11 oz. My pick for both my all-time favorite trailrunner and what I would usually pick for backpacking is the the La Sportiva Mutant. Afterwards, while examining the shoe itself, I found no real wear that doesnt seem out of place from what I would expect. For fastpacking especially in less than ideal conditions, consider the La Sportiva Urango GTX. In fact, when working hard in mild summer temperatures, I found that the shoe ran about as warm as Salomons X Ultra 3, which uses the standard membrane. It's a perfect option for: backpackers who want a light yet stiff shoe for day hikes on tamed trails, hikers looking for waterproof and breathable footwear providing sufficient support and protection. The outsoles also did a good job in mud and werent prone to caking up, and the rubber is tacky enough to hold well on everything from rock to the moss-covered wooden bridges along Washingtons Olympic Peninsula. La Sportiva created the Spire GTX to keep a comfortable and waterproof in-shoe environment even on the harshest trail conditions. Ive gotten used to mentally upping my La Sportiva size a half, or a full size) when comparing them to other brands. Like many La Sportiva models, they use a tubular type of lace, with a very thin sheath over the core of the lace itself. We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us. The shipment in and out of Ukraine are temporarily suspended until further notice, Your cart 1.032.000 i.v - Tel. The outsole is a Vibram XS Trek and rated as Frixion Blue. Other Gore-Tex-equipped models, including the Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX (1 lb. The Spire is a bit more capable on technical trails, but its not worth the added investment for us. He has summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races as well as 6 marathons. Additionally, the tongue is connected to the upper almost all the way up to the collar, which means the Spire is waterproof almost all the way to the topnot always the case with low-top hikers. Combined with a platform that runs a bit narrow at the heel, there are times when the shoe can feel tippy, such as while hiking over especially rocky trails. Like the Spire, the Ultra is relatively heavy at 1 pound 14.2 ounces per pair but offers a very stable platform and highly durable construction. Shipments to the rest of the European Union take approximately 2/5 working days. I personally stick with low to mid height shoes, because of my ankles I want the mobility that a lower shoe gives, as I want to keep my ankles constantly challenged by terrain its the only way they became, and remain: strong. The upper seemed completely resistant to any tearing from the talus, which I certainly cant say about the Mutant. Compare the popularity of another shoe to La Sportiva Spire GTX: Below shows the distribution of scores for all hiking shoes. The 5 mm Ortholite insole works with the compression-molded EVA midsole designed with aeration channels. It feels much like a true trailrunner, with a fairly generous toebox, but with a Gore-Tex upper and integrated gaitor. Obviously as well, theyre going to weigh a little more. Theres light protection along the outside of the foot too, and the heel is built up and well-cushioned. I dont have narrow feet, but I do seem to be on the edge of what generally La Sportivas last(s) allows (D Width). That said, the Spire is fully waterproof (something you cant get with the TX4, although its leather upper does decently well in light moisture), has more balanced traction in mud and wet terrain, and its added stiffness is nice for extended climbs and descents. My mens size 42 clocked in at 1 pound 15.1 ounces on our scale (only 0.1 ounces more than La Sportivas listed weight), which puts it on the heavier end of the hiking shoe spectrum. The cost of the product is the same to you but this helps us continue to test and write about outdoor gear. The entire trip, save 15 minutes beginning of the hike when Im warming up, I always felt pretty fresh, and ready to tackle whatever was needed from me. However, thats not to say it isnt stable in general, and the added support certainly is helpful on long climbs (it doesnt have as much of a tendency to flex and dip at the heel like the softer Salomon X Raise). Andrew (who does run colder than I do) traded his La Sportiva Bushidos for booties, or a wrapped spare puffy jacket. Mesh material is used below the lacing system, so its not all a hotbox (my feet never got hot/sweaty). Some of the upperprimarily over the toes and along the sidesis made of fairly thin mesh to boost breathability, but these sections have been reinforced in a triangular pattern, and there are no signs of tearing or failure. Would I suggest the La Sportiva Spire GTX for your own backpacking? Taken together, the Spire offers better protection than most low-cut designs weve tested. The midsole is very flexible, and features my personal all-time favorite chunky outsole. The La Sportiva Mountain Hiking line uses the exclusive Nano-Cells technology: breathable cells wrap around the uppers providing structure and allow humidity to be expelled during the dynamic phase. You do pay a premium for the Spire and it sits taller than much of its competition, but its proven to be a capable companion on everything from shoulder-season hikes to a wet and muddy backpacking trip along Washingtons Olympic Peninsula. more than the Adidas) and cost ($50) dont feel worth it to us, and the Terrex is the better overall value. Up To 30% Off Backcountry MTB Apparel .css-1081t4c{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}Shop Now, Free Standard Shipping for Orders Over $50 Learn More, Basecamp Under The Stars Shop Coolers, Camp Furniture & More. In this case, the Spire is the more athletic of the two and better-tuned for fast-and-light hiking. ), and