Best approach shoes Five Ten Men’s Guide Tennie Approach Shoes. Nov 5, 2024 · And while some of the approach shoes that provide a more narrow fit required our testing team to size up, these spacious and wide-fitting shoes required that we size down 1/2 size for the best fit. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. These shoes combing perfect climbing capability, with support and ruggedness so you can hike for long hours and still tackle difficult terrain. 1 Scarpa Crux II; 8 Affordable Approach Shoes. jump to: la sportiva tx2 / black diamond mission lt / scarpa crux ii / arc’teryx konseal ar / scarpa zen pro / la sportiva tx guide / tnf activist futurelight / la sportiva boulder x / buying advice Oct 26, 2021 · Unsure on the Best Approach Shoes to buy? Smile, as the team of experts at Shoe Adviser, have tried and tested each Approach Shoes for, Material, Gender and Sole Updated. 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. I also suffer from poor circulation and my toes get very cold very easily so would like to have a pair that helps retain heat or a non mesh breathable type. . May 20, 2022 · The La Sportiva TX2 is the best approach shoe we've ever put on! Stop reading and go buy these right now! Or keep reading to find out if these lightweight, comfortable shoes that climb and hike equally well are right for you. Backed by AI technology and human experts, our industry-leading "Authentication Before Shipping" service has authenticated Aug 31, 2022 · Looks like a great trip Dudes. But no, approach shoes aren't necessary. Budget-minded users looking for a great approach shoe should look no further, as this pair nearly matches the performance of the best options on the market and costs a lot less. It’s super reliable on variable ground and we found we were able to climb easy rock with confidence due to its great outsole, edge and fit. POIZON: Discover, cop, and share authenticated premium goods including sneakers, clothing, accessories & more. 9. 0 oz. Approach shoes meet this need, serving as a hybrid hiking boot and climbing shoe. Offering over 1. Glad to see you were all under the wing of ths handsome international mountain guide Gordo Fausto! You just cant go wrong with The Fausto onboard. Conclusion. 9 multipitch in the original 5. 26 at Dec 19, 2023 · The Scarpa Mescalito Planet excels on technical approaches and low 5th-class terrain, and features excellent construction quality for added reliability in remote terrain. Jan 13, 2025 · If we drew a Venn diagram depicting performance, comfort and eco-conscious design, the La Sportiva TX4 EVO approach shoes would fall right into the centered sweet spot. Jan 13, 2025 · Best approach shoes at a glance: Best in Test: La Sportiva TX Guide – View on Alpinetrek. La Sportiva TX4. With a low-profile and a lightweight construction, the Guide Tennie is ready for a miles-long approach or a quick trip up some low angled terrain. But unlike the TX Guide, the Mescalito Planet is one of the most durable approach shoes we've tested. Best for Heavy Duty Use and Big Walls. 2025. Best approach shoe I have ever had was a the 5. Thanks to its stiff sole, technical climbing prowess, and comfortable hiking features, it performs just as well as our other top performer, the La Sportiva TX Guide. Sometimes jokingly referred to as rock hiking shoes, they are a mix between hiking and climbing shoes. However, shopping for the best approach shoes can present some challenges on its own. They are designed to be able to withstand tough, technical terrain on the approach to the crag and double as a climbing shoe on easy routes or problems when it would be inconvenient to change into climbing shoes. As a former YOSAR member and Bishop California local, he draws on 20 years of experience, employing approach shoes on technical rescues, aid climbing on the Dec 23, 2024 · Best Approach Shoes. INTRODUCTION The La Sportiva TX3, like all other shoes in this category, is a dual purpose shoe for both hiking and light rock climbing. Building a quality approach shoe is an art—and a science. Feb 7, 2022 · La Sportiva’s TX series offers some of the best approach shoes available and come with a very technical look to go with those chops. This is why many climbers invest in approach shoes. The only place they don't excel is on long approaches through rugged terrain, where a more burly approach shoe will provide more support and long Mar 31, 2015 · While this is durable, long-lasting approach shoe, at $155, we feel most climbers will find better value in a more versatile shoe elsewhere. 5 Million products from 400 globally sourced brands, including sneakers, shoes, apparel, and accessories. It can't edge as well as other purpose-built approach shoes, but it still has sticky rubber and smears like a dream. 