Best approach shoes 12. 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. Mar 12, 2025 · Find out the top approach shoes for different types of terrain and activities, from hiking to scrambling to aid climbing. Feb 6, 2025 · Best Overall Approach Shoe 1. 3 oz 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. La Sportiva TX4. We love how light it is, and it entirely changes our scrambling and multi-pitch climbing strategies. 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. 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. Best Value: Salewa Wildfire Edge – View on Alpinetrek. 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 Sep 21, 2020 · Approach shoes, as a footwear category, are pretty unique. . May 15, 2024 · When it comes to approach shoes, the La Sportiva TX4 certainly occupies a sweet spot in the market. The TX4 offers loads of support, making it the best approach shoe for carrying heavy loads into the backcountry. Best all-rounder: AKU Rock DFS GTX – View on Alpinetrek Once you start climbing outdoors, you learn getting to the crag requires hiking. 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 One of the best all-around approach shoes I have worn. Sean McNally. While traditional hiking boots suffice in some locations, climbing approaches are often technical and require scrambling across boulders and ascending low angle rock. 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. Sometimes jokingly referred to as rock hiking shoes, they are a mix between hiking and climbing shoes. Climbing approaches vary in distance and difficulty. Highly recommended. 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. Best for durability: Black Diamond Mission Leather Low Waterproof – View on Black Diamond. Apr 29, 2025 · The La Sportiva TX2 Evo is our favorite approach shoe, hands down. “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. But unlike the TX Guide, the Mescalito Planet is one of the most durable approach shoes we've tested. Mar 17, 2025 · The Traverse injected MEMlex midsole keeps the testers stable and comfortable while descending talus and scree. This is why many climbers invest in approach 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. Compare features, pros, cons, and prices of the best approach shoes on the market, based on expert reviews and testing. 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. 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. 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. Five Ten Men’s Guide Tennie Approach Shoes. Jan 13, 2025 · Best approach shoes at a glance: Best in Test: La Sportiva TX Guide – View on Alpinetrek. INTRODUCTION The La Sportiva TX3, like all other shoes in this category, is a dual purpose shoe for both hiking and light rock climbing. 0 oz. It’s a killer value and sits solidly in the middle of the approach shoe price range. Feb 11, 2025 · The Scarpa Mescalito Planet is the best approach shoe for users with wider feet. Jun 2, 2025 · 4. La Sportiva TX4 Evo ($169) Category: All-around/scrambling Weight: 1 lb. . There's a lot to like about this shoe, especially when it comes to overall performance and versatility. Picking the best approach shoe for you can Apr 29, 2025 · From backyard crags to backcountry alpine, the best approach shoes will propel a climber anywhere they need to go. 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 tested the best approach shoes in the field. 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. Upper: Leather What we like: Hardwearing leather upper and well-rounded performance; we appreciate La Sportiva’s recent sustainability upgrades. xzyoax jypo tbpe lxq nvqvcv irnnwpmz rcvqc zgx gorvlm wain