The best approach shoes 2024: whether you're scrambling, or tackling technical approaches and via ferrata

Collage of eight of the best approach shoes on white background
(Image credit: Future)

The best approach shoes are a hybrid most at home in the zone between climbing and hiking, where the former may be overkill but you'd find the the latter lacking in grip and precision.

Although beloved trad options like the Adidas Five Ten Tennies have been around for almost 40 years, the modern approach shoe takes technical to the next level, with features that might include sticky rubber outsoles and dual lacing systems for different terrains. A relatively new species, they evolved from the climbing shoe but mutated to gain many of the characteristics of a hiking shoe too. 

Soon after first appearing, they formed a kind of symbiosis with simple organisms known as 'rock climbers'. This mutually beneficial pairing would allow the rock climber to tackle the often technical approaches to a chosen climb in comfort, before switching to the less comfortable but more precise climbing shoe.

Another organism, known by many as 'hikers' and thought to be distantly related to the rock climber, soon formed a bond with the approach shoe too, sometimes preferring them to even the best hiking boots. In this new found partnership, the primitive hiker's behaviour became much bolder on rocky scrambles and via ferrata, thanks to the way the approach shoes are adapted for maximum traction on rock. Why these odd organisms known, rock climbers and hikers, behave in this way, ascending precipitous ridges and buttresses, has stumped leading scientists for many years.

Many generations since the species first evolved, the best approach shoes are today the natural selection for anyone who enjoys technical trails. There's great variation within them, with some approach shoes featuring the protective adaptations of the best hiking shoes, while other sub-species are more closely related to the climbing shoe. Just don't feed them after midnight.

Meet the expert

You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.

Alex Foxfield
Alex Foxfield

Alex is a freelance adventure writer and mountain leader with an insatiable passion for the mountains. A Cumbrian born and bred, his native English Lake District has a special place in his heart, though he is at least equally happy in North Wales, the Scottish Highlands or the European Alps. Through his hiking, mountaineering, climbing and trail running adventures, Alex aims to inspire others to get outdoors. He is currently President of the London Mountaineering Club, training to become a winter mountain leader, looking to finally finish bagging all the Wainwright fells of the Lake District and hoping to scale more Alpine 4000ers when circumstances allow. Find out more at www.alexfoxfield.com

With contributions from

Jessie Leong

The quick list

The best all rounder

best approach shoes: Edging up rock in AKU Rock DFS GTXs

A fully-featured beast of an approach shoe that's just as happy and capable on wet and wild trails as it is on sun-drenched rock (Image credit: AKU)
Best all rounder

Specifications

Weight (per shoe) (men's mid): 400g / 14.1oz
Weight (per shoe) (women's low): 300g / 10.6oz
Materials: GORE-TEX extended comfort lining, Vibram Approcciosa Megagrip outsole, doube density eva + pu midsole, Ortholite hybrid footbed
Colors (men's): blue/orange, black/orange, green or yellow
Colors (women's): jade
Compatibility: Hiking, easy climbing, scrambling, fastpacking, via ferrata

Reasons to buy

+
Extremely robust and durable
+
Innovative lacing for versatile fit
+
Waterproof
+
Gear loops for harness attachment

Reasons to avoid

-
Slightly heavier than most leading approach shoes
-
Only one women's color option

AKU's Rock DFS GTXs are certainly towards the hiking shoe end of the approach shoe spectrum, complete with a durable Vibram sole, mid ankle height option and waterproofing provided by GORE-TEX. All of this means that they stand up to the rigors of wild, backcountry hiking and long walk ins to the crag.

However, once you hit the rock, there are myriad features that help to elevate what appears to be a premium hiking shoe into the realms of the high-performance approach shoe. The "DFS" in the name stands for Dual Fit System, which is new and exclusive technology and very much the standout USP. Traditional lacing gives you a comfortable fit when walking, while a second fast-lacing system towards the front of the shoe enables you to tighten things up even further for climbing precision once you start to take on rocky scrambles and steeper crags.

All in all, these are the perfect shoes for taking on long, rocky scrambles, via ferratas or easy multi-pitch climbs. At the crag, if swapping out for climbing shoes, they easily attach to a harness thanks to their gear loops. They are also durable and robust enough to act as a full-time hiking shoe, even if you never intend on hitting graded terrain, making a mockery of the approach shoes vs hiking shoes debate.