1 La Scarpa Mojito Shoes; 7 Best Hybrid Approach Shoes for Hiking. Upper: Leather What we like: Hardwearing leather upper and well-rounded performance; we appreciate La Sportiva’s recent sustainability upgrades. 10. The Best Approach Shoes by: Seiji Ishii. The wider-than-average-Sportiva toe box makes for a comfortable approach to your next adventure, whether deep in the backcountry or just a stroll through the woods to the sport crag. 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. Rock climbers and backpackers, if you’re looking for a new pair of approach shoes, we’re here to help. Gear Institute. Apr 16, 2023 · What's the best approach shoe for climbing 5th class these days? I loved climbing up to 5. I tested the best approach shoes in the field. 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. For climbers, they’re an essential piece of footwear that provides stability and traction on rock in addition to Shop for Men's Approach Shoes at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. La Sportiva Women’s TX4 EVO Leather Technical Approach/Hiking Shoes, Carbon/Zest, 9. Related: Best Approach Shoes. Nov 5, 2024 · Best Overall Women's Approach Shoe. Best Value: Salewa Wildfire Edge – View on Alpinetrek. Aug 31, 2022 · The best approach shoes share characteristics with hiking boots and rock climbing shoes—designed for climbers who need to hike rugged, rocky trails to get to the cliff base but don’t want to best approach shoes of 2023. Sean McNally. Among these options, the Scarpa Mescalito Planet shines in hiking comfort and support, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a comfortable hiking experience. Best Approach Shoes for Hiking – Buying Guide 1. Price: $179. They're a convenience. The Scarpa Crux Air may not have the durability of its tough-skinned sibling the Scarpa Crux, but what it lacks in durability it makes up in comfort. The Salewa Firetail 3 was the clear winner in the Support/Stability rating The Best Approach Shoes of 2025: Staff Picks Discover the top-rated approach shoes at REI, expertly tested for performance and durability. There's a lot to like about this shoe, especially when it comes to overall performance and versatility. Best Bang for Your Buck. Mar 25, 2021 · Best Approach Shoes of 2025 Combining the features of hiking shoes, climbing slippers, and even mountaineering boots, approach shoes are in a category of their own. 00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers: $219 List $153. Despite our praise for their performance, the wider-than-usual last for approach shoes means that the Mescalito Planet is best for users with average or wider-than-average fe Jul 23, 2024 · The Vertex Alpine is a comfortable running shoe that also excels in moderately technical terrain, earning our nod as the best approach shoe-running shoe hybrid. Best for Alpine Climbing : Best Bang for the Buck. Approach shoes are constructed of multiple materials designed to be robust to all kinds of surfaces, long-lasting and most important of all – comfortable. Feb 11, 2025 · The Scarpa Mescalito Planet is the best approach shoe for users with wider feet. Best Overall Approach Shoes: La Sportiva TX4 EVO; Best Budget Approach Shoes: La Sportiva Boulder X; Best all Synthetic Approach Shoe: Scarpa Gecko LT; Best for Light and Fast Objectives: Black Aug 10, 2023 · Approach shoes are hybrid footwear that is commonly associated with climbing and hiking. We love how light it is, and it entirely changes our scrambling and multi-pitch climbing strategies. Price: $169. May 7, 2025 · 3. It features a mix of suede and fabric mesh upper with a Gore-Tex lining for waterproofing and breathable comfort. The superior comfort of the Scarpa Crux makes them great approach shoes for any length of hike, no matter how strenuous, and their low-profile style means they can easily double as street shoes. Feb 6, 2025 · Best Overall Approach Shoe 1. 1 La Sportiva TX2; 6 Most Reviewed Approach Shoe. Brand: La Sportiva; Manufacturer: La Sportiva; Color: Carbon/Zest; Experience superior comfort and support with the La Sportiva Women’s TX4 EVO Leather Hiking Shoes. Apr 29, 2025 · From backyard crags to backcountry alpine, the best approach shoes will propel a climber anywhere they need to go. Jul 12, 2024 · What is an approach shoe to the very best in the business? Do the pros and stars of the rock-climbing world bother with them. Basically a rock shoe. May 15, 2024 · When it comes to approach shoes, the La Sportiva TX4 certainly occupies a sweet spot in the market. That being said, perhaps trying on the shoe in person will ensure the most precise fit for your foot. “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. 6. 