Best Approach Shoes for Any Adventure

What are approach shoes?

For hikers and climbers, the term ‘approach shoe’ may ring familiar. An approach shoe is a versatile form of footwear that is designed for long days in the backcountry and quick, dirty scrambles up rock faces. Think of an approach shoe as a hybrid between a hiking boot, trail running sneaker, and a climbing shoe.

Outdoors people of all types utilize approach shoes in their adventurous pursuits over rocky terrain. If you spend anytime outdoors on uneven terrain, an approach shoe may up your confidence while hiking or climbing.

We’ve compiled a list of the best approach shoes, from top-rated and long tenured climbing, mountaineering, and hiking gear companies so your feet can feel protected when you’re playing outside. Before jumping in, let’s take a closer look at what an approach shoe is and if you need one to level up your outdoor game.

How is an approach shoe different from a hiking shoe?

For rock climbers, a good portion of many climbs consists of the approach to the crag. An approach may be over snowy terrain, slick granite, or crumbly, meandering sandstone. A regular hiking shoe may not offer enough traction to feel comfortable hauling yourself and a backpack of gear or crashpad to the start. Hiking shoes are often made for a variety of terrain but don’t use the soft rubber compound that climbing shoes utilize. Added ankle protection of many hiking boots can make them clunky and limit foot mobility.

How is an approach shoe different from a climbing shoe?

Climbing shoes and approach shoes have different intended uses and are therefore made differently, even though they use much of the same materials. Climbing shoes are engineered to help the climber ascend vertical, or mostly vertical, rock walls. This means that the body of the shoe must be minimal, flexible, and form-fitting. A climbing shoe usually has a stiffer rubber sole than an approach shoe, depending on how aggressive of a climbing shoe one purchases.

Approach shoes utilize the same rubber material but offer more flex since the wearer will be walking more than ascending vertical walls. The structure of the shoe is often firmer and more rigid than its climbing counterparts. The fit of an approach shoe should be much more comfortable than a climbing shoe, which is designed to be smaller and allow the foot to flex around the shoe, performing impeccably and mimicking the foot movement identically.

Do I need an approach shoe?

For anyone who spends time outdoors on elevated terrain, an approach shoe could add confidence and accessibility. Those who do a lot of mountain adventuring should consider adding an approach shoe to their arsenal. Approach shoes only increase the ability to tackle less maintained access areas of the wilderness that fewer folks get to.

Many approach shoes are made to be just as comfortable as hiking shoes but offer added grip. If you ever feel sketched out in your hiking shoes wandering through boulder fields or rock hopping on the final ascent to a summit, think about swapping your traditional hiking boot for an approach shoe.

Climbers who don’t yet have an approach shoe should find one they like. Using an approach shoe in addition to your climbing shoes can open up access to cool pitches located higher up the mountain. Additionally, approach shoes can increase safety, lower risk, and make more efficient use of one’s time.

Quick Recommendations

• Best approach shoes for scrambling. Arc’teryx Konseal LT Approach Shoe.
• Best for heavy loads. Scarpa Kalipe GTX Approach Shoe.
• Best Ultralight approach shoes for long distances. Five Ten Approach Shoes.
• Most minimalist approach shoes. Black Diamond Session.
• Best do-it-all approach shoe. Merrel Catalyst Pro.

Buyers Guide

Unsure where to start? Visit your local mountaineering store or outdoor shop and ask for help finding approach shoes. REI Co-op also has plenty of selections in stock so you can try different styles on and see what works best for you.

What do I look for in an approach shoe?

• Breathability: If you plan to wear these approach shoes all year long, make sure to find one that feels breathable on your foot. Sweat and moisture can cause rubbing and blisters, which won’t feel good when you put your more aggressive climbing shoes on. Breathable shoes – like one made with mesh uppers or other synthetic breathable materials – help wick moisture away from the feet.
• Stretch: If you have a wide-foot bed, it may behoove you to seek out a shoe with some significant stretch. Breathable mesh, suede, or knit fabric may offer more give than leather. An approach shoe with a burly rubber outsole may keep the shoe structure intact and minimize stretch.
• Durability: Those seeking out technical climbing or more difficult terrain will want to find an approach shoe that prioritizes durability. Rock climbers seeking out multi-pitch or multi-day climbs will want a shoe that can keep up and stick to whatever it needs to. Stick rubber soles offer excellent traction while also pulling double duty and protecting the foot from whatever it lands on – i.e. sharp rocks, thorns, and the like.
• Price: Approach shoes are an investment and most are over the $100 mark. However, if you spend more on the front end, your approach shoes should last for multiple seasons and take you on many mesmerizing climbs. When you recognize the fact that you’ll be utilizing these shoes on many different types of adventure, they are affordable shoes for their versatility.
• Comfort: Above all, find an approach shoe that feels comfortable on your foot. The ideal approach shoe is one that you’ll wear when traipsing over 5th-class terrain. You may prefer a hybrid shoe or a waterproof approach shoe. Whatever you pick will have certain pros and cons that either prioritize or minimize comfort.

Start planning your next adventure with any one of these approach shoes. Find some rocky trails or muddy terrain to test your mettle against whatever mother nature throws at you. There isn’t a climbing destination off-limits to any of these shoes. You just have to make sure your skillset is up to par.