Danner Trail 2650 (1 lb. e Part. But given the amount of trail use my pair has seen, this is quite minimal and no cause for concern. spire The shoes seemed to keep their ventilation promises, and my feet never felt too hot, nor too cold. Solid and reliable grip on terrain ranging from mud to moss-covered bridges and hardpacked dirt. These insoles are designed for both mens and womens feet and the thicknesses and materials differ to suit the weight of the average user. But in all fairness, the Spire never felt excessively heavy underfoot, even over full days of backpacking, and the extra sturdiness is a bonus for some. The heel drop really came into an advantage on the enormous slabs we faced some well over 1,000 feet long, at an approximate angle of 20 degrees, +/-. Any tube-shaped lace will work, like the kind you find for work boots (or use para chord, like I did!). Our routes were a mixture of on-trail hiking on trails like the High Sierra Trail: very well-maintained (if a bit dusty *cough* *cough*) and off-trail hiking and scrambling through a variety of terrain we found in the Sequouia/Kings Canyon National Park: talus, scree, boulder hopping, and slabs, slabs slabs. Uno speciale layer traspirante ed impermeabile posto nel sottopiede, permette la traspirazione trasversale contribuendo alla fuoriuscita dellumidit per un piede sempre asciutto e comfort climatico e dinamico ottimali. For starters, the thick midsole and TPU inserts keep foot soreness to a minimum. All payments will be remitted to who manages the online sales operations of the La Sportiva online store. Outside the European Union (Great Britain, Switzerland). I want a shoe to get dirty in. In general, shipments to Italy are delivered within 2/3 working days. Gore-Tex Surround is only a slight upgrade in breathability from standard Gore-Tex. One of the only pitfalls of a waterproof shoe is that although waterproof membranes keep water out, they also keep water in when creek crossings and other mishaps leave them soaking wet from the inside. (mens size 9)Waterproof: Yes (Gore-Tex)What we dont: Sturdy enough for technical trails, comfortable, and well-made.What we dont: Expensive and sits taller than most hiking shoes.See the Men's La Sportiva Spire GTX See the Women's La Sportiva Spire GTX. As far as sizing goes, its important to point out that La Sportiva uses European sizing, which means the increments are smaller than U.S. options. Over the past 20 years, Paul has climbed, hiked, and ran all over the world. Sizing seems similar to most pairs of La Sportiva shoes I have worn I chose size 46, which is the size Ive used for the Mutant, Helios, Lycan, Ultra Raptor, Akasha, Urango, etc and slightly larger number I would normally do for most every other brand. Rather than having to constantly be on the balls of my feet, I could step with my entire footbed pasted onto the slab, generating more friction to the slab than if I was simply on the balls of my foot the entire time. This site contains affiliate links to products. And given the slight upgrade in ventilation, I wouldnt recommend the Spire for snowshoeing or winter activities. Another light hiker to consider is Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX, which is the first shoe I thought of when trying on the Spire. In my case, I typically wear a mens 9 and opted for a 42, which had a just-right length to allow enough room to avoid toe bang on descents. With an abrasion-resistant upper equipped with the Gore-Tex Surround technology, the breathability of the Spire GTX is optimized. We are not responsible for customs duties, which are the responsibility of the customer. The extra added stiffness of the midsole seemed to facilitate many of the techniques we needed. Sure! 77% say it's true to size. In fact, I would describe the fit as a little wide in the heel (although I do have fairly narrow heels), and the toe box is an average width. All in all, if youre prioritizing weight for fastpacking or easy-going day hikes, there are a number of lighter, nimbler shoes available. The shoe feels sturdy and substantial, with a decent amount of stiffness and a strong heel counter (La Sportiva even goes so far as calling it a low-cut hiking boot). It did take a little time to loosen up, but it was plenty comfortable within a few miles. It adopts solutions that are part of La Sportivas mountain DNA combining technologies and concept derived from the Mountain Running and Mountain categories to create a versatile, waterproof and 360 breathable shoe thanks to the new GORE-TEX SURROUND technology: the exclusive membrane that guarantees 360 breathability thanks to the wider aeration surface that comprises the uppers, footbed and EVA midsole with side ventilation outlets in TPU. For example, if you usually wear a 10.5, you could go with a 43.5 for a slightly snugger fit or 44 for a bit more room. With the STB control system, the stability underfoot is enhanced. A final option to consider is La Sportivas own TX4. But just like most trailrunners, the upper will be pretty much at the mercy of any rough and sharp talus/scree field you find yourself ankle deep in. If youre going off for a few weeks and youre as hard on gear as I am, replace the laces with better ones that initially come with the shoe. It places two full-length TPU stabilizers on the sides of the midsole. At camp, where temperatures plummeted into the 40s, I still felt adequate. In case of return, the shipping costs and any customs duties are charged to the customer. +39 0462/570810 - Ecommerce management by Drop SRL - VAT 01383870431. ), Slow-lans: Nolans 14 Sawatch Backpacking Route, How to Access the Colorado 14ers along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, GearJunkie Podcast: Justin Simoni: How to Experience RadicalPresence, Podcast: Endurance as