12. Well, in the right hands (or feet, to be accurate), approach shoes also have the ability to take on some formidable vertical terrain, as proved by legendary climbers Alex Hannold and Tommy Caldwell. 77 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers: Oct 21, 2024 · Approach shoes vary from light and flexible to solid and supportive, and in this Group Test we're looking at models that offer more support and protection, since these are arguably best suited to all-round UK use including mountain days. Considered as a sticky, super-durable hiking shoe, it's a great deal. Compare features, pros, cons, and prices of the best approach shoes on the market, based on expert reviews and testing. Dec 19, 2023 · While all of the models we tested use sticky rubber, certain approach shoes excel in technical climbing, while others are more focused on providing hiking comfort, and others provide stiff support in the sole for standing in aiders while aid climbing. Highly recommended. Our five testers laced up in 10 new models and dove into adventures from the sun-drenched cliffs of Mallorca to the granite spires of the Bugaboos and back. Find the best footwear for tackling any terrain with confidence. Boasting very robust yet lightweight construction, a nicely articulated toe for edging and a reasonably aggressive tread for muddy or wet approaches, the Crux actually defies an approach shoe’s usual limitations by excelling in both hiking and climbing Nov 7, 2023 · The approach can be anything from a short scramble to the crag or a multi-day hump to a valley of granite towers and anything in between. Terrible on snow and should last like 100 miles until it falls apart because the quality has gone downhill since Adidas bought 5. What are the best climbing approach shoes in 2022? The best overall climbing approach shoe we tested for 2022 was the Five Ten Tennie Guide, followed by the La Sportiva Boulder X. . Sticky rubber is great for that. Jul 23, 2024 · They perform among the best approach shoes on the market, yet they are priced among the lowest. Feb 11, 2024 · The Five Ten Guide Tennie is the uber-classic approach shoe that’s made for use wherever your adventures might take you. Never owned a pair before and would be using them for approaching bouldering areas and not actual climbing. Whether you're scrambling up rocky ridges or tackling steep descents, the revamped lug pattern and the Vibram® Megagrip outsole (one of the brand’s stickiest compounds) make the shoe worthy of a rock Sep 25, 2024 · Best for the Crag: Arc’teryx Kragg Shoe; How I Tested the Best Approach Shoes While guiding in the North Cascades, Sean McNally tested some of the best approach shoes for comfort, packability, and precision. 3 oz Apr 29, 2025 · The La Sportiva TX2 Evo is our favorite approach shoe, hands down. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Jul 6, 2024 · HIKING SHOE TREELINE AWARD BEST FOR WEIGHT (PAID) UPPER SOLE MSRP; La Sportiva TX2 EVO Leather Approach Shoes: Best overall Read review: All-around: 1 lb 2. Approach shoes are designed for climbers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need a shoe that can provide support, stability, and traction on various types of terrain. Picking the best approach shoe for you can be a daunting task. Style. It’s a killer value and sits solidly in the middle of the approach shoe price range. 5. 1 Black Diamond Prime Shoes; 9 Best High-End Approach Shoes. AI+expert legit check, 24/7 support. Mar 12, 2025 · Find out the top approach shoes for different types of terrain and activities, from hiking to scrambling to aid climbing. Best for durability: Black Diamond Mission Leather Low Waterproof – View on Black Diamond. The price is more expensive than others, but it comes with a 1-year warranty to prove that the brand has confidence in their shoes. Price: £135 Weight: 760g Best for: Scrambling, technical mountain routes Key attributes: Superb grip, comfort, lightweight Of all the approach shoes tested here, La Sportiva’s TX4 are those most reminiscent of a traditional climbing shoe. La Sportiva TX4 Evo ($169) Category: All-around/scrambling Weight: 1 lb. The sturdy TX Guide sits in the middle of the high-performing range, providing a decent level of support at a manageable weight and no shortage of grip, with extra credit due to the funky two-tone Vibram sole. 8. Best all-rounder: AKU Rock DFS GTX – View on Alpinetrek One of the best all-around approach shoes I have worn. Feb 10, 2025 · The heaviest shoe in La Sportiva's Traverse X series, the TX4 is a great hiking shoe that happens to climb exceptionally well. 