#1 on this list
TX4
La Sportiva
The La Sportiva TX4 has established itself as the gold standard approach shoe across the climbing community, repeatedly taking top honors in roundups from OutdoorGearLab, Switchback Travel, and Treeline Review. Built with a sturdy suede upper and a wide, forgiving toe box, it is designed for climbers who prioritize all-day walking comfort and long-haul durability over razor-sharp climbing precision. It bridges the gap between a technical scrambler and a comfortable everyday hiking shoe better than almost anything else available. On the trail, the Vibram Megagrip outsole with dot-rubber tread provides dependable friction on smooth granite slabs, loose dirt, and wet stone. A thick 1.5-millimeter leather upper is encased in a beefy wrap-around rubber rand that resists severe abrasion from coarse talus fields and scree slopes. The roomy forefoot gives toes space to splay naturally on steep descents, which dramatically reduces foot fatigue at the end of a big day. The trade-off for this all-day comfort is reduced precision on technical rock. The blunt, wide toe profile makes it difficult to stand securely on dime-sized edges or slot into narrow cracks compared to tighter, climbing-specific shoes. At roughly 1 pound 12 ounces for a men's pair, it is also somewhat bulky to carry on a harness during multi-pitch ascents, making it best suited as a car-to-crag workhorse and descent shoe. **Highlights** - Roomy toe box accommodates foot swelling during long descents - Vibram Megagrip rubber with a dedicated toe climbing zone - Hardwearing 1.5 mm suede leather upper with full rubber rand - Injected EVA midsole delivers excellent cushioning under pack weight - Mythos-style lacing system allows consistent tension adjustment **Watch-outs** - Blunt toe profile compromises precision on micro-edges - Heavier and bulkier to clip to a harness than minimalist models
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#2 on this list
TX2 Evo
La Sportiva
The La Sportiva TX2 Evo is engineered specifically for multi-pitch climbers who need a featherweight shoe to clip to their harness. Independent testing outlets frequently rank it as the premier lightweight approach shoe, praising its minimal pack size and breathable design. A standout feature is the integrated C2 ComboCord loop at the heel, which lets you clip both shoes together flat, preventing them from flopping around or snagging on gear loops during a climb. Despite weighing only about 1 pound 4.4 ounces per pair in the men's version, the TX2 Evo performs remarkably well on technical rock. The snug, sock-like knit upper provides precise foot control, allowing you to smear securely on low fifth-class terrain. La Sportiva equipped the Evo edition with an innovative resole platform insert, addressing a major drawback of traditional ultralight approach shoes by allowing the Vibram IdroGrip sole to be cleanly replaced once the rubber wears down. The obvious compromises come in protection and trail support. The breathable knit upper offers minimal weather resistance and far less defense against abrasive rock cracks than heavy split leather. In addition, the thin, low-profile midsole provides minimal underfoot cushioning, meaning long trail descents with heavy packs can leave your feet feeling beaten up. **Highlights** - Exceptionally lightweight and packs down flat on a harness - Vibram IdroGrip rubber delivers dependable friction on clean rock - Integrated C2 ComboCord system for neat, paired gear-loop storage - Resole Platform insert allows for clean, straightforward resoling - Breathable knit upper keeps feet cool in hot weather **Watch-outs** - Thin underfoot cushioning fatigues feet on long, rocky descents - Knit upper lacks the abrasion resistance needed for harsh scree and crack jamming
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Specs side by side
| Spec | TX4 | TX2 Evo |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (Men's) | 1 lb 12.0 oz per pair | — |
| Weight (Women's) | 1 lb 8.0 oz per pair | — |
| Upper Material | 1.5 mm suede leather with full rubber rand | — |
| Outsole Rubber | Vibram Megagrip with Impact Brake System | — |
| Midsole | Traverse injected EVA with STB Control System | — |
| Estimated Price | $189 | — |
| Weight (Men) | — | 1 lb 4.4 oz per pair |
| Weight (Women) | — | 1 lb 0.8 oz per pair |
| Upper | — | Recycled knit fabric with PU TechLite rand |
| Outsole | — | Vibram IdroGrip with Resole Platform |
| Closure | — | Mythos-derived lace-to-toe system |
| MSRP | — | Around $169 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
TX4
- Roomy toe box reduces foot fatigue during long descents with heavy packs
- Sticky Vibram Megagrip outsole provides outstanding slab and rock friction
- Burly suede upper and 360-degree rubber rand offer exceptional durability
- Cushioned EVA midsole delivers all-day comfort comparable to a hiking shoe
- Blunt toe profile lacks precision on tiny edges and thin cracks
- Relatively heavy and bulky when clipped to a climbing harness
- Thick suede upper can run warm and dries slowly when saturated
TX2 Evo
- Extremely low weight minimizes harness drag on multi-pitch climbs
- Sticky Vibram IdroGrip delivers confident friction on rock slabs
- Resole Platform allows straightforward sole replacement
- Integrated C2 ComboCord packs shoes flat for clean harness carry
- Minimal underfoot cushioning causes foot fatigue on long descents
- Knit upper lacks the abrasion resistance needed for wide crack jamming
- Shallow tread lacks traction on wet mud and loose scree
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.