6 Best La Sportiva Approach Shoes in 2023
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If you’re looking for high-performance footwear for technical climbing and mountain scrambling, these top-rated La Sportiva approach shoes would be a solid choice. As one of the giants in the approach footwear niche, the brand has gained the trust of the climbing and mountaineering community.
From La Sportiva’s pool of kicks come the breathable and superlight TX2, TX3, and the waterproof TX4 GTX, all of them receiving high ratings from experts. For the best all-around and scrambling shoes, the TX Guide Leather is a standout when it comes to protection, traction, and durability.
We’ve rounded up and tested 10+ of the best La Sportiva approach shoes in the market. Read our in-depth reviews based on rigorous performance tests. Also, check the top picks below in various categories.
Overview
How we test approach shoes
La Sportiva possesses a strong reputation in the market for its great combination of climbing performance, Megagrip sole stickiness, and durability. We bring all the latest releases of the label to our lab for a careful scrutiny. We then test them by scrambling and hiking on a variety of terrain. Here’s a summary of our process:
- Buy all the pairs of approach shoes from La Sportiva for our series of tests. We spend our own funds to maintain the objectivity of our reviews.
- Test the shoes in technical climbing, bouldering, or cragging. We take note of each model’s out-of-the-box fit, stability, break-in period, grippiness, edging capability, protective features, durability, et cetera.
- Subject the footwear further to tougher approach challenges and outdoor environments. We assess each shoe’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Collect more useful data from feedback given by experienced outdoorsmen, mountaineers, and casual weekend warriors.
To end this guide, we rank all the pairs of La Sportiva approach shoes in the catalog. From 0 to 100, each model is assigned their respective scores displayed on the CoreScore.
Best La Sportiva approach shoes overall
La Sportiva TX Guide Leather
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$103
Backcountry
Free shipping
$104
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$119
Outland USA
Free shipping
$159
Pros
- Immensely plush
- Grippy
- Mighty arch support
- Steady on rubbly terrain
- Lightweight
Cons
- Narrow fit
- Long break-in period
What makes it the best overall?
Sporting the TX Guide Leather means arriving at your rock destination with less tired feet and more smiles on your face. Yes, wearing this comfy yet secure La Sportiva shoe takes you where you need to be as it makes serious hiking challenges a lot less worrying along the way. It is an approach conqueror that does not lead you to second guess your adventurous steps.
Best La Sportiva mesh approach shoes
La Sportiva TX4
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$159
Backcountry
Free shipping
$159
REI
Free shipping
$159
Outland USA
Free shipping
$159
Corescore
Pros
- Superb in scree fields
- Extremely grippy
- Surprisingly good for technical climbing
- Great foot protection
- Stiff and comfortable for walking up and down inclines
- Comfortable without socks
- Exceptional fit
Cons
- Difficult to put on
- Not for hot weather
- Not great for all-day wear
What makes it the best mesh?
The glove-like fit of the La Sportiva TX4 is in part what allows such confidence while scaling difficult terrain. It is also grippy and comfortable enough for walking, so you can hike for miles. Overall, I’m downright impressed with the La Sportiva TX4, and plan to continue using them for their intended purpose for as long as they’ll last!
Best La Sportiva waterproof approach shoes
La Sportiva TX4 Mid GTX
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$209
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$209
Backcountry
Free shipping
$209
REI
Free shipping
$209
Pros
- Astronomical level of comfort
- Lightweight
- Sticky outsole
- Super-dependable ankle support
- Watertight
Cons
- Not very durable
- The laces come undone easily
- Lack of breathability
What makes it the best waterproof?
Travelers who would choose to get the TX4 Mid GTX had better prepare for an immensely comfortable ride in an insanely lightweight pair. They also had better brace themselves for the shoe’s A-grade surface traction.
Best La Sportiva leather approach shoes
La Sportiva Boulder X
Backcountry
Free shipping
$129
Outland USA
Free shipping
$140
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$149
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$149
Corescore
Pros
- Incredibly tough
- Mighty plush
- Grippy hikes guaranteed
- Edging royalty
- Among the most affordable
- Does well in fissures
- Mythos-inspired closure system
- Good for hiking
Cons
- Laces get undone often
- Narrow toe box
What makes it the best leather?
The Boulder X from La Sportiva delivers excellence through its construction and performance. It reflects its greatness with its high amounts of comfort, lasting durability, and relentless surface traction. There's also its intimate fit and moderate stiffness that give an enhanced sense of control, particularly on low-level boulders, with or without cracks.
Best La Sportiva low approach shoes
La Sportiva TX3
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$159
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$159
Backcountry
Free shipping
$159
Outland USA
Free shipping
$159
Corescore
Pros
- Extremely grippy
- Amazing level of comfort
- Superb breathability
- Super-quick break-in period
- Great piece of investment
- Lightweight
Cons
- Unreliable toe zone
- Short laces
What makes it the best low?
Immensely sticky and breathable—this description befits the TX3 quite well. It can also be called an incredibly breathable hiker whose provision of plushness is accessible on day one. That being said, this La Sportiva approach shoe might not be the best tool for toeing.
Best value
La Sportiva TX Guide
Outland USA
Free shipping
$119
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$136
Backcountry
Free shipping
$169
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$179
Pros
- Excellent surface traction
- Incredibly comfy
- Versatile trail runner
- Super-snug fit
- Solid support system
- Amazing edging capabilities
Cons
- Poor climbing ability
What makes it the best value?
Banking on the TX Guide means experiencing approach hikes in a remarkably comfortable shoe. Sporting this astonishingly adaptable footgear also equates to travels where slipping can be avoided virtually all the time.
