La Sportiva TX Hike Mid Leather GTX Review

La Sportiva’s TX collection debuted as a series of approach shoes and has since expanded to include a few hiking-oriented models. As a result of its climbing heritage, the lightweight TX Hike Mid Leather GTX offers class-leading traction in mountain terrain—including scree, slab, and snow—and is a wonderful option for hikers and backpackers headed to the high country. I tested the boot during a five-day traverse in the Cascades and found it to offer a near-ideal balance of walkability, stability, grip, and durability. To be sure, it’s neither the most protective nor the most supportive, but I found the sacrifices worth the nimbleness and weight savings for fast-and-light missions. Below, I break down the TX Hike Mid Leather GTX’s overall performance. To see how it stacks up against the competition, see our articles on the best women’s hiking boots and the best hiking boots.
 
Editor's note: We updated this review on January 27, 2026, to ensure all information was up to date at the time of publication. We included additional feedback on the boot's comfort after continued testing and updated the comparisons to similar hiking boots. 
 

Table of Contents

• Comfort
• Weight
• Traction
• Protection
• Stability and Support
• Waterproofing and Breathability
• Build Quality and Durability
• Fit and Sizing
• What We Like/What We Don't
• Comparison Table
• The Competition

Performance

Comfort

Comfort is a strong suit of the La Sportiva TX Hike Mid Leather GTX, thanks to details like a wide fit and supple leather upper. The boot is also relatively soft and flexible underfoot, far from the brick-like experience of some mountain-oriented hikers. As a result, it feels nimble and responsive when hopping across boulder fields or moving quickly on easy trails. What’s more, the TX Hike Mid Leather has a short break-in period. Though it’s worth noting that the insole isn’t the softest I’ve worn. It’s far from uncomfortable, but those looking for underfoot cushion should invest in a padded insole. Despite this, however, I wasn’t preoccupied with freeing my feet at the end of each day, which is high praise for a hiking boot.
 

Weight

My women’s size 8.5 weighs 1 pound 14.1 ounces on my scale, and La Sportiva claims an average weight of 1 pound 12.6 ounces for the women’s version. This lands the TX Hike on the heavy end for a lightweight hiking boot, but lighter than an average all-around hiking boot. In my experience, the TX Hike felt airy and nimble underfoot throughout long days in the high country, more akin to a hiking shoe than what I’d expect from a hiking boot. For comparison’s sake, lightweight hiking boots like La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX weigh a few ounces less (1 lb. 10.9 oz. for the women’s). On the other hand, burly leather boots like the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX (2 lb. 2.2 oz.) and Salomon Quest 4 GTX (2 lb. 6.0 oz.) feel significantly heavier, which adds up during long days on the trail.
 

Traction

Stemming from its approach-shoe roots, the TX Hike Mid Leather GTX knocks it out of the park in terms of traction. On the outsole, the boot features Vibram’s Ecostep Evo with a shock-absorbing “Impact Brake System” and 5-millimeter lugs. In practice, this translates into a confidence-inspiring grip on everything from slick granite to loose talus, hard-packed trails, and snow. In fact, in my experience, the TX Hike Mid was a true standout on rock, making it a great choice for those who often travel off-trail or above treeline. In contrast, one of my hiking partners wore the more trail-oriented Oboz Bridger Mid on our high-country traverse, and he had to tread more carefully on slabby granite sections.
 

Protection

No one wants to suffer stubbed toes or bruised feet on the trail, so it’s worth considering the level of protection your footwear provides. Within this category, the TX Hike Mid falls short of other hiking boots. The boot’s lightweight, thin upper, coupled with a flexible midsole and outsole, doesn’t come close to matching the feel of heavy, stiff hikers such as the Lowa Renegade Evo. La Sportiva adds leather reinforcements at the heel and toe, but the effect is minimal. I even noticed a drop in protection compared to lightweight synthetic boots, most of which feature a stiff rubber rand and toe cap.
 

That said, I was mostly pleased with how the TX Hike Mid Leather GTX kept my feet protected on the trail. The boot’s leather upper and reinforcements provided ample defense against most rocks and roots, and the solid heel was sufficient for plunge-stepping down snow and scree. Only on a few occasions did I wish for a burlier boot, like when walking over sharp talus. But the tradeoff was worth it for the TX Hike’s comfort and responsiveness throughout the rest of the hike. It’s worth noting that I also used strap-on crampons every day of the trip, and the boot’s upper was stiff enough to keep the plastic components from digging into my feet.
 

Stability and Support

Like most lightweight hiking boots, the La Sportiva TX Hike Mid lands in between hiking shoes and burlier boots in terms of stability and support. It lacks the stiff underfoot or secure wraparound feel of a traditional leather hiking boot. As a mountain runner, I’m accustomed to running through loose mountain terrain in lightweight footwear, but I know many hikers who prefer a tank-like boot for charging through snow and scree (especially with a heavy backpack). If you fall into the latter camp, the TX Hike Mid might disappoint. 

On the other end of the spectrum, the TX Hike Mid Leather GTX offers more support compared to many lightweight hikers I’ve tested. Thanks to a taller collar and a secure lacing system, it feels like a mid-height boot rather than a low-top hiking shoe. I have suffered no rolled ankles in the TX Hike Mid, and my feet experienced no soreness despite carrying a 40-pound load throughout the five-day traverse. In sum, if you prioritize comfort, responsiveness, and support, the TX Hike Leather Mid is a nice middle ground.
 

