7 Best Approach Shoes in 2023

Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.6
7 Best Approach Shoes in 2023
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We’ve gone through and put to the absolute test some 50+ pairs of approach shoes to give you our top picks.

Do you need a low-elevation climber that does it all, even on the trail? Perhaps you would like to own something light to breeze through your approach routes? Or a pair of affordable kicks, maybe? Whichever way you roll, our strong recommendations—each with a corresponding alternative—await you down below.

Best overall
La Sportiva TX4 La Sportiva TX4
$159 From Zappos
Best with heel brake
Salewa Wildfire Edge Salewa Wildfire Edge
$170 From Backcountry
Best waterproof
La Sportiva TX4 Mid GTX La Sportiva TX4 Mid GTX
$209 From Zappos
Best breathable
Black Diamond Session Black Diamond Session
$120 $85 From Outland USA
Best lightweight
La Sportiva TX3 La Sportiva TX3
$159 From Zappos
Best value
La Sportiva Boulder X La Sportiva Boulder X
$149 $140 From Outland USA
Most popular
Scarpa Crux Scarpa Crux
$149 $139 From Outland USA
See all 51 approach shoes

    How we test approach shoes

    We test and review approach hikers ourselves. Our opinions stay within the lane of objectivity and honesty. Here is how we do it:

    • We spend our own money on every approach pair. This results in reviews without bias.
    • We test approach shoes by hiking in them on both level and rocky terrain. Our testers also use these kicks for short ascents to gauge their climbing capabilities.
    • To make our approach footwear reviews more comprehensive, we gather findings from gear experts and regular users and include their opinions in the mix.

    And with all that, each reviewed approach shoe receives a CoreScore. We use this RunRepeat-exclusive grading system to determine which hikers deserve the approach limelight.

    Best approach shoes overall

    la-sportiva-tx4.jpg
    la-sportiva-tx4.jpg
    La Sportiva Tx4 Intro
    La Sportiva Tx4 Rock Walking
    La Sportiva Tx4 Muddy Walk
    la-sportiva-tx4-upper.jpg
    la-sportiva-tx4-onfeet.jpg
    la-sportiva-tx4-rocky-terrain.jpg
    La Sportiva Tx4 Step Up
    La Sportiva TX4
    90
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    The glove-like fit of the La Sportiva TX4 is in part what allows such confidence while scaling difficult terrain. It is also grippy and comfortable enough for walking, so you can hike for miles. Overall, I’m downright impressed with the La Sportiva TX4, and plan to continue using them for their intended purpose for as long as they’ll last!

    Pros

    • Superb in scree fields
    • Extremely grippy
    • Surprisingly good for technical climbing
    • Great foot protection
    • Stiff and comfortable for walking up and down inclines
    • Comfortable without socks
    • Exceptional fit

    Cons

    • Difficult to put on
    • Not for hot weather
    • Not great for all-day wear
    Full review of La Sportiva TX4

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Carbon Flame (900304)
    Blue/Papaya (BP)
    $159
    See deal  
    $159
    See deal  
    $159
    See deal  
    $159
    See deal  
    $159
    See deal  
    $225
    See deal  

    Best approach shoes with heel brake

    Blue
    Salewa Wildfire Edge
    92
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    In the area of comfort, the Salewa Wildfire Edge approach shoe does not disappoint. It is also a shoe that excels in the durability and fit categories. That said, its rather stellar resume is marred by criticisms, the most worrying of which has to be its uninspiring grip performance on damp surfaces.

    Pros

    • Remarkably comfortable
    • Runs true to size
    • Lasting durability
    • Short break-in period
    • Fantastic versatility
    • Captivating overall design
    • Impressive supportiveness

    Cons

    • Not very sticky on wet slabs
    • Bulky shoe
    • The too-vibrant color scheme for minimalists to love
    Full review of Salewa Wildfire Edge

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Blue (613463988)
    Wallnut/Fluo Orange (613467512)
    Java Blue Black (613468769)
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $180
    See deal  

    Best waterproof approach shoes

    Carbon/Flame
    La Sportiva TX4 Mid GTX
    89
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    Travelers who would choose to get the TX4 Mid GTX had better prepare for an immensely comfortable ride in an insanely lightweight pair. They also had better brace themselves for the shoe’s A-grade surface traction.

