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Recommendations on approach shoes?

DesertRat · · Flagstaff, AZ · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 196

Adidas Solos w/ Stealth So far they are super well built (better than 5.10), and climb well too.

John Farrell · · Phoenix, AZ · Joined Jan 2009 · Points: 85
Mthoresz wrote:Hey y'all... looking for some good ideas for approach shoes. Ideally, they'd be super comfy (I don't have the best feet and usually put orthotics in all my shoes, so I'd like to put them in whatever approach shoes I buy), and even more ideally, these would be suitable for perhaps hiking as well, if those goals aren't incompatible. Lightweight would be great, too. Price isn't the biggest factor here, it's more about usefulness. Thx for your ideas!
If I need a full shoe, I go with the Evolve Cruzer.

evolvsports.com/shop/approa…

They don't take up much room in your pack, super light if you hang them on your harness, are really good if you need to scramble. I have done a seven mile approach in them just fine. Durability might be an issue though. My first pair lasted a year. My second pair is going on it's second year, so maybe the first pair were lemons.

Most of the time if hitting up a crag my approach shoes are these :

chacos.com/US/en-US/Product…

Still using the same pair for four or five years.
Tronald Dump · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 10

I love my Salewa's.

salewa.us/product/tech+appr…

The sole is Vibram, but has been sticky enough on anything short of what I'd want rock shoes on anyways. The feel sturdy enough and supportive enough when I've hiked with double racks and a rope, and they love to hop around in scree fields. The Goretex does keep your feet hot, but I've come to appreciate it while hiking out on stream beds, and swampy trails here in washington. They've even hiked well with crampons on em in easy snow. Outside of going into conditions where you'd want boots, they are the best pre-climbing shoe I've owned.

They are a bit heavy, and get non-goretex (unless you need it), or your feet will start smelling before you get your rock shoes on.

SRB25 · · Woodside, ca · Joined Nov 2014 · Points: 5

I just got a pair of salewa wildfires non gore tex. Have only worn them around the store and house but immediately feel super supportive and comfortable, lace to toe. They were on sale 20% off too. Colors are pretty wild though.

Petsfed 00 · · Snohomish, WA · Joined Mar 2002 · Points: 989

I have the Salewa Wildfires (the older, bright green design) with goretex and for approaches and hiking in the Pac NW, they've been awesome. I also have a pair of Sportiva Boulder Xs which I love, but haven't been able to use when its wet.

With most approach shoes, I'll sacrifice a little rubber performance for rubber durability. Basically, if I need super sticky rubber, I probably need the sensitivity of a full-blown climbing shoe too. Put another way, if I need super sticky rubber on the things I can climb in my sneakers, my footwork is probably terrible.

Jon Frisby · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2013 · Points: 270

If they're still on clearance in your size, the five ten half dome mid is what I've got. Got them for $40 on fiveten.com and they're great - super sticky rubber, great ankle coverage and dirt cheap

cjon3s · · Sterling, VA · Joined Sep 2012 · Points: 5

I'll second both the Scarpa Crux and the Adidas Terrex. They'll but fit your needs. I would go a bit more towards the Crux for climbing and the Terrex for just hiking. I found both shoes super comfortable as well.

Kyle C · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2014 · Points: 0

The scarpa crux are great for all the reasons you would want an approach shoe. The only issue I've had with mine is quality. Both pair ripped out on the side where the shoe bends. Scarpa replaced the first pair but the new pair ripped out after about 5 days. I'm going to try the LaSportiva Boulder X next.

Andrew Williams · · Concord, NH · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 625

If you go with the Guide Tennies, do yourself a favor and buy them off Amazon and get $4.95 shipping. Buying from the FiveTen site direct is about $12 shipping.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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