Lara Dunn awards the La Sportiva TX4 Evo W’s GTX shoes her best in test. Find out why.
As you might expect, the La Sportiva TX4 Evo W’s GTX hiking shoes scream high-quality build and performance even before trying them on.
Lara Dunn’s Best in Test
These are a reliable bet for more technical walks, Via Ferratas and even scrambles and lower-level climbs.- very supportive
- can be resoled
- highly technical
- slightly tiring for feet on walks on easier trails
- expensive
| Quick specs |
|---|
| Price: $189 | £190 (available from La Sportiva) Weight: 762g (for UK6/EU39) Material: Suede leather upper with recycled rubber rand and toe, Gore-Tex Extended Comfort Bluesign certified lining, compression EVA midsole (7% recycled) Features: Vibram MegaGrip sole (can be replaced), Ortholite Hybrid Approach insole, EVA midsole, 100% recycled lace and lace cords Lug Depth: 4mm Waterproof?: Gore-Tex membrane Sizes: EU37-42 Men’s version: yes lasportiva.com |
The La Sportiva TX4 Evo W’s GTX is designed as an approach shoe rather than a straight-up hiking shoe, and features like an asymmetric toe box with rugged rand, a sophisticated lacing system and the Vibram Megagrip outsole all contribute to making these a reliable bet for more technical walks, Via Ferratas and even scrambles and lower-level climbs. The fit is contoured and secure (even on my narrow heels) partly due to the comprehensive lacing system (made from recycled materials), but not overly narrow, keeping the foot encased firmly in the upper whether ascending or descending. Sizing is on the snug side but not by much, and the test pair fitted me perfectly.
The suede upper is soft but rugged, the outsole is stiff and extremely grippy and there’s excellent torsional rigidity in the shoe along with that protected toe, meaning that no matter how tricky foot placement is, these do the trick. The inclusion of Gore-Tex makes them a decent all-weather choice. Alongside their usefulness for rougher, tougher terrain, these are very capable on more regular hikes too. Whilst they are inherently quite stiff, the Ortholite hybrid insole and the secure fit do enhance walking comfort. Yes, I found that my foot muscles tired a touch more quickly when walking in these than with more flexible shoes, but I do tend to favour quite flexible footwear as the norm.
The La Sportiva TX4 Evo W’s GTX aren’t cheap but it’s worth noting that the Vibram MegaGrip outsoles can be replaced when worn out, making them both more sustainable and increasing their value-for-money, even taking into account the extra cost of resoling.
How we tested
Lara used the shoes in all the weathers (!) in late winter and spring, on a mix of walks both with and without a pack, in the Malvern Hills, Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains. She usually takes a UK5.5/6 shoe and has a medium width foot but narrow heels. This review was first published in the August 2026 issue of The Great Outdoors. Compare it with others in our guide to the best hiking shoes.
