Approach Shoes

Recent Approach Shoe Reviews

La Sportiva TX3

The La Sportiva TX3 is an approach shoe, which means that it is intended for both hiking and scrambling or light rock climbing. 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 helps them fit almost "like a glove." At the same time, their mesh uppers, cushioned midsole, and healthy tread depth make them better than most approach shoes… Full review

Garmont Dragontail MNT GTX

Very solid hiking shoes; but they are not entirely comfortable. These are superbly-made shoes, heavy duty hiking shoes rather than a boots; but, so far, I am not entirely happy with them. The problem is the sizing. I have LOWA and Hanwag shoes and boots, all in European size 42; but the Garmont runs small in both length and width and I do not have wide feet. Being fairly rigid, they may need to be broken in; but I have never had this issue with shoes of any kind before.  I ordered the shoes through… Full review

evolv Cruzer Psyche

Well-made shoe that does the job and is super lightweight. Fits well. The Evolv Cruzer Psyche is a very conventionally-designed shoe that came AFTER the Evolv Cruzer, which has an unconventional upper in the heel area. Its one departure from classic shoe construction is an overlapping slit instead of a tongue. This non-tongue seems to work just fine, makes entry a touch easier, and is very comfortable.  I don't climb; I hike and backpack in this shoe with 30 pounds or less on my back, no poles,… Full review

Asolo Cactus GV

Lightweight approach shoe with a Gore-Tex membrane. I'm on my third pair of these and use them daily. I get about a year and half of wear before I start looking to replace them. Their comfort, looks, and waterproofness keep me coming back, but I have to be careful when walking on wet surfaces. Unfortunately they are getting harder to find. I believe that Asolo has stopped making them.  The footbed is fairly thin and flexible and gets more so with wear. Ankle support is good. Laces are great with… Full review

Salewa Firetail EVO

Solid with a good grip, but not particularly comfortable. I have mixed feelings about these shoes. I have the non-GTX version. Used them for several years now in the alpine also in lower terrain. But I bought them for alpine approach so that's how I will judge them. They have a pretty good grip on solid rock also on grassy slopes and scree. They are lightweight also and durable. But that's about the good parts. These shoes are not the most comfortable when covering long distances with a heavy load. Full review

Five Ten Guide Tennie

The Five Ten Guide Tennie is an approach shoe best suited to light hiking that involves scrambling on rocks. It has features common to many shoes that try to bridge the gap between hiking and rock climbing—lacing that runs almost to your toes to ensure a secure fit, durable leather material, and great lateral support. The midsole and sole are clearly intended for light rock climbing: stiff midsole, extremely sticky sole with shallow treads, and a rubber-coated toe for extra traction. While it… Full review

Salewa Wildfire GTX

Grip like no other shoe I've owned. A touch narrow, but still very comfy, and did I mention grip? A review in two parts Part 1 - My review after the first day: I just received these in the mail and put them on. They are very comfortable and very true to size. I always wear a EUR 43 (I've given up on US sizes) and these fit me perfectly (US size 10 in this case). They are darker black than I expected from the photo where they look more grey—but they are still pretty sharp looking. The red laces… Full review

Five Ten Guide Tennie

I purchased these shoes for fishing. The comfort and fit were outstanding. They have great traction on all the rock and soil types I have thrown at them. Imagine the comfort of a slipper with the grip of a climbing shoe. After a few trips I ordered a second pair. After burning through several pairs of high end hiking shoes, I decided to purchase the Guide Tennie. I figured any shoe produced for 30 plus years has to have something going for it. I found them on Amazon for about half the MSRP. Right… Full review

Five Ten Access Mesh

The Five Ten Access Mesh is a lightweight, low cut approach shoe that offers superior traction, support, and breathability. The Access Mesh would be best for someone looking for an all around Access shoe (get it?), whether that is an approach for climbing, hopping on a flat pedal bike for the day, or light duty scrambling (maybe up to low fifth class). They could make some improvements by adding a heel loop to clip them to your harness and extending the lacing to the toe.   PREAMBLE First we need… Full review