TX2 Men
Description
Retail price
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| Weight | Half Pair - size unknown Full Pair - size unknown |
Style |
Technical |
| Volume |
High (men/unisex) |
| Closure |
Cord laces |
| Rise |
Low |
| Features |
Climbing Zone Low toe lacing Stowable |
| Sizing | EU: 38 - 47.5 (half sizes) |
| Materials & Construction | Upper: Zone knit polyester mesh
Midsole: Traverse lite injection MEMlex / C2™ ComboCord Footbed: 4mm Ortholite Approach Insole / Liner: Non-slip mesh Sole: Vibram® Mega-Grip™ Traverse-Lite Last: Traverse |
No reviews yet.
The La Sportiva TX2 is the nimblest approach shoe of the test; its sock like fit, flexible nature and sticky outsole urge you to almost run to the cliff. The polyester knit upper, soft injection molded midsole and sticky rubber outsole prioritize swiftness over protection to favor light loads and moderate trails.
I've found the La Sportiva TX2 to be a lightweight, yet surprisingly durable, approach shoe. The sticky sole climbs rock well, without being dangerous on slippery wet grass. They're not cheap, however I think it's a price well worth paying considering their low weight and high durability. The only negative for me is the C2 Combo cord, which is nothing more than a poorly executed gimmick. Thankfully it goes virtually unnoticed and would not put me off buying these excellent shoes.
A good approach shoe can turn a long slog to the cliff into an enjoyable walk in the woods. In the past, our lead tester guided for an entire summer in a blown-out pair of approach shoes, shouldering heavy packs and putting lots of miles over four months, leaving him hobbling for most of the fall. Don't fool around with your feet! Even these lightweight shoes have plenty of support, so even the most weight-conscious climbers have no excuse not to treat their feet nice. Call us short-sighted, but right now we can't imagine a better approach shoe than the TX2, and we're happy to award it the Editors' Choice.
The La Sportiva TX2 approach shoes are part of a Sportiva shoe line that includes the TX3 and TX4. The TX series combines the attributes of hiking, trail running and climbing shoes to create designs that are as versatile as possible while keeping the weight minimal. The TX2s are the lightest of the series, at 9.8 ounces, while the other two models provide increasing levels of support and durability, weighing 12.5 and 13 ounces, respectively. (A pair of Sportiva Miura climbing shoes weighs 8.43 ounces.) The TX2s are ideal for cragging or fast-and-light outings in warmer conditions—note the well-ventilated mesh body, which I will discuss later—while the other models are likely better suited for big walls or alpine missions where more time will be spent on snowy terrain or carrying heavier loads. I got my pair of TX2s in mid-November, so I ended up testing them in some sloppy winter conditions anyway, and I'm pleased so far.
