The shoes come with a solid heel cup and decent protection both front and rear... Image: Steve Sayers

Overkill on easy and maintained trails—for this type of terrain, we recommend going with a lighter and more flexible design. Among its large range of outdoor kit, La Sportiva produces technical mountaineering and hiking boots, and a little of that expertise is immediately apparent in the TX Hike GTX. First impressions The boot-like performance I mentioned earlier? That extends to the capabilities of the Vibram outsole, which kept me upright in all manner of conditions, including muddy situations. There’s also a levelled off section at the front that’s helpful for scrambling. The lacing system helps you get a comfortable fit. Image: Steve Sayers. Will they fit me? Overall Impression TX Hike Mid GTX Specs Ryan Ariano High Atop the Tetons Wearing La Sportiva TX Mid GTX Boots | Photo Mountain Weekly News

A lightweight and comfortable mountaineering boot for hillwalking, via ferrata and approach routes - the La Sportiva TX4 Mid GTX! The fit of the La Sportiva TX5 Low GTX is slightly small and therefore a half size up to a size bigger is recommended. The shoes are suitable for normal feet. The ladies version is built on a ladies last that is narrower at the heel. Construction

Gore-Tex Extended Comfort lining nicely protects against moisture while remaining decently breathable (for a waterproof boot, that is). The La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX boots are waterproof/breathable mids with a Gore-tex Extended Comfort membrane and mesh uppers which is very porous to help with breathability. There are many grades of Gore-tex, some more breathable than others, but this Extended Comfort membrane is one of the best performing and designed specifically for use in performance footwear. Vibram outsole with a classic lug pattern THERMAREST & MSR: Sale! 30% Off all MSR Tents and Thermarest Sleeping Bags including the award-winning Parsec 0!The La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX boots are true to size although they have a noticeably wide and high volume toe box so you toes have plenty of room to splay out and relax. There’s isn’t a separate wide model size in this boot; its just how they’re normally sized. In addition to added width, the toe box is noticeably high, so the tops of your toes don’t rub against the inside. I’m experiencing this problem with another pair of boots I own, so this added toe box height provides a welcome relief. The soft padding of the tongue and around the ankles is very comfortable. The round heel and the semicircular shape of the forefoot make the La Sportivas extremely comfortable to walk on. The cushioning of the heel and forefoot is excellent. The removable foam insole also dampens. The insole is made of a nice soft foam.