after wedging them in rough cracks. The shoes also feature split leather suede for greater adaptability and nubuck for abrasion resistance, making them less prone to holes caused by general wear and tear or scrambling over ultra-sharp granite rocks and gritstone boulders.
Weight
At 350 grams/shoe, the La Sportiva TX Guide is a bit heavier than some other approach shoes, which may make them less ideal for running-oriented approaches. However, the shoes’ stiffness and cushioning offer excellent support and shock absorption, making them ideal for loooong hiking approaches.
Sole
The rubber recipe of the La Sportiva TX Guide is one part Mega-Grip for the heel and one part Idrogrip for the rest of the sole, making it as sticky as those pesky little burrs that get stuck to your socks and shorts when you tromp through high grass. The stiffness and stickiness of the sole mean that you can stand on your toes and even do some edging while still feeling like you have good support.
Upper
The La Sportiva TX Guide’s upper is made of an ultra-weave Jacquard fabric that is almost rough to the touch, providing excellent abrasion resistance and durability. The shoes also feature split leather suede for greater adaptability and nubuck for abrasion resistance, making them less prone to holes caused by general wear and tear or scrambling over ultra-sharp rocks and boulders. The lacing system is also noteworthy, as it goes around the back of the heel, allowing for
Features
The La Sportiva TX Guide comes equipped with several features that make it a great approach shoe for technical terrain. The shoe has gear loops that make it easy to attach onto a harness, and the rubber recipe used in the sole is one part Mega-Grip for the heel, and one part Idrogrip for the rest of the sole, making it as sticky as those pesky little burrs that get stuck to your socks and shorts and everywhere else when you tromp through the high grass. The stiffness and stickiness mean you can stand on your toes and even do some edging, while still feeling like you have good support.
The shoe also features a co-molded TPU layer that acts as a stabilizer at the climbing zone and a medial shank and rock-guard layer on the forefoot offer additional protection. The dual-compound Vibram Megagrip sole with the Impact Brake System on the heel provides great traction on all types of terrain, especially on technical approaches and rough terrain. The toe cap offers extra protection and the anti-rubbing loops at the toe and overlap tongue provide maximum bandaging of the foot and minimize hot spots.
The La Sportiva TX Guide has a high cushion EVA midsole with shock-absorbing compression on the heel and a stabilizer on the forefoot that provides a stable platform for tackling uneven and rocky terrain. The shoe’s PU Tech Lite heel offers a precise fit and excellent support for your heel, while the asymmetrical and advanced lacing system makes it easy to do up these shoes, ensuring a comfortable and snug fit for all-day use.
Performance
The La Sportiva TX Guide is a versatile shoe that performs well on a variety of terrain, making it an excellent choice for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts. The shoe’s stiff sole and precise fit make it ideal for technical terrain and provide maximum performance on approaches and scrambling. The rock-guard layer on the forefoot offers extra protection from rocks and other debris, while the durable construction of the shoe ensures it can withstand the wear and tear of even the toughest outdoor adventures.
The shoe’s stiffness and cushioning offer excellent support and shock absorption, making it ideal for long hiking approaches. The rubber compounds used in the sole make it as sticky as those pesky little burrs that get stuck to your socks and shorts when you tromp through high grass. The toe cap and anti-rubbing loops at the toe and overlap tongue provide maximum bandaging of the foot and minimize hot spots, ensuring that your feet remain comfortable and protected during your outdoor adventures.
Durability
The La Sportiva TX Guide is made with high-quality materials that ensure it can withstand the wear and tear of even the toughest outdoor adventures. The shoe’s ultra-weave Jacquard fabric upper is almost rough to the touch, providing excellent abrasion resistance and durability. The shoes also feature split leather suede for greater adaptability and nubuck for abrasion resistance, making them less prone to holes caused by general wear and tear or scrambling over ultra-sharp granite rocks and gritstone boulders.
The shoe’s co-molded TPU layer acts as a stabilizer at the climbing zone and a medial shank and rock-guard layer on the forefoot offer additional protection from rocks and other debris. The toe cap and anti-rubbing loops at the toe and overlap tongue provide maximum bandaging of the foot and minimize hot spots, ensuring that your feet remain comfortable and protected during your outdoor adventures. The dual-compound Vibram Megagrip sole with the Impact Brake System on the heel provides great traction on all types of terrain, especially on technical approaches and rough terrain.
