La Sportiva’s latest Trango model appears to be ideal for classic alpine and lower-grade Scottish winter routes..
La Sportiva’s Trango ‘franchise’ covers a wide range of mountain activities, from trekking and scrambling boots right up to highly technical mountaineering boots such as the B3-rated Trango Tower Extreme GTX. The new Trango Alpine GTX sits somewhere in the middle of the range, and is ideally suited to classic alpine routes and lower-grade Scottish winter routes.
Due to their yellow Idro-Perwanger leather uppers, they have quite a traditional look to them; however don’t be fooled as they have all the latest La Sportiva tech under the bonnet, such as the Vibram Cube Evo sole unit with Impact Brake System, a carbon-loaded nylon lasting board, and the 3D Flex System Evo. They feel superbly light and nimble on the feet, and although the sole is pretty stiff, they do have a slight break that will make walk-ins more comfortable.
Trad looks combined with the latest tech
For weather protection you get water-repellent 1.8mm leather uppers, plus Gore-Tex Performance Comfort waterproof lining, while impact and abrasion protection is provided by an all-round rand and extremely well-cushioned areas around the ankles. Down below, the Vibram Cube Evo outsole has deep lugs ranging from about 10mm at the heel to about 8mm towards the front of the boot, and these should be very effective at giving traction in snow.
The Trango Alpine GTX features a large climbing zone and deep lugs
The Impact Brake System does two things; the angled lugs on the heel help with braking when going downhill, and they also deform a little when the foot strikes the ground, thus cushioning the impact. Staying with the outsole, there’s a pronounced climbing zone at the toes that continues for around 7cm along the inside of the boot’s sole.
So far we’ve used the boot on some scrambles and they are lovely to climb in. They give a great platform for edging on, and the fit is comfortable but precise; not overly cushioned. We’re looking forward to trying them in winter conditions, and will post a more detailed report soon.
Verdict
Beautifully-made, light and agile boots ideal for classic alpine and lower-grade Scottish winter routes
Specs
- Crampon Compatibility: B2
- Weight: 665g half pair
- Sole: Vibram Cube Evo
- Patent: Impact Brake System, 3D Flex System Evo
- Midsole: Low-density polyurethane and TPU insert for rear crampon attachment
- Lining: GORE-TEX Performance Comfort
More info: www.lasportiva.com