Current approach shoes?
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Pretty much a n00b, been just wearing what I use for day hiking (Inov-8 Trailroc 235). Actually really had no complaints on those, other than the lack of durability and the fit is a little loose to be precise on anything too sketchy. I did get 2 years with a good amount of hiking and climbing days so can't complain. |
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Maybe la sportiva xplorers? I have guide tennies which do not fit your bill at all haha. Nonetheless I would reccomend them to a friend. |
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You might like the Evolv Cruzer. It doesn't work for me because it's too low volume (I also use the Guide Tennies), but it sounds like it matches your criteria reasonably well. |
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Stephen Waud wrote:Pretty much a n00b, been just wearing what I use for day hiking (Inov-8 Trailroc 235). Actually really had no complaints on those, other than the lack of durability and the fit is a little loose to be precise on anything too sketchy. I did get 2 years with a good amount of hiking and climbing days so can't complain. If I was inventing an approach shoe it would basically take the best parts of those: -ultralight -low bulk -zero drop -heel loop and add: -a taller, tougher rand -strategically placed sticky rubber Maybe I'm not actually looking for an approach shoe and should just get minimalist runners again? Anything out there that I'm missing that I should look at?I'm in the same boat. Would love to have a minimalist trail runner with a sheet of sticky rubber on the bottom for those long traverses that also involve a lot of milage to get in/out. So far I haven't been able to find anything besides going the DIY route. Current approach shoes are pretty horrible to run distance in and even the "sticky" trail runners seem to have large lugs that compromise climbing ability (La Sportiva Mutant for example). |
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I've used the La Sportiva Raptors to approach and scramble in the Tetons. They are obviously great for the trails, but they merit changing into climbing shoes when the grade goes above 5.4. and yea, the big lugs are annoying for edging, but the smear ok. |
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are approach shoes worth buying? |
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Rich zz wrote:are approach shoes worth buying?I've thought about getting some, then passed because my flip flops are working out pretty well. |
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I've had a pair of Scarpa Crux canvas for about a year. I wear them 4-5 times a week both around town and for their intended use - approaching the crag. |
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The new Scarpa Iguana approach shoes fit most of the OP's criteria. They're already online , but won't actually ship for another month or so. |
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Oh yeah, just read the other posts complaining about the over-sized lugs on some approach/running shoes. Agreed, that can definitely compromise a shoes climbing ability. The Iguanas have a relatively smooth sole, and a solid chunk of climbing rubber in the front for edging and smearing. |
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Thanks Scott! Those look awesome. How do you size em? |
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And thanks everyone else for the replies. Definitely seems to be use case specific. I'm a new crappy climber so mostly looking at something that will make 4th class scrambly approaches and descents easier, not looking to actually climb 5th in em. |
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I actually sized my Iguanas pretty tight. 43 is my standard climbing shoe size, but I went with 42 in the Iguana so that they'd climb better. But if you're mostly using them for approaching, maybe just go with your normal size. |
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A good bet would be the merrell trail ultra resoled and re randed with sticky rubber, will be doing it to mine when i wear out the tread. |
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I'll put a vote in for the Adidas Terrex Solos. I've run the Grand Canyon and climbed 5.9 in them. They've got Stealth, so they're sticky. If you want a waterproof version they make a different model with GTX. |
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Check out the new La Sportiva TX2. I just picked a pair up and they're freaking awesome. They meet all your criteria I think |
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You could also get some high top converse esque shoes and then resole them. |
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I've been using the Iguanas now since they came out. I sized mine up a half size for running comfort and they still climb very well. They would not be my first choice as a pure running shoe, but for running and scrambling, they are great. They are holding up remarkably well after quite a few flatirons and trips up various alpine scrambles. It took me a bit of experimenting with insoles to get the running/scrambling mix that I wanted. I ended up with a half rock-plate glued onto a factory insole. This keeps the heel low, while still providing a bit more sharp-rock protection than the factory insole. |
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Adidas Terrex Solos sound like they would work for you well. Mine have done very well for me and handle easy climbing/approach as well as aid climbing. Fairly light, though the mesh can let a lot of dirt in if the trail is dusty. |