Read our full AKU Rock DFS GTX review

The best lightweight shoe

La Sportiva TX Guide Leather approach shoe on white background

A super lightweight, high performance approach shoe suitable for the most rugged mountain environments, and designed to be easy to clip onto a harness or pack (Image credit: La Sportiva)
Best lightweight shoe

Specifications

Weight (per shoe, men's): 387g / 13.65oz
Weight (per shoe, women's): 330g / 11.6oz
Materials: Ortholite Approach last; breathable non-slip mesh lining; water repellent nubuck leather upper; dual-compound Vibram MegaGrip and IdroGrip tread sole, with a climbing zone at the toe and Impact Brake System blocks at the rear
Colors (men's): Carbon and yellow / Clay and kale
Colors (women's): Clay and Kale, Carbon and Yellow / Cloud and Love Potion
Compatibility: Hiking, climbing, scrambling, fastpacking

Reasons to buy

+
Gear loops make it easy to attach onto a harness
+
Super lightweight
+
Anti-rubbing loops at the toe and overlap tongue for maximum bandaging of the foot

Reasons to avoid

-
Fit can be small and slightly snug 

Combining the light feel and tight-fitting capability of a high-performance rock climbing shoe with the desired stiffness and extra protection of a decent approach shoe, the La Sportiva TX Guide Leather is proving a popular choice for outdoor users who care about weight.

Keen technical fans will note that the climbing-inspired protective edge is made of lightweight PU-TECH Lite material. Uneven and rocky terrain is easily tackled thanks to the double Eva midsole with shock-absorbing compression on the heel and stabilizer on the forefoot, also co-molded with a TPU layer that acts as a stabilizer at the climbing zone, medial shank and rock-guard layer on the forefoot. Similar to the Scarpa Crux, the TX Guides use Vibram MegaGrip but alongside an Idrogrip sole to provide both grip during climbing, and durability and confidence when you need to brake going downhill.

The TX Guides certainly pack a punch – and as an approach shoe that combines technology with low weight and high comfort, it's one of the best approach shoes for taking you in pursuit of those high-octane adventures.

The trainer’s soft high collar and padded liner keep you comfortable, but will you keep them clean and mud free? That depends on the adventures you take them on, but let’s face it, if you’re using them as intended, there’s zero chance of these boots staying super pristine for very long.

Read our full La Sportiva TX Guide Leather review

The best for technical scrambling

The incredibly stylish //title// Salewa Wildfire Gore-Tex approach shoes

A precise-fitting, stiff-soled, comfortable and technically capable approach shoe (Image credit: Jessie Leong)
Best technical scrambling shoe

Specifications

Weight (per shoe, men's): 395g / 14oz
Weight (per shoe, women's): 345g/ 12oz
Materials: Exa Shell Over Injected 3D Cage upper with a breathable Gore-Tex mesh; EVA midsole; Ortholite footbed; Pomoca Speed Mountain outsole
Colors (men's): Black / Black olive and walnut / Green and black / Myrtle and flux green
Colors (women's): Blue / Grey
Compatibility: Technical approach

Reasons to buy

+
Great support
+
Fantastic design 
+
Climbing lacing
+
Vegan construction 

Reasons to avoid

-
Fit is a bit narrow

Salewa ooze alpine coolness, and the Wildfire blends traditional approach-shoe components with modern, climbing-shoe influenced design to result in a shoe built for agility and confidence on technical scrambling approaches and day walks (as opposed to long, arduous days out in scorching weather).

A dual-density compression-molded EVA midsole cushions your feet nicely on rugged trail surfaces. The breathable mesh upper and well-designed EXA shell over injected 3D Cage provide both protection, stretch and torsional stability for feet.

The Wildfire has a climbing zone at the toe, which ensures good edging performance – ideal in committing technical terrain. The Pomoca Butilic compound rubber outsole provides great grip on rock in both dry and wet conditions – supplying sure-footed climbing precision on technical mountain approaches, scrambles, traverses and climbs – while the aggressive tread lugs offer improved traction on mud and softer terrain.

