Approach shoes are a type of footwear particularly suitable to cover mixed and dirty terrains, or the most classic mountain paths that separate our car from the cliff or bouldering area. La Sportiva defines approach shoes as "one of the most versatile products and with the highest technical content available for outdoor".
Their main features, which differentiate them mainly from hiking shoes, are in the sole, upper and lacing. Their aesthetic line has become unmistakable and typical of fans of climbing and bouldering: the reason, however, lies in the practice, or in the extreme functionality of this type of footwear.
The comfortable La Sportiva TX2 Evo Leather Woman, women’s approach shoes with suede upper to go to the crag or to reach the base of multipitch routes, even on technical and challenging paths.
But first, let's talk about trekking shoes
Let’s start from the differences: the trekking shoes, or those with which they are most commonly confused, are designed to give us comfort during long hours of walking, perhaps on muddy or wet paths. For this reason they have a very pronounced tread, with deep grooves that help us not to "sink" into the mud or snow: some models are also compatible with crampons for winter trekking on average demanding.
The trekking shoes can therefore adapt to a level of intense hiking, being made with a high neck to protect the ankles, or with a lower neck for less demanding excursions. They are structured in such a way as to limit the torsion of the foot on the roughest terrain and often have inserts between the sole and midsole to absorb shocks to perfection. Stability and comfort are the key concepts of these shoes.
The upper is, in most cases or in any case in the most technical models, made or lined in Gore-Tex to ensure breathability and waterproof even in the most intense trekking.
The SCARPA Mescalito GTX, resistant and waterproof, suitable for technical approaches in the mountains, via ferrata and excursions.
Let's get to know'em better: the approach shoes!
The approach shoes have a slimmer tread, studied in detail to give you a great grip on the rock and on the more wooded paths. Their versatility goes from the approach at the crag to the vie ferrate and the first "easy" climbs while you reach a multipitch: for this reason they must first of all adhere to the ground.
Their lacing closely resembles that of climbing shoes, with absolute precision that reaches the tip of the foot. Some models include the patented lacing models for climbing shoes, which ensure a complete bandage of the foot.
We can also notice a technical and aesthetic similarity with climbing shoes even on the tip, covered with a layer of rubber, which protects the shoe from abrasion with the edges of the rock. In the front of the sole we find a "climbing zone" that brings us back to its link with the world of climbers: here grip and thrust are optimized for a very high effectiveness.
The lacing of the approach shoes resume that precise and enveloping climbing shoes, with a perfectly adjustable closure up to the toe. Credits to La Sportiva.
Lifestyle
Some models are so popular that we can see them everywhere: in the approaches of course, in any crag but also in the city between informal aperitifs and post office walks. Think of the legendary SCARPA Mojitos, the whole TX family of La Sportiva or the elegant Circuit and Session of Black Diamond. But then, they are so comfortable that any excuse will be good to put them on your feet!
If you want to know more, check out all our colorful approach shoes!
Foto credits SCARPA and La Sportiva