Our verdict
Grippy hikes guaranteed La Sportiva delivers excellence through its construction and performance. It reflects its greatness with its high amounts of comfort, lasting durability, and relentless surface traction. There's also its intimate fit and moderate stiffness that give an enhanced sense of control, particularly on low-level boulders, with or without cracks.
Pros
- Incredibly tough
- Mighty plush
- Grippy hikes guaranteed
- Edging royalty
- get undone often
- Among the most affordable
- Mythos-inspired closure system
- Good for hiking
Cons
- Laces get undone often
- Narrow toe box
Who should buy the La Sportiva Boulder X
The Boulder X is a product of past-yet-proven technologies combined, which give hikers and climbers footing security like never before. It's for you if:
- Why trust us.
- You're a huge fan of the Mythos, and you want the same fit in your approach shoes.
- Approach hikers that don't cost an arm and a leg attract you.
- You do a lot of smearing on your way to your climbing spot.
Who should not buy it
With no negative comments about its laces, the Scarpa Mescalito is a great alternative to the Boulder X. Also, opt for the La Sportiva TX4 if you're looking for something glove-like minus the narrow toe box.
Withstands beatings like a champ
The Who should not buy it is a pretty durable approach shoe, according to scores of climbers.
Eats edges for breakfast
Numerous hiking-slash-climbing enthusiasts are amazed at the edging performance of the Who should not buy it.
One of the clingiest
Hikers in droves are quite impressed with the Boulder X's stickiness, particularly underfoot.
The Who should not buy it's double-edged lacing system
The shoe's closure can be a pretty polarizing thing. On the one hand, it delivers a kind of fit that channels the confines of the La Sportiva Mythos (a good thing, especially for fans of said climbing shoe). On the other hand, it's been the subject of criticism, either for its extreme length or high tendency to come undone.
Pampering hikes and ascents
Many approach adventurers find the Boulder X a mighty comfy product.
The MEMlex midsole with STB Control System delivers enhanced support and torsional rigidity
The Boulder X approach shoe could have a roomier toe box, according to several adventurers.
Scaler of gaps
The shoe's just-right stiffness and grippy randing allow climbers to ascend cracks without a hitch.
Who should not buy it vs. TX4
In terms of structure and features, the Boulder X and the TX4 have quite a lot of differences. This section lists and describes the components of each offering.
Midsole. The Boulder X has extra cushioning for long approaches in the form of a layer on top of the insole. It also has a shock-absorbing EVA midsole. As for the TX4, The MEMlex midsole with STB Control System delivers enhanced support and torsional rigidity.
Upper material. Both approach shoes are made of leather. Although these shoes have full randing, the Boulder X comes with a slingshot rand, which enhances fit. As for the TX4, its rand is part of the STB Control System, which works with the midsole, giving the shoe a more solid structure.
Outsole. The common features between the two are the Impact Brake System and the circular lugs on the outsole. As for the rubber compound, they differ. The rubber of the Boulder X uses the Idrogrip, while the TX4 uses the Megagrip. The outsole of the latter is also built with an enhanced stability area and comes with a more pronounced heel brake, delivering extra stopping power.
Fit. The Boulder X has a regular width overall. On the other hand, the TX4 is wide in the toe box area.
