The La Sportiva TX2 Evo Women’s is the lightest and most agile member of La Sportiva’s Traverse X approach shoe family. Designed for climbers, scramblers, and alpine minimalists, it’s a shoe that prioritizes sensitivity, grip, and packability over brute durability. With a sock-like fit, sticky Vibram Idrogrip outsole, and resoleable construction, the TX2 Evo is purpose-built for technical approaches, multi-pitch descents, and fast-and-light alpine linkups where every gram and every foothold counts.
While it lacks the ruggedness of the TX4 or the cushioning of a trail runner, it excels in precision, agility, and comfort—making it a top pick for climbers who carry their shoes on harness or in a summit pack.
Build & Materials
- Upper: Seamless recycled knit mesh with PU TechLite rand
- Outsole: Vibram® Idrogrip with Climbing Zone
- Midsole: Dual-density EVA
- Insole: Ortholite® footbed
- Weight: ~500g per pair (UK women’s 5.5)
- Fit: Low-volume, sock-like, true to size
- Extras: C2 Combo Cord™ heel loop for pairing and clipping
The upper is made from a recycled knit mesh that’s breathable, quick-drying, and surprisingly abrasion-resistant. The PU TechLite rand wraps the toe and heel for added protection, while the Climbing Zone at the forefoot offers precision on rock. The C2 Combo Cord™ system—a clever elastic loop that tucks into the heel—lets you clip the shoes together and hang them from your harness without flopping around.
Climbing & Scrambling Performance
This is where the TX2 Evo truly shines. It’s one of the few approach shoes that feels like a climbing slipper with laces. Whether you’re edging on limestone, smearing on granite slabs, or jamming into cracks, the shoe offers excellent feedback and control.
- Edging: The Vibram Idrogrip rubber and low-profile toe provide solid edging on small holds.
- Smearing: The soft rubber and flexible forefoot conform well to rock, offering confidence on slabs.
- Crack climbing: The low-volume toe slips into thin cracks, and the rubber toe cap adds protection.
- Heel hooking: Not its forte, but the snug heel cup keeps things secure on moderate terrain.
For 4th- and low 5th-class terrain, the TX2 Evo is a joy. It’s not a replacement for a climbing shoe, but it’s one of the best approach shoes for technical scrambling and easy soloing.
Hiking & Approach Comfort
Despite its climbing pedigree, the TX2 Evo is surprisingly comfortable on the trail—as long as you’re not carrying a heavy pack or hiking all day on rough terrain.
- Cushioning: The dual-density EVA midsole offers enough shock absorption for moderate approaches.
- Support: Minimal arch support and no shank—best for light loads and nimble movement.
- Breathability: Excellent. The knit upper keeps feet cool and dries quickly after stream crossings.
- Fit: Low-volume, sock-like fit hugs the foot. Best with thin socks. Wide-footed users may find it snug.
It’s not a plush hiker like the TX4 or a trail runner, but for short to mid-length approaches, it’s more than capable—and far more agile.
Weather Resistance & Durability
- Water resistance: The TX2 Evo is not waterproof, and the knit upper will soak through in wet conditions. However, it dries quickly and doesn’t hold water.
- Durability: The upper is surprisingly tough for a knit, but not as robust as suede or leather. The resoleable outsole is a huge plus for longevity.
- Toe & heel protection: The PU rand offers decent abrasion resistance, but it doesn’t wrap as far as on burlier models.
For dry, rocky terrain, the TX2 Evo holds up well. On scree or sharp talus, you’ll want to be mindful of wear over time.
Packability & Harness Carry
One of the TX2 Evo’s standout features is how well it packs and carries:
- C2 Combo Cord™: Lets you clip the shoes together and hang them from your harness without flopping around.
- Low bulk: The flexible upper compresses easily into a summit pack or haul bag.
- Weight: At ~500g per pair, it’s one of the lightest approach shoes available.
For climbers who need to carry their shoes up a route—or stash them in a 20L pack for a summit push—this is a major advantage.
Sustainability
La Sportiva has made a clear effort to reduce the TX2 Evo’s environmental impact:
- Recycled knit upper
- Resoleable outsole
- Minimal packaging
It’s not a fully circular product, but it’s a step in the right direction—and a rare example of a performance climbing shoe with eco-conscious design.
Sizing & Fit Guide
- Fit: True to size for most; low-volume fit best suits narrow to medium feet
- Toe box: Snug and precise—great for climbing, less ideal for wide feet
- Heel: Secure and well-shaped, with minimal slippage
- Break-in: Minimal; feels dialed in after 1–2 outings
- Sock pairing: Best with thin hiking or running socks; thick socks can bunch due to the tongue-less design
If you’re between sizes or have a high-volume foot, consider sizing up or trying the TX3 for a roomier fit.
Comparison: TX2 Evo vs TX3 vs TX4
| Feature | TX2 Evo | TX3 | TX4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | ~500g | ~610g | ~700g |
| Upper | Recycled knit mesh | Breathable mesh + PU overlays | Suede leather |
| Outsole | Vibram Idrogrip (resoleable) | Vibram Megagrip (non-resoleable) | Vibram Megagrip (resoleable) |
| Support | Minimal | Moderate | High |
| Climbing Precision | Excellent | Good | Moderate |
| Durability | Moderate | Good | Excellent |
| Best For | Multi-pitch, scrambling, gym | All-round approaches | Long hikes, heavy loads |
Summary:
- Choose the TX2 Evo for lightweight precision and packability.
- Choose the TX3 for a balance of comfort and climbing ability.
- Choose the TX4 for durability and support on long, rugged approaches.
Pros
- Exceptional climbing and scrambling performance
- Lightweight and highly packable
- Sock-like comfort with precise fit
- Sticky Vibram Idrogrip outsole
- Resoleable for extended life
- Eco-friendly materials and construction
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Limited support for long hikes or heavy loads
- Durability lags behind burlier models
- Low-volume fit may not suit wide feet
- No heel brake or aggressive lugs for muddy descents
Final Thoughts
The La Sportiva TX2 Evo Women’s is a specialist’s shoe—and it excels in its niche. For climbers, scramblers, and ultralight hikers who prioritize precision, agility, and packability, it’s one of the best approach shoes on the market. It’s not built for muddy trails or heavy packs, but for technical terrain and fast missions, it’s a dream.
If you’re the kind of adventurer who clips your shoes to your harness, values ground feel over plushness, and wants a shoe that climbs almost as well as it hikes, the TX2 Evo is a top-tier choice.
