La Sportiva Boulder X vs La Sportiva TX Guide

When thought of as a hiking or trekking shoe this category wouldn’t matter that much, but as an approach shoe we must consider how pack-able the shoes are when it’s time to don more technical rock climbing shoes and in this case these shoes are quite heavy and bulky. While that extra weight equals more support and durability there is a definite trade off if you need to clip these to the back of your harness or stuff them into a small climbing pack.

The Guide Tennie has a devoted following among climbers and does shave off about an ounce per pair, but the TX4 is more comfortable, hikes better, and gets the edge from us as our favorite leather approach shoe. Leather approach shoes like the TX4 and Guide Tennie are at the top of the pack in terms of durability and fit, but the synthetic Arc’teryx Konseal FL 2 isn’t far behind. At 1 pound 3.6 ounces, the Konseal FL shaves weight with a ripstop mesh upper and streamlined, climbing-focused build, making it even more capable on technical rock than the TX4

Comfort is most important. Comfortable boots will let you enjoy your hikes and get you out there more often. Try on several brands, styles, and models. As for brands, I would recommend LA Sportiva, Merrell, Keen, Salomon, Vasque, and Asolo

I acquired these shoes about a month ago and they are exceeding my expectations of comfort. I have been walking around in hiking boots as my approach shoes and while they are very supportive, they aren't really the most fun for my feet. When I bought the TX Guides my feet thanked me. I could hike with out my feet fatiguing

So really nice lacing system with the Boulder X, moving down to the middle of the shoe we've got a board lasted construction, so that gives the shoe a...

The La Sportiva TX Guide is made from an Ultra-weave Jacquard, sewn with TPU PU-Tech-lite Heel & Toe Caps. In English, a synthetic top reinforced with thermal plastic urethane. This gives the shoes much superior breathability compared to other approach shoes. I personally found they got much less stinky over a summer of use, a common problem many climbers can relate to

While we love Sportive products in general these shoes run small and we waited too long to return this pair. So we had to modify the back with a slice down the heel section.

Amazing shoes, wrong size, so I sent them back to get more. Very impressed by the construction and the details. I look forward to the next pair!

Size UP 1/2 to 1 full size!!!! I’m using as an approach/ canyon shoe. I Wear a 11.5, ended up with a 12.5

If a wide version of this shoe comes out I would be very interested. Please, La Sportiva, consider wide version so I can go down a size or two. Please!