This Cult-Favorite Trail Sneaker Will Cure Your Salomon Fatigue

Finding a stylish gym shoe I could wear while not at the gym is tough—but the La Sportiva TX4 EVO ST might finally be the cheat code for anyone looking to put together elite post-workout ‘fits, sweaty clothing and all. The brand is known for making high-quality outdoor gear (particularly footwear for trail running, hiking, and climbing) worn by some of the biggest names in fashion. In the age of Salomon supremacy, lord knows we’re all looking for the next big gorp-adjacent sneaker (or maybe that’s just me). Either way, if you need for a shoe that you can wear on a hike, at the gym, and while waiting in line at the Stüssy store, look no further.

What Are Approach Shoes?

The TX4 is classified as an “approach” shoe, a style of shoe that aims to bridge the gap between a hiking boot and a climbing shoe. Approach shoes offer a climbing shoe’s secure fit and grip, paired with the supportive and comfortable sole of a hiking boot.

I took a pair of the previous iteration (TX3s) on a trip to Joshua Tree a couple of years back, and they served me well on multiple hikes of up to five miles with some elevation gain. They especially shined on more uneven terrain, allowing me to quickly and confidently scramble up boulders like someone with a Vital membership.

When I returned to New York and started wearing the new TX4s to the gym, I found those same qualities also served as an asset to my workouts. The grippy outsole made even the heaviest sled pushes a breeze, and the secure fit and stable platform provided a confident base for all manner of kettlebell movements.

Modern Tech, Classic Design

The La Sportiva TX4 is an subtle statement maker. It feels more inspired by classic vintage silhouettes than some of its more technical outdoor shoe peers. The sole is more substantial than those in previous TX iterations, and it uses a recycled yarn upper. The La Sportiva logo is tucked casually by the heel. I opted for the Carbon/Mountain Red colorway, which is nicely understated yet still maintains a little pop of color (without feeling like you’ve got a color wheel on your feet). Overall, the TX4 does a great job of utilizing modern tech and materials while still staying true to the design cues of its predecessors.

Great Support, Wide Toe Box—But a Little Snug

The TX4 is meant to stand in for a climbing shoe in certain situations—low-grade climbing, traversing uneven terrain to get to the real climbing, etc. For that reason, the fit is rather snug. It’s typical for climbing shoes to be quite tight, and La Sportiva definitely has a history of fitting particularly snug. I ordered my usual size, and while it isn’t uncomfortable, you may want to consider going a half size up. Aside from the fit, these shoes are comfortable. They come with a four-millimeter Ortholite Hybrid Approach insole that provides great support. The toe box is nice and wide, and there’s moderate heel cushioning. Borrowing a design detail from climbing shoes, the laces extend far closer to the toes than your standard hiking boot or trail runner. This detail allows for a tighter fit when scrambling up a ridgeline, hitting that last set of box jumps, or staggering out of the wine bar.

Breathable, Stiff, and Responsive

The TX4’s climbing adjacent pedigree means that they feel rather stiff and responsive. The reinforced toe box, while not as strong as your leather hiking boots, still goes above and beyond a standard trail runner in terms of durability. They utilize a patented Impact Brake System—a lug pattern with slanted and opposing angles that reduces impact and increases traction. These shoes are probably not the best choice for wet climates or rainy days: The recycled yarn upper is very breathable, ideal for warm weather but decidedly less ideal for keeping water out. Additionally, the tread isn’t quite as deep as most hiking boots and may cause you to run into some traction issues in grassy, muddy, or overly wet conditions. The good news is that after your adventures inevitably take their toll on your kicks, you can make use of La Sportiva’s Resole Platform to have the soles replaced.

La Sportiva TX4 EVO ST Verdict: Snag ’em ASAP

The TX4 EVO ST is a shoe that can do a lot. It’ll serve you well on the street, while hiking, and if you’re doing some light climbing. It’s great in the gym, filling in as an all-purpose training shoe, and the understated outdoor style cues pair well with some vintage Levi’s for a few beers on a weekend afternoon. Outside of long-distance running or heavy rain, this shoe really does have you covered. Plus, once you’ve worn through the soles (which should take you a while, for the record), you can get them replaced so they’ll last you another few years. TL;DR: Get on the wave.