Approach Shoes

Brand

User

Price

Recent Approach Shoe Reviews

Salewa Men's 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 Women's Camp Four

Beautiful wide footed shoe, feels very solid walking on rocks and trail terrain; excellent grip. Toes do not feel squished but can spread out while walking. Full review

Five Ten Camp Four Mid GTX

Hot, Hot, Hot. Even with the Goretex they do not breathe. I'm hoping that when the DWR on the upper wears off they'll breathe a little better. Besides that they're really tough, and the soles are great on rock, even wet lichen. Not comfortable for hiking, but they are approach shoes not hiking boots. I'll put them to the test this season, see how they hold up. Full review

Five Ten Men's 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 Men's Access

The Five Ten Access is a lightweight, low cut approach shoe that offers superior traction, support and durability. The Access 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 extend the lacing to the toe. PREAMBLE First we need to address the question… Full review

Five Ten Men's 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

Five Ten Men's Camp Four

Lightweight and great for bouldering and approach. An extraordinary bargain!!!! I went to the Five Ten outlet in Redlands, California, looking for a second pair of inexpensive climbing shoes, as I have started crack climbing.   They had a great selection of new Huecos, Stonelands Lace and VCS and Anassazi on closeout for between $20 and $40. Unfortunately, none of the sizes were right for me. But they also had some approach and hiking shoes in the warehouse for $20. So I tried on the women's Camp… Full review

Scarpa Zodiac Tech GTX

The Scarpa Zodiac Tech is a near perfect light mountain boot. Great sticky Vibram sole and a perfect fit makes for all day comfort. I’d love to see a toe welt added and the colour possibly tweaked a little. This boot would be best for glacial travel, light scrambling, non-technical peaks as well as winter hiking (both with traction devices or snowshoes). Opening Rant I’m not sure what category these boots fit in. And I don’t say that as a negative, as you can see from the star rating and (if… Full review

evolv Maximus

These have been my favorite approach shoes so far. They're super sturdy and comfortable. I purchased these at a gear sale for $35. I have always had a misconception that approach shoes somehow lacked the stability and support of a hiking shoe. At $35 I wanted to try them out myself. Unlike hiking shoes, they do not provide the same amount of foot support. However, I quickly found my solution in custom orthotics I had lying around, making them the most comfortable boots in the world to me. I'm sure… Full review