The Gore-Tex lining provided sufficient waterproof and breathable protection, which meant my feet felt comfortable despite their narrow fit. Climbing lacing further supports the foot with a wrapping fit, especially at the forefoot and allows you to fine-tune the toe for greater precision in technical terrain.

Inside, the breathable OrthoLite footbed provides superior cushioning and wicks away moisture, helping to keep your feet cooler and drier. Best-suited for technical approaches when a B1 boot might be deemed overkill, the Wildfire is a full-featured approach shoe that has the technical design and performance to provide security to tackle the next ridge you walk along.

Read our full Salewa Wildfire Gore-Tex review

The best high performance shoe

Mammut Ultimate Pro Low GTX

A precise-fitting, comfortable sneaker-like approach shoe (Image credit: Jessie Leong)
Best high performance shoe

Specifications

Weight (per shoe): 150g / 5.3oz
Materials: Non Sew TPU Hybrid-Shell upper with Gore-Tex membrane; TPU midsole; EVA wedge & Base Cage self-cleaning gripex tri-traction outsole
Colors (men's): Marine / Black / Olive
Colors (women's): Black / Dark deep taupe
Compatibility: Approach, hiking and climbing

Reasons to buy

+
GTX Waterproof membrane
+
Stops foot from rolling
+
Comfortable sole
+
Super light

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacing needed adjusting

If you're looking for the best approach shoes on the market right now, the Mammut Ultimate Pro Lows are definitely up there. These shoes provide some pretty distinctive comfort-focused features in the form of a lightweight padded tongue, foam cushioning and lightweight, round laces.

A hybrid shell and protective rubber border combines sneaker-like comfort with the durability of a traditional approach shoe, yet the Ultimate Pro Lows have none of the bulk and awkwardness of a chunky shoe.

Having worn these shoes over a long testing period, they also felt one of the most comfortable thanks to the shoes’ TPU support elements in the center of the midsole area, which provides support over the longitudinal arch of the foot while increasing sure-footedness, comfort and reducing fatigue.

Finally, for people with feet that have a tendency to pronate, the Ultimate Pro Low GTX differ from super rigid approach shoes by incorporating a patented Mammut sole concept that allows the foot to naturally roll, rather than preventing any foot movement, thus reducing overall fatigue and the danger of twisting ankles.

The Gripex outsole technology also copes with tricky rocky conditions, from scrambling up the side of a coastal mountain to downclimbing to an abseil station. It’s clear the features have been designed for the outdoor user who doesn’t want to swap shoes between their activities – this is a high-performance shoe that’s lightweight and comfortable. A great all-rounder.

Read our full Mammut Ultimate Pro Low GTX review

The best for breathability

Black Diamond Mission LT approach shoes

Heel-hugging comfort – a reliable pair of approach shoes for sunnier climates (Image credit: Jessie Leong)
Best for breathability

Specifications

Weight (per shoe): 312g / 11oz
Materials: EnduroKnit upper; Web lining; Tuned EVA midsole; Nylon rock plate; BlackLabel-Mountain sticky rubber outsole
Colors (men's): Eclipse blue and amber / Nickel and ultra blue
Colors (women's): Anthracite and wisteria / Ice Blue and alloy
Compatibility: Approach, walking, climbing, lifestyle

Reasons to buy

+
Laces are spread out across the shoe and provide some decent foot support
+
Not too narrow, not too wide.
+
Protected rubber rand
+
Webbing loops

Reasons to avoid

-
Not that waterproof – absorbs water
-
Laces are round and so easily slip out

Putting comfort and grip at the heart of the design, these are reliable shoes that combine innovative features with laces that bind over the arch of the foot, using an evenly distributed system to ensure the pressure isn’t just focused on the lacing near the top of the foot and can be easily adjusted without having to dig your fingernails in.

Webbing ‘grabs’ the lacing, meaning the laces also last for longer and ensure a tight, snug fit. The Black Diamond mission LTs are many people’s go to approach shoes thanks to the Black Mountain rubber offering high performance grip.

A highly breathable chassis is made with Black Diamond’s signature EnduroKnit, which is a one-piece, ultra-breathable upper for lasting temperature regulation that’s hyper-durable for season after season of abuse. A tuned EVA midsole provides ample stiffness for technical precision, while remaining comfortable. The nylon rock plate provides extra protection.

