La Sportiva’s TX Hike Mid GTX get top marks for comfort and weight, without sacrificing on support and waterproofing. Photo: Rebecca Parsons
Finding hiking boots that fit well is like finding a good pair of jeans. It can take a while to find a pair that are comfortable and conform to your foot, but once you do, they’ll be a staple in your wardrobe for years to come.
For years, I hated hiking boots. In my mind (and experience), hiking boots were the classic leather boots that took months to break in and blistered your feet in the process. I opted for trail running shoes for all my day hikes and the majority of my backpacking trips. But after one-too-many excursions that ended with aching or wet feet I’ve seen the light, and luckily, the hiking boots of today are a far cry from the stiff leather things we used to endure.
We recently ran a review on the best hiking boots for women, and I was in charge of spearheading the review, sorting through and testing the best hiking boots on the market. Among the options tested, the La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX was my favorite for its insane comfort, low weight and versatility, so we figured it was worth giving it a solo review.
The Nuts & Bolts
Weighing in at 1 lb. 12.4 oz., the La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX are waterproof boots that sport a recycled air mesh and a no-sew upper. Created with the environment in mind, the boots feature Vibram Ecostep EVO outsoles and 5 mm lugs that are made with 30% recycled content, EVA midsoles made with 15% recycled materials, and mesh, nylon webbing, and laces made from recycled materials.
Additional features include air-mesh uppers, waterproof bluesign approved GORE-TEX linings, a lacing harness design inspired by mountaineering boots, an Impact Brake system on the outsoles, welded TPU overlays on the uppers, a microfiber heel stabilizer, and a 3D flex ankle system.
Getting after it on the trails of Oahu. Photo: Rebecca Parsons
First Impressions
| Pros | Cons |
| Minimal break-in period | Wide design could be an issue for narrow feet |
| Made from recycled materials | Only one color option |
| Outsoles feature Impact Break System |
My first impression of these boots was that they are comfortable. I’m always nervous when breaking in a new pair of boots, but on my first hike in Southern California I had no issues. They were a little on the stiff side but had a very minimal break-in period and felt pretty good out of the gates. If you plan on doing a multi-day backpacking trip, I’d recommend spending some time in the boots before setting off. But, if you’re doing a moderate day hike, you should be good to go from the get-go.
I spend a lot of time trail running and hiking and in order to test these boots out, I took them on multiple hikes in Southern California and Hawaii. Where the terrain in California was dry and rocky, it was wet and muddy when I hit the trails in Hawaii, so I had the chance to put the waterproofing to the test. In reading reviews of these hiking boots online I saw some complaints about the waterproofing, but it was a non-issue for me. The TX Hike Mid GTX boots kept my feet dry in muddy conditions as well and through stream crossings. They are a boot I’d feel comfortable relying on for a multi-day backpacking trip despite being billed as a day hiker, providing plenty of support for both my feet and ankles, loaded pack or no.
Oahu’s vertical terrain makes a great testing ground for hiking boots. Photo: Rebecca Parsons
In Hawaii, a lot of the hikes turn into scrambles through mud and across rocks. As such, you need a pair of boots with reliable traction. The grippy Vibram Ecostep EVO outsoles provided plenty of traction on both wet and dry surfaces, and the Impact Brake System aided in supporting speed on technical downhill sections. Inspired by trail running shoes, the air mesh on the uppers is lightweight and breathable, which is a huge plus for someone like me who frequently treks in warm and humid conditions.
The GTX hiking boots sport a wide fit for added comfort. As someone who has narrow feet, this was a feature that I was initially concerned about. However, it proved to be a non-issue and I felt these boots fit true to size.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the market for a comfortable, affordable, and reliable hiking boot, the La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX hiking boots are a great pick. The boots are waterproof yet breathable and are made with recycled materials. They provide reliable traction and I’m a big fan of the minimal break-in required. All in all, a solid boot for day hikes, thru hikes, and everything in between.
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Editor’s Note: For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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