La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX - Black/Yellow

To date I've only had the opportunity to wear the La Sportiva Trango Tech on a handful of short (<10 miles), non-technical hikes, so I will try to update at a later date as well. My initial impression is that the boot is very well made, as one would expect from La Sportiva, and sizing is consistent with the rest of the Trango line, being best suited to those with low-volume, narrow feet. The boot is quite light, and flexible enough to wear as a light hiking boot, while the three-quarter PU shank helps protect your feet from rocks quite well, and also allows you to use a semi-automatic crampon. The Vibram sole is sensitive enough to provide good terrain feedback, yet still edges well enough to handle some low-grade 5th-class scrambling, if necessary. It handled both ... MoreTo date I've only had the opportunity to wear the La Sportiva Trango Tech on a handful of short (<10 miles), non-technical hikes, so I will try to update at a later date as well. My initial impression is that the boot is very well made, as one would expect from La Sportiva, and sizing is consistent with the rest of the Trango line, being best suited to those with low-volume, narrow feet. The boot is quite light, and flexible enough to wear as a light hiking boot, while the three-quarter PU shank helps protect your feet from rocks quite well, and also allows you to use a semi-automatic crampon. The Vibram sole is sensitive enough to provide good terrain feedback, yet still edges well enough to handle some low-grade 5th-class scrambling, if necessary. It handled both ascents and descents on loose rock and wet mud quite well. The rubber seems to be fairly sticky, and has handled boulder-hopping on wet granite quite nicely. The gusset on the tongue works quite well to keep out water, and keeps the tongue in place, preventing it from sliding down into the boot. The boot is quite flexible through the ankle, but also seems quite supportive so far, though I have yet to try it with a heavy pack. The Goretex insert has kept my foot dry during creek crossings, while still allowing my foot to breathe enough to not be overly hot or sweaty. My only concern about the boot, is the Kevlar cord they used at the ankle. To me, it would be preferable if they had used quick lacing ladders on the top three points, as most high-end boots have, so you could create dual-tension lacing zones. I also worry about the durability of this cord, but will have to report back on this in the future. Overall, the La Sportiva Trango Tech seems to fill the niche of a lightweight, semi-technical hiker quite nicely, so, if that's what you're looking for, I would definitely recommend giving it a look if the fit is right for you.

Durability and Traction.

Very durable and well-made boot. I own two pairs (47.5 and 48). I have 400 miles on 1st pair and opted to size up to a 48 (300 miles on them so far). They are holding up very well. I find they breath well and the traction is exceptional. Most mileage has been in the San Juan Mountains of SW Colorado and the Colorado Front Range with sharp granite terrain. The soles also grip well on slick rock. They also breath well and are great for tramping through bogs / low water / morning dew.My only complaint is with the toe box - just wish it was a tad roomier and there was a 48.5 size. I normally wear between a US 13.5 and 14, and I use full sole orthotic. The 47.5s were a bit too tight, but not painful. I then bought a 48, but still need more width in the toe box.

Excellent light duty mountaineering boot

I have tested these out on 2 hikes/climbs now. The first was an easy hike to Eagle and Chutla Peaks in the Tatoosh south of Mount Rainier. I had a lot of problems with them, but determined it was a sizing issue. I returned them to REI for one size up. since then, I have had no issues at all. These seem to run quite small. Size up at least 1 full size. They are two full sizes higher then my La Sportiva Spires, and a full size higher then my La Sportiva Trango Towers.I then took these boots on a one day climb of Mount Stuart this November, and couldn't be happier with the performance. They are extremely light, and feel fine hiking in them for long distances, similar in experience to hiking boots I've owned. I made quick work of the cascade couloir. Once I got to ... MoreI have tested these out on 2 hikes/climbs now. The first was an easy hike to Eagle and Chutla Peaks in the Tatoosh south of Mount Rainier. I had a lot of problems with them, but determined it was a sizing issue. I returned them to REI for one size up. since then, I have had no issues at all. These seem to run quite small. Size up at least 1 full size. They are two full sizes higher then my La Sportiva Spires, and a full size higher then my La Sportiva Trango Towers.I then took these boots on a one day climb of Mount Stuart this November, and couldn't be happier with the performance. They are extremely light, and feel fine hiking in them for long distances, similar in experience to hiking boots I've owned. I made quick work of the cascade couloir. Once I got to snow, I found them to feel very secure in crampons, and through considerable mixed terrain I had no problem. I found them to be grippy, secure, light and comfortable. I did a bit of front-pointing in areas, and I agree with other assessments that I would not want to rely on them for extensive front-pointing; the flex they do provide isn't enough to feel insecure or unstable on steep snow, but it does make for some discomfort.My feet stayed dry for a 15 hour round trip day with extensive snow, including wet snow. My feet even dried out slightly on the hike back to the car.All in all, 14 miles and over 8000 feet of gain in one day, and no foot discomfort at all by the time I got back. I am extremely pleased with these.