a Performance Art with Justin Simoni, iRunFar: Trailhead Vehicles: Justin Simoni and His Bicycles, Big Things Crewing Podcast: Justin Simoni, Adventure Sports Podcast: The Long Ranger, Justin Simoni, Daily Camera: Rock on replay: Boulder man climbs up and down Second Flatiron 20 times in one day, Part II: Longs Peak and Mount Meeker via Gorrells Traverse, Part I: A New Route is Created! The Spire is marketed as a waterproof shoe (Gore-Tex and other related goodies, of course), so the less porous materials used, the better. Sadly (and humorously), I cant say these worked at all well for technical bouldering! The Ultra uses TNFs in-house DryVent design, which isnt as breathable as the Spires Gore-Tex Surround membrane, but the two shoes perform very similarly in most other categories. The aeration channels visible along the profile of the midsole, are protected by an extremely resistant Nylon mono net, to prevent stones and other impurities from entering the ventilation outlets. Overall, the shoe is sturdy, moderately stiff, and offers solid protection on the trail. Most La Sportiva shoes run narrow, but the Spire is much more accommodating and should work for most foot shapes. Same material is used on the back of the shoe, near the heal. Off-trail hiking can cause a number on the uppers of a pair of well-ventilated trail runners. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best hiking shoes. On trail, the La Sportiva Spire GTX fared well and footing was very predictable. I engaged in a few class 3/4 passes of varying quality and steepness, while also attempting to establish as many first ascents on the innumerable perfect granite boulders we kept passing. But if youre looking for a more capable off-trail scrambler, La Sportivas lower-slung TX4 approach shoe is a better pick. A tough outsole. His research is regularly cited in The New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic, etc. The La Sportiva Spire GTX Hiking Shoe offers the performance, durability, and protection we need for rugged peak-bagging day hikes and fast-moving backpacking trips. My opinion is that heel drop really means less and less as the terrain gets more and more technical. Per la prima volta infatti, la superficie traspirante si estende anche nella parte inferiore del piede per una traspirabilit a 360. The Talus is a low-top variation of a mid-height boot and feels that way: its relatively sturdy underfoot, weighs even more than the Spire at 2 pounds 6 ounces, and has a substantial leather upper that is both protective and weather-resistant. La Sportiva shoes rarely disappoint in the durability department, and the Spire GTX is no exception. 8.6 oz. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. In a departure from the recent trend toward fast and light, La Sportivas Spire GTX is a backpacking-ready hiking shoe that performs in many ways like a low-top boot. If youre thinking about buying gear that weve reviewed on Switchback Travel, you can help support us in the process. The midsole uniquely also has channels that go through the entire midsole of the shoe, and are grated off with light piece of wire mesh. Using my feet as a guide, Id say this width/last/toebox is not wide, but not ultra narrow, either. Another impressively sturdy and protective low-top option to consider is The North Faces Ultra 111 WP. gtx You do lose some ankle support when carrying a heavy pack or traversing rocky trails Salomons X Ultra line of hiking footwear is one of our long-time favorites for all types of uses from day hikes to lightweight backpacking trips. La Sportiva doesnt list a last or a fit/width for this shoe, like they do for their trailrunners, so unfortunately, I can only guess. In case of return the shipping costs will be at your charge, you can ship back with any courier or postal service that has a tracking number. Shipments to the rest of the world take approximately 7/8 working days (not accounting for customs delays). It includes opposing, slanted lugs that increase the braking ability of the sole. This happened to my after only a week(! Further, the Terrexs quick-lace system is a bit clunky and polarizingits tougher to get a customized fit than with traditional laces. Aside from keeping pebbles from entering the shoe, it also adds structure and durability. On top of this, Paul is leading the running shoe lab where he cuts shoes apart and analyses every detail of the shoes that you might buy. For more information, consult the customer care area. Fisc. Impr. My feet did stay adequately dry, and I believe the Gore-Text upper did its job as was specd no strange seepage through seams, or anything like that. Despite the fairly low cut (compared to hiking boots), the La Sportiva Spire GTX offers good all-around protection from rocks and other trail obstacles. Off trail, you most likely cant tell the difference. This was especially nice, as it seemed we hit the last vestiges of summer, with temps in the high 80s, while we hiked under a cloudless sky and somewhat intense sun. The mid cut uppers use the Nano-Cells 2.0 structure , super breathable cells that work in synergy with the GORE-TEX SURROUND membrane to provide unprecedented levels of breathability. Tongue is pretty traditional with no real surprises (which is a positive point). Harvard, Nutrition for a Nolans 14 (and beyond) Fastpack, Longs Peak Self-Powered: East Chimney/South Face, Grays and Torreys is just the warmup: The Stevens Gulch Traverse, Running a 14,000 mountain like a track workout: Quandary Peak Laps, Creating a Nolans/Slow-lans Backpacking Guide, Magicshine Monteer 6500S Zeus Unboxing + Initial Impressions, Initial Impressions: Fenix BC30R 1800 Lumen Bicycle Light, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Backpacking Alaska! Skip to the beginning of the images gallery.