Sportiva TX2 Leather

This isn't really a review, but I just wanna say the leather TX2 is a badass shoe. I bought them to replace worn out Scarpa Iguanas. The TX2 is more supportive, hikes better, and climbs better than the Iguana. The TX2's leather should be much more durable than the Iguana or mesh TX2 and take a strap on crampon for snow approaches much better. My Iguanas in size 45 weigh an average of 360g each while the leather TX2s in 45.5 weigh 350g each. Only potential downside is breathability or being too hot, but I guess that can be an upside depending on the type of approaches you're doing

Have you tried the TX3? And can make a comparison? 

When they were first released, I got a pair of the TX2s and the TX3s to do a direct comparison. The TX3s have much more volume in the toe box and are more supportive and cushiony all around. I would think the TX4 would be more appropriate than the TX3 if you might encounter snow. The leather TX2 is maybe better compared to the TX4.

Agree With Brian.  The TX series is BY far my favorite series of approach shoes.  FINALLY a replacement for Exum Ridges from BITD.  The TX3 (fabric) and TX4 (Leather) are nearly identical save the outer material.  I prefer, slightly, the TX4 because of lower key looks which allow them to be worn in town or more "socially".  The leather also makes them a bit more durable.  Both have a great, roomy toe box and Brian noted in his historic review long ago.  The TX2 series is a different beast with a much lower toe box.  The TX2 is really a true carry-it-with-you shoe being lighter and more nimble but not as supportive or, IMO, comfortable since the toe box is thin.  I too have the TX2s and find they have the same plus/minus as the TX3/4.  Only thing I've noted in my pair of Leather TX2s is the toe area seems slightly more constrictive but that could be a matter of needing more break in time.

TX2s climb really well and running in them is ok. They are not very durable though. Scrambling in the flatirons with only 75sh miles on mine and they have worn holes through the toes on the rand.

Maybe I have shit footwork, but none of my other approach shoes have ever worn holes through the toes from scrambling. 

trice Rice wrote: TX2s climb really well and running in them is ok. They are not very durable though. Scrambling in the flatirons with only 75sh miles on mine and they have worn holes through the toes on the rand.

To greatly extend the life of TX2s, Rock n Resole can add a protective guard to the rand and outer toe mesh. Or you can do it yourself with barge cement / aqua seal and a little bit of rubber shavings. I also had one pair resoled with 5.10 dot rubber and they are much stickier now.

trice Rice wrote: TX2s climb really well and running in them is ok. They are not very durable though. Scrambling in the flatirons with only 75sh miles on mine and they have worn holes through the toes on the rand.

Maybe I have shit footwork, but none of my other approach shoes have ever worn holes through the toes from scrambling. 

Thus the appeal of the leather version

Do you wear socks with your TX2s?

I have the mesh TX3's and TX2's, plus the leather TX2's. I love them all, and I agree with most everything on this thread people have been posting.

The leather TX2's seem just a bit hotter on the feet than the mesh, and I seem to prefer the mesh because of it. The TX2 is def. the low volume, lightweight offering, so I wouldn't suggest them for long days of hiking, unless you're really good at keeping things nice (I'm not, but my buddy Peter is - maybe it's how much I weigh compared to him?)

For Flatiron scrambling, I usually use them only while actually scrambling - I use trailrunners for the trail in an attempt to extend the life of them. I haven't busted the little toe area of any of my TX's. (I also like to tag a summit when I'm out there scrambling, too). I don't think many of my scrambling buddies do the same - they just wear the TX's and say, "job done".

I'm getting ready to resole my TX3's, as I've had them the longest.  When I drop them off, I'm going to pick up some barge cement to do some maintenene on the outsole of my mesh TX2's, there's a little bit of separation I'd like to nip in the bud.

Oh - I usually don't use socks with my TX2's, and I size them almost as if it's a climbing boot, rather than trailrunners.

To people who have tried both the TX2 and TX3... if I was looking to do a summer ascent of the Grand Teton via the Upper Exum, which shoe would you prefer? I'd like to just take a single pair of shoes (vs. both trail runners and climbing shoes), and am wondering whether trying to hike 14 miles in a pair of TX2s is going to be a mistake. 

IMO that would be defeating the purpose of the shoe.  TX2s are true "approach" shoes, in that they are super light and pack down small, so they are perfect for throwing in a pack or clipping to your harness for when you switch into rock shoes.  It doesn't surprise me that they take a hit in durability (mine have held up fine but I haven't logged nearly as many miles as you guys), but that's probably what was sacrificed in the interest of weight savings.  Also, the low-volume toe felt uncomfortable at first (I could feel my toes poking the top of the shoe), but after breaking in they are super comfortable.

