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La Sportiva Synthesis Mid GTX Review

This is an athletic hiker that costs a pretty penny but provides great water resistance and a sensitive sole
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La Sportiva Synthesis Mid GTX Review (La Sportiva Synthesis Mid GTX)
La Sportiva Synthesis Mid GTX
Credit: http://www.sportiva.com/
Price:  $185 List
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Manufacturer:   La Sportiva
By Ross Robinson ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  May 8, 2017
66
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Comfort - 25% 7.0
  • Weight - 25% 8.0
  • Support - 15% 5.0
  • Traction - 15% 6.0
  • Versatility - 10% 6.0
  • Water Resistance - 5% 9.0
  • Durability - 5% 3.0

Our Verdict

La Sportiva discontinued the Synthesis Mid GTX.
REASONS TO BUY
Waterproof
Lightweight
Comfortable on most trails
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Lack all-around performance
At OutdoorGearLab, we have tested tons of footwear from La Sportiva, which has an excellent reputation for high-performance shoes for all kinds of outdoor adventures. We were excited when we received the techy Synthesis Mid GTX. They felt great on our feet straight out of the box, featuring a comfy footbed and flexible upper. It's lightweight, too, and topped our charts in water resistance. This shoe performed only average, however, in several categories compared to the tough competition. The sensitive soles are nice when scrambling up rocks but lead to sore feet on rough terrain. It lacks traction, support, and durability, yet has a high price tag. We liked this shoe, but its performance limits its applications in the backcountry.

Our Analysis and Test Results

The La Sportiva Synthesis Mid GTX is an athletic, lightweight hiker with a sensitive sole and a high list price of $185. The upper is a combination of synthetic AirMesh and Nano-Cell direct injection with integrated PU-coated leather. The waterproof liner is Gore-Tex Surround. The sole consists of a compression-molded EVA midsole, TPU inserts, and a Vibram Nano rubber outsole with an Impact Brake System.

Performance Comparison


la sportiva synthesis mid gtx - we like wearing the synthesis mid gtx. it's comfortable and...
We like wearing the Synthesis Mid GTX. It's comfortable and sensitive, great for scrambling up big boulders.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Comfort


First slipping into these shoes is a pleasant experience. The upper is soft with zero break-in time necessary, and the cushy mesh tongue prevents the laces from digging into the bridge of our feet. Its generous rocker gave us more spring in our step, coupled with the athletic fit. On the trail, though, we experienced mild discomfort when hiking on rocky and bumpy paths, as this shoe lacks serious protection underfoot and in front of the toes. This shoe also offers little arch support.

la sportiva synthesis mid gtx - this model doesn't have a lot of padding in the forefoot but is...
This model doesn't have a lot of padding in the forefoot but is still comfortable on most trails and light enough to be fun on obstacles.
Credit: Ross Robinson

We liked the speed laces on the Synthesis Mid GTX. The laces connect to the shoe with four sets of webbing eyelets and a metal fifth set, which is a ring eyelet on the inside of the foot and a hook on the other side. The hook allowed us to fully open the mouth to slip in and out of these shoes. To reduce the flopping of the laces, there is an elastic band to tuck in the laces on the tongue.

If the laces are still flopping about after tucking them under the elastic strap, cut the ends of the laces shorter, tie them into a knot, and be on your way. Unlike traditional laces, there is no plastic coating on the ends of the laces necessary for threading them through eyelets and to keep them from unraveling.

la sportiva synthesis mid gtx - the speed lacing system didn't loosen up over the course of our...
The speed lacing system didn't loosen up over the course of our hikes, and we liked its convenience.
Credit: Ross Robinson

These shoes provide average breathability. In our treadmill test, our socks were damp, but there was no sweat accumulated on our skin. These shoes absorb shock well into the cushioned footbed. The Synthesis offers more comfort on moderate trails than its athletic competitor from Adidas.

la sportiva synthesis mid gtx - testing the comfort on uneven, edgy surfaces. this shoe doesn't...
Testing the comfort on uneven, edgy surfaces. This shoe doesn't protect against these types of features well, but the sensitivity underfoot does improve traction.
Credit: Ross Robinson

Weight


The Synthesis Mid GTX feels and is lightweight. We measured its weight for a pair at 2 lb. 0.1 oz., beating out the Vasque Juxt by one-tenth of an ounce. La Sportiva achieves this low weight partly due to its thin walls and less dense outsole rubber.

la sportiva synthesis mid gtx - small toe caps that don't extend over the toe box are prone to...
Small toe caps that don't extend over the toe box are prone to faster delamination. At the end of the test period, the La Sportiva soles and uppers were showing signs of separation.
Credit: Ross Robinson

