The 13 Best Approach Shoes for Hiking and Climbing, According to Experts
When you’re hiking, you want a shoe that’s cushioned, supportive, and grippy. However, the classic hiking boot can feel out of place post-hike. Enter approach shoes. The best approach shoes share characteristics with hiking boots and rock climbing shoes—designed for climbers who need to hike rugged, rocky trails to get to the cliff base but don’t want to lug heavy boots while they’re climbing. Over the past few years, these specially designed hybrid shoes have grown in popularity to appeal to a wider outdoorsy audience because they provide that hiking-ready support in a compact, stylish package.
What are approach shoes?
Approach shoes have super-grippy rubber on the outsole and often a more adjustable fit with laces that extend to the toe. Most approach shoes also feature something called a climbing zone on the outsole—a smooth (non-lugged) rubber at the toe, like a technical climbing shoe, for better precision and edging capability.
Because of these trendy and technical features, the shoes make an excellent hybrid between hiking and everyday grinders. However, each approach shoe includes different features that you’ll want to consider, such as water resistance for wet climates or nonmarking rubber (some soft, sticky rubber can leave black marks on light-colored flooring). The biggest thing many of the climbers stressed was finding a shoe that fits your foot, whether that’s a shoe meant for hiking, running, or climbing.
Why are approach shoes popular?
Professional climber and author of the new children’s climbing book How to Solve a Problem Ashima Shiraishi says she’s noticed the popularity of approach shoes surge especially over the past few years. “I think it’s because of their looks,” she says, which she describes as being not too out-there. “You’re not expected to hike Everest in those shoes, but they offer that balance where you look like you’re going to go outside.” Natalie Sheffield, substitute teacher and part-time Outward Bound instructor in Salt Lake City, also noticed the approach shoe becoming a standard style around town, even among people who aren’t typically climbers.
In the climbing community, these adventure-ready shoes also began migrating to the lifestyle scene in gyms prior to the pandemic. Jeremy Yee, the general manager of Touchstone’s Diablo Rock Gym in California, wears his approach shoes to work on a regular basis. Over his 10 years in the climbing industry, Yee notes that approach shoes went from resembling a scaled-down hiking boot to looking like something you can feel comfortable wearing every day.
What are the best approach shoes?
While approach shoes offer a fashion-forward, active look, they still deliver that technical performance climbers need to stick to slippery surfaces, smear against flat rocks, and keep their balance on uneven, rocky terrain. To find the best options for urban and backcountry adventures alike, we talked to climbers, hikers, and outdoor experts—and scoured the internet for the top-selling pairs. Below, find which shoes made the list, then meet us at the crag.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
1HOKA Speedgoat 5 Trail
Mindy Miraglia, founder of Berkshire Camino, tells SELF that she and her fellow guides have switched from always wearing traditional hiking boots to hitting the trails in lighter-weight trail running shoes (which have many of the same advantages as approach shoes). Her trail runner of choice is Hoka's Speedgoat. “It's a lightweight shoe that provides the most footbed cushion I've ever experienced in a hiking shoe,” Miraglia explains. “The wide heel stabilizes the foot and helps to prevent over-pronation, which is key because it helps me to manage chronic Achilles tendon issues.” If you're looking for a lightweight approach shoe that's simultaneously high-performance and comfy, consider the Speedgoats.
Available in sizes 5 to 12 in wide and medium.
2La Sportiva TX2 EVO Leather Approach Shoes
Former editor in chief of Climbing magazine and cofounder of the film production company Never Not Collective Julie Ellison loves the TX2 for faster, lighter outings. “It’s nice because when you’re wearing them you actually feel fast, because they’re so light and nimble and climb really well,” says Ellison.
Although the original La Sportiva TX2 is out of stock, this leather version of the model offers the same advantages when it comes to agility, weighing in at less than 10 ounces per shoe. If you're worried about the durability of such a lightweight shoe, the brand has that issue covered: The outsoles on the TX2 are actually designed with easy replacement and resoling in mind.
Available in EU sizes 36 to 43.
3Five Ten Fivetennie Approach Shoe
The Five Tennie has a cult following among climbers, in part because of its retro look. Former climbing guide and climber of 20 years Dana Larkin swears by the Five Tennies for rough scrambling or technical approaches. “I feel like the rubber is the stickiest rubber out there for approach shoes,” she says. Larkin warns that the Stealth rubber can mark up floors, so they’re best for keeping outdoors.
Along with the vibrant colors and sticky rubber, the shoe has a sock-like lining that hugs your foot for a snug but comfortable fit. Leah Gussoff, a youth climbing coach and adventure photographer, loves the Five Tennie for climbing shoots too: “I love that I can heel or toe hook in them while hanging on a rope while shooting if I really need to stay in one position!”
Available in sizes 7 to 10.
4La Sportiva TX3 Approach Shoe
This shoe goes for bright colors with a sleek, technical look. The lacing extends farther down the foot to dial in the fit, and the mesh upper keeps your feet from overheating. Rebecca Yaguda—program manager at Teton Rock Gym and an American Mountain Guide Association Certified Apprentice Rock Guide—loves these shoes for their sticky rubber, low-profile build, and comfortable yet snug fit. “They don’t have the bulky ‘platform shoe’ build that many other approach shoes have,” she says. “This helps me feel more balanced on uneven terrain, and it allows me to fit my feet into small cracks when I need them for upward movement.”
Part-time outdoors guide Lindsay Randall also uses the TX3s because they have a wide toe box and are comfortable straight out of the box. The TX3 features Vibram Megagrip rubber and a climbing zone at the toe for rocky hikes and scrambling.
Available in E.U. sizes 36 to 41.
