La Sportiva Boulder X Approach Shoe - Women's for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

8.2
out of 10
15 Positive, 4 Mixed & 1 Negative
from 20 Reviews
Retail Price:
$120.00
Used Value:
$72.00
Sale Value:
$108.00

Expertly traverse the field of troll-sized boulders with your expedition packwith the La Sportiva Women’s Boulder X Approach Shoe. Get a grip on any rock in any condition with the specially designed rubber tread outsole and Impact Brake System, even with forty pounds on your back. With that much weight, your feet will get a kick out of the extra cushioning in the footbed and midsole, so you can make it to base camp before all the light fades. The Boulder X’s tough leather upper and toe rand withstand a whole mountain range of abuse for the roughest approaches.

Specifications

Brand:
Claimed Weight:
[pair] 1lb 12.8oz
Closure:
lace
Manufacturer Warranty:
1 year
Midsole:
2mm polypropylene, 2mm LaSpEVA
Recommended Use:
climbing, hiking
Sole:
Vibram Idro-Grip V-Smear
Upper Material:
leather

Full Reviews

10
Amazing approach shoes. Fit true to size and overall normal as expected fit. Very comfy, cozy and supportive on your feet. Very happy with this purchase.
linwie, backcountry.com
May 15, 2019
6
Got these shoes a few months ago mainly for canyoneering. They fit well and are sturdy, which is great, but the laces on both shoes have already blown out. It's kind of a strange design where the laces tighten back on themselves and rub, wearing them out faster. Also REALLY annoying to relace because of the extra long eyelets. If they just laced normally it would be a great shoe.
Carolyn L., backcountry.com
December 24, 2018
8
La Sportiva is a trusted climbing brand, I will always trust there products. This one is no different! I have worn these on many approaches and scrambles now, the rubber is sticky and I trust it on all types of rock.
Rain Felkl, backcountry.com
October 30, 2018
10
After trying on the newest bouldering models in Jackson Hole this summer and leaving with a pair of Oboz hiking shoes - I ended up ordering these online from home. After one regular hike in West Virginia I must say they are awesome. So much lighter than regular hiking shoes and felt a lot more control downhill with loose rocks and dirt (and no poles). Wondering why approach shoes are not sold as great for regular hiking?
Anne, backcountry.com
October 15, 2018
4
These are very sticky on rock, are comfortable even on long hikes, but the really high sole makes me not trust my feet when it matters. I've used these on 2 days of climbing approaches in Red Rocks, NV and also on hikes with lots of exposed granite slab. Due to the tall sole, I've rolled my ankles several times, and also trip on things or stub my forefoot into the ground, making me have to catch my balance. I don't have these issues with any other shoes I've used for hiking (hiking boots or trail running shoes). Overall, the sticky rubber is nice, but I wouldn't use these shoes when I really don't want to trip or fall, which makes them not very usable as approach shoes.
Laura G., backcountry.com
June 17, 2018
10
I initially purchased these approach shoes to replace my Evolv Cruzer Classic approach shoe. The Cruzers are more of a minimalist shoe compared to the Boulder X, and I wanted to try something with more support. I broke these bad boys in during my week in Colorado, I did a bit of hiking in them, scrambling and easy sport and trad climbing in them as well. They were comfortable right out of the box so no need for a true break in period. I noticed a common occurrence of rolling ankles in the reviews for these shoes when I was purchasing, so I thought I might as well just try it out for myself. Needs less to say I had the same problem, during the trip I rolled my ankle a couple times during some scramble sections, I shook it off and kept on scrambling. I think the shoes may be a little high for the foot bed, if you are common to rolling ankles these might not be the shoe for you. I would recommend these to anyone needing more of a burly shoe that you can approach in for extended periods of time. SIZE: I'm a 5.5 in women and I got these shoes in a size 36. I wish I would have gone up a half size or even a full size, so keep that in mind when you are purchasing this shoe. Good Luck on your approach shoe journey.
Lexy Ott, backcountry.com
May 30, 2018
10
These shoes are great for hiking in and wearing to the crag. They are a little warm so if you're concerned about your feet getting too hot don't get these. I've been very impressed with their ability to hold up to mud and water. I've trudged through plenty and I've never had any problems with my feet getting wet and the mud seems to just come right off without any need to wash them.
Sadie W., backcountry.com
August 21, 2017
8
My lady friend liked these shoes so much that she wore them out after a few seasons and replaced them with the same shoe. They were flawless when climbing the Complete Exum up the Grand and have proven to be a workhorse around the Wasatch. On hot days, they are a little warm, but being sure-footed is way more important to her.
Tom S., backcountry.com
July 25, 2017
10
I bought this shoes mainly to approach the climb and be able to climb easy 5.6-5.8 on guiding trips. I love it! Has amazing grip. I am 39.5 European and I bough 39 and fits perfectly. Very comfy too.
AngelCayman, backcountry.com
July 17, 2017
4
