Product · La Sportiva
La Sportiva TX4 Evo GTX: suede, for rock and wet slabs
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The TX4 Evo GTX is the shoe in La Sportiva's approach range for people who walk in to the crag through rain, bog and wet grass rather than along a dry desert path. Amazon lists it as a men's approach shoe with a suede outer, a Gore-Tex lining and a mid-top height. That combination of a scrambling-style shoe with a waterproof membrane is what sets it apart from most of the shoes it sits beside in our approach shoe guide.
- Upper
- Suede
- Outsole
- Rubber
- Membrane
- Gore-Tex
- Listed use
- Rock, gravel, wet slabs
In its favour
- The listing names rock, gravel and wet slabs as recommended surfaces, which is the British scramble mix.
- Gore-Tex lining is stated, useful on wet approaches and damp grass to the crag.
- Suede upper is listed, tougher against rock abrasion than a mesh shoe.
Good to know
- A Gore-Tex lining makes it warmer and slower to dry in summer than a non-membrane shoe.
- The listing does not name the outsole compound, so check La Sportiva's details.
Our take
What the listing says it is for
The surface recommendation on the listing reads rock, gravel and wet slabs, and the sport type is given as mountaineering with climbing as the specific use. In plain terms, this is a shoe designed for the walk to a route, the scramble up easy rock and the descent back down, rather than for long flat miles on a canal towpath.
Water resistance is listed as waterproof, with Gore-Tex named as both the special feature and the lining. Cushioning is described as moderate. The listing does not name the rubber compound of the outsole, only that the sole is rubber, so anyone choosing purely on sticky rubber will want to look up La Sportiva's own technical sheet.
Suede, membrane and a mid-top height
Suede is a sensible outer for this kind of shoe. It shrugs off rough granite and gritstone better than open mesh and it can be treated with a wax or proofing spray to keep it shedding water for longer. The membrane underneath is the real waterproof layer, though, so the suede mainly protects and supports.
The shoe height map on Amazon says mid top. That gives a little more coverage around the ankle bone than a classic low approach shoe, useful when kicking steps in wet scree. It is not a substitute for a proper walking boot on a heavy multi-day load.
TX4 Evo GTX against the Crux and the Boulder X
The Scarpa Crux is the obvious contrast. Its listing is honest that it is not water resistant, and it uses suede with polyester mesh plus a Vibram Megagrip sole at a listed 358 g. On a dry summer day in the Lakes the Crux will breathe and dry faster. On a damp October walk into Glencoe the TX4 Evo GTX makes more sense.
The La Sportiva Boulder X is the other neighbour, with a rubber-wrapped synthetic upper and speed laces, again with no waterproofing stated. It is closer to a tough scrambling trainer. The TX4 Evo GTX is the one to choose if wet feet are the problem you most want to solve.
Who might want something else
A membrane traps heat. If most of your scrambling happens in high summer or abroad in the Alps, a non-membrane shoe will feel cooler and dries far quicker once water does get in over the collar. People wanting a stated weight should note that the listing does not give one.
Verdict
Choose the TX4 Evo GTX if you scramble in Britain through the shoulder seasons and want a waterproof approach shoe with a suede outer and a mid-top cut. If you mainly climb in dry weather, the Scarpa Crux will be lighter and airier, and the Boulder X suits people who want a tougher wrapped upper without a membrane.
Compared with alternatives in: Best approach shoes for scrambling
Amazon listing title: LA SPORTIVA TX4 Evo GTX - Men's Approach Shoe - Carbon/Bamboo