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Picture credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

One in every of La Sportiva’s most uncommon footwear, the Spire GTX, is a mountain climbing boot masquerading as a path runner. These footwear have acquired excessive reward in each the fastpacking and mountain climbing worlds – however do they reside as much as the excitement? We put the Spire GTX by rigorous testing over a whole lot of miles from the muddy trails of the Cascades to Colorado’s tallest peaks to search out out for you. Hold studying for our in-depth evaluation.

Fast Specs

Picture credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Professionals

Consolation

Consolation is a trademark of the Spire GTX. The preliminary break-in interval was longer than we wished, at about 15-20 miles, the place the footwear felt inflexible and agency. As soon as they relaxed, although, it felt like we’d been carrying them for years.

That is the proper footwear when you love the construction and burliness of a boot, however need the breathability and dexterity of a path runner. La Sportiva describes the Spire as a “mid-duty mountain climbing boot”, however we expect they look and feel like a stout mountain climbing shoe. Due to the sturdy midsoles and thick foam, the Spire feels nice, nimble, and quick on well-groomed trails, however they actually excel on various and uneven terrain.

La Sportiva makes use of compression-molded EVA for the midsole of the Spires. This is identical agency cushioning used to construct their longest-distance path runners, which suggests your toes received’t tire as shortly, and also you’ll keep comfy even by the longest days. This molding retains the footwear feeling sturdy on every part from river crossings and slippery logs to dusty, gravelly ascents. The Spires are greater than cushioned sufficient to run in, however hefty sufficient for slopey, technical mountain climbing routes. 

Breathability

The Spire GTX ventilates so nicely they’re aggressive with lots of our favourite path runners. They’re extraordinarily efficient at moisture management. Due to the Gore-Tex Encompass membrane, our toes stayed dry on path. This Gore-Tex system permits sweat and built-up moisture to exit shortly not solely by the highest of the shoe however vent by the edges and the footbed itself. The Spires stored our toes impressively and persistently dry on scorching days, within the direct solar, for hours on finish.

Picture credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Waterproof

These footwear are additionally reliably waterproof. We put the Spires by the wringer over two weeks in soggy fall situations within the excessive Colorado Rockies, with a number of hikes by frozen creeks, deep mud, fields of tall grass soaked with the prior evening’s rain, and patches of mushy snow. The decision? These footwear carry out. They by no means allowed moisture in and stored our hooves persistently dry. This degree of breathability and waterproofing additionally makes the Spires an excellent alternative not only for summer season, however for frigid and moist spring and fall adventures.

The tongue design is essential to the water resistance of this pair: it’s linked all the best way to the collar, so there’s no likelihood of moisture soaking your socks except you’re in water over your ankles. And, since they measure over 4 inches excessive, it doubtless received’t matter when you slip right into a deep puddle or mis-step close to a creek.

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Sizing and match

Sizing was common and correct, though they don’t are available in slim or large variations. La Sportiva’s footwear have a fame for operating a bit slim. Previously, this made the model a favourite for individuals who like tight-fitting footwear, however lower than ultimate for these with wider toes. The Spire GTX bucks this pattern with a well-known, comfy match.

The toe field offers loads of room and the midsole presents a beefy, structured really feel. Nonetheless, we discovered the heel runs surprisingly large. This extra broad design could be a problem for folk searching for a slim heel pocket, or when you’re utilizing this shoe for climbing loads of steep terrain. To keep away from slippage or scorching spots, the laces needed to be cinched tightly and knotted securely. That stated, after many dozens of miles and several other thousand toes of climbing, the broader heel was not finally a problem (minimal rubbing and no blisters!), and getting used to this match seems to be a part of the break-in interval.

Observe that La Sportiva is an Italian firm, in order that they use European shoe sizing. European shoe sizing measures the foot from heel to longest toe in centimeters, as a substitute of inches, so there are smaller increments than with American footwear. In our expertise, which means an actual match. For instance, in case your foot measures 25 cm, you’ll usually put on a European dimension 40 however might dimension up or down one cm (about .39 in) for consolation. This makes the Spire an excellent alternative for various foot sorts and shapes.