Read our full Black Diamond Mission LT review

The best for grip

Scarpa Crux approach shoe on white background

These lightweight, ultra versatile approach shoes cope with dirt, gravel and water (Image credit: Scarpa)
Best for grip

Specifications

Weight (per shoe, women’s size 38): 370g / 13.05oz
Materials: Stretch textile lining; Vibram Vertical Megragrip sole; 1.8mm water-resistant suede upper
Colors (men's): Shark / tonic
Colors (women's): Shark / Blue radiance
Compatibility: Technical approaches, scrambling, hiking

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable
+
Easy to put on
+
Vibram Megagrip sole

Reasons to avoid

-
Can let moisture in particularly in submerged wet conditions
-
Hard to clean mud off
-
Quite warm in hot weather 

Nimbly walking the line between high performance and extreme comfort, the Scarpa Crux Women’s approach shoe offers stability, protection, grip and a snug fit in roughly equal measure, although the scales are tipped slightly in favor of grip. The combination of two rubber materials in the outer sole adds muscle to the grip, and it’s worth noting these approach shoes use the Vibram Megagrip outsole, the stickiest of all the Vibram rubber compounds, making them perfect for technical scrambling.

The folks at Scarpa have made sure to design the Crux to cope with covering a range of uneven terrain. ACTIV impact technology at a construction level ensures the materials are able to absorb the negative impact of groundshock to avoid placing greater stress on the lower limbs, while a full rubber rand around the toe which gives excellent grip as well as protection and durability against scuffs and confidence to trust the shoe to perform in scenarios which require precise footwork.

Lastly, Scarpa’s technologies include eco considerations in their choice of processes and materials, specifically chosen because they have been deemed environmentally friendly.

Read our full Scarpa Crux review

The best for wide feet

Adidas Five Tens Tennies approach shoes on white background

Brash and bold approach shoes for dirtbag-inspired coolness and wide comfort (Image credit: Adidas)
Best for wide feet

Specifications

Weight (per shoe): 400g / 14.2oz
Materials: Leather upper; Textile lining; EVA Midsole; Stealth S1 rubber outsole
Colors: Night cargo, Coe black and active orange / True green and real magenta / Khaki, core black and hazy yellow
Compatibility: Approach, climbing, outdoor general

Reasons to buy

+
Attractive, bold design
+
Options for different laces
+
Elasticated upper to slip on shoes
+
Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
Wide footbed won’t suit everyone
-
Grip on lugs limited to dry conditions
-
Ankles can feel unsupported going uphill

The original approach shoes – the Five Ten ‘Tennies’ – are back (now owned by Adidas) and they’ve danced into the room in dazzling display of colors. For dirtbags who like their approach shoes as relaxed as their outlook, these are comfortable, wide-footbed approach shoes that feel almost slipper-like, meaning they are perfect for running in and out of the van, and messing about below the crag.

Having evolved into a multi-functional shoe, Five Ten ‘Tennies’ are now seen on mountain-biking tracks and forest trails, as well as on the feet of people walking in to sample some gritstone.

They’re easy to slip on and off, thanks to the elasticated cuff at the top of the foot, with a padded tongue. The laces are flat and chunky, meaning they hold well and are easily adjusted, thanks to the eyelets that hold the shoe well. A rubber rand, typical of the Tennies, help with the shoes’ overall resistance to scuffs to rough terrain.

Tennies have evolved plenty over time, and while it can be easy to dismiss them in favor of more ‘technical’ approach shoes now available, they still pack in a lot of features. The high-friction Stealth S1 rubber outsole, for example, provides unbeatable grip in wet or dry conditions, and supplies security when walking across dry rocky terrain, whether it be a quartzite boulder or a rocky strewn path.

Whilst they are up against La Sportiva and Salewa shoes designed more for high-octane adventures than the more casual lifestyle the Tennies were conceived to facilitate, these iconic shoes still have a place as a single pitch, easy-going comfortable approach shoe, and will continue to have a firm following.

