Product · La Sportiva
La Sportiva TX5 Evo GTX Low: leather, for scree and rock
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The TX5 Evo GTX Low is a leather approach-style shoe listed for scree, rock and forest paths. Amazon gives a leather upper, a Gore-Tex lining, an Ortholite Hybrid insole, medium cushioning and a rubber sole, with a closed cap toe. In our hill path walking shoe guide, it is the toughest low shoe, suited to walkers whose paths turn rocky.
- Upper
- Leather
- Membrane
- Gore-Tex
- Outsole
- Rubber
- Cushioning (listed)
- Medium, Ortholite Hybrid
In its favour
- The listing recommends it for scree, rock and forest path, a good fit for British hill ground.
- Leather upper with a Gore-Tex lining is stated, more protective than mesh.
- An Ortholite Hybrid insole with medium cushioning is listed.
Good to know
- The listing does not name the outsole compound, so check how it grips on wet rock.
- No weight is given in the listing, so compare it with other shoes in person.
Our take
What the listing says
The surface recommendation is scree, rock and forest path. Specific uses are climbing and hiking. The toe style is a closed cap with a round shape, suggesting a protective toe area. Fit is recorded as fits.
Amazon gives no weight for this shoe and does not name the rubber used on the sole.
Leather and Ortholite
A leather upper resists abrasion from rock better than mesh. The Ortholite Hybrid insole adds cushioning. With Gore-Tex, the TX5 Evo should stay dry on wet paths.
Clean leather after rocky walks, dry slowly, and treat with a product suitable for membranes.
Medium cushioning is a sensible middle ground for a shoe of this type. It should take the edge off stony tracks without making the shoe feel vague when you place a foot carefully on a rock step, which is where approach-style shoes are meant to shine.
TX5 Evo GTX Low against the Ultra Raptor II and Cyrus 2
La Sportiva's Ultra Raptor II GTX has a mesh upper and is lighter. Choose it for smooth paths and speed. The TX5 Evo suits rocky terrain.
The Scarpa Cyrus 2 GTX is a nubuck shoe for general hill paths. The TX5 Evo is more rock-focused.
Who should choose differently
Walkers who stick to grassy or forest paths may find a lighter shoe more comfortable. Those wanting ankle coverage should look at a mid boot.
The listing omits a weight, so if low weight is a priority, check La Sportiva's own figure. Leather shoes generally weigh more than mesh shoes, and that extra weight is the price of the extra protection.
For walkers whose favourite routes include scree descents, rocky ridges and the odd easy scramble, though, the protection of a leather upper and cap toe can be worth it. The TX5 Evo sits in that space between a walking shoe and an approach shoe, and that is its main appeal.
Verdict
The TX5 Evo GTX Low suits walkers who want a leather Gore-Tex shoe for scree, rock and forest paths. For lighter, faster walking, choose the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II GTX, and for a general walking shoe, the Scarpa Cyrus 2 GTX is the alternative.
Compared with alternatives in: Best walking shoes for hill paths
Amazon listing title: LA SPORTIVA TX5 Evo GTX Carbon/Yellow Carbon/Yellow