Picture credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Steady

These footwear are unquestionably four-wheel-drive footwear, constructed to deal with most landscapes. Sitting at 4.1 inches tall, they’ve a excessive lower in comparison with path runners, however a low lower versus mountain climbing boots, touchdown within the candy spot between the 2. For those who want a medium-to-high drop and a stiff heel, you’ll love the Spire GTX.

The standard lacing system, tall tongue, and heel tab make them really feel acquainted and robust, however the brawny Vibram outsoles set them aside. The aggressive lug sample creates an extremely grippy, dependable, and steady mountain climbing expertise. The Spires felt safe on trails, grass, mud, and angled terrain. 

The Spire GTX has TPU inserts. TPU stands for thermoplastic polyurethane. It’s a really versatile and sturdy sort of plastic utilized in mountain climbing footwear so as to add assist and safety. The inserts work nicely to attenuate foot ache, and the good use of waterproof supplies and heavier weight will make you’re feeling assured and quick on the paths.

Picture credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Traction

These are significantly grippy footwear. The Spires are outfitted with the identical sticky Vibram XS Trek outsoles that La Sportiva makes use of on lots of its mountain climbing and mountaineering boots. This compound is extremely dynamic and cheesy, so the footwear really feel steady on every part from moist rock to sand and pebbles. We discovered the self-cleaning outsoles are additionally remarkably environment friendly at releasing mud, rocks, and free filth, with no problems with clumping or caking after mountain climbing by even the deepest sludge.

The Spire GTX options giant, tightly-spaced lugs for a reliable grip whereas crushing an ascent. The busy, aggressive tread can be thoughtfully designed for lengthy descents. La Sportiva additionally makes use of their Affect Braking System – a grip sample that gives management and enhanced traction when coming down inclines. We discovered the Spire GTX made straightforward work of climbing, descending, and operating.

Cons

Weight

Two kilos is heavy. The Spire GTX is likely one of the heavier pairs in our high ten record of Finest Males’s Mountain climbing Sneakers. Versus aggressive waterproof mountain climbing footwear just like the Merrell Moab 3 or the Solomon X Extremely 4 GTX, the Spires are notably heavier. If light-weight is your high precedence, there are lots of different much less heavy waterproof choices. Take a look at our Finest Males’s Mountain climbing Sneakers and Finest Girls’s Mountain climbing Sneakers to see our favorites.

Regardless of the load penalty, these footwear by no means felt cumbersome. The Spires are a wonderful alternative for multi-day adventures in addition to shorter excursions. A number of additional ounces mustn’t deter you from attempting these out. However we expect they’re too heavy for prolonged adventures like thru-hikes (and 20-mile days), which demand extra flexibility and lighter soles to maintain you comfortable because the miles stack up.

Picture credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Single-lace eyeholes

Sadly, the Spire GTX solely comes with single eyelet lace holes on the high of the foot as a substitute of two like on many aggressive path runners and mountain climbing footwear. Double-eyelets permit for a variety of lacing configurations that may provide a personalized tighter or greater match for various foot shapes or becoming wants. For instance, the broader heel of the Spire wouldn’t be a problem if there have been two eyelet holes since we might have laced the footwear tighter to forestall even occasional heel slippage or rubbing. With just one eyelet, an adaptable lacing system shouldn’t be potential. 

Picture credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Restricted sturdiness

Don’t get us improper – the Spire GTX are very sturdy. We even named them one of many 4 most sturdy footwear on our high ten record of Finest Males’s Mountain climbing Sneakers. Nonetheless, all-synthetic uppers are merely not made for longevity, and for us, it is a con of the Spire GTX.

Although the chunky Vibram outsoles really feel bombproof, it’s necessary to spotlight that the development of those “boots” is identical as most path runners: mesh wraps from the edges to the highest. This materials is powerful, however typical mountain climbing difficulties like roots, sharp rocks, mud, and constant abrasion will blow out this material.

After solely 70 miles, we discovered the unreal uppers have begun to indicate put on. There’s predictable fraying the place the mesh forefoot creases, stitching is coming undone on the toe, and there may be slight separation of the midsole from the facet mesh on one shoe. We’re nonetheless assured we’ll get 500+ backcountry miles from the Spires, and they’ll outlive most lighter footwear – however, in our expertise, this fast put on and tear is par for the course with totally artificial footwear.

