Despite a very reasonable weight, the La Sportiva TX5 Low’s are burly and relatively stiff as hiking shoes go. That’s partly thanks to the nubuck uppers – a feature that adds to the feeling of quality as well as improving durability. They’re also the most waterproof of the shoes I tested, although the least breathable. I think they would feel stuffy in hot weather.

Alex Roddie’s Best in Test

Overall I found this shoe great for a wide variety of mountain applications – with a slight bias towards steep and rocky stuff.
Pros
  • Excellent sole
  • Precise Lacing
  • Durable Uppers
  • Great for scrambling
Cons
  • A little stiff for longer hikes
  • Heavier than other options
Quick specs
Price: £179.99
Weight: 500g (UK 11)
Materials: nubuck uppers, rubber rand and toecap
Features: abrasion resistant, stabilizing footbed and insole in shock-absorbing injected EVA, Mythos-Style lacing system, Vibram Megagrip outsole
Waterproof: Gore-Tex
Sizes: men: EU 37-47.5, UK 4.5-13.5; women: EU 36-42, UK 3.5-9.5
lasportiva.com

Contributing to the overall stiffness is the reassuringly solid sole unit. If you’re looking for boot-like stability in a shoe, this is the shoe to go for. The soles have deep, widely spaced lugs that grip superbly on a wide range of surfaces from mud to scree, but I found them particularly good for scrambling thanks to a positive edge (and the stiffness also helps them to perform on small holds). A high, stiff rubber rand helps protect the uppers.

The La Sportiva TX5 Low’s are a relatively snug fit contributes to the high level of scrambling performance, although they aren’t too narrow across the forefoot. The stiffness can be an acquired taste for long hikes, though. If you prefer softer, more flexible footwear then these might not be for you.

The lacing system looks complex, looping around the ankle, but offers the chance for a very precise fit. Overall I found this shoe great for a wide variety of mountain applications – with a slight bias towards steep and rocky stuff. They wouldn’t be my first choice for fast-paced or long-distance adventures due to their weight and stiffness, though.

Written and tested by Alex Roddie

Alex tested this hiking shoe on a series of day hikes and overnight backpacking trips in the Cairngorms and West Highlands. All weights are as measured on Alex’s digital scale (size UK 11).