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La Sportiva TXS GTX Review

This is a cross between an approach shoe and a hiking boot, well-suiter for the hiker with alpine adventure objectives
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La Sportiva TXS GTX Review
Price:  $179 List
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Manufacturer:   La Sportiva
By Ryan Huetter ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Feb 23, 2022

Our Verdict

The La Sportiva TXS GTX employs somewhat of a hybrid boot design, blending the climbing performance of an approach shoe with the support and stability of a hiking boot. We really like this combination and find that it works very well for hiking in more technical terrain, where the benefit of improved traction outweighs the diminished comfort found in this stripped-down hiking boot. This boot is for someone who plans to hike on all kinds of trails with a light to moderately heavy backpack, and who also wants to travel into more challenging cross-country areas and have effective footwork in rocky and engaging terrain. If you don't plan on such objectives, we think you'll be better served by another boot.
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent traction
Lightweight performance
REASONS TO AVOID
Diminished comfort
Editor's Note: This product review was updated on February 23, 2022 to give more info on this boot's intended use as well as additional recommendations.

Our Analysis and Test Results

The La Sportiva TXS GTX could be considered a very comfortable approach/mountain climbing boot, or a bare-bones hiking boot, depending on how you look at it. La Sportiva developed this model to bridge the gap between a standard hiking boot and an approach shoe, and in this sense, they did a great job.

Performance Comparison


la sportiva txs gtx - hiking in a lot of miles to climb to the top of a peak? this boot...
Hiking in a lot of miles to climb to the top of a peak? This boot has all the bases covered.
Credit: Nathan Atkins

Comfort


This boot is more comfortable on long hikes than some other contenders in this review built with ascents in mind. This is due to the fact that the upper material is not as rigid, so it flexes with the foot better, and the midsole is not as stiff, making for a more comfortable experience on the trail.

When we compare them to some of the comfort-forward models that top the comfort charts, however, these boots come up short. They feel like a high-top approach shoe, in that the minimal padding gives them a rough, jarring feel when pounding out the miles on firm trails or rock slabs. We really like the lacing eyelets that keep the laces secure and stop them from jumping out if they get loose.

la sportiva txs gtx - this boot offers enough comfort to get you to your destination...
This boot offers enough comfort to get you to your destination, though your feet might be a bit more fatigued than some of the ultra-comfy models we tested.
Credit: Nathan Atkins

Support


Stability is a metric in which the TXS GTX shines. They have an adequately high-cut ankle to support those carrying heavy loads or traveling in rough terrain. This boot's outsole is 4.5 inches at its widest point, making them stable enough to avoid rolling ankles but narrow enough that they can hold their own when edging on steep slopes. The upper material itself does not provide a lot of structure, but it produces more rigidity when laced up snugly. The combination of a molded EVA midsole with a polypropylene stiffener and STB control inserts gives this boot a very stable platform that you can depend on while climbing or scrambling in exposed sections of off-trail travel.

la sportiva txs gtx - we felt super stable tromping down loose scree slopes wearing these...
We felt super stable tromping down loose scree slopes wearing these high-tops.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

Traction


La Sportiva is no stranger to the climbing world, having long produced rock shoes and approach shoes known for being some of the stickiest around. In designing the TXS GTX, they employ an outsole made from Vibram Megagrip rubber compound that is sticky enough to smear on rock slabs but does best when in wet or loose conditions where it can use its durable and thick lugs to bite in and grip securely. These were some of the best performing hiking shoes when it comes to versatile traction.

la sportiva txs gtx - built with climbing in mind, the vibram soles stick to almost...
Built with climbing in mind, the Vibram soles stick to almost anything you want.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

Water Resistance


The TXS GTX uses Gore-Tex Extended Comfort to ensure a waterproof and breathable barrier, much like many of the boots in this review. We found that it did well and kept our feet dry up to a flood height of 4.25 inches. Something to keep in mind when looking at boots that use mesh uppers, even when it is abrasion resistant, is that when the material starts to get a bit fuzzy from wear, it will start to wick water. This tends to impact the Gore-Tex liner's usefulness negatively, so you might find the water resistance diminish as you wear these boots.

la sportiva txs gtx - the txs gtx easily withstood our water submersion test.
The TXS GTX easily withstood our water submersion test.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

Weight


The La Sportiva TXS GTX weighs in at 2.47 pounds per pair in size 11 US, which is right in the middle of the pack compared to the rest of the boots we reviewed. If you are looking for a lightweight hiker and only plan on hiking on the trail and relatively simple terrain, then the added weight that this boot tacks on might not be worth it. But if you're considering this boot, you are probably looking for something that will let you climb confidently and securely on more challenging routes. Then, this model starts to look pretty good. Of the boots that we would want to wear on 3rd and 4th class mountain scrambles, the TXS GTX is the lightest we tested.

la sportiva txs gtx - verifying the weight of these delightfully light boots.
Verifying the weight of these delightfully light boots.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

Durability


The upper material is a combination of high-abrasion resistant mesh fabric and a molded Vibram toe cap and rand. We feel that the mesh fabric is a worthwhile weight-savings for most 3 season scrambling trips into the backcountry, though if you really want a durable boot, we would recommend something with a more robust outer. The extra rand helps keep the upper from getting nicked and abraded by rocks, so should help them last a bit longer.

la sportiva txs gtx - the interface between the mesh upper and the rubber rand wrapping...
The interface between the mesh upper and the rubber rand wrapping around the boot is an area that we saw start to exhibit premature signs of wear.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

Should You Buy the La Sportiva TXS GTX?


The TXS GTX is a hybrid boot that blurs the lines between approach shoes, mountain boots, and hiking boots. It climbs better than most hiking boots and is more comfortable than an approach shoe. It is a niche product, but we feel that it offers a lot to a wider range of users, especially those who want their hiking boots to do more than just pounding out the miles on the trail.

What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?


If you know you'll be scrambling and climbing a bit in your boots, the TXS is a great option. For even more traction and durability, we'd recommend the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX. If you're just looking for an all-around great trail boot for backpacking and hiking trips, the Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex is our go-to, and we also like the Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP as a more budget-friendly option.

la sportiva txs gtx - want a boot that can do it all, from hiking to climbing mountains...
Want a boot that can do it all, from hiking to climbing mountains? The TXS GTX might be the boot for you.
Credit: Nathan Atkins

Ryan Huetter