Approach shoes are designed to offer the best of both worlds: the grip and protection of a hiking boot and the lightweight, breathable comfort of a running shoe. These shoes have become a staple in outdoor gear, as they provide an ideal blend of durability, versatility, and traction. They are ideal for anyone who wants to explore the outdoors with both confidence and comfort. From hiking, to climbing, to simply taking a walk in the hills, approach shoes can provide the necessary support and traction for the journey. With so many different styles and designs, it can be tricky to find the best approach shoes. In this article, we’ll explore what makes a great approach shoe, and which brands make the best approach shoes.
Best Approach Shoes
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Five Ten Guide Tennie
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Scarpa Crux
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Five Ten Aescent
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Adidas Outdoor AX2
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
La Sportiva Boulder X
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Scarpa Zen
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Evolv Womens Cruzer
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
Salewa Wildfire Vent
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
Adidas Terrex Scope GTX
|
7. 4
|
|
10
|
Salewa Firetail EVO
|
7. 2
|
1. Five Ten Guide Tennie
I recently purchased the Five Ten Guide Tennie and I am so glad that I did. They are great for hiking and have a really comfortable fit. I love the sticky rubber sole which is meant to provide superior traction on wet and dry surfaces. They have an upper made with a combination of leather and synthetic material which is really durable. I have had them for a few months now and they are still in perfect condition. They have also held up really well on various hikes and have really impressed me with the amount of traction they have provided. Overall, I highly recommend these shoes and am really glad I bought them as they have been a great investment.
- Constructed with a high-friction Stealth® rubber outsole providing unbeatable grip
- Designed with a low-profile, lightweight upper for superior comfort
- The midsole is designed to provide maximum shock absorption and cushioning
- The durable, reinforced toe cap provides additional protection from toe stubs
- The lace-up closure system provides a secure fit for long-lasting comfort and support
2. Scarpa Crux
I recently purchased a pair of Scarpa Crux shoes and I am so happy with them! They are incredibly comfortable, lightweight, and provide great support for all types of outdoor activities. I can easily wear them for a full day of hiking, climbing, or trail running without any discomfort. The lacing system is designed to provide a snug fit around the foot and the Vibram soles are grippy and stable. I also love the design of the shoes, they look great and have held up well after a few months of use. All in all, I highly recommend the Scarpa Crux shoes. They are a great investment and will last you for years to come.
- Vibram® Megagrip Outsole
- Abrasion-resistant Synthetic Upper
- Ankle Support
- TPU Toe Bumper
- Lightweight Comfort
- EVA Midsole for Cushioning
- Moisture Wicking Lining
- Heel Lock System
3. Five Ten Aescent
I recently bought a pair of Five Ten Aescent shoes and I can honestly say that I am very pleased with my purchase. The shoes are comfortable, lightweight and provide great traction on different surfaces. They also hold up well to wear and tear, even after a few months of use. I would definitely recommend this shoe to anyone looking for a versatile and durable option for their outdoor adventures. The price is also fairly reasonable for the quality of shoe that it provides.
- Unique Stealth Mi6 rubber outsole for maximum grip
- Lightweight and breathable mesh upper
- Abrasion-resistant uppers to protect feet
- TPU welding and a compression molded EVA midsole for support and cushioning
- Enhanced arch support and heel cup for stability
4. Adidas Outdoor AX2
I recently purchased a pair of Adidas Outdoor AX2 shoes and they have been great! They are lightweight, breathable, and so comfortable. The traction on the sole is really good and I feel like I can really grip the ground with them. I have taken them on several trails and they have never let me down. I really appreciate the extra cushioning around the ankle area. It really gives me more stability and support. Overall, I have been really happy with my purchase and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great pair of outdoor shoes.
- Lightweight and durable synthetic upper.
- TPU overlays for added protection.
- EVA midsole for lightweight cushioning.
- Rubber outsole for improved traction.
- Climaproof technology provides reliable waterproof protection.
5. La Sportiva Boulder X
I just bought La Sportiva Boulder X shoes and I’m so happy with them! They are incredibly lightweight and comfortable, with great grip and cushioning that makes them perfect for hiking, running, and other outdoor activities. The La Sportiva Boulder X shoes also have a unique lacing system that helps to keep your feet snug and secure while you’re in motion. Overall, these shoes are a great choice for anyone who needs a lightweight, comfortable, and supportive outdoor shoe. Highly recommend!
