For over a decade, my trusted hiking companions were traditional Merrells. They never let me down on well-trodden paths, though they notoriously struggled the moment the skies opened up, and the rain poured. I eventually transitioned to a pair of Gore-Tex Timberland trail shoes, which quickly became my go-to footwear for their lightweight feel and basic waterproofing. However, as my routes became more technical—moving from flat dirt trails to steep rock scrambles, scree slopes, and multi-day high-altitude treks—I realised I needed a serious, high-quality footwear upgrade. I needed a hybrid: something that could hike like a boot, grip like a climbing shoe, and trek comfortably for miles.
Enter the La Sportiva TX4 GTX Approach Shoes.
After hundreds of miles on the trail, these have proven to be the best outdoor shoes I’ve ever tested. The engineering and design behind the TX4 line are, in my opinion, some of the most impressive on the market. If you are still hiking in standard trail runners or clunky boots, find out why making the switch to a dedicated approach shoe will completely change the way you explore technical terrain, and exactly how the La Sportiva TX4 GTX ticks all the crucial boxes for durability, weather resistance, and climbing-grade grip.
2026 Update: La Sportiva has since updated this legendary shoe line. Keep reading to see how this classic generation compares to the new La Sportiva TX4 Evo version, and why I ultimately chose the Scarpa Mescalitos when it was time to retire my TX4s and upgrade my approach shoe lineup.
Field Note: This guide contains affiliate links. If you purchase gear through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend equipment I have personally mountain-tested and trust.
What are Approach Shoes?
I have used Hiking Shoes over Hiking Boots since I started hiking as a kid. Primarily because I like the ankle flexibility for fast descents and scrambling on rocks; however, this does come at the cost of support and worse water/puddle performance. I discovered Approach Shoes, which are a combination of hiking and climbing shoes. This hybrid shoe sounded perfect for my future adventures. If you enjoy scrambling or need versatile footwear for approaches or backpacking, then approach shoes could be the sweet spot shoe. The La Sportiva TX4 approach shoes were highly rated and popular amongst mountaineers and climbers for a reason. For more information about Approach Shoes, check out this detailed guide.
Introducing the La Sportiva TX4 GTX
The La Sportiva TX4 from my research seemed the ideal choice for technical approaches and Via Ferrata. It is part of the Transverse Shoe Range (TX), which has a shoe or mid-cut boot option and a Gore-Tex (GTX) version available. It is an approach shoe with a Gore-Tex liner, a Vibram MegaGrip sole and a rubber protective band. The La Sportiva TX4s are lightweight compared to the TX5 (more hiking-focused) but stiffer compared to the TX3 (more climbing-focused). The La Sportiva TX4 balance is a great hiking shoe with exceptional climbing ability.
La Sportiva TX4 GTX
TX4 GTX vs. TX4 EVO: What Should You Buy Now?
A Note on the New TX4 EVO: The outdoor equipment industry has a bad habit of re-engineering platforms that aren’t broken, and the transition from the legacy TX4 GTX to the new TX4 EVO is a textbook example. While the EVO is marketed as an eco-conscious upgrade, the structural tradeoffs are glaring in the field. La Sportiva essentially softened the chassis to cater to casual hikers, noticeably reducing the bombproof durability of the original upper and compromising the waterproofing that made the GTX so reliable in alpine muck.
If you can still find the original TX4 GTX on clearance, buy two pairs and hoard them. But once the deadstock runs out, the true successor isn’t the EVO—it is the Scarpa Mescalito Planet. Scarpa managed to retain the rigid, technical edging capabilities required for 4th-class scrambling while actually improving the underfoot shock absorption for high-mileage days, making it the most mathematically sound replacement on the market today.
Testing
I have used these shoes while trekking the Annapurna Circuit (Nepal), Dolomites Alta Via 4, hiking in the Canadian Rockies, Austria, Switzerland and Snowdonia Scrambles of North Face of Tryfan and Bristly Ridge. More recently, I used the La Sportivas in Patagonia in the challenging Torres del Paine National Park when completing the 8-day O Circuit. The La Sportiva TX4s have also gone through their passes in Zermatt before relocating to Vancouver in 2025. Over the summer, I exclusively used the TX4s for long day hikes, multi-day backpacking trips near Whistler and even to Jasper for a week of Canadian Rockies hiking. As expected, they have worked hard and been a reliable companion for grip and comfort.
I can safely say the La Sportiva TX4 GTX are the best shoes I’ve owned! The excellent level of engineering enabled me to push my limits of technical scrambles and multi-week-long treks in high-altitude terrain. The versatility and all-day comfort were key selling points, and I never got tired of how much sticky rubber grip I had on slab rocks. This made easy rock climbing and scrambling a joy where I felt safe. This was thoroughly tested when Via Ferrata climbing in the Dolomites, carrying a heavy trekking backpack, so the technical climbing performance was crucial for my safety. The Gore-Tex waterproofing was reliable, with my only complaint being that they did overheat in very hot summer conditions.
Where this gear earned its keep
I don’t review gear out of a box. Read the full destination guides and itineraries where this equipment was pushed to its limits.
