Approach shoes climbing a US M8 will be wider than a US W9, which is the same length). La Sportiva Raptor: Known for their climbing shoes, La Sportiva also offers high-quality approach shoes. Katana Lace Vibram XS Edge Climbing Shoe. Feb 11, 2024 · Since approach shoes are supposed to be a lightweight climbing-specific alternative to hiking shoes, it makes sense that weight is an important consideration when it comes to picking out a pair of approach shoes. And although the rubber shapes on the bottom might look pretty random the lugged pattern is arranged to offer specific control at various parts of your foot including improved propulsion Approach shoes are worth it. Feb 11, 2025 · Approach shoes are designed to be durable enough to hike, scramble, and even do some lite climbing before you change into your rock shoes. To create this roundup, our team of expert gear testers Jul 12, 2024 · Approach shoes excel on technical, rocky ground, such as scrambling or easy climbing terrain. They are most at home in the often scrambly zone between climbing and hiking, where the former may be overkill but you'd find the latter lacking in grip and precision Be sure to account for sock thickness when considering sizing. At the same time it has to be comfy enough for long days and big distances on your feet. Most big wall climbers will bring actual climbing shoes if they plan on free climbing anything serious, so approach shoes for big wall climbing don't need to prioritize climbing ability. " Approach shoes are a hybrid of hiking boots and rock climbing shoes. Feb 19, 2024 · Approach shoes, much like their climbing shoe counterparts, use a specialized rubber compound, ensuring maximum traction on both dry and wet surfaces. Most of the time you'll be walking in your approach shoes, after all, not climbing. They aren't cheap, but they are built to last Aug 13, 2019 · An approach shoe has to fit closely for climbing performance - you want a nice precise feel at the toe, and no heel lift when edging. But no, approach shoes aren't necessary. Nov 5, 2024 · A well-constructed approach shoe with a durable design that was built for alpine terrain: Thanks to its lightweight design, comfortable build, and top-notch climbing ability, this shoe is an all-around favorite of our testing team: A solid shoe that excels in climbing ability and overall durability, but is not our first recommendation for comfort Sep 18, 2018 · Approach shoes also fit similarly to hiking shoes: they aren't meant to be tight with your toes curled at the end like a climbing shoe and unlike climbing shoes, are worn with socks. Feb 6, 2025 · Below we break down the top approach shoes of 2025, including comfortable crag and trail shoes, nimble climbers, and mid-height waterproof models. Feb 28, 2024 · The materials used in approach shoes differ from those used in traditional climbing shoes because they need to be tough enough to withstand the rigors of walking over rough terrain but still flexible enough to climb in. AKU have a solution however. Five Ten Men’s Guide Tennie Approach Shoes. The Raptor is a favorite among climbers and hikers, providing excellent grip and Oct 21, 2024 · ALL Footwear Approach Shoes Mountain Boots Climbing Shoes Running Shoes Walking Boots. Discover the ultimate approach climbing shoes designed for versatility and performance on rocky terrains. Think about having an approach shoe is like having the best from both climbing and hiking worlds: comfortable, Jul 6, 2024 · What are approach shoes? They are grippy shoes used for the approach of a climb! Getting from a trailhead or parking lot to a climbing area can include a variety of terrain, with extra rocky ground to cover, which is where approach shoes come in. Climbing Shoes. Top Picks for Approach Shoes. For climbers, they’re an essential piece of footwear that provides stability and traction on rock in addition to Nov 7, 2023 · Scarpa is pushing approach shoes to new heights—and distances. Dec 19, 2023 · The Scarpa Mescalito Planet emerged from our testing as our favorite approach shoe for wider feet. They provide a balance of comfort, traction, and protection on various surfaces. For UK mountain crags and scrambling, a supportive and robust model is preferable: Here we compare five of the best options on the market. Small improvements over many generations have left us with a shoe that hikes well and is more durable than past versions. Oct 27, 2023 · When climbing outdoors, some climbers bring both climbing shoes and approach shoes. Climbing shoes fit around your foot like a sleeve, and have a strongly pronounced asymmetrical shape and pointed toe to provide maximum grip on the smallest Apr 24, 2025 · Lightweight, runner-esque approach shoes appear comfortable and attractive on paper, but I gave the shoe 50/50 odds for staying in one piece. Lighter and more nimble than boots, more capable on steep rocky ground than a trail shoe, approach shoes are the all-terrain 4x4 of footwear. While approach shoes are great for casual climbing activities, they still don’t offer the same level of precision and sensitivity as climbing shoes. Jun 4, 2024 · Customers find these climbing shoes comfortable with a glove-like fit and appreciate their crazy two-color style. The idea of a climbing shoe is that you want your toes together to provide more support on small edges. Apr 18, 2025 · Breathability: To keep feet cool and dry, approach shoes should be breathable, especially for longer hikes or in warmer climates. Picking the best approach shoe for you can Shop for Approach Shoes at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. Nov 7, 2023 · No matter what, the best approach shoes combine the stability and support of a hiking boot with the grip and dexterity of a climbing shoe. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Shop for your next climbing adventure at La Sportiva North America. A precise toe and stiff construction combine for a technical climbing prowess on par with low-performance climbing shoes Approach shoes are hybrid footwear that have some characteristics in common with hiking boots, and others with rock-climbing shoes. Jul 23, 2024 · Mountain Guides often wear approach shoes while leading their guests up easier 5th-class climbs to reduce the amount of time they spend in rock climbing shoes. The new design incorporates more recycled and repurposed materials without sacrificing climbing performance and durability. It is a steal for the excellent climbing performance it delivers. BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: An approach shoe therefore tries to bridge the gap between hiking and climbing – it provides much of the underfoot support and stability found with a hiking shoe, but also provides some of the stickiness and sensitivity found with a climbing shoe. Like a shoe or boot designed for hiking , a properly-fitting approach shoe can be worn comfortably while walking for long distances. Shop women's, men's & children's climbing shoes for rock climbing, indoor climbing & more. Climbing shoe last is the foot-shaped model around which a shoe is built. climbing shoes . 37 Arc'teryx Konseal FL 2 GTX Approach Shoe: Hiking, low-grade rock climbing and scrambling: Durable and good for long approaches $$$$ Asolo Eldo LTH GV Approach Shoes: Hiking, easy rock climbing: Waterproof $$$$ La Sportiva TX 3: Hiking: Lightweight and durable $$ Garmont Dragontail LT: All rounder: Good support $$$ Salewa Firetail 3: Hiking SCARPA’s approach shoes are perfect for anyone who aims to reach climbing areas, mountain paths and via ferratas with ease. Men's Approach & Hiking Shoes . They bring the comfort of the latter with some of the grip and precision of the former, making them the ideal footwear for Mar 13, 2025 · I’ve used the new Rapid XT as my go-to hiking and climbing approach shoe over the last 6 months. Feb 7, 2022 · Approach shoes are a fun type of outdoorsy footwear that grant the wearer fundamental climbing capabilities (smearing, edging, jamming) while offering support that lands somewhere between a proper trail running shoe (or hiking boot) and a standard everyday sneaker. Like many of the best approach shoes, it has sole made from rubber that is very sticky and grippy on rocks, has the kind of close fit that rock climbers like, and a longer run of laces than a typical hiking shoe that Jan 13, 2025 · A big flaw in the whole approach shoe market is that the better a shoe is for climbing, the more uncomfortable it’ll be for hiking. In this review, we compare 11 of the best models on the market today in side-by-side tests. Once you start climbing outdoors, you learn getting to the crag requires hiking. Published May 15, 2019 Nov 5, 2024 · The new and improved La Sportiva TX4 Evo is the perfect approach shoe that supplies enough versatility for everyday use. Worst case, you can stop and put on your climbing shoes for tough scrambles. We have men's and women's approach shoes that range from the very technical to the more casual. Our selection includes lightweight models ideal for multi-pitch climbs and sturdier options designed for extended mountain expeditions, featuring waterproof Gore-Tex material to handle all weather The Rovers lean toward the trail runner end of the spectrum though, they have a wide toebox and a breathable mesh upper. The shoes are well-built, light, and suitable for various activities, with one customer noting they're great for scaling mountains. It’s comfortable for long hikes, scrambles well enough (although it’s definitely not in the class of a sticky approach shoe with this) and it is proving to be incredibly robust. They are supposed to be relatively comfortable, with your foot laid out flat like in a hiking shoe. However, some approach shoes are designed so that you can resole them, similar to climbing shoes, which also wear out quickly but can also be easily resoled. They typically feature more sophisticated lacing than hikers, while their outsole tends to be more rigid than most. While traditional hiking boots suffice in some locations, climbing