    Pros

    • Astronomical level of comfort
    • Lightweight
    • Sticky outsole
    • Super-dependable ankle support
    • Watertight

    Cons

    • Not very durable
    • The laces come undone easily
    • Lack of breathability
    Full review of La Sportiva TX4 Mid GTX

    Today's best price

    Unisex
    Any color
    Carbon/Flame (900304)
    $209
    See deal  
    $209
    See deal  
    $209
    See deal  
    $209
    See deal  
    $209
    See deal  
    $209
    See deal  

    Best breathable approach shoes

    eclipse blue/amber
    Black Diamond Session
    89
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    To sport, the Black Diamond Session means to be seen in its fantastically plush and easy-access confines. Donning this well-ventilated shoe also equates to approaching adventures where surefootedness is always experienced.

    Pros

    • Astonishingly comfortable
    • Superior surface traction
    • Easy to slip
    • Incredibly breathable
    • Lightweight
    • Durable

    Cons

    • Lack of forefoot precision
    • Too narrow
    • Poor hit-or-miss tension ankle zone
    Full review of Black Diamond Session

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    eclipse blue/amber (BD5800059129)
    Black (BD5800050002)
    Black/Gum (BD5800059248)
    Birch/Carbon (BD5800059291)
    $85
    See deal  
    $104
    See deal  
    $120
    See deal  
    $130
    See deal  
    $130
    See deal  

    Best lightweight approach shoes

    Orange
    La Sportiva TX3
    90
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    Immensely sticky and breathable—this description befits the TX3 quite well. It can also be called an incredibly breathable hiker whose provision of plushness is accessible on day one. That being said, this La Sportiva approach shoe might not be the best tool for toeing.

    Pros

    • Extremely grippy
    • Amazing level of comfort
    • Superb breathability
    • Super-quick break-in period
    • Great piece of investment
    • Lightweight

    Cons

    • Unreliable toe zone
    • Short laces
    Full review of La Sportiva TX3

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Orange (OR)
    $159
    See deal  
    $159
    See deal  
    $159
    See deal  
    $159
    See deal  
    $159
    See deal  

    Best value

    Clay Saffron
    La Sportiva Boulder X
    89
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    The Boulder X from La Sportiva delivers excellence through its construction and performance. It reflects its greatness with its high amounts of comfort, lasting durability, and relentless surface traction. There's also its intimate fit and moderate stiffness that give an enhanced sense of control, particularly on low-level boulders, with or without cracks.

    Pros

    • Incredibly tough
    • Mighty plush
    • Grippy hikes guaranteed
    • Edging royalty
    • Among the most affordable
    • Does well in fissures
    • Mythos-inspired closure system
    • Good for hiking

    Cons

    • Laces get undone often
    • Narrow toe box
    Full review of La Sportiva Boulder X

    Today's best price

    Unisex
    Any color
    Carbon/Beet (900310)
    Clay Saffron (909313)
    Orange / Red (RE)
    Grey (GY)
    $140
    See deal  
    $149
    See deal  
    $149
    See deal  
    $149
    See deal  
    $180
    See deal  

    Most popular approach shoes

    Shark Tonic Gray
    Scarpa Crux
    87
    Great!

    What makes it the most popular?

    Outdoorsy individuals who require comfort and traction for approach trips may discover satisfaction with the Crux. Its sturdiness and smearing performance receives outstanding remarks from professional reviewers. But the shoe’s flexibility is seen as a detriment by those who have used it for edging. All in all, the Scarpa Crux still offers a set of advantages that users may find handy for trail adventures, scrambling, and easy climbs.

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Grippy outsole
    • Remarkably durable
    • Fine option for smearing
    • Offers security
    • Breathable

    Cons

    • Not ideal for edging
    • Tongue keeps sliding down
    • Quite expensive
    Full review of Scarpa Crux

    Today's best price

    Unisex
    Any color
    Shrak Blue Radiance Gray (72053352)
    Shark Tonic Gray (72053350)
    $139
    See deal  
    $149
    See deal  
    $149
    See deal  
    $149
    See deal  

    Comparison of the 7 best approach shoes

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    CoreScore
    Users rating
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    Author
    Paul Ronto
    Paul Ronto

    Over the past 20 years, Paul has climbed, hiked, and run all over the world. He has summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races as well as 6 marathons. On average, he runs 30-50 miles a week in the foothills of Northern Colorado. His research is regularly cited in The New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic, etc. On top of this, Paul is leading the running shoe lab where he cuts shoes apart and analyzes every detail of the shoes that you might buy.

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