Style
I love the style of the TX4s with the green leather and red details, which are casual enough for around town. There are several colour options and different ones for the women’s version- La Sportiva TX4 EVO GTX. The Leather construction adds to the durability, while a climbing lace system makes it look more aggressive than a hiking shoe. The laces allow you to adjust the tightness quickly due to the red loops. The ankle region is stiff with comfortable cushioning, which helps make up for the lower cut. The tongue does not extend far up the ankle to allow your ankle to rotate more, and is well-padded to add to the total comfort.
Climbing & Waterproofness
The rock performance and grip really elevated my Via Ferrata and Scrambling abilities thanks to the climbing zones. The La Sportiva Climbing zone features a rubber sole designed to help find a crack or ledge, which traditional hiking shoes won’t offer and smears very well. I have used them on Grade 1 scrambles in the UK as well as while abseiling, which they handled with ease. Also, the sole deals with wet rock, loose scree and mud very well, so overall, they inspire confidence underfoot. The Vibram Sole shows rounded lugs, which perform well in muddy conditions and loose gravel, so they are comparable to a top-end hiking shoe while giving climbing features.
The waterproofness has been amazing due to the Gore-Tex liner, and the Leather dries relatively quickly. So even after a downpour or storm, the TX4s are ready to battle the next weather they face. They have good breathability, but do run slightly warm in hot conditions. I am a big fan of the climbing-style laces, which give more customisation to get the right fit. I have only used the heel loop once when Trad Climbing, but it was easy to clip to the harness and light when climbing up the rock face.
Comfort, Fit & Durability
The La Sportiva TX4 are very comfy because of the wider toe box and the Ortholite Approach footbed to help absorb shocks. I have not had any blisters on 30km+ hikes or treks! The hiking comfort is the best I’ve experienced, and I’ve only had minor rubbing in hot weather. The EVA-injected midsole helps with stability and comfort, which is noticed when descending or on rock. For the fit, I ordered half a size up as my natural size was a tight fit.
After 4 years, the rubber sole has barely worn down because of the Vibram MegaGrip, and the ankle cushioning has a small worn patch. The laces offer great adjustment, but I have had to replace one snapped lace after much usage. The rubber band around the front is scuff-proof and offers great protection for the leather upper. After 5 years, I finally upgraded to the Scarpa Mescaliot Planets due to the soles starting to wear on the TX4s. See how I compare my beloved La Sportivas to the Scarpa Approach Shoes in the Mescalito Planet Gear Review.
Weight & Cost
Unfortunately, this love story has a slight caveat when it comes to weight and cost. They are considered on the bulky side compared to other approach shoes and are not the slightest in weight either. In general, I focus on lightweight gear, but this is an expectation because I barely notice the TX4s on my feet after a long day’s hike. The TX4s are stiff, which means they don’t pack down very well, a fact I noticed backpacking in Canada.
Next, there’s the cost, and they are expensive at over £180 for the La Sportiva TX4 GTX. There are cheaper approach shoes out there, like the Scarpa Mojito and the La Sportiva Boulder, to consider. The availability in the UK is limited compared to Scarpa, for example, but it is more available in Europe.
La Sportiva TX4 GTX: Key Selling Points
- Style: I love the appearance of the TX4s because they don’t look too hiking-focused, and the rubber band and laces give a nod to climbing.
- Gore-Tex Waterproofing: The TX4 have excellent waterproof performance in the heaviest of storms.
- Climbing Zone: The Grip is amazing with top smearing ability and edges very well on foot holds.
- Adjustable Lace System: They offer great adjustability for climbing and carrying heavy gear.
- Comfort: One of the main selling points is the all-day trail comfort, which makes them great for trekking.
- Bombproof Durability: After years of hiking and trekking, they have barely worn down and have many more years of use left. The rugged construction handles scrapes with rocks easily.
La Sportiva TX4 GTX: Worth Knowing
- Availability: It was difficult to buy the green colour combo I liked in the UK, so I ordered from Europe.
- Cost: At around £180, these are not cheap shoes compared to other hiking boots. However, the price is comparable to other approaches shoes on the market. The quality of the materials used justifies the costs involved. It’s an investment, but after 3 years of hard use, they have only some wear and tear so far.
- Weight & Packability: Not the lightest shoes, so if minimal weight is your priority, then other approach shoes may be better.
- Snow Performance: Unfortunately, the focus on rock and trail grip with the Vibram sole means these shoes don’t perform as well on ice or in snowy conditions.
Kit Rating
Competitor Comparison
The Approach Shoe Showdown: TX4 vs The Competition. While the TX4 GTX is a masterpiece of outdoor engineering, the approach shoe market is highly competitive. Depending on your foot shape and primary activities, it is always worth cross-shopping against other premium brands before pulling the trigger. Here is how the La Sportiva TX4 GTX stacks up against its closest rivals:
La Sportiva TX4 Evo (The Direct Successor). In recent years, La Sportiva released the TX4 Evo, replacing the classic model I reviewed here. The primary difference? The Evo is designed to be easily resoleable, massively extending the lifespan of the shoe once you wear down the sticky Vibram rubber. It also utilises more recycled materials and features a slightly tweaked tread pattern. However, the fit, wide toe box, and legendary comfort remain almost identical to the original TX4.
