La Sportiva TX Guide Leather or Synthetic vs. TX4 vs. Five Ten Guide Tennies

Realize I really need to try these on, but looking for a comfortable pair of approach shoes for outdoor traction, but they may also end up crossing as a work shoe for stage/convention work with long days active on my feet.

Besides sizing, what are the differences between the TX Guide and TX? Which seems more durable? More comfortable for absorption and longer treks? Would anyone know which is newer?

Also, regarding comments of for the TX Guide fit and other impressions, are these reviewing the synthetic or leather version? Does one seem more comfortable or durable than the other? Expect the leather may stretch more. Any impression if the Leather and Synthetic TX Guides are cut on the same last?

Amy comparison to the Five Ten Guide Tennies?

Thank you!

Christopher Robinson wrote:

Besides sizing, what are the differences between the TX Guide and TX? Which seems more durable? More comfortable for absorption and longer treks? Would anyone know which is newer?

The TX 4's are much wider guides are very narrow not crazy comfy for most people, working better as a scrambling and 5.easy shoe. 

Also, regarding comments of for the TX Guide fit and other impressions, are these reviewing the synthetic or leather version? 

There are reviews on here comparing the two guide versions, my conclusion is the leathers are the better shoe especially if you plan on climbing with them. 

Does one seem more comfortable or durable than the other? Expect the leather may stretch more. Any impression if the Leather and Synthetic TX Guides are cut on the same last?

Both will stretch the same amount as they're lined with a knit synthetic liner. 

For what it’s worth…

I’ve worn Sportiva for 30+ years.  Always was able to comfortably fit in any of the approach shoes.  The new guide was too tight in the front half, and enough so that I ruled the shoe out.  (Leather or regular.  I was told leather was slightly wider so that’s the one I tried on..)

I have also seen many new pairs/didn’t fit for sale.  Hope that helps.

One thing to consider with the Five Ten Guide Tennies since you're looking for something that would work as a crossover/daily wear shoe, the rubber on them will mark up floors.

The grip on rock is fantastic, but your employer probably won't appreciate black skidmarks all over the place.

https://www.rei.com/product/113121/la-sportiva-tx4-mid-gtx-approach-boots-mens

Super comfortable hiking shoe, climbed 5.11 in the gym in them but not a performance climbing shoe

TX4s make great everyday shoes, if you're willing to accept the increased wear on the sole. Very bulky if you ever need to climb with them in your pack. I believe Guide Tennies are somewhat comparable to TX4s.

TX Guides would be awful (for my feet) to wear all day at work, and they actually fit me pretty well. Just very stiff, lots of heel drop, narrow toe box. I only wear mine for 5th class.

If you tried on those two you wouldn't really think they are in the same line. The Guides are a bit reminiscent of the Explorers, but thankfully with a better heel cup.

I've been using a pair of TX4s for approximately two years (I think?) as my daily shoe around town and sometimes at work and a summer hiking/approach shoe outdoors. They're durable and wider as folks said above, but they fit like a second skin. I already have a backup pair ready because I like them so much and don't know how long they'll last. So far so good!

I have the synthetic TX Guides.

They feel too narrow in the toes when trying them on but have been pretty comfortable during normal use. I like the way they climb (edge a bit more compared to the other TX shoes) and I really like their "boot like" heel when walking/running downhill.

However, I ripped several lugs off my nearly new TX guides: the soles aren't worn but the lugs basically tore out of the base material. Sportiva doesn't seem interested in warrantying this so I can't really recommend them. I think this happened while running fast downhill -- either scree skiing or down a trail -- but the other TXs and sportiva trail runners seem to handle this abuse.

Ben Kraft wrote: I have the synthetic TX Guides.

They feel too narrow in the toes when trying them on but have been pretty comfortable during normal use. I like the way they climb (edge a bit more compared to the other TX shoes) and I really like their "boot like" heel when walking/running downhill.

However, I ripped several lugs off my nearly new TX guides: the soles aren't worn but the lugs basically tore out of the base material. Sportiva doesn't seem interested in warrantying this so I can't really recommend them. I think this happened while running fast downhill -- either scree skiing or down a trail -- but the other TXs and sportiva trail runners seem to handle this abuse.

I had the same issue with Vibram soles on my Garmont Vetta GTX, after less than 100 miles.   Garmont said they've never seen anything like it, and all my other Dragontail MNT (which should have the same sole) have worn much more predictably even after lots of scree descents.  FWIW Garmont is going to warranty mine even though they are outside their standard warranty time window, because they've never seen a sole wear so poorly.  

Really have to wonder if it's a bad production batch with poor QC from Vibram.

For the OP, I own TX3, TX4 and TXS.  And I don't find any of them rigid enough to support all day wear on hard surfaces that doesn't involve substantial movement.  I love my Garmont Dragontail MNT for exactly what you describe. I only own 5 pairs of them.   Caveat, I've got a really bad back and need a very supportive shoe for any prolonged standing.   Sounds like the TX Guide is built similarly, but has some possible durability issues.

Expensive shoes if you only get to use 5 percent of the tread. Otherwise awesome