Approach Shoes you can hike in

highaltitudeflatulentexpulsion wrote:I can't wear high top walking shoes. I have an extremely sensitive ankle bone that will render me unable to walk in high tops after a few miles. No idea why. I think it's weird. Fortunately I have strong ankles so heavy loads in low tops don't bother me. For the last few years I've been using La Sportiva Boulder X for pretty much everything. I think they're perfectly comfortable for day trips to the crag and they're sticky enough to scramble and rock hop in. I don't climb in them, they're a bit too thick and bulky for that. I feel pretty happy in them backpacking, like no issues over Jackass Pass with a weeks worth of food. I don't really see needing more than that. My biggest complaint is the toe. If you look at a Boulder X, you'll see the rand actually overhangs the sole and is exposed. Not a huge deal but it makes them wear out a lot quicker. Faster still if you're doing any scrambling in them. I'm looking to replace the Boulder X with something similarly well made but with a little better design in the toe. My ideal shoe would be an all leather, non gortex, low top, supportive forefoot, vibram bottomed shoe. I think Salewa makes a model that mostly fits this bill. Are there others? Also, I am a 3 hour drive away from being able to try anything on. I'll end up mail ordering.

Do they have to be flammable??

Approach flops, need I say more?

PM if you'd like a pair.

Glenn Schuler wrote: Do they have to be flammable??

Not this time.

highaltitudeflatulentexpulsion wrote: Not this time.

Good, that should make the search easier!

Ray Pinpillage wrote: I like the crux but they're really soft. I put 15 miles on a pair last weekend and my feet were bruised when I was done.

+2 I've used Cruxes and Boulder X's recently side by side for long days in the Sierras, and I found myself preferring the Boulder X's on the longest days (despite the blown toe and shoe goo/gorrilla glue/climbng tape fix job on them) because they made the balls of my feet feel less pounded in after long days*. I haven't done much hard technical terrain (aka >5.6) in either, but I haven't noticed much of a difference in how they climb, other than the Boulder X's hold an edge better since they're a lot stiffer.

Both are great shoes, but I'd describe the Crux as an approach shoe design over a running shoe, and the Boulder Xs as an approach shoe design over a low hiking boot. Just depends on your preferences/needs. I just bought a pair of Cruzer Psyches to replace my dying pairs of the above, so we'll see how that pans out in the near future...

• I even preferred the Boulder X's with default inserts over the Cruxes with a thicker custom insole FWIW.

I can hike all day in Guide Tennies and the confidence that C4 rubber inspires on rocky terrain will never be equaled by any other approach shoe...so whatever bias you have is fine...I love Guide Tennies!

Guide tennies are super comfy for me. I leave them tied loose as "slip ons" and they still hike great and are easy off/on. Best when had at closeout for under $40 :)

Depending on the trail conditions consider the beefy end of the trail "running" spectrum also. We have loose dirt/mud on a lot of approaches in WA, I've been really happy with deep lugged running shoes. Currently using adidas terrex boost that I picked up on sale, about 11 ounces so if it's an easy walk off they're nice on the harness. media.startfitness.co.uk/me…

I hike a lot on my Arcteryx Acrux FL shoes. Suuuuuuuper sticky on everything and super comfy.

I really like my Addidas Terrex Swifts. Well made, stable, and have worn well.

TX4 HANDS DOWN. GREAT FOR STRAIGHT UP APPROACH AND HAVE PACKED WITH THEM UP TO 14 MILES. I'M GOING TO THE CITY OF ROCKS AND THEN ON TO THE TETONS IN TWO WEEKS. I AM ONLY BRINGING MY TX4'S, CLIMBING SHOES AND SLAPS FOR THE WHOLE TRIP.

have you tried the scarpa zens? might be a bit heavy for what you are looking for, but they are tough, comfortable, solid, and durable.

i think you are on drugs if you think la sportivas are better built than 5.10's though...

I've been using a pair of XA Pros. Light hiker/trail runner with incredible support. I put crampons on mine, climb easy 5th scrambles, hike 20 miles... No complaints. Just went with the basic thin mesh, no Climasheild and Goretex.

For hiking and light duty scrambling I really like the Sportiva helios running shoe. it's very light, has good cushioning, and has sticky soles. I also own the Boulder X shoe and one of them weighs more than both Helios shoes. I blew out a pair of Scarpa Crux shoes in about 2 months. They didn't climb well or hike particularly well. I think they've done a minor redesign since my pair though.

I really like my Merrell Moabs. They're more hiking shoes than approach shoes, but the rubber is sufficiently grippy for scrambling and they are probably the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. They're also light and have clip loops, so they work for getting down off a climb. I haven't climbed 11d in them, but for hiking and approaches they're fantastic.

I've become a big fan of Scarpa Crux. I did a through hike of the Enchantments (~22 miles) combined with the West Ridge of Prusik Peak in them, and they performed really well! They've become a go-to choice for me, actually preferred over my clunky hiking boots.

brianszero wrote:TX4 HANDS DOWN. GREAT FOR STRAIGHT UP APPROACH AND HAVE PACKED WITH THEM UP TO 14 MILES. I'M GOING TO THE CITY OF ROCKS AND THEN ON TO THE TETONS IN TWO WEEKS. I AM ONLY BRINGING MY TX4'S, CLIMBING SHOES AND SLAPS FOR THE WHOLE TRIP.

I have the TX3 and they are quite nice as well, very comfortable. A little bit lighter grade compared to the TX4, I think.

I also recommend Salewa if you want something durable. I don't own any Salewa shoes, but I do have a pair of Rapace GTX boots which have been holding up really well. The Mountain Trainer shoe seems very similar in construction to their boots. Very few seams, super burly rand, and the sole seems less likely to de-laminate than my other shoes.

I've got the mountain trainer shoe and love it. It's pretty much a low top boot. I get a lot of foot bruises w light and soft approach shoes like 5.10 guide tennie, etc. the burly sole is heavy but it's a trade off that I like. I've easily carried 40+ lbs w/o a problem. I've worn mine for 3+ years and led 5.6 in them

My model is the Salewa Wildfire, good climber, good hiker.