La Sportiva Trango S EVO GTX SKU: #7159148

Big E

from lower Alabama

My Rainier Review - I am writing this review as a follow up to my review from 2006. I used these boots in June (of 2007) to climb Mount Rainier. I used these boots throughout the alpine training school and the two day climb. Our temperatures varied from 40 F to 18 F with 30 MPH winds and blowing snow. Only one time did my toes get cold and that was at about 13,000 feet on the side of the mountain during a rest stop in the high winds. Once we got going again my toes got toasty warm. I had NO blisters, hot spots, etc. EVER! My 17 year old daughter was wearing the women's version of these boots and reported the same performance as I experienced. I was wearing sock liners and one pair of Smartwool mountaineering socks. These boots performed flawlessly throughout the snow, scree and rocks. My crampons stayed put the entire time and "duck walking" and side steps were easy to perform. The light weight was a big plus and I highly recommend these boots to anyone (except cold-footed individuals) climbing in the same conditions as I experienced. I now have about 150 miles on them and they look slightly worn, but still have many more miles to go before I retire them. Yes, we both summited, so go buy these boots from Zappos!

Brands I'd also recommend: La Sportiva Nepal Evo

Mike

from California

Great shoe - I bought a pair of these boots and loved them and still do, but they may not be the right boot for me. I wore them around town and in the house and took them on two hikes and then I finally went on a longer hike and was wearing a liner sock and I started to get a really bad blister on my heel only after 2 miles of hiking, with no pack and with a heavy weight Smart Wool sock on. Maybe it was just a one time thing, but blisters suck and am a little weary of getting them again, especially on a long approach or backpacking trip.

Brands I'd also recommend: Garmont Tower, Garmont Pinnacle, Boreal Tacul

Big E

from L.A. (Lower Alabama)

Trango S EVO GTX is the Bomb Baby! Ok, this is a great boot and I bought them to scale Rainier next June. In Lower Alabama, we don't have many glaciated peaks to climb, so until I get to test them on some difficult terrain, I can only say they fit great and are extremely waterproof. They feel great right out of the box although with Smartwool socks and liner socks, I had some trouble with sizing and had to exchange them for the next half size larger. Zappos was GREAT and it was by far the easiest exchange that I have ever made over the internet! These boots look cool (I like the red) and appear to be very well made. Mine had a made in Italy sticker on them so I guess they are like Ferrari's for your feet! I put Superfeet green insoles in them because the stock insole was paper thin. I guess this is all I have to say bad about them at this point. When I really put them to the test, I may write another review to let all y’all know how they are holding up.

John Y

from Connecticut

One fault. I would say that the LaSportiva Trango could be an excellent mountaineering boot if it did not suffer from the flaw of forcing your two outside toes over and under. The habit in LaSportiva of jamming our toes into a V shaped toe box keeps this company from making the best mountaineering boots available. The Trango is the latest example. LaSportiva should take the lead of more progressive shoe companies and increase the comfort of the toe box of the Trango. Until they do, I’ll steer clear.

Brad

from California

I couldn't believe how light these are! These are awsome boots! Right out of the box I took them for a weekend of ice climbing. Fit was perfect, no hot spots at all. Heel stays in place well and support was excellent. Front pointing was solid and confident. My toes got a little cold while belaying but warmed up as soon as I started moving. Overall great boots!

Steven W

from Aspen, Colorado

Trango S EVO - This boot has limited flexibility for good grip on rocks while hiking, but makes it somewhat uncomfortable for walking in packed snow. Three factors make this an overall great boot. One, it has a Vibram sole which gives great traction. Two, it is made with Gore-Tex material for added warmth. Three, it is a speed lace system for quick in or out lacing.

Tom@nunatakusa.com

from twisp washington

The EVO Trango S - I test ultralight gear for nunatakusa.com, and these new Trango EVO S boots are the perfect complitment to any new breed of ultralight mountain travel kit. In the first hike they felt like I was walking on a perfect trail of pine needles, springy and soft. In 7 miles , straight from the box, I found no hot spots to complain of nor stress marks from your typical tall mountiain boot on the shins. While the sole appears to be a bit too soft for anything but alpine rock climbing, the stickness is much appreaciated on wet rocky stream crossings. The goretex bakes them a bit hot for summer use on rugged trails, but probabbly no worse the heavy leather boots and wool socks of old. I have problematic heels to fit and other la sportiva boots have been paifull blister machines. Not these, they are amazing. My one complaint other than the gaudy look, the glue on the sole assembly is coming apart...

Brands I'd also recommend: la sportiva mythos

Joe

from Albany NY

Rugged, light-weight and comfortable boot (****) The Trango S EVO GTX is an excellent boot for serious hikes and light climbs/scrambling. It's light but sturdy, waterproof, has excellent grip and provides good support for the ankles. The lacing system works well, still, the boots felt wider than expected (acc. to size ordered). They lack somewhat in arch support and cushioning, which can be remedied by using insoles. Overall 4-5 stars.

Brands I'd also recommend: Salomon, Asolo, Lowa, Merrell