This autumn, La Sportiva is launching the new flagship of the Trango product range, the Trango Pro GTX. The ultra-light, 640-gram high-end mountaineering boot is designed for demanding technical terrain with rock and mixed climbing passages.
The Trango Pro GTX is La Sportiva's answer to the changing conditions in the high mountains. Classic alpine routes are becoming increasingly technical, with climbing on rock and mixed terrain. In this article, we'll tell you exactly how the super-light mountain boot meets these complex requirements.
High-end materials, slim design
When you hold the Trango Pro GTX in your hands, the first thing you notice is its weight. At 640 grams per shoe, it is a real lightweight. The slim look of the mountain shoe matches this feature. There is hardly anything that could bump into you. And if it does, the material is designed for direct contact with rock. For example, the upper material of the mountain shoe is made of high-strength and water-repellent nylon 6.6 with distinctive abrasion protection zones.
Unlike other models in the Trango line, the Pro GTX has a Gore-Tex gaiter with a quick-release fastener. This not only prevents debris and snow from entering the shoe, it also protects the upper lacing of the shoe.
Another small but nice detail: the hooks around which the laces are threaded when lacing are made of carbon fiber reinforced technopolymer. This reduces weight while increasing durability.
Our highlight: Extended climbing zone of the sole
The Trango Pro GTX sits snugly on the foot. It envelops the foot, instep and heel almost like a second skin, ensuring that nothing slips. This comfort and precision when starting and climbing is also due to a new Ergo last that adapts better to different foot shapes.
For the sole, La Sportiva relies on Vibram's proven SpringLug technology. This includes a rubber upper that offers optimal protection and high resistance to scratches and wear, while also providing grip and traction.
We like how the shoe reacts when walking on uneven terrain, as well as the friction on steeper slabs or the braking behavior on descents. Our personal highlight of the Trango Pro GTX, however, is the extended climbing zone in the toe area.
Here, la Sportiva has kept the sole flat in a crescent shape towards the big toe, which results in an ingenious step and grip when climbing. You climb vertically with a high-tech mountaineering boot and get feedback that is second to none.
In rock, snow and ice
The Trango Pro GTX is equipped with a polyurethane midsole. A TPU insert at the back ensures that semi-automatic crampons can be firmly attached to the mountain boot. We also use this on our tour, shortly before we set foot on the glacier for the first time after a good hour-long approach.
At the start of the rocky ridge, we put the crampons back in our backpack and enjoy the climbing performance of the new Trango flagship. Having an ultra-light mountain boot on your feet that offers impressive friction on the rock increases your confidence when climbing enormously.
The last flank before the summit leads through snow and ice again. You would actually get the feeling that the ridge should be well covered in snow after the impressive amounts of precipitation last winter. But the high temperatures of early summer caused the snow to melt quickly.
In this sense, the conditions of our test tour are symptomatic of the changes in the mountains and could therefore hardly be better for trying out a mountain boot that is precisely tailored to these new challenges.
Our conclusion on the Trango Pro GTX
The Trango Pro GTX is designed as an absolute high-end mountain boot for the most demanding terrain. But as is often the case, the particularly successful features of a product can also be seen in less complex environments.
For example, the advantages of the sole with its excellent traction and braking performance as well as the extended climbing zone, which ensures a lot of precision when climbing.
A thumbs up also goes to the Gore-Tex gaiters, which are easy to use and fully serve their purpose. And it is worth emphasizing that thanks to this feature, you can safely do without the regular gaiters, which in turn is reflected in the weight.
And speaking of weight: At 640 grams per shoe, the Trango Pro GTX is ultra-light. Compared to the Trango Tower Extreme GTX, the pair weighs 210 grams less. An advantage that is not only enjoyable in the short term, but is particularly useful on long tours.
La Sportiva Trango Pro GTX at a glance
- Weight: 640 grams per shoe
- Upper material: High-strength nylon, water-repellent with abrasion protection zones
- Gaiter: Water-repellent, elastic and abrasion-resistant fabric with Gore-Tex closure system
- Lining: Gore-Tex Performance Comfort
- Insole: Carbon-filled nylon
- Midsole: Polyurethane and TPU insert at the back
- Sole: Vibram