What is an approach shoe used for?
Approach shoes are a hybrid of hiking and climbing shoes. They are made for the approach, or the hike & scramble up to the start of rock-climbing areas. This means they must navigate both walking on the forest floors as well as gaining purchase on slippery rock so that they can prove useful on any part of an approach.
Do approach shoes have stiff soles?
Once again, it’s very hard to generalise about the stiffness of approach shoes versus hiking shoes, as it varies so much across models. Many approach shoes have a reasonable amount of rigidity across the sole as that helps with edging on small rock footholds, but it does vary considerably.
Do you wear socks with approach shoes?
There is no tongue, so the shoe slips on like a sock. You can bend down the heel and make them into slip-ons for belaying, or for those laidback moments where you don’t want to put your shoes all the way on. You can wear them without socks, but your climbing buddies might not appreciate the smell after a few wears.
Are approach shoes comfortable?
Approach shoes by their very nature are versatile. Not only do they provide sticky grip on rocks, but they’re designed for long days on the trail, too. They’re a do-it-all hybrid between a climbing shoe, a hiking boot and a trail-running shoe: sticky, supportive and comfortable. That’s a powerful trifecta.
What is the difference between climbing and approach shoes?
Approach shoes are soled in the same rubber as climbing shoes, which makes them especially grippy on rock. The sole extends above the toe box and usually surrounds the back of the heel. Like trail runners, approach shoes are not designed for longevity if they’re used while backpacking.
Can approach shoes be used for climbing?
Approach shoes are obviously primarily designed for climbers, who spend most of their time in rocky places and enjoy the increased security and safety of having something super secure on their feet when accessing crags. Many climbing guides also wear them when taking their clients up easy routes.
Will Approach shoes stretch?
The upper of an approach shoe—the material that makes up the top of the shoe—is most often leather or synthetic (canvas is another option, though much less common). Leather also stretches, and especially when wet, which means your shoes may not fit the same out of the box as they will six months down the road.
Why are they called approach shoes?
Approach shoes were developed for use on long, semi-technical approaches to climbs, hence the name. The body of these shoes are more like running shoes than climbing shoes, because they need to be comfortable for long approaches.
Are approach shoes necessary?
Unless scrambling precedes the technical part of your climb or you are going to hike down some sketchy rock, you do not need to buy a pair of approach shoes. However, if you normally wear a mid or low light hiking boot/shoe, and you need a new pair, get an approach shoe (or mid boot).
How tight should approach shoes feel?
How to fit/size an approach shoe. Put on a mid-weight sock, not something thick, and then size the shoe so that it is comfortable but with no room for forward movement. If you’re happy with the comfort level of the shoe, then try manipulating your toes and feet in the shoe.
Can you use climbing shoes for walking?
Climbing shoes are not designed for walking, as anyone who has ever tried to cover any sort of distance in them will know. They’re pretty uncomfortable. However, wearing heavy hiking boots to approach a crag used to mean that climbers had to then haul their weight up as they climbed: not ideal.
How do you want approach shoes to fit?
When sizing an approach shoe, you want to land in the middle. Put on a mid-weight sock, not something thick, and then size the shoe so that it is comfortable but with no room for forward movement. If you’re happy with the comfort level of the shoe, then try manipulating your toes and feet in the shoe.