approaches are often technical and require scrambling across boulders and ascending low angle rock. The Rock’s ‘dual fit system’ is a double lacing system, with both normal laces and ‘quick-laces’ (similar to those used on some running shoes). To find your size, refer to Arc’teryx’s footwear sizing chart. Explore Black Diamond's climbing shoes & find the fit for your next route. $ 240. Footwear meant to be as versatile as the terrain, approach shoes combine hiking shoe support and comfort with the grip and precision of a climbing shoe. Oct 21, 2024 · Group Test Supportive Approach Shoes . g. Compared with women’s climbing and approach shoes, men’s climbing and approach shoes tend to be slightly wider at equivalent sizes (e. After well over 100 miles (160km) of distance and nearly 10,000 feet (3,000m) of vert, the Vertex has shown zero signs of premature wear. An approach shoe is kind of an in-between. Apr 22, 2025 · And approach shoes all over—some in our front-door shoe cubby, some by the garage, some stashed at my office, a few back-up pairs in a bin somewhere… Perhaps it’s because climbing footwear was so rudimentary when I got into the sport 30-plus years ago, but I can’t seem to part with a beloved pair of kicks. Nov 25, 2017 · The Guide Tennie is very affordable. Current price: $101. Jeremy Rellosa. 00. Most approach shoes are narrow and have leather uppers for durability in cracks. Rucksacks . Our collection features lightweight yet durable options that provide excellent grip and stability, ensuring you navigate challenging trails with confidence. If you're more focused on climbing, we recommend a stiffer approach shoe. This is why many climbers invest in approach shoes. For those with wide feet, finding the perfect pair of approach shoes can be a daunting task. In such circumstances, approach shoes provide climbers with an ideal middle-ground, a shoe that is sturdy enough for rugged, steep hiking terrain but comfortable enough to Jun 1, 2025 · 4. Climbing shoes fit around your foot like a sleeve, and have a strongly pronounced asymmetrical shape and pointed toe to provide maximum grip on the smallest Approach shoes vs. Mar 23, 2020 · Combining the features of hiking shoes, climbing slippers, and even mountaineering boots, approach shoes are in a category of their own. Approach shoes were once the preserve of the climbing community, used on the walk in – or, if you will, the ‘approach’ – to crags or cliffs before a day of climbing. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Jun 14, 2022 · Approach shoes, because of the softer rubber compounds used, won’t last as long as hiking shoes, which feature harder rubber compounds that are specifically designed to be more durable. If you are an expert climber but also a brave hiker who likes easy climbing routes, approach shoes are the most suitable choice for you, and they are worth it. Shop later in the day as your feet can swell up to a full size during the day. They offer both stability and traction on rocky surfaces, while also ensuring comfort during long hikes on the trail. Current price: $131. Jul 23, 2024 · More of a running shoe than a climbing shoe, but it has sticky rubber for technical trails and light scrambles: Perfect for users with wider-than-average feet, these shoes can do it all, from 5th-class climbing to long approaches to aid climbing. 40 Original price: $ Gecko Lite Approach Shoe - Women's. They wear approach shoes for the approach and climbing shoes once they reach the summit. Technical scrambling approach with a heavy pack – no problem. These shoes seriously impressed us with their excellent climbing ability, hiking comfort, durability, and overall support. Almost all approach shoes sacrifice comfort for a stiff(er) sole and a pointed toe box. The La Sportiva TX3 is an approach shoe, which means that it is intended for both hiking and scrambling or light rock climbing. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks, along with details about our testing process. Mar 12, 2025 · Approach shoes combine characteristics of hiking boots and climbing shoes to create versatile footwear that excels in rocky terrain. Consider these shoe fit tips. Conclusion The Five Ten Guide Tennie is the best approach shoe for climbing and scrambling that we tested. Sep 25, 2024 · With this in mind, I set out to find the best approach shoes for all sorts of hiking and climbing occasions to find the best approach shoes in this highly versatile and variable product category. Our top climbing gear picks for 2019. Apr 29, 2025 · The La Sportiva TX2 Evo is our favorite approach shoe, hands down. Best Overall: LaSportiva TX4 Leather Apr 29, 2025 · Tester and Climbing editor Anthony Walsh calls the Vertex Alpine “a one-shoe wonder, threading the needle between runner and approach shoe. Approach shoes vs. Apr 17, 2024 · Approach shoes marry some of the comfort of a hiking shoe with some of the technical performance of a climbing shoe (Image credit: Aku) Approach shoes occupy the middle ground between