Support


The sole of this La Sportiva shoe is flexible and lacking in support. The thermoplastic urethane insert doesn't add much stiffness to the midfoot, as we were able to twist it in our hands more than almost any other model. For rough terrain, we prefer more rigid soles. The insole is also a simple, thin piece of foam that doesn't add any stiffness. Considering this shoe's high price tag, we would appreciate a more supportive insole. This shoe does have the highest ankle collar in this review at 4.125 inches, which gives a boost to its overall stability.

la sportiva synthesis mid gtx - day hiking with a light pack is the target use for hiking shoes.
Day hiking with a light pack is the target use for hiking shoes.
Credit: Ross Robinson

Traction


In our traction tests, the Synthesis Mid GTX offered average performance overall. It walked up dry rock without a problem until angles increased, where this model didn't stick as well as expected from a company that makes excellent climbing shoes. This surprising lack in performance comes despite a softer-than-most rubber sole and a good deal of sensitivity underfoot.

la sportiva synthesis mid gtx - it wouldn't be a la sportiva model if it couldn't scramble up dry...
It wouldn't be a La Sportiva model if it couldn't scramble up dry rock. There were, however, better scoring models in every traction test in this review.
Credit: Ross Robinson

This model fared better in our mud and snow tests, where the Vibram Impact Brake System assisted in descents. On wet rock, however, this model slid around more than the rest of the competition.

la sportiva synthesis mid gtx - testing traction on some sandy slopes in the la sportiva's.
Testing traction on some sandy slopes in the La Sportiva's.
Credit: Ross Robinson

Versatility


We like wearing this La Sportiva model for long day hikes and when speeding down trails, rain or shine. Its sensitive footbed adds to its traction but makes feet more prone to soreness on a rough trail or under the weight of a moderate pack. The Synthesis handles these scenarios, but there are better shoes for the situations. For better foot protection and backpacking ability, check out the beefy Garmont Dragontail or The North Face Ultra 110 GTX.

The Nano-cell upper stood out at the bottom of our feet, and our testers favored more discreet models around town. If you like the look, though, no one here is going to call you out.

la sportiva synthesis mid gtx - the high ankle collar and waterproof upper of the synthesis mid gtx...
The high ankle collar and waterproof upper of the Synthesis Mid GTX make a great combination for strapping into snowshoes.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Water Resistance


The Synthesis Mid GTX has excellent water resistance for a hiking shoe. The majority of the upper is coated in polyurethane, which does a superb job keeping water from absorbing into the upper. With a 4.625 flood level (outsole to tongue gusset) and a collar that cinches up against the ankle, this shoe handles its liquids. It also passed our five-minute stream wading test with flying colors.

la sportiva synthesis mid gtx - the synthesis mid gtx offers top-notch waterproofing with a...
The Synthesis Mid GTX offers top-notch waterproofing with a leakproof liner and a high flood line.
Credit: Ross Robinson

Durability


The Synthesis Mid GTX displayed low durability. After approximately 20 miles, the rubber toe cap on each foot began to peel away from the leather toe protection. This separation is minor, for now, but will only grow with time. The soft rubber of the Vibram sole also displayed more wear than most models. Somewhere along the trails, a rock was able to bite a chunk out of the outsole. As with the lacing systems of the Salomon and Adidas shoes, the plastic locking mechanism stands a higher chance of failing than traditional laces. For the price tag, we expected greater longevity from this shoe.

la sportiva synthesis mid gtx - the rubber toe bumper is likely to delaminate and peel away from the...
The rubber toe bumper is likely to delaminate and peel away from the upper faster than other models.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Best Application


The Synthesis Mid GTX is at home hiking fast or running on easy to moderate trails. Its excellent waterproofing is valuable to hikers in wet climates as well.

la sportiva synthesis mid gtx - hanging out on a small boulder found in the sierras while hiking in...
Hanging out on a small boulder found in the Sierras while hiking in the Synthesis Mid GTX.
Credit: Ross Robinson

Value


With an expensive $185 price tag and average performance overall, other models provide much better value for your dollar.

la sportiva synthesis mid gtx - when the trail and load doesn't demand too much from the shoes, this...
When the trail and load doesn't demand too much from the shoes, this pair is comfortable, athletic, and a joy to wear.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Conclusion


The La Sportiva Synthesis Mid GTX has a great lacing system, resists water as good as any other model, and likes to pick up the pace. The sole is sensitive, which some hikers prefer. If you value these features and have the extra cash to spend, go for it. In comparison to other models, though, there are several pairs with better performance-to-dollar ratios.

Ross Robinson