I can do pretty long Teton-esque days in my TX2s without issue. I think TX3s would be nicer for heavy trail though. Fit is pretty personal - a Teton sort of day would destroy my knees wearing the popular 5.10 Guide Tennies. Actually, I recall doing the Teton in circa 2011 with Salewa Firetails and my knees were indeed pretty shot.

Sketty wrote: To people who have tried both the TX2 and TX3... if I was looking to do a summer ascent of the Grand Teton via the Upper Exum, which shoe would you prefer? I'd like to just take a single pair of shoes (vs. both trail runners and climbing shoes), and am wondering whether trying to hike 14 miles in a pair of TX2s is going to be a mistake. 

the tx4's would be perfect for this.  i have used mine on quite a few long day sorts of things and they are great.  for the grand, the descent and hike out really wear on you if you do it in a day.  if you have old feet, the TX4's will provide better support for this.  i also like the leather over the mesh as the mesh tends to let in too much dirt/sand/debris.

one comment though - if you clip any of these to your harness, be sure to back up the little heel clip loops with your shoelaces tied through the biner.  the little heel clip loops are ULTRA-notorius for breaking.

Could definitely see that...they’re flimsy.  Same with the cord that ties them together.

Worn both a bunch

Overall
TX2 = Approach shoe that is just used to getting to the base with minimal weight on your back then climbing in climbing shoes. 
TX3/4 = Approach shoe that is used to get to the base/ hike with more weight on your back then do moderate climbing in that shoe. I think it dethrones the Guide Tennie as the best overall/ beefier approach shoe.

Midsole/ Stiffness
TX2 = softer side of an approach shoes, doesn't edge that well but ok. Smearing is bomber. No way in hell I'd put a strap on crampon on it.
TX3/4 = stiffer/ perfect end of approach shoes but for sure not a Boulder X, 1st gen Adidas Approach, or Scarpa Crux. A touch stiffer than an old guide tennie. Climbs way better for this, I've felt comfortable climbing 5.9 in them (not "test piece" yosemite 5.9...)

Length
TX2 runs a touch smaller than the TX3/4 because it has a thinner midsole and less molded parts even though they come off the same last.

Sketty wrote: To people who have tried both the TX2 and TX3... if I was looking to do a summer ascent of the Grand Teton via the Upper Exum, which shoe would you prefer?

TX4

Anyone have comparisons of TX4 and TX4 GTX? Is the mid GTX stiffer or just a high top version of the leather 4?  Debating an alpine rock boot or if I really need one. Dolomites,summer Cascades or Bugs, scree, via Ferrata. Hopefully no snow. I’ve tried on SCARPA Zodiac Tech and Salewa Mtn Trainers and I think they may be too much but it could also be my bias towards low top shoes like the TX4.

Brie Abram wrote: When they were first released, I got a pair of the TX2s and the TX3s to do a direct comparison. The TX3s have much more volume in the toe box and are more supportive and cushiony all around. I would think the TX4 would be more appropriate than the TX3 if you might encounter snow. The leather TX2 is maybe better compared to the TX4.

mattm wrote: Agree With Brian.  The TX series is BY far my favorite series of approach shoes.  FINALLY a replacement for Exum Ridges from BITD.  The TX3 (fabric) and TX4 (Leather) are nearly identical save the outer material.  I prefer, slightly, the TX4 because of lower key looks which allow them to be worn in town or more "socially".  The leather also makes them a bit more durable.  Both have a great, roomy toe box and Brian noted in his historic review long ago.  The TX2 series is a different beast with a much lower toe box.  The TX2 is really a true carry-it-with-you shoe being lighter and more nimble but not as supportive or, IMO, comfortable since the toe box is thin.  I too have the TX2s and find they have the same plus/minus as the TX3/4.  Only thing I've noted in my pair of Leather TX2s is the toe area seems slightly more constrictive but that could be a matter of needing more break in time.

Long Ranger wrote: I have the mesh TX3's and TX2's, plus the leather TX2's. I love them all, and I agree with most everything on this thread people have been posting.

Did you find the leather TX2s stiffer than the synthetic ones (which I find too floppy and sloppy)?  The TX3s are better in that regard, but too bulky for my liking...

I have both the synthetic and leather, the uppers feel the same when it comes to fit. The nubuck isn't rigid, it's soft.

How do TX4 and TX Guide compare? From descriptions they appear to be very similar. 

Stefan Jacobsen wrote:

How do TX4 and TX Guide compare? From descriptions they appear to be very similar. 

Totally different fit.  The TX guide is much lower volume and narrower in the toe.  It feels like a climbing shoe, whereas the TX4 feels more like a low cut hiking boot, IMO.