approach/ trail shoe?

Hi there... whats the diff between a trail shoe and an approach shoe? I was wanting to change from my Asolo boots to a trail shoe like a merrell chameleon wrap but then I see all these "approach shoes that look just like trail shoes. They claim to be much better for decents....???

On the surface there are a lot of similarities (and even some overlap) between the two categories. But approach shoes and trail shoes have evolved from two different sets of needs.

Approach shoes are essentially beefed up, more comfortable climbing shoes. They're designed to get you comfortably to and from a climb, while still retaining a bit of climbing performance: stiff soles for edging, sticky rubber for smearing, etc.

Trail shoes, on the other hand, are the lightweight descendants of traditional hiking boots. While not as technically capable as approach shoes, trail shoes are generally more comfortable on long hikes and carrying moderate loads, and their harder soles will last longer.

There was some discussion of this topic in another recent thread: http://www.trailspace.com/forums/backcountry/topics/37164.html

Thanx dave! makes sense.So do trail shoes offer enough support for say..... 40lbs for a 10-20 mile hike?

Depends on how strong your ankles are. For most people, I would say no. But, if you do a lot of hiking like I do on hills with moderate loads for training (build up slowly), then ok. Of course, in that case, you already know you can carry the load in trail shoes.

One thing Dave didn't mention is that there are trail shoes that are intended for hiking (the type he mentioned that descended from hiking boots) and trail *running* shoes. Trail running shoes, like the Adidas Supernova series that I use a lot, are very light and intended for people who run the long distance trail races through the mountains. They give lots more cushion than regular running shoes plus some of the lateral support that trail shoes for hiking do, although somewhat less. I do enough hiking with loads to get along with trail running shoes with loads up to 30-40 pounds for 20-30 mile days on good trails, but not for rough cross country off trail stuff. But remember, I have been doing this for years and building and maintaining the ankle strength. I know people who would have a sprained ankle in the first mile if they tried trail running shoes and anything over a 30 pound load.

You can only tell by trying them. But go gently and gradually. Don't get light trail running shoes (or trail shoes made for hiking), throw on a 50 pound load, and set off on the AT the first day you get them.

ok...i will look for the hiking breed of trail shoe. it should work fine cause im a pretty big guy and consider my ankles to be strong..but i will take it easy to be sure..thankx

FWIW, I'm new to hiking and bought the Merrell Chameleon II Stretch shoes for hiking around Red Rock here in Las Vegas and they are incredibly comfortable. Feet didn't hurt at all the next day. I only carry about 3 liters of water and a few essentials so not carrying a ton of weight but I love the shoes!