- Grippy Vibram sole with Cushion Platform midsole
- Breathable, abrasion-resistant, synthetic upper
- Sticky FriXion XF rubber sole for exceptional grip
- Dual-density EVA midsole for cushioning and support
- Protective toe rand for extra protection
6. Scarpa Zen
I recently purchased a pair of Scarpa Zen shoes for outdoor hiking and I am really impressed. They are incredibly comfortable and provide great support and stability, even on uneven terrain. The sole is made from a Vibram rubber which is one of the toughest, most reliable materials out there. The upper is made from a combination of leather and nylon, which provides a good balance of breathability and durability. The lacing system is well designed and makes putting them on and taking them off a breeze. As far as style goes, they look great and have a modern, sleek design. I have been very pleased with my purchase of the Scarpa Zen and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a comfortable and reliable shoe for outdoor activities.
- Molded EVA midsole provides cushioning and shock absorption
- Vibram® MegaGrip outsole ensures grip and stability on wet surfaces
- Water-resistant, leather upper
- Soft and breathable mesh lining
- Gusseted tongue keeps debris out
- Metal eyelets provide secure lacing
7. Evolv Womens Cruzer
I recently purchased the Evolv Women’s Cruzer and I am more than pleased with my purchase. The Cruzer is a comfortable, lightweight and supportive shoe that is perfect for climbing activities. The rubber sole provides excellent grip, while the padded tongue and heel cup provide extra comfort. The shoes have a perforated upper that allows for great breathability and the asymmetrical lacing system provides a secure fit. I really appreciate how the Cruzer has a low profile design, making them perfect for indoor bouldering sessions. Overall, I’m very happy with my purchase and would highly recommend the Evolv Women’s Cruzer for any climber looking for a comfortable, lightweight and supportive climbing shoe.
- Mesh-lined upper with breathable toe box
- Dual-density midsole, foam cushioning
- Sticky rubber outsole with lugged pattern for traction
- Ergonomic, anatomical design
- Lightweight and flexible
- Removable Ortholite insole for cushioning
- Suede and leather accents
8. Salewa Wildfire Vent
I recently purchased the Salewa Wildfire Vent shoes and I am so pleased I did! The shoes are lightweight and offer great support for hiking and trekking, as well as a comfortable fit. The shoe is breathable, thanks to its ventilated mesh upper, and the Vibram sole with Megagrip Technology offers superior grip and traction on any terrain. The lacing system is quick and easy to use, and the shoes are available in a range of colors. Overall, I am thoroughly pleased with this purchase and would highly recommend the Salewa Wildfire Vent shoes to anyone looking for a reliable, comfortable and stylish pair of shoes for outdoor activities.
- Multi-Fit Footbed technology provides customizable fit and comfort
- 3F System EVO combines lacing, heel retention, and an asymmetrical tongue
- Vibram® Mulaz sole provides great grip, even on steep and wet terrain
- EVA midsole provides cushioning and flexibility
- Mesh upper keeps your feet dry and ventilated
- GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort lining ensures waterproof protection
- Ortholite® footbed for superior cushioning and breathability
- Salewa’s Alpine Fit last provides a snug fit at the heel for improved climbing performance
9. Adidas Terrex Scope GTX
I recently purchased the Adidas Terrex Scope GTX, and I’m extremely impressed. The shoe is lightweight and comfortable, perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities. The soles grip is great, even on wet and muddy surfaces. The upper is made from breathable GORE-TEX material, so your feet stay dry and cool when you’re out in the elements. On top of that, the design looks great and the colorways are really eye-catching. I would definitely recommend these shoes to anyone looking for a quality hiking shoe that won’t let them down.
- Upper: Textile mesh with abrasion-resistant weldings for added durability
- GORE-TEX® membrane: waterproof and breathable
- EVA midsole: cushioned and shock-absorbing support
- AdiPRENE®+ in heel: absorbs shock and increases cushioning
- Continental Rubber: maximum grip and durability in wet and dry conditions
- Heel pull tab: Easy entry
- Heel stabilizer: Supportive fit
- TPU toe cap: Adds protection
- Lace bungee: Lock-down fit
10. Salewa Firetail EVO
I recently purchased a pair of Salewa Firetail EVO shoes, and I am incredibly impressed by their performance and comfort. They are quite lightweight and provide excellent traction, making them perfect for hikes and outdoor activities. The upper is made of breathable material, keeping my feet cool and comfortable. The lacing system is simple and secure, making it easy to adjust the fit and keep my feet secure. The sole is stiff and supportive for walking and scrambling on terrain, and the cushioning is great for long days on the trails. Overall, the Salewa Firetail EVO shoes are an awesome option for anyone looking for a lightweight and durable shoe for their outdoor adventures. Highly recommended!
- Upper: Breathable, abrasion resistant Air Mesh and Microfiber
- Lining: Lightweight and abrasion resistant 3D Waffle Mesh. Waterproof and breathable
- Insole: Ortholite footbed
- Midsole: PU Monowrap Frame
- Outsole: Vibram MABe tech
- Heel Drop: 10 mm
- Stabilizer: TECHNISTRAP
- Weight: 311 g (size UK 5.5)
- Fit: Normal
- Last: Ergonomic Price
