UK Climbing
The Aequilibrium ST is a remarkably comfortable and lightweight boot that's been in its element on steep winter snow slopes, mountaineering ridges, and rough walking/scrambling terrain in Scotland. Despite a few minor niggles, these boots will now be my go-to for covering long distances in the Scottish winter hills, or for a summer rock trip to the Alps when fast and light is prioritised and clunkier and more technical winter boots would be overkill. In terms of modern design and technology..." go to full review
Five Ten have tried to bring the Anasazi range into the modern era with the NIAD Lace. Have they succeeded? Kind of, although the answer is more nuanced and in reality, it's a different shoe. A more streamlined heel will appease long-time critics of the shoe but disappoint others. The toe rubber is a welcome addition for some purposes, although it's not designed for rigorous toe hooking. I think the NIAD Lace is certainly more comfortable than its predecessor (though everyone's feet are..." go to full review
The Arakys are an extremely comfortable shoe with a secure fit that should suit most foot shapes. The easy fastening and collapsible heel are handy features, and their sticky rubber makes them an excellent choice for short technical approaches, and even the very easy end of climbing and scrambling. However due to their flexibility there are limits to their performance on steeper ground. While they're not ideal for wet weather or long muddy UK mountain crag approaches, I would definitely..." go to full review
The Guide Tennie is a great shoe for steep rocky approaches, technical scrambling or easy climbing. They're not so good on anything wet, such as steep grass or boggy terrain, so choose the days and walks on which you use them wisely. They are good in terms of all-day comfort, so big days out in the hills (assuming it's not raining) they handle well. My pair of size 7 comes in at just 752g, which is quite light for a supportive approach shoe. Given the overall quality, the price of around £..." go to full review
I've found the La Sportiva TX2 to be a lightweight, yet surprisingly durable, approach shoe. The sticky sole climbs rock well, without being dangerous on slippery wet grass. They're not cheap, however I think it's a price well worth paying considering their low weight and high durability. The only negative for me is the C2 Combo cord, which is nothing more than a poorly executed gimmick. Thankfully it goes virtually unnoticed and would not put me off buying these excellent shoes.go to full review
The Session is a shoe that you're likely to fall in love with (and if you don't believe me, just try a pair on). From the moment you slip a pair on there's an instant 'oooh' factor as the mesh/knit uppers mould around your foot. Whilst bouldering and sport climbing, indoors or out, its easy slip-on design makes it a pleasure to use - not least because of its lightweight, comfortable and breathable nature. It is also a rare example of a product that manages to combine lightness and durability..." go to full review
They are not the most mountain-specialised or technical approach shoe on the market, to put it kindly, and that shallow tread could prove a worry on typical UK greenery, but they still feel like an approach shoe when you get them on the rock. The Kalipe's affordable price, and comfy and forgiving fit, will be a winning combination for some users. This is an easy shoe to get along with, and one that you'd be equally happy wearing on the crag or the high street.go to full review
The Fuel must be one of the softer approach shoes on the market, both literally and in terms of ideal use, so if you're seeking something for scrambling or UK mountain crag approaches then look elsewhere. On the plus side however, this shoe combines a light weight and a casual feel with a degree of on-rock ability, so assuming you're after an approach shoe largely for wearing to roadside crags, sunny sport trips, or going to the wall, then it would be worth a look.go to full review
Whether or not the Prime is for you largely comes down to what you're looking to use them for. They sit right out at the softer end of the approach shoe spectrum, being more casual and urban in nature, and as such they do push the definition of 'approach shoe' towards destruction. If you're off down the climbing wall then that's fine, but on grass, mud and quagmires this extremely bendy, flat-soled shoe performs very poorly, while its lack of support means that it isn't going to be a natural..." go to full review
While it doesn't have the ideal sole for wet grass - a definite drawback for approaching mountain crags or scrambling in the UK - the Gecko is a light and flexible approach shoe that performs amazingly well when you get on the rock. It is highly recommended for those looking for a comfortable shoe that works for cragging and scrambling, but one that's also fashionable enough for more urban use. It may not last forever, but then you're paying a decent mid-range price. My only gripes so far..." go to full review