Read our full Adidas Five Ten Tennies review

The best for protection

Salewa Mountain Trainers II approach shoes

(Image credit: Salewa)
Best for protection

Specifications

Weight (per shoe): 458g / 16oz
Materials: Upper: 1.6mm suede leather, 3F System with Steel Cables, 360° full rubber rand; Lining: Gore-Tex; Midsole: Expanded PU; Outsole: Vibram MTN trainer EVO
Colors (men's): Blue Danube and fluo green / Black and carrot / Brown autumnal and black;
Colors (women's): Black and bungee cord / Blue dark denim and fluo coral
Compatibility: Approach routes, scrambling and hiking

Reasons to buy

+
Protective rand runs around entire shoe
+
Solidly built with a decent toe cap
+
Gore-Tex lining stands up to the elements

Reasons to avoid

-
Fairly heavy
-
Non-integrated tongue
-
11mm drop isn't for everyone

This ‘mountain trainer’ from the Italian alpine experts Salewa is a classic approach shoe, offering everything you need in footwear designed to get you along rocky routes leading to the base of climbing crags, or for use on technical scrambling adventures. There is an excellent level of rigidity along the full shank of the shoe, which is perfect for edging around rocks and tackling scrambles. 

The full 360-degree wrap-around protective rand is really good for keeping your feet safe and secure in challenging terrain, and the super substantial toe-cap not only protects your pinkies from stubbing and crushing injuries, it also means you can kick snow steps into the ice without breaking toes or blackening nails. A thin steel cable runs from the top lace eye around the back of the heel – this is Salewa’s own ‘3F system’, designed to connect the instep area with the sole and heel for improved levels of support and flexibility. They certainly not the lightest approach shoe out there, but that is a payoff for the comprehensive degree of protection they offer. 

The midsole offers reasonable levels of cushioning, while the Ortholite footbed helps with comfort. The grip on the Vibram outsole is excellent, with pronounced but intelligently spaced lugs that don’t collect too much mud. The sole even has a special tread zone for climbing via ferrata. The Gore-Tex membrane provides breathable wet weather protection, and these shoes work best outside of summer (they can feel hot and heavy in mid summer). Our only other complaints are that the non-integrated tongue can let in grit, and the laces themselves are a bit of a weak point (easy to replace, but hard to find in the funky colors they originally come in). 

Read our full Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 Gore-Tex review

The best for dry conditions

Black Diamond Technician Leather approach shoe

(Image credit: Jessie Leong)
Best for dry conditions

Specifications

Weight (per shoe): 340g / 12oz
Materials: One-piece breathable, durable-knit (EnduroKnit) upper; lightweight, moulded TPU midfoot strap and lace-lock; EVA midsole; sticky Black Label-Mountain rubber sole
Colors (men's): December sky / Amber
Colors (women's ): Asphalt goblin blue/ Rosewood
Compatibility: Approach, scrambling, walking

Reasons to buy

+
Laces are easy to adjust
+
Lightweight design
+
Comfortable heels help minimise hot spots

Reasons to avoid

-
Sneaker-style sole doesn't perform well in wet conditions

Precise, durable, and comfortable, the Technician Leather shoe boasts super sticky rubber for the most gruelling approaches and descents. It hugs the foot, minimising hot spots with its comfortable heels, and the evenly distributed lugs provide grip – especially when smearing up slabs. The lightweight half bootie/tongue has a slipper-like feel and makes the shoe super easy to put on and take off, without having to crush the back of your heel. With a graduated fit system, and use of leather across the shoe, these shoes have a premium quality feel. They’re well-designed, and technically capable for demanding days out where fit is so critical for a successful adventure. Used as they’re intended, these approach shoes are everything you need to be able to get yourself down from committing, rocky multipitch climbs.