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 Jun 1, 2025 · 4. The La Sportiva TX3 is our top pick for best approach shoe. The Scarpa Zen is an excellent approach/hiking shoe hybrid. Review Results Support/Stability. I’ve read articles about Charles Cole—founder of the company Five Ten, inventor of Stealth Rubber, brains behind the original approach shoe, a total boss—and apparently his idea was to make moving around unroped safer by increasing Jul 23, 2024 · Best Lightweight Approach Shoe. Mar 31, 2025 · The Competition. Made with a synthetic knit upper that’s more breathable than any other approach shoe tested, the Crux Air admittedly isn’t the best pure climber. The best approach shoes for men should be selected based on the specific activity, terrain, and personal preference. Apr 22, 2020 · Scarpa Crux Air. 6-5. 10 Guide Tennies back in the day, and folks raved about the Gandas, though I never had a pair. When it comes to selecting the best approach shoes, there are several factors to consider. Sep 28, 2017 · Matt Bento, How to Choose the Best Approach Shoes, Buying Guide; Climbing Staff, 2017 Approach Shoe Review, Climbing Blog; Amanda Ellis, Best Approach Shoes 2019, Climbing Site; Switchback Travel Staff , BEST APPROACH SHOES OF 2019, Outdoors Blog Also contributing is editor Matt Bento. The Rovers lean toward the trail runner end of the spectrum though, they have a wide toebox and a breathable mesh upper. May 28, 2024 · These unique shoes offer a unique way of approaching—a unique way of being with—the landscape. Mar 20, 2025 · Weight: 255g (per shoe, women’s) Upper: Knit fabric Outsole: Black Diamond BlackLabel-Street rubber Closure: Elastic heel for slip-on functionality The Black Diamond Session is a lightweight and versatile approach shoe that blends comfort with everyday functionality. On technical climbing approaches, you want a pair of shoes that perform more like your climbing shoes -- but fit more comfortably. 1 Arc’teryx Arakys Approach Shoes; 10 Best Light Feb 24, 2020 · The Crux is also one of the best dual-use warm-up climbing approach shoes, as you can rely on its grippy texture for ascending easy 5th class climbs. Lightweight, robust, super comfortable and eco-friendly to boot, the Scarpa Crux sets the standard of our shoes on review very high. 00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers: $121. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect pair May 24, 2023 · The Reviews: The Best Approach Shoes of 2023 Most Lightweight: The North Face Summit Cragstone Pro ($175) (Photo: Courtesy The North Face) Looking into getting some approach shoes but not sure what is best for my use. Choosing the right style depends on everything from durability to climbing ability. 10 Guide Tennies. 7. Seriously though, it's rare that our testers have such a unanimously favorable endorsement of a product with zero caveats. Different Uses for Approach Shoes Sep 21, 2020 · Approach shoes, as a footwear category, are pretty unique. Below, we have provided some key features to look for when shopping for a pair of approach shoes. Best Approach Shoes compared and ranked, complete with a Approach Shoes buyers guide | February 2025 May 30, 2022 · 4 Do I need an approach shoe? 5 Best Overall Approach Shoes. They do everything well, including hiking, climbing, and disappearing when the rock shoes come out. Mid-tier may sound like “meh” but the middle of the price range actually includes the best approach shoes out there, our favorites being the SCARPA Rapid XT($169) and the La Sportiva TX4 Evo May 6, 2025 · The Meindl Ontario Lady GTX hiking shoe is a low-key, blend of technical approach shoes and traditional hiking shoes, suitable for both trail and urban wear. The La Sportiva TX4 Evo Mid GTX is a capable mid-height approach shoe that’s comfortable on long stretches of trail, but hikers and backpackers who don’t venture into technical alpine terrain may prefer the brand’s Nucleo II High GTX boots. Most approach shoes are narrow and have leather uppers for durability in cracks. Jul 23, 2024 · A solid all-around performer, the Crux also costs less than most of its competitors and is the highest-performing approach shoe for the price. It fits well and has a great balance of hiking comfort and climbing ability. Mar 17, 2025 · The Traverse injected MEMlex midsole keeps the testers stable and comfortable while descending talus and scree. When selecting the best approach shoes for 2024, consider the Scarpa Mescalito Planet, La Sportiva TX4, La Sportiva TX2 Evo, Scarpa Crux, and La Sportiva TX Guide. Apr 18, 2025 · Approach shoes are designed for various outdoor activities, including hiking, climbing, and backpacking, and they need to balance durability, grip, and agility. The TX4 offers loads of support, making it the best approach shoe for carrying heavy loads into the backcountry. zjttqu plyhi pizkp haqt xttief gcvryrv hamt nabtg omtldk sgkg