Burly Approach Shoe Recommendation (like Scarpa Zen Pro, 5.10 Camp Four, etc)

I've historically gotten great use from the older 5.10 Camp Four approach shoe, and more recently the Scarpa Zen Pro.  These are more like stiff 'light hikers' with thoughtful soles / toe shapes that lend themselves more to scrambling / low 5th than a light hiker or trail runner.  I really like this style of shoe for long scrambling days (I live in WA).

Both of these are discontinued, and my Zens are nearly worn out.  I'm seeking suggestions for replacements that are similar (somewhat stiff and supportive, not the best at 5th class climbing).

When I research, I don't see many obvious replacements. Maybe the Scarpa Mescalito?

Edit to add I prefer not having Gore Tex in such a shoe.

Salewa Alp Trainers are really ideal for this if they fit your feet. Mammut used to have good options, but they stopped making approach shoes and their techier hiking shoes are mostly goretex. 

I've been quite happy with the Mescalitos. I've had them for almost a year and put a ton of miles on them. I think that they'll fit what you're looking for perfectly

I tried the mescilitoes and didn't think they were a replacement for the zen pros, more flexible). I now have a pair of selewa alp trainers which are actually stiffer and burlier than the zen pros.  They are becoming better as they break in.  They are my daily shoes for 3+ months.  

I wish scarpa would bring back the zen pros.

Have you tried any of the la sportiva tx shoes?

M A wrote:

Have you tried any of the la sportiva tx shoes?

I had a couple of pair on TX guide.  They were too flexible for me.  More flexible than the zen pros

Pat, 

I think the Salewa Wildfire Edge are stiffer than most modern day shoes.  Also, La Sportiva still makes the Boulder X which is pretty stiff.  My last recommendation would be to find a hiking shoe you love, and add a custom sticky-rubber resole to it.

I was able to grab one of the last pairs of Zen Pros from Europe and another lightly used pair from goodwillfinds. But, I'm in Tucson and a similar feel shoe that's lighter is better for the hot season. My two experiences with "recycled fabric" uppers were a bust. Scarpa Mescalito Planets separated at the toe rand in exactly 30 days. I only got a summer out of LaSportiva TX4s before they too separated. No more fabric upper shoes! Just discovered (May, 2025) that there are a few pairs of leather Mescalito shoes through European vendors like Varuste in Finland. I do like comfort, support and fit of the Mescalitos... almost as well as Zen Pros, but only in leather. When these wear out, hopefully someone will release a burly leather shoe that feels like a custom fit little tank on my feet! 

Added 5/28/25: Finally bumped into La Sportiva Boulder X Approach shoes. They are, for my feet and use, a very suitable replacement for Scarpa Zen Pros. I did contact La Sportiva, and of course... Boulder X shoes are being phased out. Try them while you can!  "Hi John, Thank you for reaching out to us about the Boulder X; apologies for our delayed response! While we do not know the full future for the Boulder X, we are not going to be offering the Boulder X starting in Spring 2026. We are going to receive a couple more shipments, but there are many products that La Sportiva needs to review due to the current economic situation. The shoe is not discontinued at this time, but we do not have any production planned for a while. We hope you can snag some more pairs while they are still available! Thank you for your continued support of La Sportiva."

SCARPA just came out with the leather upper Rapid XT and initial impressions after a couple weeks are they're extremely comfortable (on par with zen and far exceed the gecko/spirit) . They also hike very well (which I felt was lacking in some other scarpa approach shoes), and climb well but not quite as well as the gecko. Very similar feel to the low top mescalito family. 

Alex Styp wrote:

SCARPA just came out with the leather upper Rapid XT and initial impressions after a couple weeks are they're extremely comfortable (on par with zen and far exceed the gecko/spirit) . They also hike very well (which I felt was lacking in some other scarpa approach shoes), and climb well but not quite as well as the gecko. Very similar feel to the low top mescalito family. 

I have had a pair of rapid xt for a few months now wearing then daily to the point the soles are 1/2 worn out.  They are definitely not as good as zen pros.  The shoes are reasonably comfortable but not as stiff soled.  Just yesterday I started noticing rocks pushing through the soles uncomfortably to the point where they shoes are no longer suitable for rocky off trail hiking. 

The rapid xt are a decent show but not a replacement for the zen pro which was a great show.

Vasque Breeze.  The design has evolved a bit and i own a couple of pairs of the earlier design.  They are tanks......very durable.  I shopped on eBay for mine and have owned three, second-hand pairs.

climber pat wrote:

I have had a pair of rapid xt for a few months now wearing then daily to the point the soles are 1/2 worn out.  They are definitely not as good as zen pros.  The shoes are reasonably comfortable but not as stiff soled.  Just yesterday I started noticing rocks pushing through the soles uncomfortably to the point where they shoes are no longer suitable for rocky off trail hiking. 

The rapid xt are a decent show but not a replacement for the zen pro which was a great show.

Aww bummer to hear, thanks for the feedback! I definitely wouldn't mind them being a bit stiffer.