La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX Boots Review

I normally find hiking boots clunky, and kind of boring; which is why I have to emphasize that the La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX are not hiking boots. At least not conventional hiking boots. No, they’re like a high-performance SUV, combining the rugged durability of a hiking boot with the speed and versatility of a running shoe. The Hike Mid GTX grabs and hops rocks almost like a climbing shoe, runs through creeks without getting your feet wet, and digs into snow and mud like a pair of heavy cleats.

For moving hard and fast over crazy terrain like a berserker on a hunt, there are few foot-coverings better than La Sportiva’s Hike Mid GTX.

TX Hike Mid GTX Specs

Let’s start with the outer shell. The Hike Mid GTX has seamless uppers with welded TPU overlays. There’s also air mesh on the uppers which makes these more like running shoes than standard boots, dialing up durability while also ensuring breathability. Of course it’s all made bomb-proof by the GORE-TEX linings which deliver next-level waterproofness and breathability. And it’s molded into a wide comfort-fit TX last for extra room for people like me with big paddles for feet.

Next are the soles. EVA midsoles are made with 15% recycled materials. But the outsoles are where the Hike Mid GTX really shines through; they have Vibram Ecostep EVO outsoles with beefy 5mm lugs and their innovative Impact Brake System. What this Brake System does is absorb negative ground impact to improve grip downhill. Basically think of this like having a pair shocks that make it easier for your knees on the descent back to the trailhead but also keep you from slipping down your path.

There’s even a microfiber heel stabilizer and a 3D flex ankle that keeps your foot solid and strong throughout the trek, backward and forward, side to side. All these make the Hike Mid GTX more than just another hiking boot; a weight of slightly more than 2 pounds puts this “boot” into a category all its own.

Performance

The first time I took out the La Sportiva TX Hike GTX Boots wasn’t on a hike; not a climb or run. I wore these at a country show and then swing dancing at the legendary Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Hiking boots can be clunky for apres fun; not the Hike Mid GTX.

A couple days later I hiked Mt. Glory on mostly a snowy bootpack. It dug in as well as my heavy snowboard boots but moved much easier over the grass. Then they clung to the rock freakishly well despite the rubber being wet.

I’ve worn these at work after a pre-work hike through creeks and snow and mud. I felt comfortable all day. They also took care of me through the hikes, obviously.

Literally every use of these showed that Hike Mid GTX boots are made for that legit active mountain life, in all the ways.

La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX Boots Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Combines rugged durability with speed and versatility
• Breathable seamless uppers for running shoe feel
• Vibram outsoles with Impact Brake System

Cons:

• May not be suitable for traditional hiking
• Heavier than some other hiking boot options

Overall Impression

La Sportiva Hike Mid GTX: A Performance Vehicle for your Feet

Yeah, like I said, these aren’t hiking boots. These are boots for that mountain life, in any and all conditions. Snow. Mountains. Trails. Creeks. Dance floors. The Hike Mid GTX eats it up.

There are few boots that excel traveling light and fast as well as steep and deep. I’ve rocked the Hike Mid GTX in every way, from muddy hiking to bootpacking to swinging the girl around to “Dixieland Delight.” Excelled from dance floor to mountain peak.

The La Sportiva Hike Mid GTX Boot ($179.00) is a performance SUV the likes of which your feet could only dream of. So make your dreams come true.

Related Hiking Boots

1. Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boot
2. LaCrosse Ursa MS Hiking Boots
3. Asolo GV Hiking Boots