Verdict from 14 experts and 100+ user reviews
11 reasons to buy
- A large number of owners were truly impressed with this high-cut boot’s ankle support.
- According to many users, the La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX oozes with comfort straight out of the box. One of them didn’t even feel the usual pain caused by her bunions while wearing her pair.
- This boot is laudable for its traction, based on a handful of reviews.
- Quite a number of owners were beyond words about the Trango TRK GTX’s satisfactory lightweight build.
- Concerning fit, it’s a praiseworthy boot according to many La Sportiva loyalists.
- Professional gear critics applauded the Trango TRK GTX’s fantastic breathability.
- A handful of wearers admired this over-the-ankle boot for its roomy toe box.
- An expert and a consumer commended the Trango TRK GTX for being a vegan-friendly boot. Vegan footwear is made of 100% synthetic materials without the use of animal products.
- A couple of reviewers just had to commend the La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX for its minimal break-in time.
- According to an expert reviewer, this boot is a versatile piece of backpacking footwear. In it, he took on muddy, snowy and rocky terrain with relative ease.
- Its price is surprisingly lower compared with other boots of this type, as remarked by one expert.
3 reasons not to buy
- An expert and a handful of owners were quite disappointed with the boot’s underperformance against water.
- A couple of reviewers ranted about the La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX’s questionable durability. One of them, an expert, was appalled by the laminated overlay for breaking down after just a season of use.
- A couple of wearers had allergic reactions while wearing the Trango TRK GTX. One of them had a burning sensation on the ball of her foot.
Bottom line
An extremely supportive, high-cut, backpacking boot that provides amazing comfort, huge amounts of traction, and a glove-like fit is the La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX. It is a lightweight and breathable piece of backpacking footwear that oozes with versatility and requires a minimal break-in period. The Trango TRK GTX is also a worthwhile purchase. There were, however, a handful of people who came away dissatisfied with its waterproofing features. Some didn’t like the boot’s flimsy laminated covering, and a few walked out on its allergy-causing interior.
Tip: see the best hiking boots.
Good to know
- The La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX is a feature-rich, high-cut boot created specifically for the serious backpacker. This backpacking footwear is made lightweight, thanks mainly to its abrasion-resistant polyester upper. Its waterproofness is made possible by Gore-Tex. The lacing system, which features speed hooks, gives wearers a personalized fit.
- The ankle collar and AirMesh tongue have enough padding to provide ample comfort. The Achilles notch on the back of the ankle cuff promotes better mobility.
- Stability and comfort upon ground contact are provided by the boot’s MeMlex EVA midsole. Its prominent arch zone produces a springlike action during midfoot-to-forefoot transitions. The Vibram Mulaz outsole, with its aggressive lugs, promises grip and stopping power on challenging terrain.
La Sportiva’s Trango TRK GTX is a backpacking boot for men and women. Women's feet are accommodated as the designers used a female-specific last in the construction of the Trango TRK GTX. Its custom fit is provided by the closure system which features reinforced laces and speed hooks.
With Vibram Mulaz for an outsole, the La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX can bite into most surfaces, firmly holding its ground. The Mulaz is a single-piece rubber outsole made of Vibram’s Mont compound which is characterized by lightness and durability. It has engineered lugs strategically outlining its borders to provide traction, especially during ascents and descents. The space between the lugs also sheds debris and mud.
The outsole’s forefoot area has a textured surface called Climbing Zone. This area is specifically designed to provide grip on rocky terrain. The outsole also slightly extends to the upper’s toe box, further reinforcing this area of the boot.
The lightweight dual-density MeMlex midsole is La Sportiva’s answer to the cushioning and stability demands of the backpacking world. This proprietary midsole is a durable yet flexible piece of rubber made of EVA—a type of material that’s tough on rough terrain but cushy on the wearer’s foot.
Further comfort and extra underfoot cushioning are provided by the 6mm footbed that comes default with the boot. This removable insole is made of polypropylene plastic (PP), making it elastic, tough and fatigue-resistant, all at the same time. Its cupped heel adds support while perforation in its forefoot zone contributes to the overall breathability of the Trango TRK GTX.
The designers also made the midsole thinner towards the forefoot area to give the boot a toe rocker. This toe rocker improves locomotion by aiding the wearer during toe-offs.
The La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX is a lightweight yet durable backpacking boot due mainly to its abrasion-resistant polyester mesh upper. There’s a TPU Thermo Tech Application overlay that further reinforces the footwear’s upper and adds to its durability. The ankle cuff and breathable AirMesh tongue are padded for extra cushioning. There’s also a 3D flex hinge around the ankle area that provides lateral stability when navigating complex terrain.
The boot is lined with a Gore-Tex membrane. It is waterproof and breathable to keep the wearer’s feet dry and sweat free.
Secure lockdown and personalized fit are achieved through the Trango TRK GTX’s traditional lacing system. This closure system smoothens the lacing up experience, thanks to its synthetic hook eyelets, speed hooks, and sturdy laces.
There’s also a rubber rand reinforcement at the front of the boot, which protects the wearer’s toes when accidentally hitting rocks or roots. The same protective rubber is present around the base of the heel for abrasion resistance.
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