La Sportiva Spire GTX
Verdict from 9 experts and 100+ user reviews
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
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76% say it's true to size.
Overview of this review
Updates to La Sportiva Spire GTX
- 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.
Size and fit
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.
Outsole
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.
Midsole
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.
Upper
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.
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