5Salewa Wildfire Hiking Shoe
A shoe fit is often very specific to each person, but Sheffield praises Salewa’s shoes for always fitting her the best. “[The Firetail shoes] have this way of structuring the shoe that gives the heel/arch area a lot of support,” says Sheffield. “Despite the fact that they’re low shoes, I never feel like I’m going to twist my ankle.” Unfortunately, Salewa is discontinuing the Firetail, but Sheffield says she would confidently recommend the new Wildfire (and she will be getting them when her Firetails wear down).
The Wildfire has the same full-support lace system to give you a secure feel and a similar breathable mesh upper. The main difference is in the shoe’s sticky rubber: The Firetail features a Vibram Reptail outsole, whereas the Wildfire uses Pomoca Speed MTN rubber, which may be slightly less sticky on rock but will perform equally well on trails.
Available in sizes 6 to 9.5.
6La Sportiva TX4 Approach Shoes
Certified Apprentice Rock Guide Mallorie Estenson has logged hundreds of miles in La Sportiva’s TX4 approach shoes, and she’ll wear them anytime she can get away with it (“grocery store, brewery, beach walks, weddings—okay, maybe not weddings, but I would if I could”). The TX4’s leather uppers are extra sturdy and provide a thicker layer for cooler temperatures and more coverage against loose rocks. On the other side, Estenson notes that she might go for a lighter shoe like the TX3 for warmer climates.
“Since I live in the Pacific Northwest and often find myself scree surfing, I figured that the more robust leather topper would be better suited to the long approaches that I’m apt to go for,” she says. While she likes the shoe’s structural support on its own, Estenson supplements it with Superfeet insoles ($50, REI) for extra arch support on particularly long hikes.
Available in EU sizes 37 to 42.
7Black Diamond Technician Shoe
Brad Winer, head guide at Destination Backcountry Adventures, misses the since-discontinued Guide Tennie shoe from Five Ten, but Black Diamond's Technicians are filling the void the Guides left behind. He says they're super comfortable and, thanks to their precision laces, they fit securely too. “The rubber is super sticky, and I feel confident, whether on slabby surfaces, easy scrambling, or more technical terrain,” Winer says, referring to the brand's BlackLabel-Mountain rubber sole. “I am definitely feeling like this is the beginning of another long approach shoe relationship.”
Available in sizes 5.5 to 11.
8ALTRA AL0A4VQW Olympus 4 Trail
“Not technically an approach shoe, but I would argue [the Altra Olympus is] one of the best and most popular hiking shoes on the market today," Anna McKinney, a guide with A Walk In The Woods, tells SELF, adding she went through three pairs of the Olympus 4 while hiking the Appalachian Trail.
And, between its versatility, durability, and climbing ability, it certainly performs like a pair of approach shoes. “The cushion on the Olympus makes walking over roots and scrambling over jagged rocks a breeze, and the grippy soles allow for peace of mind when trekking across sheer rock slabs in the rain,” McKinney says. “The breathable material makes it easier for the shoes to dry after water crossings, and the iconic food-shaped design by Altra means my toes aren't bunched together in the toe box.”
Available in sizes 5.5 to 11.
9Scarpa Crux II Approach Shoes
Scarpa, maker of some of our senior commerce writer's favorite rock climbing shoes, also makes approach shoes designed for performance and protection in equal measure. The Scarpa Cruxes, specifically, feature Vibram outsoles and burly rubber rands over their toe caps to resist abrasion. The mesh and suede uppers keep feet comfy, while the laces reach all the way to the toe to keep them secure.
Available in EU sizes 37 to 42.
10La Sportiva Boulder X Approach Shoes
Another top-rated option from La Sportiva, the Boulder X model was made for those long approaches spent lugging heavy loads and a crash pad or two. In other words, this pair of approach shoes is made to withstand some seriously rough use. That's why it has a durable leather upper material and a smear-ready, wear-resistant Vibram outsole. It also features an ultracushioned footbed and midsole, so your feet aren't fatigued by the time you reach the crag.
Available in EU sizes 36 to 42.
11Arc'teryx Konseal AR Approach Shoes
For those looking to take their approach shoes from trail to town seamlessly, streetwear darling (and technical gear powerhouse) Arc'Teryx is the way to go. The Konseals provide reliable stability, grip, and support, whether you're navigating an uneven boulder field, picking your way up a slab, or strolling to the gym. Several happy reviewers even noted that they didn't experience blisters or an uncomfortable break-in period with their first wears.
Available in sizes 7 to 10.
12Black Diamond Mission LT Approach Shoe
The Mission LTs have a snug, sock-like fit so you can feel precise in your foot placement, and an extremely protective exterior so your toes can feel safe, even when you're scrambling through an ascent. They're a very light shoe, with plenty of breathability through the upper and a packable, clippable design (there are several webbed loops on the shoe to choose from). These are all fantastic features, but the biggest selling point for these Black Diamonds, according to reviewers, is the level of traction they offer. Designed to perform on Fifth Class terrain, these shoes are great to have on hand when the trail gets steep (like, really steep).
Available in sizes 6 to 11.
13La Sportiva TX Guide Approach Shoes
The La Sportiva TX Guides are director of retail at The Cliffs Climbing + Fitness Stephen Bittner's top pick for do-it-all approach shoes. “They provide a significant amount of support for hiking and carrying a pack, while also climbing exceptionally well,” he tells SELF. Some of their design details, like a close performance fit and agile shape, are borrowed from running shoes, while they also feature grippy rubber along the heel and forefoot. The sum of these parts is a shoe that helps you move quickly up near-vertical terrain.
Available in EU sizes 36 to 42.
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