NOTE: The above table is only a guide. Manufactures don’t like tomake it easy as every single oneof them strays from the measurements above. I bought the Boulder X Mid GTX before a trip to the Bugaboos and convinced my partner to do the same; we were psyched, not only because our shoes matched, but they worked really well. I also took them to Argentine Patagonia and was very pleased in certain conditions. Every product is a compromise; you can’t optimize everything at once. The La Sportiva Boulder X is the result of years of dedication and design tweaking. They have managed to produce a shoe that not only looks great but has great levels of support and comfort. In our Hereford shop we offer a professional boot fitting service where we assess your feet, find a selection of boots that match you foot shape and most importantly we make sure that they are comfortable.This iseasy to do in the shop, where we have access tothe right tools, the option of letting you try on as many styles as you like and a knowledgeable member of staff that cancommunicate directly with you regarding your needs.

These boots also have 100% recycled lace, a subtle nod to the sustainable direction that La Sportiva is heading towards.The scarpa shoes are really similar to the LaSport shoes. I’d go with whatever feels better; Scarpa tends to fit a bit wider. The TX line is broken up into three models: TX2, TX4 and TX5, with the number depending on the weight and stiffness of the shoe (TX2 being lightweight). TX4 and TX5 models are also broken up into a low and a mid version, so that you’re able to fine tune the fit, stiffness and weight based on the intended use. A great all-round approach shoe that is supportive and great for climbing and comes at an attractive price If you can see this amount of space then you are pretty much on the way to making sure that your boots are the correct size. This space between your toes and the end of the footbed ensures that you will not stub your toes on the inside of the boot when you descend. This can be excruciatingly painful. If you can’t see this amount of space then it’s a good bet that the boots will be too small.

You should now be able to see approximately 2 cm (about an index fingers width) of the footbed poking out in front of your toes. Note: these can perform like a minimalist mountaineering boot for light-and fast climbs, but they will not keep you warm like a proper mountain boot and they will not climb ice well, especially with aluminum strap-on crampons. Then again, Fitz Roy has been climbed in shoes like this… La Sportiva made the Boulder X Mid GTX as a beefier, mid-height, waterproof version of the popular Boulder X approach shoe. While many approach shoes are simply subtle variations on the styles of others, the Boulder X Mid GTX stands alone as it fills a particular niche that remains empty: like the famous “lungfish” found off the coast of Madagascar that represents the evolution from fish to reptiles, this shoe fills the gap between approach shoe and mountaineering boot. La Sportiva set the standards in approach shoe design with their Boulder X model. It was the go-to shoe for climbers looking to upgrade their approach shoe collection, or even to replace their battered 5-year-old Boulder X – we even know of people hoarding pairs of Boulder X in fear that they might one day become discontinued. Bottom line: these are a very well-built shoe that excel in a specific environment, and are probably not appropriate for other uses:Stiff for edging and standing in aiders, light weight, excellent climbing ability, good hiking support But let’s not dwell on what you don’t have, instead we shall teach you how to ascertain your size using some common household objects. Now that your boots are done up properly stand up on your tiptoes and walk on the spot on the balls of your feet as if you are walking up a steep hill. If your heels lift more than approximately 5mm from the footbed you may need to pull the laces tighter, or the boots may just be the wrong shape for you.

This brilliant approach and everyday shoe has a technical, almost climbing shoe fit and feel making the Boulder X a good choice for outdoor professionals and instructors wanting a shoe for lower level climbs as well as walk-ins. The patented Asymmetric lacing system derives from the Mythos climbing shoe project, which gives the shoe a very precise and controlled feel on steeper ground. So in a world blossoming with so many shapes and styles of approach shoe, why do we need another one? 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.Inspired by the Mythos project, these boots have a patented lacing system that runs all the way down to the toe to get a much more enhanced fit to suit various foot shapes and fit preferences. This shoe can do it all, from precise climbing on mid-5th class terrain to rugged hikes to long aid climbs

Of course, many features were eliminated to produce such a lightweight shoe. The midsole contains very little padding, so long hikes aren't very comfortable in the TX2 Evo. The lightweight knit upper doesn't provide much support and is more susceptible to wear and tear. If you need a shoe for rugged approaches and lots of standing in aiders, these shoes aren't the right choice. But if you want to move light and fast and need a shoe that can accompany you up big routes without weighing you down, the TX2 Evo is a perfect choice. Lining: The lining uses Gore-Tex® Extended Comfort. Gore-Tex® Extended Comfort is specialised technology that provides waterproof breathability, performing best in moderate to warm conditions or high-intensity activity. Extended Comfort prevents water from seeping inside the shoe yet is permeable enough to let sweat vapour escape, helping regulate temperature and improve comfort levels.

Compare Products

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. The Boulder X set the bar extremely high as the gold standard of approach shoe. But La Sportiva has been quietly tweaking designs and stealing bits from their Boulder X and climbing boot lineups to create the all new Traverse X series of approach shoes and boots. The mid cut of these boots offers extra support and structure around the ankle, which feels super comfy when scrambling and hiking through rougher, uneven grounds. However, even after the most rigorous assessment and testing, there is no better way to be absolutely sure than to have the boots on your feet for an extended period of time. We therefore offer our Home Trial Period which gives you the opportunity to wear the boots around your house to give you an indication of how they feel before you venture outside. We recommend that during the Home Trial Period that you wear the boots for as long as possible and at different times of the day, wear them up and down stairs, when moving around and when resting, you can even sleep in them if you want. Plenty of technology, a very lightweight feel and an overall great performance. We like this boot. Tester’s Verdict