La Sportiva TX3 Approach Shoe Brown Size:

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Further, they maintained their fit, unlike my experience with some leather shoes (namely the La Sportiva Boulder X). They are similar to most insoles in hiking/outdoor shoes: a simple, thin, flexible foam pad, with not much support. Even after tons of time spent on the sharp granite of Tuolumne, the mesh held its own without showing any signs of abuse.

The Black Diamond Mission LT also comes in a lightweight package, but we'd rather opt for the top-ranked La Sportiva TX Guide, which is relatively lightweight and provides excellent performance. All else being equal, a more supportive shoe will edge and crack climb better, especially when carrying a heavy pack.This is my go-to shoe for technical hikes, heavy packs, and slower days, so the added weight isn’t felt in the same way it would be for a trail runner. The TX3 is also a bit of a sponge in wet weather, as the thick protective upper coupled with the STB Control rand doesn’t allow for drainage or quick drying.

The TX Guide has decent flex at toe off like a mountain running shoe, but retains the torsional rigidity of an approach or hiking shoe. As soon as I put the Canyoneer 3 on I could feel numbness down the little toe side of my foot, which persisted no matter what socks I wore. After a very full spring and summer, my La Sportiva TX3s have seen more than 100 days of use and are still alive and kicking. With a slightly softer, more high-volume build and sharp tread instead of the Sportiva and Five Ten’s dotty rubber, the Crux offers more comfort while hiking and better traction on soft terrain such as mud, soggy leaves, and snow.Our only notable complaint is that the streamlined toe box is fairly narrow and can feel prohibitive after long days on the trail (when feet tend to swell), but otherwise it’s an impressive all-around performer and a great match for demanding alpine missions that involve a mix of terrain. The TX3 lies in the middle in terms of weight and durability, with a lightweight synthetic upper similar to the TX2, but the stable sole and Impact Brake System of the TX4, providing stability and comfort on the trail. This material dries quite quickly, although the lack of drainage holes mean the lower part of your foot remains wet for longer. We noticed alarming construction defects early in our test period, which only got worse with extended use over the following year.