Details
Brand
La Sportiva
Heel To Toe Drop
N/A
Breathability
10/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Trail
Type
Traction
Key Features
• The comfort of a trail running shoe with the protection of a hiking boot• Vibram Megagrip outsole for amazing traction on wet or dry surfaces• Great for many activities, especially mixed mountain terrains• STB Control System for comfort and stability• A sturdy and protective toe box so you do not injure yourself if you kick rocks, roots, or stumps
Upper
The upper of the La Sportiva TX3 is made out of a polyester mesh material that wraps the midsole in the medial zone which helps to increase stability while on the rocky terrain of some paths. The upper also wraps around your foot to give you a more comfortable shoe with a superior fit. These shoes have a rigid and super protective toe box that works almost like a hiking shoe, protecting you from injury if you accidentally kick rocks while on the go.
Midsole
The midsole of these shoes will feel fairly firm at first when you put them on compared to other trail running shoes. Keep in mind, though, that if you are going to be wearing these for hiking or backpacking you are going to welcome the firmness and stability they offer. The midsole is made out of MEMIex EVA foam which is a full-length midsole that offers moderate cushioning. If you are one that prefers a shoe that has a thick, plush midsole then these shoes are probably not for you, however, if you want a nice reliable shoe that is going to be firm, stable, and supportive then you will love the La Sportiva TX3 approach shoes.
Outsole
The outsoles of these shoes are probably the best feature about them. Customers are in love with the amazing grip they provide them, and the full bottom protection. They are made to keep you safe when running on trails or hiking in the woods. The outsole is made out of an amazingly sticky Vibram Mega-Grip rubber which is made to give you a stellar grip whether you are running on wet or dry surfaces. The shoes feature a lug pattern that is made out of round lugs at the front of the shoe for a flat climbing zone and the heel of the shoe has gumdrop-shaped lugs. The outsole tends to wear out faster than the rest of the shoe due to the soft grippy rubber on the bottom, but they will still last you quite a while. Reviewers have stated that they have worn these shoes for hundreds of miles on a plethora of terrains and conditions and they just love them. The outsole of these shoes is part of the reason people have fallen in love with them.
Breathability
Because these shoes are made out of a polyester mesh material, they do not offer a whole lot of ventilation and can make your feet feel rather hot at times. Customers state that if it is cooler outside then it is barely noticeable, however if the temperatures reach more than about 85 degrees your feet will get hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, it is said that these shoes do not allow for water drainage or dry quick so they are probably not optimal to wear on a hot day or in wet weather.
Comfort
The La Sportiva TX3 does not have a whole lot of cushioning in the midsole and is a bit firm, so it is not going to be as comfortable as most running shoes, but keep in mind that these are meant to be used on trails and hikes, so you are going to want something more firm. That being said, these shoes are rather comfortable. Customers have stated that they wore these on numerous long hikes while carrying gear and these shoes kept them comfortable throughout the day. The toe box is super roomy and the upper wraps snugly around your feet to give you added comfort.
Protection
These shoes offer immaculate protection. The bottoms of the shoes are tough enough to protect your feet against rocks and branches that you are bound to step on or kick when you are running on trails and hiking. The toe box offers additional protection so you do not hurt your toes if you happen to kick something hard. The La Sportiva TX3 is an all-around protective shoe which you are going to want if you are trail running or hiking. Everything about them is made to keep you safe and protected.
Responsiveness
Because the La Sportiva TX3 approach shoes have a firmer midsole in them they are not going to offer superior responsiveness. That being said, you will not need a lot of that for what you will be using these shoes for. You want a responsive shoe for long-distance running and if you are looking for a faster pace, these shoes are made more for trail running and mountain hiking so you will not need to focus on those things. You will get some energy return because there is some cushioning in there, but not a lot. Customers have had no complaints when it comes to the responsiveness of these shoes when they are used for their intended purpose.
Support
The La Sportiva TX3 is super supportive and customers rave about this. They are a cross between a trail shoe and a hiking boot. You get all the support of a boot without the additional weight and bulk. La Sportiva uses a flywire system in these shoes that are integrated into the lacing system to give you added support while you are on the go. The STB Control is a high band that runs from the heel of the shoe all the way up to the toe box. This is part of the upper and wraps itself around the midsole to give you a more supportive and comfortable fit. This helps keep your feet locked into place and will prevent you from sliding around inside your shoe.
Terrain
These shoes were made to be worn in almost any environment on just about any terrain. The shoes are fantastic and have an amazing outsole that will allow you to wear them pretty much anywhere without having to worry about losing your grip and getting hurt. Customers have worn these for runs on dirt roads, rocky trails, mountain climbing, sandy dirt trails, muddy trails, wet limestone paths, and so many other places. Customers love the plethora of places they can safely wear these shoes.
Price
The La Sportiva TX3 approach shoes seem like they have a high price tag, but if you take into consideration what they will do for you, customers say that they are absolutely worth it. Keep in mind, you are going to be paying some money up front for these shoes but they are going to last you hundreds of miles and they are going to keep you safe and comfortable while you are wearing them. The MSRP of these shoes comes in at $135 which is about average for shoes that fall into a similar category. Even though it seems like these are a bit pricey customers have commented that they are definitely worth every penny and most have purchased more than one pair.
Drop
The drop of a shoe is simply the measurement of the incline of the shoe from heel to toe. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information to be found in the drop of the La Sportiva TX3 shoes.
Stability
The La Sportiva TX3 is flared at the forefront, making it wider in the toe area, which not only makes these shoes more comfortable but makes them more stable as well. You will get some more stability with the shoe if you tighten the laces to the point where they are more stiff and secure. These are definitely not the most stable shoes on the market, but they will provide you with some stability.
Flexibility
The La Sportiva TX3, as an approach shoe, have some flexibility to them. As they are made to allow you to wear them for a variety of activities you will need something with some flex when going from one terrain to another. The soft rubber outsole gives you some flexibility, mostly at the forefront of the shoe, which is essential for any kind of hiking or trail shoe.
Traction
The outsole of these shoes is made to keep a grip on almost any surface. The lugs on the bottom of the shoes are circular in the front of the shoe and gumdrop-shaped in the back and made out of a soft sticky rubber that will grab onto a plethora of surfaces and keep you safe from slipping. The sole is made out of a Vibram Megagrip compound which is meant to keep a stellar grip on both wet and dry surfaces, and it definitely lives up to that. The outsole of these shoes was made to provide superior traction for even the most demanding of activities including hiking, trail running, backpacking, and more. You will not have to worry about your traction when you are wearing these shoes.
Bottom Line
The La Sportiva TX3 is an amazing all-around good shoe. You get the comfort of a trail running shoe but the protection and durability of a hiking boot. Customers love the traction they get from these shoes. They can wear them on almost any surface and not have to worry about slipping. The shoes are stylish and comfortable. If you are looking for an all around good shoe that you can wear almost anywhere then you have come to the right place. The La Sportiva TX3 are the shoes for you!
