Our verdict
Immensely sticky and breathable—this description befits the TX3 quite well. It can also be called an incredibly breathable hiker whose provision of plushness is accessible on day one. That being said, this La Sportiva approach shoe might not be the best tool for toeing.
Pros
- Extremely grippy
- La Sportiva TX4
- Superb breathability
- Top 16% most popular approach shoes
- La Sportiva TX3 vs. TX4
- Lightweight
Cons
- Offers protection against abrasive elements
- Short laces
Amazing level of comfort
The La Sportiva TX3 has greatness up its sleeve, and owning one translates to accursed hikes and light climbs. It is a solid option if you:
- Prefer an approach shoe that helps you get to your favorite climbing spot with as much breathability and comfort as possible.
- Great piece of investment.
- Prefer an approach shoe that gives users a sense of security while performing twisting maneuvers.
Excellent edging and smearing performance
Giving approach hikers sufficient terrain grip in the La Sportiva TX3 is the Megagrip Traverse outsole from Vibram. As it comes imbued with Trail Bite and populated with grippy lugs (those circular and multi-sided protrusions), users are navigating loose-soiled surfaces with enough slip and skid resistance.
Unreliable toe zone
Two other technologies are conjoin of this component: IBS (Impact Brake System) and Climbing Zone. The former improves its braking power by 20%, yet reduces impact force by roughly the same percentage. The latter, on the other hand, allows adventurers to edge and smear with more sticking power.
La Sportiva TX3 vs. TX4
The La Sportiva TX3 grants adequate stability and underfoot protection thanks to its MEMlex midsole with STB Control System. It also supplies hikers with a helping of flexibility and shock mitigation with its springy yet segmented construction.
Great piece of investment
Atop this cushy component is a 4-mm thick approach-centric insole from Ortholite. Its inclusion translates to extra comfort and support underfoot.
Breathable
The low-top upper of the La Sportiva TX3 approach shoe is made of PolyMesh, a breathable synthetic material. It comes with a non-slip liner made of mesh.
Excellent edging and smearing performance
Its lower perimeter is fully wrapped with a 1.5-mm thick polyurethane (PU) rand called TechLite for protection against abrasive elements and increased climbing security. Its front end also has a rand, but it is made of rubber courtesy of Vibram instead of PU.
La Sportiva TX3
The TX3 is one of La Sportiva’s highly sought-after approach kicks. Those who have it value it for the performance it offers over rugged terrain, on which donning a pair of rock climbing shoes would be overkill. It also provides a level of comfort and versatility rivaling that of a pair of high-quality hiking shoes. The TX3, however, has competition in yet another La Sportiva product: the TX4. Although the two have striking similarities, they do possess aspects that set them apart. Know their differences in the following:
Weight. For wearers who prefer to stay as nimble as possible, the La Sportiva TX3 appears to be the better choice. This is because the featured shoe is lighter than the TX4 by approximately 10 g.
Upper. The two products in this comparison are both below-the-ankle approach shoes engineered with the same non-slip mesh liner. However, there is a difference in the material used in their uppers. The TX3’s main shell is made mostly of mesh, while the TX4’s upper consists primarily of genuine leather.
Asking price. On this front, the La Sportiva TX3 takes the cake. Yes, compared with the We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us, Top 16% most popular approach shoes.
Excellent edging and smearing performance
Prefer an approach shoe that provides surefootedness over rough terrain?
While this La Sportiva piece can be mistaken for a regular hiker, its utility is intended mainly for the approach. That said, some people use it on short trails and routes where rocks and mini boulders are present.
Top 16% most popular approach shoes?
There is no published information as to the best place to buy the TX3. That said, a brick-and-mortar store is recommended, as being able to try on shoes first before a purchase is ideal.