Follow-up 1

I have now had these for a month and have used them for climbing twice. So my initial impression of the boots that they are comfortable and keep my feet warm and dry still stands. Adding to that, they are light and nimble. I used them on alpine rock and they felt very secure because they are not bulky, making it easier for placement. Paired them with the Grivel Air Tech crampons and again, felt secure because they are just so light and feel really good on my feet. I will say that they are not meant for long, front pointing pitches and to compensate for that I used a mix of footwork techniques on the steeper parts. I used I am still having issues not being able to get the right boot as tight as my left boot. Could be the anatomy of my feet due to arthritis. I am now ... MoreI have now had these for a month and have used them for climbing twice. So my initial impression of the boots that they are comfortable and keep my feet warm and dry still stands. Adding to that, they are light and nimble. I used them on alpine rock and they felt very secure because they are not bulky, making it easier for placement. Paired them with the Grivel Air Tech crampons and again, felt secure because they are just so light and feel really good on my feet. I will say that they are not meant for long, front pointing pitches and to compensate for that I used a mix of footwork techniques on the steeper parts. I used I am still having issues not being able to get the right boot as tight as my left boot. Could be the anatomy of my feet due to arthritis. I am now playing around with different insoles to see if this gets better. The material on the top of the right boot sustained a small, superficial tear about the size of a pea. That happens when you wedge it in a crack for placement and it gets stuck. I will repair the tear with some type of waterproof shoe glue to see how it goes. So to recap, for climbing this time of year, in the Olympics, they are my go to boot out of the four different pairs that I own. Another follow up to come. Have fun!

Four Days in the Wilderness: Torn and Frayed

The Trango Tech GTX make for a worthy choice for busting out long trail and backpacking excursions in the North American wilderness. But throw boulder fields, steep scree, talus, and a few mellow pitches of class 5 rock into the mix, and these boots are likely to tear at the sidewalls. That is a complete bummer, because every other part of the Trango Tech lives up to the La Sportiva record of excellence. One short backyard test with crampons proves they hold steady, but under most conditions they will not last more than one long day on glaciers because of the lackluster sidewall material. These synthetic boots should have the same rubber side-wrap found on the leather version. The pictures here show results of only four travel days off-trail and above treeline in ... MoreThe Trango Tech GTX make for a worthy choice for busting out long trail and backpacking excursions in the North American wilderness. But throw boulder fields, steep scree, talus, and a few mellow pitches of class 5 rock into the mix, and these boots are likely to tear at the sidewalls. That is a complete bummer, because every other part of the Trango Tech lives up to the La Sportiva record of excellence. One short backyard test with crampons proves they hold steady, but under most conditions they will not last more than one long day on glaciers because of the lackluster sidewall material. These synthetic boots should have the same rubber side-wrap found on the leather version. The pictures here show results of only four travel days off-trail and above treeline in Wyoming granite and quartzite mountain ranges.

Nice boots but terrible fit.

Sadly the fit in the toe box is smaller than other boots from them. So much so that after one hike i'm looking at serious little toe blisters on each foot. Normally I wear a 12 in La Sportiva and have had great success with their other boots with little or no break-in needed. Another size bigger they will be too wide i think. Becides the fit, the construction of these looks very good. Too bad, won't be wearing them again.

Perfect for summer glaciers

I purchased this boot to climb Gannett Peak in Wyoming. I already own La Sportiva 2.0 GTX boots, which were great for Hood, Rainier, and Elbrus - where the climbing was entirely on snow. But Gannett involves a substantial hike in on bare trails, so a full-shank mountaineering boot isn't appropriate. And carrying in an extra set of boots is a non-starter. These boots were the perfect choice. Light weight and comfortable enough for rock hopping. Very water resistant (important because Gannett had lots of streams and melting snow). Stiff enough for crampons on the glaciers. You wouldn't want to use them on sheer ice (not stiff enough), but on softened snow, they are perfect. My only complaint is that they won't accommodate automatic, step in crampons because they don't ... MoreI purchased this boot to climb Gannett Peak in Wyoming. I already own La Sportiva 2.0 GTX boots, which were great for Hood, Rainier, and Elbrus - where the climbing was entirely on snow. But Gannett involves a substantial hike in on bare trails, so a full-shank mountaineering boot isn't appropriate. And carrying in an extra set of boots is a non-starter. These boots were the perfect choice. Light weight and comfortable enough for rock hopping. Very water resistant (important because Gannett had lots of streams and melting snow). Stiff enough for crampons on the glaciers. You wouldn't want to use them on sheer ice (not stiff enough), but on softened snow, they are perfect. My only complaint is that they won't accommodate automatic, step in crampons because they don't have a front toe welt.

Rigid + Cushioned + Light = Bravo!

