While digging through my 4-Runner the other day (which also happens to be my home anywhere from 6 to 8 months out of the year) I came across no less than six pairs of approach shoes. Yes, six. And that’s not counting the pairs I have sitting in boxes in other peoples’ garages that I use as storage units, or the brand new pair waiting for me at the office. How does one end up with so many pairs of these things? Well, first of all, I am a woman so I’m naturally hard wired to buy any pair of shoes that are: 1) Cute. 2) On Sale. Or 3) Seem practical at the time. Being a mountain guide doesn’t hurt either, which means I get at least one free pair every year whether I like it or not.
What makes a shoe an approach shoe? Sure, you can walk in anything (I’ve been known to do 15+ mile technical hikes in my Chacos, and have the tan lines to prove it). But what I classify as an approach shoe is something with sticky rubber like a climbing shoe and the fit of a hiking shoe. Approach shoes are perfect for places like the Tetons, Sierras and Red Rocks, where the approaches and descents can be long, rugged, exposed, and technical and the added security of sticky rubber is welcomed. There are many different types of approach shoes out there for all different applications. Which shoe is best for you? First and foremost, the one that fits your foot. La Sportiva tends to work well for my foot shape in most cases, but everyone is different. Hopefully this guide will give you an idea what to look for in a shoe that will fit your needs.
LA SPORTIVA RAPTOR
$109.95 – 40% Off Retail Price of $274.00
Light, fast, non-technical
I love this shoe for its super sticky rubber and good cushioning. Most sticky-rubber trail running shoes fit into this category. These shoes are great for going fast in the mountains, where the climbing doesn’t exceed much more than easy 4th or 5th class. They are usually much lighter and better cushioned than approach shoes in other categories, but don’t climb as well as others. My Favorite: La Sportiva Raptor.
FIVE TEN GUIDE TENNIE
$99.95 – 40% Off Retail Price of $249.00
Shorter, more technical approaches
Shoes for super technical approaches and easier rock climbs up to about 5.8. I like the classic Five Ten Guide Tennies. (I size mine small for climbing, but beware the consequences walking downhill!). These shoes typically have less cushioning than other shoes in exchange for increased sensitivity on the rock. My sensitive feet need something a little beefier for really long days, but they are my go-to shoe for shorter approaches. They tend to wear out faster than other shoes because of the dot-rubber sole and lack of rand. For a more durable (but more expensive) shoe, check out the La Sportiva Ganda. The hefty price tag gets you a beautiful shoe made in Italy that can be resoled multiple times and is a bit stiffer which is better for standing in aiders… if you’re into that kind of thing.
LA SPORTIVA BOULDER X
$94.99 – 40% Off Retail Price of $237.00
Quiver of One
Look for a shoe with a durable rand, leather uppers, and a sticky lug-type sole that will wear better than dot-rubber. I use the La Sportiva Boulder X. If I could only have one pair of approach shoes, this would be it. Burly, supportive, and rockered, this shoe is my choice for the Tetons. Best of all, they won’t break the bank at around $100 per pair. They climb well, hike well, and are built to last.
LA SPORTIVA TRANGO S EVO GTX
$290.99 – 40% Off Retail Price of $727.00
Spring Mountaineering Boots
Look for a durable, lightweight, waterproof boot with a ¾ shank and crampon-compatible heel. Another tried and true classic is the La Sportiva Trango S Evo GTX. My Trangos have been on my feet for climbs from easy snow walking on Rainier to long, technical early-season climbs like the Petzoldt Ridge on the Grand Teton. These are un-insulated boots that excel in snowy years like this in the Rockies.
Three more tips for happy feet:
- Don’t size your approach shoes like a climbing shoe! Remember, you have to descend in these too. Size them like you would with any other hiking shoe or you’ll end up with black toenails.
- Buy good insoles. The ones that come with any of your shoes are crap. Superfeet, Sole, and Montrail make nice ones that run about $30-$40 per pair, or have a podiatrist make you some custom ones (~$100+). Your feet will thank you!
- If you’re a woman with wide feet, you may want to try on mens shoes, and men with narrow feet can wear womens shoes too!
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