In 2025, I finally got a chance to test and review the La Sportiva Spire GTX hiking shoe. My first-hand experience has confirmed what I thought about this shoe back when I sold it at Appalachian Outdoors: it's one of the best hiking shoes for serious hikers. My La Sportiva Spire GTX review shares what I've learned about this shoe's support, weight, fit, comfort, weather protection, traction, and value after testing it on day hikes outside Albuquerque, New Mexico.
La Sportiva's Spire GTX hiking shoe excels on rocky trails
La Sportiva Spire GTX Review
Over the past month, I've tested and reviewed the La Sportiva Spire GTX on day hikes in the Sandia Mountains outside my Albuquerque home. I took them on an easy warm up hike (Bear Canyon Arroyo), moderate trails (e.g. Embudito Canyon), and a tougher hike up the Domingo Baca trail to an old plane crash. These test trails include almost any terrain hikers will encounter—sand, rocks, scree, mud, snow, easy water crossings—so I can judge how the shoes will perform for a range of hikers. As always, my reviews are 100% independent—not paid for or influenced by any shoe companies or PR firms. I hike more than 1,000 miles every year testing hiking footwear and work in the gear outdoor industry, so you can trust my expert evaluations.
Breaking in the La Sportiva Spire GTX on an easy trail
Support
The Spire has above average support for a hiking shoe. It looks athletic—and is—but also has some backbone. The soles are relatively thick with TPU inserts that make the shoe stiff from the heel to the ball of the foot. This takes some pressure off your feet and adds some lateral stability, making it tougher to turn your ankle over rocks and roots.
My feet appreciated this support on steeper, rockier trails. However, I also rolled my right ankle while descending a steep shoot high up in the Sandias. That's a good reminder that a low-cut hiking shoe—even a supportive one—only provides so much ankle support.
Overall, though, this is a stiff, sturdy, and protective hiking shoe that's more supportive than most shoes I've tested.
Weight
With its significant support, the Spire GTX has an average weight for a hiking shoe. My pair of men's size 12.5+ weighs 2 lb 3 oz. For comparison, that's a few ounces heavier than Salomon X Ultra 5 Low and Scarpa Rush 2, slightly lighter than the Merrell Moab and Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite, and 5-6 ounces less than the Oboz Sawtooth X. It's not a heavy hiking shoe, but it's not a lightweight hiking shoe, either.
Fit
La Sportivas generally favor hikers with narrow feet. The Spire features a snug, performance fit but doesn't run as small as other Sportivas I've owned and tested. For example, my size 46.5 (12.5+) in the La Sportiva Spire is longer and just as wide as my size 46.5 Wide in the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor. My everyday shoe size is a 45 (11.5 US), and my best size in the Spire would be a 46 (12.5). Sizing up a full size was barely enough width for my moderately wide feet. Overall, this shoe is a better fit for hikers looking for a more standard fit.
GORE-TEX Surround waterproofing adds ventilation channels in the soles
Comfort
Comfort has a lot to do with fit, your hiking style, and your personal preferences. The Spire has a firmer ride and snugger fit than the average hiking shoe. If you prefer a well-cushioned hiking with extra wiggle room for your toes, you probably won't find this hiking shoe comfortable. If you prefer a stiffer, more protecitve feel, you'll probably like this shoe's performance fit.
For comfort, I prefer a wider toe box, but I also appreciated this shoe's support, protection, and performance fit while tackling steep and rocky trails, such as the Domingo Baca trail. A snug-fitting shoe supports more precise foot placement and more athletic movements. Overall, the La Sportiva Spire favors serious hikers who prefer a more supportive shoe with a snugger, performance fit.
Testing the GORE-TEX waterproofing on an easy water crossing
Weather Protection
The La Sportiva Spire GTX features GORE-TEX Surround—the most breathable GTX waterproofing. With a waterproof-breathable membrane and ventilation channels in the soles, the Spire has 360-degree breathability (where heat and moisture vapor also can escape through the soles). This is a potential plus. I briefly tested my waterproofing in some easy water crossings and snow, which revealed no concerns. As I test this shoe further, I'll add updated notes on waterproofing and breathability. At this point, though, this shoe's waterproofing may stand out more than other hiking shoes.
Traction
The La Sportiva Spire features a Vibram XS Trek outsole that's made for mountain terrain. In addition to my test hikes in the Spire, I've hiked hundreds of miles on this sole in other hiking boots and hiking shoes. This tread has been clutch for me on rocky trails, including good (but far from perfect) performance on wet rocks. The deep heel brake also helps me dig in on steep descents, which is where most bad falls occur.
However, I've had some slips and falls on this outsole when I'm not on rocks. For example, my sprained ankle on the Domingo Baca trail started when I slipped on soft dirt and pine needs on a steep descent. Similarly, I biffed in the mud while backpacking Pennsylvania's World's End State Park in another La Sportiva that uses the same Vibram outsole. Overall, rock traction is a plus, but this tread isn't the best for softer ground.
Women's La Sportiva Spire GTX
Value
With a MSRP of $209, the La Sportiva Spire GTX is the most expensive hiking shoe that I recommend. However, that doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad value. With above average support, waterproofing, and traction at an average weight, this shoe has plenty of plusses. If you're looking for a snug fit and mostly hike tough mountain trails, the Spire could be a good buy for you. However, it's not the best value for the average hiker.
La Sportiva Spire GTX: Pros and Cons
Having personally tested and reviewed the La Sportiva Spire GTX, here's my summary of the shoe's pros and cons:
Should you buy the La Sportiva Spire GTX?
The La Sportiva Spire GTX is one of the best hiking shoes overall, but it makes the most sense for serious hikers who want a supportive, protective hiking shoe that excels on steep mountain trails. It also stands out for its highly breathable GORE-TEX Surround waterproofing and its traction on rocks. However, it's an expensive shoe that may be uncomfortable and too technical for the average day hiker. It's not the best fit for my moderately wide feet, but I appreciated how this shoe performed on steep, rocky trails in New Mexico's Sandia Mountains. If the Spire fits your feet and matches your hiking style, you should definitely consider this premium hiking shoe.
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