Waterproofing and Breathability

The TX Hike Mid Leather GTX features a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane that extends up the collar (just below the last eyelet) via a gusseted tongue for above-the-ankle protection. In practice, the boot offered a reliable barrier against moisture during small river crossings and in summertime snow. Over the course of five days, I never once had wet feet. It’s also worth noting that I applied Nikwax’s Fabric & Leather Waterproofing Spray before the trip. The light wax finish coats the upper and allows the leather to serve as the first line of defense against moisture. But even without the extra barrier, the TX Hike is reliably waterproof, and I’d trust it to tackle most low stream crossings
 

The primary downside to waterproof footwear is a lack of breathability. But despite warm conditions in the high country, this wasn't an issue for me when wearing the TX Hike (though it’s worth noting that I’m not prone to sweaty feet). That said, these boots would not be my first choice for summer hiking at lower elevations. With a mid-height leather upper and a waterproof membrane, it has a lot of material covering the feet, which can be an issue in hot temperatures. In hot and dry climates, I’ll usually opt for a non-waterproof hiking shoe.
 

Build Quality and Durability

The TX Hike Mid Leather GTX is impeccably designed and built, with a robust leather upper, durable outsole, and keen attention to detail throughout. The boot held up very well to the demands of off-trail travel, and the leather upper remained unscathed. I’m used to crampons wreaking havoc on my footwear, and was surprised to see that the TX Hike only suffered a few nicks to the outsole rubber (and no perceivable wear on the upper). All told, the La Sportiva is one of the more durable lightweight hikers I’ve tested, and should hold up to multiple seasons of use.
 

Fit and Sizing

I’m generally between a women’s size 8.5 and 9, and picked up a women’s 8.5 (EU size 40) in the TX Hike Mid. I often have to size up in La Sportiva footwear, but the TX series runs true to size, if not a little large. If you’re on the fence, you can probably get away with sizing down. The TX Hike Mid offers a great fit for my feet, which have a narrow heel and wide forefoot. Do keep in mind that the TX Hike series is built on a wider-than-normal last to prioritize comfort. La Sportiva specifies an additional 15 millimeters of metatarsal circumference and 10 millimeters of forefoot height, so it might not be a great fit for those with narrow or low-profile feet.
 

Sustainability

La Sportiva incorporated a number of sustainability measures into the making of the TX Hike Mid. The boot features a recycled mesh collar, waterproof membrane, laces and webbing, and a partially recycled midsole and outsole. What’s more, the leather is treated with a PFAS-free waterproof treatment, which eliminates some of the harmful chemicals used in the production process. It’s also worth noting that leather is generally more durable than synthetic materials, resulting in a longer lifespan for the TX Hike Mid Leather. We appreciate La Sportiva’s focus on sustainability, and hope to see even more recycled materials and chemical-free processes in future models.
 

Other Versions of the La Sportiva TX Hike

I tested the leather version of the TX Hike Mid, but La Sportiva also offers the design with a synthetic upper. The TX Hike Mid GTX uses recycled mesh with TPU overlays and is slightly heavier and less expensive, making it a nice option for hikers who prefer the look and feel of synthetic boots, want an airier design, or opt for a leather-free option for ethical reasons. Both the synthetic and leather TX Hike Mid are also available in men’s versions, which retail for the same price as the women’s but come in different colors.
 

What We Like

• A lightweight boot that offers a near-ideal mix of comfort, stability, and traction for hikers and backpackers headed into mountainous terrain.
• Excellent traction on everything from smooth slab to snow and loose talus.
• A tall collar and secure lacing system make the TX Hike Mid Leather GTX more stable than most boots in its weight class.
• Instant out-of-the-box comfort thanks to a wide toe box, supple upper, and flexible underfoot feel.
• Very durable for a lightweight boot, thanks to its resilient leather upper and heel-toe reinforcements. 

What We Don’t

• Although the TX Hike is designed for mountainous terrain, some hikers and backpackers will want a stiffer, more supportive, and more stable boot.
• Those with narrow or low-volume feet might find the boot to be too roomy.
• Minimal protection due to the soft leather upper and thin leather reinforcements at the toe and heel (which aren’t as confidence-inspiring as rubber rands).
   

Comparison Table

The Competition

The TX Hike Mid Leather GTX is a wonderfully agile, comfortable, and grippy hiker, but it’s not the only compelling option within La Sportiva’s lineup. The Nucleo High II GTX is a nice option for those who want a bit more support and cushion, but don’t want a burly boot. In fact, the Nucleo High is lighter weight than the TX Hike despite having a taller collar and well-padded construction. The upper remains flexible, and breathability is a high point thanks to an air-permeable underfoot insert. The boot is also equipped with reliable Gore-Tex waterproofing. In terms of fit, the Nucelo is narrower and snugger (though it's available in a wide version). But despite having a more aggressive lug pattern, the Nucelo High isn’t as grippy or confidence-inspiring on mountainous terrain. In our opinion, the TX Hike is a more versatile boot and less expensive than the Nucleo High, making it a true value leader. 
 

If cost is a concern, you can save some cash by opting for Salomon’s X Ultra 5 Mid GTX. This lightweight hiker is reminiscent of the TX Hike in several ways: it’s flexible, durable, and has trustworthy traction. It’s also reliably waterproof and has more toe protection with a beefy rubber toe rand. In side-by-side testing, the TX Hike has proven more comfortable underfoot and gripper on rock, but the Salomon isn’t too far behind. For a big boost in support and protection, we look to Lowa’s Renegade Evo GTX. This burly leather hiker is a great choice for those embarking on long backpacking trips with heavy loads, with features like a tall, supportive collar, solid underfoot support, and protective toe bumpers. In our opinion, it’s too much boot for moving fast through the mountains, and it’s not nearly flexible enough for technical hiking (think: boulder hopping and scrambling). You also have to spend up for it, though we have no doubt it will last many seasons of rough use. In the end, the TX Hike is the more versatile choice for hikers who dabble in backpacking, fast-packing, and day hiking, making it a great quiver-of-one boot.
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