- 1. SCARPA Men’s Crux Approach Shoe
- 2. Evolv Cruzer Psyche Approach Shoe
- 3. So iLL Approach Shoe
- 4. Vasque Men’s Juxt Multi-Sport Shoe
- 5. Five Ten Men’s Guide Tennie Approach Shoes
In this post, we want to try to help you understand why climbers are known to use different kinds of footwear in the mountains or at the crags. In this one, we are specifically talking about approach shoes. Approach shoes have stick rubber soles that allow you to literally approach the climb when you walk over smooth rocks.
It isn’t always an easy choice when choosing between the best approach shoes and the different types. There are approach shoes with soles that offer great traction on steep dirt versus ones that are more focused on giving the climber more friction on rocks that are smooth. It really depends on what your goals are when you are out there getting ready to climb.
That being said, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision when buying your next pair of approach shoes. There are a lot of things to ponder about approach shoes including if you even need them. However, we are going to share some of the best approach shoes of 2019 so you can get a better grasp on what is out there right now. With a description of the product and a list of the features, we hope you feel more comfortable when thinking about buying a pair of these approach shoes. Happy hunting!
SCARPA Men’s Crux Approach Shoe
The Scarpa Men’s Crux Approach Shoe makes the list of one of the best of 2019. This approach shoe is one of the most versatile and durable ones on the market and it isn’t going to break the bank when you buy it. It’s got a sticky Vibram sole, lace to toe design for support and a full coverage toe rand. These shoes give you great protection on rugged descents, lose talus and slabby scrambles.
These are nice approach shoes at a good price. Under $100 for a comfy footbed, Vibram sole, rubber rand and suede leather. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Features
– Textile and suede
– Rubber sole
– Long lasting durability with suede upper
– Outsole is Vibram Vertical Approach with Megagrip rubber
– Performance fit with lace to toe design
– Great abrasion resistance with the rubber toe rand that is stock on this shoe
Evolv Cruzer Psyche Approach Shoe
The Evolv Cruzer Psyche Approach Shoe is another approach shoe that we are big fans of for the year 2019. As long as it is dry outside, these shoes can handle just about anything. Some have complained about their performance when it is wet out, but that is few and far between.
These shoes are very comfortable and fantastic for scrambling. The quality of the build is something you’ll notice right off the bat. When compared to other approach shoes, these stand above the others in terms of using them for jumping around and scrambling. In addition to being functional, they just look great when you wear them around town so if you are wearing them on the approach or around the city, you’re going to be getting a great shoe.
Features
– Canvas
– Upper is 100% cotton and the liner is microfiber
– Midsole is soft microporous EVA
– The insole is microfiber lined foam
– Outsole is TRAX rubber
– Weight 7.4 ounces for one size 9 shoe
So iLL Approach Shoe
The So iLL Approach Shoe are some good looking shoes. They’ve got a sleek style with a build that looks like a throwback shoe. It’s a mid-top approach shoe that can be used on the crag to the streets. The Dark Matter rubber cupsole was initially used to make sure that Navy Seals didn’t slip and now you can use these shoes. The premium design is functional with the rope inspired laces, throwback canvas upper and vintage climbing shoe style with a cupsole that’s molded. Overall, these approach shoes are durable and tough. They are sticky on the rock and supportive when you are walking around in them. Some have wanted a little more ankle support. However, outside of that, these shoes get rave reviews.
Features
– Lightweight and flexible construction
– Dark Matter rubber cupsole is really sticky
– Insole is padded dual density
– Upper has padded canvas with suede accents
Vasque Men’s Juxt Multi-Sport Shoe
Get a shoe that offers a great mix of rangy surface lugs in the forefoot area with angular, smaller lugs that run along the perimeter of the shoe for great traction on anything from mud to slickrock. This is the Vasque Men’s Juxt Multi-Sport Shoe and for the price, you are getting one of the best of 2019. This approach shoe has a natural give at heel strike because of the depression in the heel. Get a low profile and increased midfoot stability with the molded TPU plate. The molded EVA midsole gives the user great ground feel without giving up a comfort at all.
Features
– Build is fully suede leather
– Off the Grid sole
– Approach shoe durability for a sporty shoe made for day hiking
– Suede leather upper is 1.6 mm
– Lace system is highly tunable
– Molded EVA and TPU plate midsole for better steadiness
– Vasque off the grid rubber outsole offers more comfort than the competitors
Five Ten Men’s Guide Tennie Approach Shoes
The Five Ten Men’s Guide Tennie Approach Shoes are definitely one of our favorites for the year. Five Ten is one of the originals when it comes to making approach shoes and the Guide Tennie is keeping that tradition alive. Get bite into multiple surfaces with the stealth C4 dotty and this shoe also has beveled climbing toe that was hand-ground. The comfortable upper and compression molded outsole will keep your feet nice and comfortable all day long. Overall, this is a great approach shoe that you will not be disappointed with.
Features
– Rubber, Mesh and Suede
– Made in the USA
– Made with a rubber sole and stealth C4 rubber outsole
– Climbing toe is hand ground beveled
– The design is ergonomic
– Nubuck leather upper is resistant to water
– Midsole is compression molded EVA