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La Sportiva Tx5 Low Gtx
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Editor’s Conclusion
Run to the store. Jog around the neighborhood. Hike through the forest. Tackle that scramble. Cross that iron path. Do it all with the La Sportiva Tx5 Low Gtx shoe. It is an approach shoe that is ideal for technical terrains and via ferrata.
The special Mythos lacing system provides a great fit with minimal to no heel slippage. There is a rubber rand that extends around the whole shoe, providing protection to your feet and also drastically improving the grip and durability of the shoe.
This is a great addition to the TX line from La Sportiva. Keep reading to see how the Tx5 fits into your adventurous life.
The special Mythos lacing system provides a great fit with minimal to no heel slippage. There is a rubber rand that extends around the whole shoe, providing protection to your feet and also drastically improving the grip and durability of the shoe.
This is a great addition to the TX line from La Sportiva. Keep reading to see how the Tx5 fits into your adventurous life.
La Sportiva Tx5 Low Gtx Review Facts
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Unique lacing system for a great fit
EVA midsole
Integrated heel brake
All around abrasion resistant rubber rand
Great traction
Gore-Tex waterproofing system
Cons
Heavy
Takes time to put them on and adjust them
Key Features
Comfort
The La Sportiva Tx5 Low Gtx is a great choice for all-day wear. They are breathable and feature a 4mm Ortholite footbed with a shock-absorbing EVA midsole. There are built-in STB control inserts that not only provide stability but also help you to feel more comfortable and confident while wearing the shoes. If you prefer to use a different midsole, the included one is removable.
The tongue and ankle areas are constructed from a comfortable synthetic material that is not common to cause chafing or blisters. One potential downfall to the comfort of these shoes is the weight. Weighing slightly more than a pound each, they definitely are not the lightest option.
Fit
We have two things to discuss here - getting the shoes on and then the fit. Getting your foot in the shoe typically requires that you loosen the laces down to the toe box. The entry is a bit tight if you don’t loosen them fully.
Once you get your foot in, the Mythos-style lacing system allows you to really dial in the fit. The lacing starts about an inch back from the bottom of your toes and continues all the way around the uppers. This provides ideal tightness and good heel placement that doesn’t easily slip. The tongue is not exactly fixed in place but it doesn’t move around. The laces typically stay taut all day.
At the heel of the shoe, you will notice a unique heel tab. It is thin and round with a small rubber grip. Not only does this unique shape make it easier to get your foot in the shoe, but it also makes it very simple to attach these shoes to your pack with a carabiner when it comes time to change shoes.
As far as sizing, most people agree that they fit true to size. Only a handful of people recommend sizing a half size up.
Features
What I like most about this shoe is its versatility. The great fit, construction, and comfort make it a good choice for many different adventures. It is designed after a running shoe but has the ability, stability, and traction of an approach shoe.
The most noticeable feature of this shoe is the impact braking system. The multidirectional lugs and the arch of the shoe work together to absorb a good bit of the impact that your heels, feet, and joints suffer while walking, running, and climbing.
The Tx5 Low is available in four different colors. You can choose from gray, blue, green, or brown. The green and blue options are much brighter than the other two. If you want to get noticed, they are great colors.
Durability
You can count on these to last you for many years and through many mountain ranges. The Nubuck leather is treated with a waterproof Gore-Tex treatment.
You will notice the outsole extends to cover the bottom portion of the shoe, including the heel and toe cap. This 30mm abrasion-resistant rand provides great protection and wildly increases the durability of the shoe.
The eyelets of the shoe are also made from leather and have nylon reinforcements. Even if you lace them up multiple times a day, for years on end, the eyelets are not likely to rip. If you do happen to wear the outsole into the ground, you can have the shoes resoled.
Stability and Traction
Explore confidently with a strong Vibram grip and a stabilizing and slightly stiff insole. The multidirectional and different shaped lugs are ideal for hiking through multiple terrains and tackling approaches. They provide great grip when venturing uphill and make it easy to control your speed when going downhill.
The outsole is not only grippy, but it’s also coarsely textured. The texture helps to avoid getting mud and rocks stuck to the bottom of your shoe. Of course, a mid-height shoe would provide more ankle support, but it would also hold you back in some ways. Overall, both the stability and traction are great for a low-cut shoe.
The La Sportiva Tx5 Low Gtx is a great choice for all-day wear. They are breathable and feature a 4mm Ortholite footbed with a shock-absorbing EVA midsole. There are built-in STB control inserts that not only provide stability but also help you to feel more comfortable and confident while wearing the shoes. If you prefer to use a different midsole, the included one is removable.
The tongue and ankle areas are constructed from a comfortable synthetic material that is not common to cause chafing or blisters. One potential downfall to the comfort of these shoes is the weight. Weighing slightly more than a pound each, they definitely are not the lightest option.
Fit
We have two things to discuss here - getting the shoes on and then the fit. Getting your foot in the shoe typically requires that you loosen the laces down to the toe box. The entry is a bit tight if you don’t loosen them fully.