Summary of The La Sportiva TX Guide Review
Overall, the La Sportiva TX Guide is a highly versatile shoe that offers excellent technical performance and comfort for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its double EVA midsole, stabilizer, and co-molded TPU layer provide stability and protection on uneven and rocky terrain, while the durable and abrasion-resistant construction ensures long-lasting wear.
The shoes are available in leather or knitted material and mesh, providing breathability and airflow while also offering natural water resistance. While the shoes can be a bit bulky for hanging off a harness and heavier than some other approach shoes, their stiffness and cushioning provide excellent support and shock absorption, making them ideal for long hiking approaches.
The rubber sole recipe combines Mega-Grip and Idrogrip for excellent grip and stickiness, while the lacing system allows for a precise, performance fit. Overall, the La Sportiva TX Guide is a top performer in its class, offering durability, versatility, and performance features for a range of outdoor activities.
FAQ’s of La Sportiva TX Guide
Are La Sportiva TX Guide waterproof?
The La Sportiva TX Guide is not completely waterproof, but the combination of materials used in the shoe, including nubuck and naturally water-repellent leather, make it capable of coping with rough terrain and wet conditions. However, it is still recommended to wear waterproof socks or consider a more specialized waterproof shoe for extremely wet conditions.
What is the difference between La Sportiva TX 5 and TX4?
The La Sportiva TX5 and TX4 are both part of the TX series of approach shoes. The main difference between them is that the TX5 is more geared towards hiking and trail running with a more breathable upper and lighter weight, while the TX4 is more geared towards technical approaches and scrambling, with a more durable upper and heavier weight.
How much does the La Sportiva TX Guide leather weigh?
The weight of the La Sportiva TX Guide leather shoe is approximately 350 grams per shoe, according to the information provided earlier.
How much does the TX Guide weigh?
The weight of the La Sportiva TX Guide is approximately 350 grams per shoe, according to the information provided earlier.
Why is La Sportiva so good?
La Sportiva is known for its high-quality and innovative approach to designing footwear for mountaineering, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities. They use high-quality materials, prioritize performance, and work closely with athletes to develop and improve their products.
Should I size up or down in La Sportiva?
The sizing of La Sportiva shoes can vary depending on the model, but they are generally known to run small and narrow. It is recommended to try on shoes in person or consult the brand’s sizing charts to determine the best fit.
Are La Sportiva TX5 true to size?
The sizing of La Sportiva shoes can vary depending on the model, but they are generally known to run small and narrow. It is recommended to try on shoes in person or consult the brand’s sizing charts to determine the best fit.
Are La Sportiva wide or narrow?
La Sportiva shoes are generally known to run narrow, but some models may have wider options available. It is recommended to try on shoes in person or consult the brand’s sizing charts to determine the best fit.
Do La Sportiva run large?
La Sportiva shoes are generally known to run small and narrow. It is recommended to try on shoes in person or consult the brand’s sizing charts to determine the best fit.
How much should I downsize La Sportiva?
The amount of downsizing needed in La Sportiva shoes can vary depending on the model and individual foot shape. It is recommended to try on shoes in person or consult the brand’s sizing charts to determine the best fit.
How do Scarpa shoe sizes compare to La Sportiva?
The sizing of Scarpa shoes can vary depending on the model, but they are generally known to run wider than La Sportiva shoes. It is recommended to try on shoes in person or consult the brand’s sizing charts to determine the best fit.
How long to break in La Sportiva hiking boots?
The amount of time needed to break in La Sportiva hiking boots can vary depending on the model and individual foot shape. It is recommended to gradually break them in over a period of several shorter hikes before attempting longer, more strenuous outings.
Is La Sportiva a good hiking boot?
Yes, La Sportiva is known for producing high-quality hiking boots that are durable, comfortable, and designed to perform well in a range of conditions.
Is La Sportiva a good brand for climbing shoes?
La Sportiva is a well-regarded brand for climbing shoes due to their quality, durability, and performance features. Many professional climbers and enthusiasts swear by the brand for their climbing shoes, which are designed with precision and attention to detail to provide the necessary support, grip, and comfort required for climbing.
Is La Sportiva made in China?
La Sportiva has manufacturing facilities in several countries, including Italy, Romania, and China. While some of their products may be made in China, the brand has a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and materials regardless of where they are made.