I'm a hiking guide in southern Utah canyon country. I wear a Euro size 45 in most boots (La Sportiva, Salewa, Asolo), and a Euro size 45.5 in Scarpas. I require boots that are notably rigid from heel to toe, because they prevent my feet from the constant bending that triggers plantar fasciitis. Yet I also need boots that have sufficient cushioning to allow me to hike long slickrock routes daily. I much prefer all-synthetic boots to leather or partially-leather boots. And, of course, I want my boots to be as light weight as possible. Previously, I relied on La Sportiva's Trango TRK. I was very happy with them, but they've been discontinued, so I switched to the Trango Tech. Opinion: It's excellent, and will be "my" boot as long as La Sportiva keeps it in production. ... MoreI'm a hiking guide in southern Utah canyon country. I wear a Euro size 45 in most boots (La Sportiva, Salewa, Asolo), and a Euro size 45.5 in Scarpas. I require boots that are notably rigid from heel to toe, because they prevent my feet from the constant bending that triggers plantar fasciitis. Yet I also need boots that have sufficient cushioning to allow me to hike long slickrock routes daily. I much prefer all-synthetic boots to leather or partially-leather boots. And, of course, I want my boots to be as light weight as possible. Previously, I relied on La Sportiva's Trango TRK. I was very happy with them, but they've been discontinued, so I switched to the Trango Tech. Opinion: It's excellent, and will be "my" boot as long as La Sportiva keeps it in production. The Techs are just as stiff as the TRKs, perhaps a bit more so. If anything, they might be slightly more cush. And they're exactly 1 ounce lighter (per pair, without insoles) than the TRKs. My size 45 Trango Techs weigh 2 lbs 13 oz, according to my scale. Sizing for the Trango Tech seems to be nearly identical to the Trango TRK. Perhaps the Techs are a smidge shorter (due to the angled toe box), but size 45 still works for me. Conclusion: If you're looking for that rare combination of lightweight + rigid + adequate cushioning, in an all-synthetic boot, for technical dayhiking, the La Sportiva Trango Tech might be your boot.

So far so good

Bought these for anything where the Nepal Evo (or similar mountaineering boot) is not necessary. Aside from about 20 minutes on a class 1 hiking trail, wore these for the first time on Capitol Peak in Colorado (17 miles, 5,000+ feet vert and lots of heads up class 4). They are comfortable, and right out of the box performed extremely well everywhere from the fast paced approach to technical edging where it really counts. The break in period is minimal, however even though I didn't have to use moleskin/tape, I recommend at least having some with you if you're doing a long outing the first time using these.. Based on first impressions I strongly recommend this boot.Regarding sizing, my climbing shoe size is 41.5, and bought these in a 42. I was wearing a moderately ... MoreBought these for anything where the Nepal Evo (or similar mountaineering boot) is not necessary. Aside from about 20 minutes on a class 1 hiking trail, wore these for the first time on Capitol Peak in Colorado (17 miles, 5,000+ feet vert and lots of heads up class 4). They are comfortable, and right out of the box performed extremely well everywhere from the fast paced approach to technical edging where it really counts. The break in period is minimal, however even though I didn't have to use moleskin/tape, I recommend at least having some with you if you're doing a long outing the first time using these.. Based on first impressions I strongly recommend this boot.Regarding sizing, my climbing shoe size is 41.5, and bought these in a 42. I was wearing a moderately thick wool sock and the fit is pretty good. It's on the roomier side, however a 41.5 with this thick a sock would be too tight. If you are not planning on wearing a thicker sock and will not be using them in cold temps, you will probably be ok sticking with your true climbing shoe size.

So far so good.

I bought these boots to bridge the gap between mountaineering and hiking boots so I could use them for hiking on trails to mountain summits. So far these have lived up to the task. I never got blisters or any other comfort issues. They were a little weird to get used to walking in at first but that was overcome quickly. This was probably due to the fact I have never had a mountaineering boot before these. The only gripe I have about them is when the inside fabric by the ankle of the boot gets wet it seems to take longer to dry out than most footwear I have had in the past. If you have a boot dryer then no problem but when backpacking for days or weeks at a time this would be an issue especially in higher altitude, colder conditions. However, these will get their ... MoreI bought these boots to bridge the gap between mountaineering and hiking boots so I could use them for hiking on trails to mountain summits. So far these have lived up to the task. I never got blisters or any other comfort issues. They were a little weird to get used to walking in at first but that was overcome quickly. This was probably due to the fact I have never had a mountaineering boot before these. The only gripe I have about them is when the inside fabric by the ankle of the boot gets wet it seems to take longer to dry out than most footwear I have had in the past. If you have a boot dryer then no problem but when backpacking for days or weeks at a time this would be an issue especially in higher altitude, colder conditions. However, these will get their first real test as I utilize them on my backpacking trip in the Sangre De Cristos in September. Will update my review then.