Once you get your foot in, the Mythos-style lacing system allows you to really dial in the fit. The lacing starts about an inch back from the bottom of your toes and continues all the way around the uppers. This provides ideal tightness and good heel placement that doesn’t easily slip. The tongue is not exactly fixed in place but it doesn’t move around. The laces typically stay taut all day.
At the heel of the shoe, you will notice a unique heel tab. It is thin and round with a small rubber grip. Not only does this unique shape make it easier to get your foot in the shoe, but it also makes it very simple to attach these shoes to your pack with a carabiner when it comes time to change shoes.
As far as sizing, most people agree that they fit true to size. Only a handful of people recommend sizing a half size up.
Features
What I like most about this shoe is its versatility. The great fit, construction, and comfort make it a good choice for many different adventures. It is designed after a running shoe but has the ability, stability, and traction of an approach shoe.
The most noticeable feature of this shoe is the impact braking system. The multidirectional lugs and the arch of the shoe work together to absorb a good bit of the impact that your heels, feet, and joints suffer while walking, running, and climbing.
The Tx5 Low is available in four different colors. You can choose from gray, blue, green, or brown. The green and blue options are much brighter than the other two. If you want to get noticed, they are great colors.
Durability
You can count on these to last you for many years and through many mountain ranges. The Nubuck leather is treated with a waterproof Gore-Tex treatment.
You will notice the outsole extends to cover the bottom portion of the shoe, including the heel and toe cap. This 30mm abrasion-resistant rand provides great protection and wildly increases the durability of the shoe.
The eyelets of the shoe are also made from leather and have nylon reinforcements. Even if you lace them up multiple times a day, for years on end, the eyelets are not likely to rip. If you do happen to wear the outsole into the ground, you can have the shoes resoled.
Stability and Traction
Explore confidently with a strong Vibram grip and a stabilizing and slightly stiff insole. The multidirectional and different shaped lugs are ideal for hiking through multiple terrains and tackling approaches. They provide great grip when venturing uphill and make it easy to control your speed when going downhill.
The outsole is not only grippy, but it’s also coarsely textured. The texture helps to avoid getting mud and rocks stuck to the bottom of your shoe. Of course, a mid-height shoe would provide more ankle support, but it would also hold you back in some ways. Overall, both the stability and traction are great for a low-cut shoe.
Comparison to Similar Shoes
Because La Sportiva is a leader in the industry and offers an impressive lineup of shoes, I have decided to stay on-brand with this comparison.
Starting out with the La Sportiva Tx4, this is a simpler version of the Tx5 but provides slightly more protection as a mid-height boot. They both feature a Vibram outsole and brake system, but the lug patterns are different and the Tx4 lugs are not as aggressive. Most notably, the Tx4 is not waterproof and is about 3.5 ounces (100 grams) lighter than its big brother. In terms of price, they are very similar.
The Boulder X is another popular option in La Sportiva’s lineup. They weigh almost exactly the same as the Tx5, give or take a few grams. They also boast the popular impact brake system and Mythos lacing style. However, what makes the Boulder X stand out is the extra sticky Vibram Idro-Grip outsole.
It’s a great choice for friction and technical footwork. It contours well to your foot allowing you to get a good feel for the ground and rocks beneath you. If I had to showcase one complaint about this option, it would be that it is a little too flexible.
Starting out with the La Sportiva Tx4, this is a simpler version of the Tx5 but provides slightly more protection as a mid-height boot. They both feature a Vibram outsole and brake system, but the lug patterns are different and the Tx4 lugs are not as aggressive. Most notably, the Tx4 is not waterproof and is about 3.5 ounces (100 grams) lighter than its big brother. In terms of price, they are very similar.
The Boulder X is another popular option in La Sportiva’s lineup. They weigh almost exactly the same as the Tx5, give or take a few grams. They also boast the popular impact brake system and Mythos lacing style. However, what makes the Boulder X stand out is the extra sticky Vibram Idro-Grip outsole.
It’s a great choice for friction and technical footwork. It contours well to your foot allowing you to get a good feel for the ground and rocks beneath you. If I had to showcase one complaint about this option, it would be that it is a little too flexible.
Verdict
For the avid hiker and lover of climbing, the La Sportiva Tx5 Low Gtx is a great shoe to get you from home, through the forest, through the scramble, and ready for the climb. They are slightly expensive, but they are made well, provide great comfort, and are wonderfully unique.
While it would be nice to see a lightweight version of this shoe, I think the durability would suffer. The wrap-around abrasion-resistant rand and reinforced and heel and toe bumpers are a couple of the best features. Overall, it’s a great and comfortable option that will last you a very long time.
While it would be nice to see a lightweight version of this shoe, I think the durability would suffer. The wrap-around abrasion-resistant rand and reinforced and heel and toe bumpers are a couple of the best features. Overall, it’s a great and comfortable option that will last you a very long time.
