UPDATE August 2019: It’s now been THREE years since my original post and I still have and use my first pair of TX2’s! They are nearing the end of their use but I only use them while guiding waterfall rappelling trips (they are insane grippy on wet rock). I’ve purchased two more pairs since this original review… one that I actively hike, approach, and rock climb in while guiding mellow moderates all summer, and a third pair I bought in reserve in case LaSportiva ever stops making these. They are that good!
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Original review from July 2016:
Over the last two months I have hiked a few dozen miles and climbed over 4000 feet of technical rock climbing in the new LaSportiva TX2 Approach Shoes and I’m ready to share my opinion on them. For those who aren’t familiar with what an “approach” shoe is I’ll explain. While approach shoes might look like cross training or running shoes the main difference in this category is the use of a climbing shoe type rubber for the out-sole (soft & grippy on smooth rock) and a fit that can be snug enough for technical rock climbing. They differ from climbing shoes by the addition of a mid-sole and foot-bed along with enough support throughout the shoe to allow one to hike (or approach) a technical rock climb in comfort.
