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Photograph credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

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

Fast Specs

Photograph credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Execs

Consolation

Consolation is a trademark of the Spire GTX. The preliminary break-in interval was longer than we needed, 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 right footwear in the event 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 climbing boot”, however we predict they appear and feel like a stout 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 assorted 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 implies your toes gained’t tire as rapidly, and also you’ll keep snug even by way of the longest days. This molding retains the footwear feeling sturdy on all the things 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 climbing routes. 

Breathability

The Spire GTX ventilates so effectively they’re aggressive with a lot 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 rapidly not solely by way of the highest of the shoe however vent by way of the edges and the footbed itself. The Spires stored our toes impressively and constantly dry on scorching days, within the direct solar, for hours on finish.

Photograph credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Waterproof

These footwear are additionally reliably waterproof. We put the Spires by way of the wringer over two weeks in soggy fall situations within the excessive Colorado Rockies, with a number of hikes by way of frozen creeks, deep mud, fields of tall grass soaked with the prior night time’s rain, and patches of mushy snow. The decision? These footwear carry out. They by no means allowed moisture in and stored our hooves constantly dry. This stage of breathability and waterproofing additionally makes the Spires an excellent selection 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 related all the best way to the collar, so there’s no likelihood of moisture soaking your socks until you’re in water over your ankles. And, since they measure over 4 inches excessive, it probably gained’t matter in the event you slip right into a deep puddle or mis-step close to a creek.

Photograph credit score: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)

Sizing and match

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

The toe field offers loads of room and the midsole provides a beefy, structured really feel. Nonetheless, we discovered the heel runs surprisingly large. This extra broad design is likely to be a problem for folk in search of a slim heel pocket, or in the event you’re utilizing this shoe for climbing a variety 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 a number of 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.

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

Photograph 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 minimize in comparison with path runners, however a low minimize versus climbing boots, touchdown within the candy spot between the 2. In the event you desire a medium-to-high drop and a stiff heel, you’ll love the Spire GTX.

The normal 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 secure 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 kind of plastic utilized in climbing footwear so as to add assist and safety. The inserts work effectively to reduce foot ache, and the good use of waterproof supplies and heavier weight will make you’re feeling assured and quick on the paths.

Photograph credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Traction

These are severely grippy footwear. The Spires are outfitted with the identical sticky Vibram XS Trek outsoles that La Sportiva makes use of on a lot of its climbing and mountaineering boots. This compound is extremely dynamic and cheesy, so the footwear really feel secure on all the things from moist rock to sand and pebbles. We discovered the self-cleaning outsoles are additionally remarkably environment friendly at releasing mud, rocks, and free grime, with no problems with clumping or caking after climbing by way of 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 also 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 simple work of climbing, descending, and working.

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 Mountaineering Sneakers. Versus aggressive waterproof 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 a lot of different much less heavy waterproof choices. Take a look at our Finest Males’s Mountaineering Sneakers and Finest Ladies’s Mountaineering Sneakers to see our favorites.

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

Photograph 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 an alternative of two like on many aggressive path runners and climbing footwear. Double-eyelets enable 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 may have laced the footwear tighter to forestall even occasional heel slippage or rubbing. With just one eyelet, an adaptable lacing system shouldn’t be attainable. 

Photograph 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 Mountaineering 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 vital 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 robust, however typical climbing difficulties like roots, sharp rocks, mud, and constant abrasion will blow out this material.

After solely 70 miles, we discovered the bogus uppers have begun to indicate put on. There may be predictable fraying the place the mesh forefoot creases, stitching is coming undone on the toe, and there’s slight separation of the midsole from the aspect 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 component 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.

Photograph credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Lengthy break-in interval

Considered one of our favourite issues in regards to the Spire GTX is how stiff they’re because it makes for a really secure 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 snug, but it surely took about 10-12 hours of climbing, or round 15-20 miles earlier than the footwear totally loosened up and tailored to our toes. That is considerably longer than a number of the Spires’ competitors, a lot of which match effectively proper out of the field, or took solely a few miles to melt.

Photograph credit score: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)

Not for scrambling

We observed an absence of flexibility when 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 secure 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 a bit additional safety in your toes. In the event you’re on the lookout for a greater scrambling choice, contemplate a lower-profile, extra versatile path runner for extra agility. Check out our High Path Runners for Ladies and our High Path Runners for Males for options. 

Photograph 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 Mountaineering Sneakers. In case you are out there for footwear or path runners, you’ll probably have some sticker shock. Nonetheless, they carry out like a high-end climbing boot with a water-proof lining, burly traction, and excellent stability. Although they’re spendy in comparison with our different high climbing footwear, they’re on the low finish for value in comparison with boots with comparable options. If you’d like a burly boot-like shoe and this pair suits your toes effectively, they’re an awesome selection. Nonetheless, if you need 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, secure or semi-loose. Due to some fancy tech, your toes will keep ventilated, completely satisfied, and supported regardless of the place you’re climbing. These footwear felt secure, dependable, and cozy whether or not we have been chasing a number of summits and 20+ mile days, taking brief 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 susceptible to put on and tear, they usually fall brief on scrambles. Plus, they carry a big price ticket in comparison with our different high 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 climbing boot – like stability, nice traction, and a water-proof liner – with our favourite facets of high-quality path runners – like breathability, consolation, and correct sizing. These footwear are so versatile that they’re price 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 Mountaineering Sneakers – they usually may simply turn into your go-to pair of climbing footwear.

Photograph credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Extra Info

We hope this evaluate helps you identify if the La Sportiva Spire GTX is best for you. As all the time, please depart a remark under you probably have any suggestions, questions, or options. And are available verify us out on Fb and Instagram to affix the group dialog. In the event you discovered this evaluate useful, please share on social media!

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