【Hiking Boots Recommendation & Review】La Sportiva TX5 GTX (Traverse X5 GTX)

Hello, this is Kensho.

In this post, I will introduce the La Sportiva TX5 GTX as a hiking boot.

Conclusion: Highly Recommended (Personally, I Strongly Recommend It)

Now, let me share my impressions based on actual usage and photos. I hope this helps those considering purchasing it.

• 2022 Model
• Color: Dark brown (Nubuck leather section)
• Men’s Size: 42

Features and Technologies

1. Gore-Tex® Technology

The TX5 GTX is equipped with a Gore-Tex® liner, providing excellent waterproofing and breathability. This technology ensures that your feet stay dry even in rain or snow while preventing excessive sweating during prolonged activities. This allows for long hikes or treks without worrying about the weather.

2. Nubuck Leather Upper

The upper is made of high-quality Nubuck leather, which combines durability and comfort. The leather is soft and adapts to the foot quickly, minimizing discomfort and pain. Additionally, it has excellent abrasion resistance, making it resistant to scratches in rocky mountain areas and forest trails.

3. Traverse X Sole

La Sportiva’s proprietary Traverse X sole offers superior grip and improves stability on unstable and slippery surfaces. This sole prevents lateral slipping during ascents and traverses. Moreover, the design prevents mud and dirt from clogging, ensuring optimal performance at all times.

Review

I use this boot primarily for low-altitude mountains from spring to winter and for high-altitude mountains in summer, excluding snowy mountains.

Weight: The TX5 GTX weighs about 560 grams per shoe (size 42), which is relatively light, making it less tiring for long use.

Fit and Weight: When I put my foot in, I immediately feel a good fit and lightweight design.

Design and Comfort

• High-cut model, providing excellent ankle support and a sense of security.
• Laces: Black with a yellow accent, slightly thin.
• Upper Material: Nubuck leather enhances the overall fit.
• Foot Width: La Sportiva shoes are generally known to be narrow, but the TX5 falls on the wider side.
• Personal Fit: My feet are wide and have a bunion-type shape, but the TX5 gradually adapted to my feet, ultimately providing a stress-free fit with almost no gaps.
• Lining: The Gore-Tex lining ensures that my feet stay dry, eliminating concerns about water penetration.

Winter Use Considerations

• While light crampons can be attached, prolonged exposure of the upper to snow makes my feet feel cold.
• Although it keeps feet dry, it is not recommended for deep snow trekking due to the lack of insulation against cold temperatures.

Side and Sole Protection

• Side View: The side is covered with a thin layer of rubber, providing moderate protection.
• Toe Protection: The front rubber is thicker, offering stronger protection.
• Ankle Hooks: Made of resin, which might be slightly less durable, but likely designed for weight reduction. The hooks have a retaining lip, preventing laces from slipping out.
• 3D Flex System: This feature provides ankle hold while maintaining necessary flexibility.
• Rear Handle: A loop at the back helps in easily pulling the shoe on.

Sole and Grip Performance

• Vibram Sole with Mega Grip: Offers excellent traction on rocky surfaces.
• Steep Slopes: While it grips well, loose gravel on steep slopes may still cause slipping. In such cases, adopting a short-stride “penguin walk” helps improve stability.

Flexibility and Long-Hour Comfort

• When pressing the toe against a surface, the TX5 bends easily, indicating its soft flexibility.
• For comparison, I tested it against the stiffer La Sportiva Trango Alp.
• Long Trekking Comfort: On long treks (over 12 hours per day), I sometimes feel foot pain in the later hours due to the soft sole.
  • Example 1: Hakuba Mountain via Hakuba Oike Route (1 Night, 2 Days)
    • On the ascent, the lightweight design felt refreshing.
    • On the descent, my soles started hurting gradually.
  • Example 2: Mt. Kasagatake (Ascend via Kasa Shindo, Descend via Kagami-daira, 1 Night, 2 Days)
    • During the rocky stair section near the ridgeline, my feet started to ache.

Suitability

• For trails with long rocky stair sections, a stiffer sole may be preferable.
• However, for well-maintained low-altitude trails, the TX5 offers a pleasant and comfortable hike.
• Recommendation: A great option for those alternating between rigid and flexible soles based on the terrain.

Conclusion: Highly Recommended (Personally, I Strongly Recommend It)

Key Insight: “Finding boots that fit your feet enhances hiking comfort.”

I hope you find the perfect hiking boots to make your adventures enjoyable!

See you next time!