La Sportiva TXS GTX
About a year ago, I did write about the La Sportiva TX4 Mid GTX hiking boot - a great boot with one flaw (for me): the sole was not grippy enough.
Last year, La Sportiva released a new boot in the same line-up… the La Sportiva TXS GTX. For 2021 this should be my main hiking boot for the snowy or more difficult terrain. And to come to an early conclusion: I love the boot for almost everything except glacier and high mountain (for which the boot is not intended after all).
To see the full specs of the boot, please visit La Sportiva’s product page. The boot comes at 509gr (measured) per boot. For the versatility, a great weight - fully waterproof (Gore-Tex membrane) and a Vibram sole that has excellent grip. The boot is also very capable in the spring, crossing extensive snowfields. For general hiking, the boot is very responsive, quite light on the foot, and allows for some precise foot placement.
The lacing system is basic but does the job. The lower lacing might profit from less friction (allowing for easier close-fitting) but after some break-in works reasonably well. The shoe is very waterproof (no complaints so far) but requires quite a bit of time (and warmth) to dry after some sweaty summer hikes. Compared to other shoes, the comfort is quite good and your feet will not heat up as fast as in other GTX boots (but will still start to sweat at some point).
The improved sole
The Vibram sole provides excellent traction in all conditions: from mud, to rock and snow
I personally sometimes struggle with the La Sportiva fit - it seems their heel pocket is not large enough for my foot (I’m more accustomed to the Scarpa last). After some hiking and always using a tight lacing, the shoe does work very well with my foot.
As for the sizing, they seem to be using the same as other La Sportiva shoes. A 44.5 does fit my foot very well (I usually wear a 43 or 43.5 in business shoes).
Final Conclusion
A very capable hiking boot that does work best for scrambling and demanding hikes (e.g. T4 type of trails in the Alps). Very grippy sole and still lightweight - currently my go-to hiking boot.