While these shoes are comfortable, cute and fit well on my narrow feet, they were terrible for the approach. They stuck beautifully to rock, but the foot bed is extremely tall (1/2" maybe?), causing me to roll my ankles several times over the course of the long approach. I do not have the same ankle rolling issue with sneakers (my standard approach shoe) because they tend to have a foot bed that sits closer to the ground. New England is teeming with root beds and leaf litter hiding small rocks, so these shoes won't work well here. Maybe they're better for the smooth but steep slickrock of the Southwest....?
Frances B., backcountry.com
June 12, 2017
10
This shoe is excellent! Comfy right out of the box. I like that they use euro sizing (37, 38.5 etc) because it gives a better fit. I got a few sizes that were considered 7.5 USA size, and found the best one.
Caitlin M., backcountry.com
June 9, 2017
10
Bought these for my wife (I also have a pair), and she absolutely loves them. Not only do they make great approach shoes, but she's climbed 11's in them. They are super sticky and make surprisingly good climbing shoes! If you're in the market for some solid approach shoes, you won't regret buying these. Highly recommended!
Mike Cushing, backcountry.com
March 10, 2017
10
I originally bought these shoes for canyoneering, so I would be able to trust my feet while down climbing. The first time I wore them I took them on a 10+ mile canyon and by the time we got back to the car my feet were still happy (tired but happy). There was no break in process and they only seem to be getting more comfortable the more I wear them. I highly recommend these shoes— great comfort and grip.
eliza.lockhartvt, backcountry.com
November 21, 2016
8
I gave these to my girlfriend for a trip to the Tetons that we had planned and they exceeded our expectations. First off, they required almost no break in period, which made them really great for use right off the bat. Secondly, with the Vibram sole with the "climbing zone", she was able not only to approach in these, but to do a fair bit of easy climbing in them before having to switch to actual rock climbing shoes. Finally, she found that they worked well and comfortably not only for shorter days (5 miles) but also kept her feet happy on the longer hauls as well (10+ miles). Overall, these shoes are great, fit true to size, and will keep your feet from hurting whether you are hiking on dirt or rock hopping boulder fields.
Daniel Goodman, backcountry.com
August 23, 2016
10
Use these shoes for canyoneering and am really happy with them. I was worried that with leather material, I'd trash them moving through potholes, etc., really quickly. But they are holding up great. Super grippy, and finally an approach shoe that doesn't cut off circulation to my toes after being in them all day. Great shoe!
Megan Allyn, backcountry.com
June 10, 2016
6
These shoes have good grip, but are only ok due to durability issues. I used these shoes both as approach shoes and light hikers for a year and a half in california. They have great grip for dry scrambley boulder situations as they should. I got a blister the first time I wore them, but after that they broke in very quickly and were quite comfortable. However the main problem with these shoes is the durability. The first time I wore them I broke one of the little leather flaps that is supposed to hold the laces in. I stitched it up and it held. And a few months later another one broke on the other shoe. After 6-9 months I found the support to have already given out, but I put a set of super feet in and that solved it. But in general, although the shoe is comfortable, I didn't find it to hold up as well as I had hoped.
AlisonP, backcountry.com
May 12, 2016
10
Excellent shoe with plenty of grip! Wore these on a hike in Canyonlands and they worked great over boulders, sandstone and slick-rock. Sole has perfect amount of grip, that saved me a few times. Shoe is easy to adjust too. I did size up a half size
Joyce Quinzel, backcountry.com
March 22, 2016
10
I purchased the Boulder X shoes for Teton Climbing and Hiking as I live in the area. I was impressed with the way they broke in very quickly. I had no problem with the size of the shoe, but I did order a half size larger than I normally would have. The stickiness of the bottom of the shoe is better than any other approach shoes I have tried. Definitely would buy another pair!
Elle Emery, backcountry.com
August 19, 2015
2
I ordered the Boulder X approach shoe for a trip to the Tetons. On my very first hike out West, a rip in the leather developed along the seam above the protective black rubber strip. The rip appears to be the result of stress to that particular area of the shoe. The left shoe is stressed in the very same place though there's no rip at this point. I have been in touch with La Sportiva about getting the shoes repaired. The shoes fit well and are quite comfortable but given the poor craftsmanship, I am very disappointed with my purchase.
Julie P., backcountry.com
September 16, 2014
8
Haven't climbed in them really yet but hiked around Huaraz, Peru and walked around Lima. Toes sometimes become numb after walking a lot on flat grounds, which might go away after I break them in, so I'm ok with this. Definitely beats Scarpa Crux though. Scarpa Crux felt just like bulky climbing shoes, not good for loads carrying. Btw, my size is women's 10, 42 seems to be the right size for me although my pair of mountaineering La Sportiva shoes is 41,5. And I'm european, used to 41 size, so I think these run a bit small.
Marina Peremyslova, backcountry.com
August 21, 2014