Read our full review of the Black Diamond Technician Leather approach shoes

Approach shoes comparison table

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The best approach shoes comparison table
Approach shoeRRPWeight (per shoe)StyleCompatibility
AKU Rock DFS GTX $180 (US) / £180 (UK) / €185.90 (EU)400g / 14.1oz (men's mid): 300g / 10.6oz (women's low) Approach shoe / hiking shoe hybridHiking, easy climbing, scrambling, fastpacking, via ferrata
La Sportiva TX Guide Leather$150 (US) / £140 (UK) / €185.90 (EU)387g / 13.65oz (men's): 330g / 11.6oz (women's)Lightweight approach shoeHiking, climbing, scrambling, fastpacking
Salewa Wildfire Gore-Tex Shoes$170 (US) / £160 (UK) / €170 (EU)395g / 14oz (men's) : 345g / 12oz (women's)Stiff-soled approach shoeTechnical approach
Mammut Ultimate Pro Low GTX$149 (US) / £140 (UK)150g / 5.3ozUltralight, sneaker style approach shoeApproach, hiking and climbing
Black Diamond Mission LT approach shoes$140 (US) / £103 (UK)312g / 11ozDry weather approach shoeApproach, walking, climbing, lifestyle
Scarpa Crux approach shoes$130 (US) / £120 (UK)370g / 13.05ozComfortable approach shoeTechnical approaches, scrambling, hiking
Adidas Five Ten Tennies$120 (US) / £100 (UK)400g / 14.2ozClassic approach shoeApproach, climbing, outdoor general
Salewa Mountain Trainer II$229.95 (US) / £190 (UK)458g / 16ozClassic approach shoeApproach routes, scrambling and hiking
Black Diamond Technician Leather$144.95 (US) / £125 (UK)340g / 12ozVersatile approach shoeApproach, scrambling, walking

How to choose an approach shoe

Working out how to choose the best approach shoes for you is a fairly involved process, but only because the range is so rich and personal preference is such a big factor.

Of course, what constitutes the best approach shoe depends on whether you're planning on using them just for walk-ins to the crag, or as general all-purpose trail walking shoes or the best trail running shoes too.

Versatility

Ask yourself how much you would like your shoes to do – do they need to be versatile enough to use across a range of activities, from day-to-day wear, to hillwalking and technical, rocky scrambling. Depending on their features, approach shoes can take on a range of applications. 

Are you a hiker who enjoys to take on rocky scrambles? Then you may need approach shoes that give you ankle support and waterproofing. If summer trad climbing is your thing, you may not need to splash out on a pair designed with GORE-TEX and big lugs for muddy trails. Instead, you'll be after something with a stiffer sole for those technical approaches.

best approach shoes: hiker on a rocky mountain ridge

Approach shoes come into their own on tricky, rocky ridges (Image credit: Getty)

Support, rigidity and weight

Approach shoes generally don't offer as much ankle protection as a hiking boot, but many such shoes provide a greater range of rigidity to allow the ankle to move with the terrain, preventing over-pronation.

For those who enjoy technical scrambling, a stiffer sole might suit you best, while people who are aiming to go fast and light may prefer a more trainer-like feel to their approach shoe.

Protection

If you are intending to do a lot scrambling and ascents that involve edging, then good toe and heel protection is every bit as important as rigidity, and it’s worth paying a weight penalty to have all of these features. The ability to keep your feet dry is good, so a breathable waterproof membrane like GORE-TEX is a massive bonus.

Many approach shoes have a rubber rand that protects the foot from abrasion against the rocks. This is music to those who enjoy an afternoon of easy sport climbing.

best approach shoes: AKU Rock DFS GTX on a climb

Some approach shoes have a rubber rand to protect against abrasive scrapes with rock (Image credit: AKU)

Grip

If your local trails are steep, rocky and often wet, then prioritising a shoe with good lugs that offers great grip is an excellent idea. If you’re going to be doing a bit of running enroute to your nearest trails, perhaps choose a shoe with a slightly less aggressive outsole, that can cope well with a wide variety of surfaces in a mixture of wet and dry conditions.

Gender

Just as with the best women's climbing shoes, approach shoes after often gender specific. Women's approach shoes tend to be lighter than their male equivalents and are often shaped with the female plantar anatomy in mind.

Alex Foxfield

Alex is a freelance adventure writer and mountain leader with an insatiable passion for the mountains. A Cumbrian born and bred, his native English Lake District has a special place in his heart, though he is at least equally happy in North Wales, the Scottish Highlands or the European Alps. Through his hiking, mountaineering, climbing and trail running adventures, Alex aims to inspire others to get outdoors. He's the former President of the London Mountaineering Club, is training to become a winter mountain leader, looking to finally finish bagging all the Wainwright fells of the Lake District and is always keen to head to the 4,000-meter peaks of the Alps. www.alexfoxfield.com

With contributions from