La Sportiva TX Guide — Initial Impressions
A crossover between a trail runner and an approach shoe, I lusted over La Sportiva’s TX Guides for months. But the initial reviews I read were mixed—some said the sizing was funky, while others just raved about them. Eventually, curiosity got the better of me and I got a pair. After two months of lapping the Blue Hill Slab and some climbing sessions at Quincy Quarries, it was a great decision, as Sportiva’s latest approach shoe is perfect for the slabby terrain that I frequent. Here are my initial impressions:
The fit is snug. Even though I ordered a half size above my normal approach shoe size, they were still narrow and very tight out of the box. While the shoe does break in a little and the fit now isn’t quite as tight, if you normally wear a wider shoe, these probably aren’t the kicks for you. Fiddling with the too-the-toe lacing helps the fit, but it only does so much.
The climbing zone is different. For those that primarily climb with their big toe, the shoe will take a little getting used to, as the foot box tapers more towards the second toe than the big toe. As well, the big toe has way more cushion underneath it than you’d expect for an approach shoe, something that discourages big-toe focused edging.
They climb superbly for a running shoe. While the TX Guide feels like a narrow, tight running shoe, I was surprised at how precise the climbing felt. As compared to other shoes I’ve worn for running-scrambling workouts (La Sportiva Wildcats and the 5.10 Access to name two), the climbing is so much less sloppy, with improved rigidity and ability to edge and smear. The climbing ability doesn’t match the fabled La Sportiva Ganda—frankly, no approach shoe compares—but it’s still pretty good, especially on easy terrain.
They run well for an approach shoe. Sure they don’t run as well as a running shoe, but the TX Guides run extremely well for an approach shoe. The cushioned EVA midsole is impressive!
The laces could be a little longer. This is my biggest complaint so far—the laces are just a little too short to double knot. As a result, there have been a few outings where a shoe has come untied mid-session.
Over the summer I’m looking forward to using the TX Guide on adventures that combine fast-paced hiking and scrambling, like Guy’s Slide, Henderson Ridge, and the Trapp Dike.
By Doug Martland
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