If you're looking for a comfortable and light hiking mid for fast mountain missions and occasional scrambling, then you need to get the TX4 Mid GTX from La Sportiva on your list.
Weighing in at 440g in a size 42, the TX4 Mid sits in La Sportiva's approach range as an option for those seeking a climbing-oriented mountain shoe with ankle protection. The padded high cut collar not only ensures grit and gravel stay on the trail and on the outside, it also offers reassurance and protection for those prone to wince-inducing accidental ankle rolls.
The approach-come-climbing DNA of this mid is obvious from the start. The asymmetric lacing system has been taken from La Sportiva's iconic Mythos rock climbing boot and offers a snug and precise fit all day long. We also really appreciated the clever loop on the rear which means you can clip these boots to your harness and also makes pulling them on and off so much easier.
Immediately comfortable out of the box, the TX4 Mid feels so light and easy to wear that you'd even be happy to take these to the pub at the end of an epic day on the hill. Fit is on the smaller end of the spectrum so you may need to size up but once you've got the right fit, you're good to go.
Out on the trail, the TX4 Mid GTX offers a genuinely superb ride. Comfortable, light, responsive and reassuring, it adapts to the terrain with ease offering a stable yet flexible underfoot ride. The key to this is La Sportiva's STB Control System which offers stability on the inside of the boot for tricky traverses and wraps around the foot for an all-round precision fit.
The TX4 Mid GTX may feel feathery on your foot but it's capable of heftily impressive grip on the hill. If you've got your eye on a Via Ferrata in the Dolomites or some classic UK scrambles, then the TX4 Mid GTX is a belting boot. The 'climbing' zone at the front of the Vibram MegaGrip Sole and Impact Brake System at the rear of the boot combine perfectly to provide sticky grip and traction when you need it.
If you encounter the occasional Alpine downpour, stream crossing or long grass wet with early morning dew then you can be assured of dry feet thanks to the GORE-TEX waterproof membrane. The flip side of this of course is that the boot becomes a little less breathable on long hot days on the hill but we'd opt for warm feet over soaking wet feet any day of the week.
At £165, the TX4 Mid GTX may seem like a solid investment for a lightweight approach mid but it's versatility and technical features are worthy of the price tag. A really great option for fast and light summer adventures in the mountains!