climbing shoes and hiking shoes. We offer technical approach footwear that combines features from hiking and running shoes Apr 27, 2016 · For more than six months of a hot summer, a snowy winter, and a soaking-wet spring, our testers vetted almost a dozen pairs of climbing-specific approach shoes, light hikers, and trailrunners to find the best picks for trad-, sport-, alpine-, and boulder-loving climbers alike. That is why climbing shoes fit so snug. Featuring a super-sticky rubber sole, waterproof lining and upper and coming in at a mere 770 g, the Five Ten Men’s Guide Tennie Leather Approach Shoe is a solid, lightweight, reasonably priced approach shoe that performs well in both climbing and hiking without really excelling in either. Apr 23, 2024 · The best approach shoes have emerged from the desire adventurers have to cut down on baggage, but still benefit from technical kit. The El Cap is a comfort-first approach shoe designed to handle the most demanding technical hikes, summit scrambles, and via ferrata (fixed hiking/climbing) routes thanks to a Vibram Ferrata Megagrip outsole that combines underfoot traction with a highly-tactile climbing zone at the toe. Building a quality approach shoe is an art—and a science. 1 day ago · The Climbing Business Journal defines approach shoes as specialized footwear designed for hiking and climbing. Mar 17, 2025 · Approach shoes combine the features of hiking shoes and climbing shoes in a brand-new category. However, customers disagree on the sizing, with some finding them too tight in the toe box. Most rock climbing shoes are slip-lasted, which tend to be sensitive and less stiff than board-lasted shoes. “This shoe climbs incredibly well, and its snug, sock-like fit felt secure on my foot while I was standing on small edges,” our lead tester shared. ALL Rucksacks Small 25L Medium 25-45L Large 45L+ Rope Bags. Proper sizing ensures that the shoe fits snugly without being overly constrictive. The TX Guide allows professionals and recreationists alike the opportunity to leave the climbing shoes at home more often and spend the day in comfortable approach shoes that can handle I have climbed a UIAA III-IV multipitch in approach shoes (TX5 Low). This provides the best of both worlds: comfortable, supportive footwear for the approach and high-performance climbing shoes for the actual climb. Aug 31, 2022 · Most approach shoes also feature something called a climbing zone on the outsole—a smooth (non-lugged) rubber at the toe, like a technical climbing shoe, for better precision and edging capability. I didn't really plan to do that, but I followed on the first pitch in approach shoes because I didn't feel like putting on my climbing shoes and then just went "that worked fine, I'll just keep my approach shoes on. 1 color. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. Climbing approaches vary in distance and difficulty. More sturdy than a trainer, lighter than a boot with a sticky sole, approach shoes are perfect for crag approaches and for easy climbing. Approach shoes typically use a combination of leather, rubber, and synthetic fabrics to create footwear that can handle both Dec 19, 2023 · These shoes should also be able to climb relatively well for the occasional use while free climbing short sections. An approach is a term for hiking to your climbs. Manufacturers take wildly different materials and delicately press, weld, glue, or sew them together into a cohesive unit that should get you from Jan 13, 2025 · Approach shoes with stiffer midsoles are better for climbing as they can support your weight on small ledges and cracks without folding over, but the lack of cushioning often causes foot fatigue while hiking long miles. Apr 14, 2025 · S crapa's new Rapid XT blurs the line between walking shoes and approach shoes, offering the all-day comfort of the former and the on-rock ability of the latter. ” The Vibram XS Flash 2 sole is built for edging, and also has a flat, smearable toe. Our approach shoes offer enhanced stability and grip, making your trek to your climbing projects effortless, even on slippery or uneven terrain. 11 in them. We love how light it is, and it entirely changes our scrambling and multi-pitch climbing strategies. This means that you can use them for an approach hike, as well as for Shop for Men's Approach Shoes at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. Matt Samet. They're a convenience. With free ankles that make them lighter and allow the wearer to move quickly, these shoes are perfect for straightforward hikes and climbing easy routes. Jun 13, 2019 · On the rock, these attributes have all combined to yield one of the best scrambling/moderate climbing performances I’ve experienced in an approach shoe, and I’ve been able to climb up to 5. If your emphasis is solely on hard scrambling or easy rock climbing then there are more capable models out there; however for those more into versatility the Rapid XT is really worth a look. lpzpy zpq kae wuty ywufx cavtje afkvzi xgfevoy vrly zuac