Scarpa Mescalito GTX When my TX4s eventually reached the end of their lifespan, I actually replaced them with the Scarpa Mescalito. Why? The Mescalito features a slightly stiffer midsole and a more pronounced climbing zone at the toe. While the TX4 feels a bit more like a comfortable sneaker on long, flat approaches, the Scarpa Mescalito shines brighter on sheer rock faces, technical scrambles, and Via Ferratas where edging and foot support are paramount. The Scarpas are marginally heavier, but the rock-solid stability underfoot makes them a brilliant alternative if your hikes involve more climbing than walking.
Arc’teryx Konseal FL 2 GTX. If you prefer a fast-and-light philosophy, the Arc’teryx Konseal FL 2 is a stunning, minimalist alternative. The Konseal is noticeably sleeker and lighter than the bulky, protective TX4. It features a much narrower, precision fit that hugs the foot like a sock. While the Arc’teryx shoe feels incredibly nimble and looks exceptionally modern, it lacks the heavy-duty leather armour and wide-foot comfort of the La Sportiva. Choose the Konseal for fast day hikes, but stick to the TX4 for heavy loads and brutal rock fields.
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX (The Trail Hiking Alternative). It is worth mentioning the Salomon X Ultra 4 because it is one of the most popular hiking shoes on the planet. Unlike the TX4, the Salomon is not an approach shoe—it is a dedicated trail hiker. The Salomon offers deeper, more aggressive lugs for gripping mud and loose dirt, whereas the TX4 uses shallower, stickier rubber designed for maximising surface contact on bare rock. If you hike mostly in muddy forests, the Salomon wins. If your weekends involve scrambling up granite in the Coast Mountains or tackling alpine ridges, the TX4’s climbing DNA makes it the clear victor.
Final Thoughts
There is a very specific reason I confidently call the La Sportiva TX4 GTX the best-engineered shoes in my gear closet: they offer a perfectly balanced combination of features that creates the ideal technical hiking shoe. From the sticky Vibram Megagrip outsoles to the precise Mythos-inspired lacing system, every detail has been purposefully built to inspire confidence in the mountains.
There has not been a single day on a wet, slippery scramble or a long, arduous trek that I have regretted buying the La Sportiva TX4 GTX approach shoes. In fact, their performance has been so consistently excellent that I have seriously considered buying the Mid-cut Boot version (the TX4 Mid GTX) for wet winter hiking and heavy backpacking trips just to extend the life of my current low-tops.
Overall, the TX4s offer amazing stability, uncompromising weather protection, and incredible grip on the most rugged and technical terrain you can find. Whether you are tackling a steep Via Ferrata in the Dolomites or navigating root-heavy, slick coastal trails, I couldn’t recommend them enough.
What is your favourite hiking, scrambling, or climbing footwear right now? Have you made the switch to approach shoes, or do you still prefer traditional trail runners? It would be great to hear your thoughts, experiences, and recommendations in the comments below!
FAQs
Are La Sportiva TX4s good for long-distance hiking?
Yes. While officially classified as an approach shoe for climbers, the TX4 features an injected EVA midsole that provides sufficient shock absorption for high-mileage days. The rigid STB control system also offers the structural support required when carrying a heavy multi-day backpack, making it an excellent hybrid for technical trekking.
Do La Sportiva TX4 shoes run true to size?
Unlike many La Sportiva climbing and approach shoes, which run notoriously narrow (like the Boulder X), the TX4 is built on a wider last with a generous toe box. This was a key selling point for me, and they are true to size for hiking and trekking. If you want precision for 4th-class scrambling, size down by a half size.
Is the La Sportiva TX4 GTX fully waterproof?
Yes. The “GTX” designation means this version features a Gore-Tex Extended Comfort lining. Combined with the 1.5mm suede leather upper and the protective 1.5mm PU TechLite rand, the shoe easily handles shallow stream crossings and wet alpine snowfields without wetting out.
Interesting timing! The TX4s have tragically been discontinued, replaced with the TX4 Evo.. a rather different shoe. The new model has a much stiffer sole which seems to be to make them more durable and easier to resole, but means they feel and climb completely different. Time to stock up!
Hi Johannes, thanks for the comment! Very interesting, I love the TX4s and the climbing ability so hearing the TX4 Evo are stiffer is a fair difference. Would you say they are more hiking focused and all round? Yes I will keep an eye out to compare the generations.
Did you ever get a chance to try the TX4 EVO and compare them to the original TX4?
Hi Ben, I tried the TX4 EVO on in a shop and I wasn’t as convinced. Even though the grip was better for mud and hiking, I preferred the leather and gore-tex on the TX4s. I did a lot of research into my replacement approach shoes and saw a lot of mixed reviews on the TX4 EVO especially about the durability. In the end, I picked up the Scarpa Mescalito Planets which are amazing for more summer adventures where waterproofing isn’t needed!
Do you own the original TX4s?
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