The weakest ingredient of the Spire GTX? The shoelaces. Like most of La Sportiva’s laces, these footwear make the most of artificial fiber wrapped in a sheath. This sheath tends to wear down, normally lengthy earlier than the shoe does. We suggest shopping for a backup pair of shoelaces on the time of buy or swapping them out for a extra sturdy pair instantly.

Picture credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Lengthy break-in interval

One in every of our favourite issues in regards to the Spire GTX is how stiff they’re because it makes for a really steady shoe – however that is additionally a con. The thick midsole and beefy, inflexible outer sole made for a protracted break-in interval when in comparison with different choices. They’re actually comfy, nevertheless it took about 10-12 hours of mountain climbing, or round 15-20 miles earlier than the footwear totally loosened up and tailored to our toes. That is considerably longer than among the Spires’ competitors, lots of which match nicely proper out of the field, or took solely a few miles to melt.

Picture credit score: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)

Not for scrambling

We seen a scarcity of flexibility when mountain climbing extraordinarily rocky trails and traversing prolonged, sharp scree, talus, and boulder fields. The stiffness of the footwear made foot placement on rocky terrain difficult. The excessive rise of the Spire GTX felt wobbly on prolonged, precarious, jagged surfaces because the outsoles stay considerably inflexible even after the break-in interval is over. Nonetheless, on most different terrains – from slippery stream crossings to difficult ascents – the stiffness of the shoe made them really feel very steady and safe.

Moreover, the Spires don’t have a strengthened toecap. As an alternative, they function an additional layer of tough, abrasion-resistant materials that provides construction to the shoe and somewhat additional safety in your toes. For those who’re in search of a greater scrambling choice, think about a lower-profile, extra versatile path runner for extra agility. Check out our High Path Runners for Girls and our High Path Runners for Males for ideas. 

Picture credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Worth

The Spire GTX is likely one of the most costly pairs on our record of Finest Males’s Mountain climbing Sneakers. If you’re available in the market for footwear or path runners, you’ll doubtless have some sticker shock. Nonetheless, they carry out like a high-end mountain climbing boot with a water-proof lining, burly traction, and excellent stability. Although they’re spendy in comparison with our different high mountain climbing footwear, they’re on the low finish for value in comparison with boots with related options. In order for you a burly boot-like shoe and this pair suits your toes nicely, they’re an excellent alternative. Nonetheless, if you’d like a lighter-weight shoe, there are different budget-friendly choices that carry out equally.

Backside Line

The Spire GTX are dynamic. They provide stellar efficiency on most terrain, whether or not moist or dry, steep or flat, steady or semi-loose. Due to some fancy tech, your toes will keep ventilated, joyful, and supported regardless of the place you’re mountain climbing. These footwear felt steady, dependable, and cozy whether or not we have been chasing a number of summits and 20+ mile days, taking quick afternoon hikes to the river, or grabbing some greasy pizza and a chilly beer on the town.

At round one pound per shoe, although, they’re notably heavy. The Spires even have a longer-than-average break-in interval. Like most artificial uppers, this pair is vulnerable to put on and tear, and so they fall quick on scrambles. Plus, they carry a big price ticket in comparison with our different high mountain climbing footwear.

Nonetheless, total, we’re nonetheless huge followers of La Sportiva’s Spire GTX. They do an beautiful job of mixing the very best options of a standard mountain climbing boot – like stability, nice traction, and a water-proof liner – with our favourite features of high-quality path runners – like breathability, consolation, and correct sizing. These footwear are so versatile that they’re value taking a look at for nearly any journey, whether or not you’re a day hiker, obsessive weekend warrior, or love multi-day backpacking journeys and part hikes. The Spire GTX earned a spot on our record of the Finest Males’s Mountain climbing Sneakers – and so they might simply grow to be your go-to pair of mountain climbing footwear.

Picture credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Extra Info

We hope this evaluation helps you establish if the La Sportiva Spire GTX is best for you. As at all times, please go away a remark beneath you probably have any suggestions, questions, or ideas. And are available verify us out on Fb and Instagram to hitch the group dialog. For those who discovered this evaluation useful, please share on social media!

For those who appreciated this record, you’ll love the CleverHiker Gear Information the place we take a look at and suggest tons of outside journey gear from quite a lot of classes. Listed below are some assets to take a look at: