Summary
We spent 8.7 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what hikers think:
5 reasons to buy
- Most users found the comfort of the Spire GTX exhilarating.
- Even after a thorough water immersion test, a handful of reviewers were impressed as they did not discover any leakage.
- The majority lauded how it kept a well-ventilated in-shoe feel.
- Despite having a low-cut design, the La Sportiva Spire GTX surprised plenty of wearers with its support.
- An avid hiker was stoked with how the pair handled sidehilling and plunge stepping confidently. He attributed it to the apt stiffness of the midsole.
2 reasons not to buy
- A couple of gear critics mentioned that the Spire GTX from La Sportiva might be too flimsy in technical terrain.
- The sheath of the default lace tore easily, based on an expert review.
Bottom line
Outdoor lovers may see the Spire GTX as a likable hiking shoe as it was able to tick the basics on the trail. Those who would encounter wet conditions need not worry with its efficient waterproofing. On the other hand, its breathability will take charge during warm climate hikes. However, its build may not be enough to handle the more rigorous terrain. In summary, the La Sportiva Spire GTX is a day hiking shoe ready for tamed trails. Using it on rough conditions may seem to be a gamble.
Facts
| Use: | Day Hiking |
|---|---|
| Cut: | Low cut |
| Price: | $190 |
| Features: | Lightweight |
| Waterproofing: | Waterproof |
| Weight: | Men: 15.5oz | Women: 13.1oz |
| Width: | Men: Normal | Women: Normal |
| Brand: | La Sportiva |
| Material: | Vibram sole |
| Technology: | Gore-Tex |
| Colorways: | Grey, Multi |
Rankings
Expert Reviews
Experts are hikers, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
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89 / 100 based on 5 expert reviews
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A mid-duty, waterproof shoe with 360 degrees of breathability.
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Overall, pretty good boots.
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The La Sportiva Spire GTX quickly became our lead tester's favorite pair of hiking shoes, due to its incredible performance on all types of trail.
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This has the ability to provide speed and agility to rival the best running shoes while offering the stability of hiking boots.
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As for lifespan, these shoes feel just barely broken into, and I’m going to expect many more hundreds of miles in their future.
- The research and development team of La Sportiva created the Spire GTX to keep a comfortable and waterproof in-shoe environment even on the harshest trail conditions. It is equipped with technologies working together to achieve 360-degree breathability and long-lasting durability.
- Technologies such as the Gore-Tex Surround, Nano-Cell, and STB control system are the prime features from the upper to the midsole. It optimizes airflow in and out of the shoe and renders a stable and supportive stride. Cushioning, on the other hand, is being offered by an Ortholite footbed and EVA midsole.
- The Vibram XS Trek with Impact Brake System from La Sportiva provides underfoot protection. Its non-marking yet aggressive profile allows users to use it indoors or outdoors.
The La Sportiva Spire GTX is a day hiking shoe for men and women. It comes in standard width and regular sizes. Its straightforward lace-up closure helps achieve a snug fit. Generally, the shoe runs true to size.
Traversing most types of terrain is made possible by the Vibram XS Trek. Its aggressive lugs and non-marking profile possess sensitivity to ground conditions for an enhanced grip.
La Sportiva also added their Impact Brake System to this low-cut day hiking shoe. It includes opposing, slanted lugs that increase the braking ability of the sole. It also helps reduce negative ground impacts.
The 5 mm Ortholite insole works with the compression molded EVA midsole designed with aeration channels. This layout enables it to wick away moisture from the foot to the ventilation panels on the sides to maximize air circulation inside the shoe. They provide a lightweight cushioning and comfortable ride.
Furthermore, with the STB control system , the stability underfoot is enhanced. It places two full-length TPU stabilizers on the sides (medial and lateral) of the midsole.
With an abrasion resistant upper equipped with the Gore-Tex Surround technology, the breathability of the Spire GTX is optimized. The open side ventilation outlets are reinforced with the Nano Cell 2.0. Aside from keeping pebbles from entering the shoe, it also adds structure and durability.
The brand designers also added a couple of features on the upper. A PU Techlite rand is placed on each end (in the toe and heel areas) for protection, a finger loop at the heel for easy-on access and round laces running through the webbing eyelets lock the foot in place.