7 Best Approach Shoes For Men, 70+ Shoes Tested in 2023
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Leave the city noise behind and lace up with any of these top-rated men’s approach shoes. From heel brake and waterproof models to lightweight footwear for speedy climbs, we bring you a comprehensive selection of approach-specific hikers that deliver comfort for miles on the trail.
A great mix of technological features of hiking shoes, mountaineering boots, and even climbing slippers, the men's and women’s approach footwear are sui generis – a class of its own. Giant brands like Salewa, La Sportiva, Scarpa, Arc'teryx, and Five Ten, among others, offer their quality kicks depending on your needs and style.
For this guide, we’ve rounded up 60+ of the best men’s approach shoes currently available. From footwear with Gore-Tex, Vibram technology, or EVA cushioning, we’ve tested all their commercial features and capabilities. Check out our top recommendations below.
Table of contents How we test approach shoesBest overallBest SalewaBest Arc'teryxBest ScarpaBest Five TenBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
How we test approach shoes
Approach challenges and routes can take on in diverse forms—from hiking to the crag and trails to embarking on a multi-day trek—approach kicks are quite a diverse category. To identify their quality, we break down and scrutinize all the models inside the lab and tested them all in the field.
- We invest our resources to buy all the men’s approach shoes for our tests. We maintain a policy of 100% objectivity in our reviews and rankings.
- We test the shoes in easy-to-moderate climbing like scrambling in the local mountain or moderate ridgelines in the alpine, as well as technical climbing, cragging, or bouldering. This is the best way to assess the traction, edging capability, comfort, break-in period, durability, and breathability of each model.
- We further subject the footwear to tougher approaches and outdoor environments.
- We also take into account the testimonials from other experienced outdoorsmen and regular weekend warriors.
Last but not least, we give the overall ratings of all the men’s approach shoes on this list. From 0 to 100, we indicate their respective ratings on the CoreScore.
Best men's approach shoes overall
La Sportiva TX Guide Leather
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$103
Backcountry
Free shipping
$104
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$119
Outland USA
Free shipping
$159
Pros
- Immensely plush
- Grippy
- Mighty arch support
- Steady on rubbly terrain
- Lightweight
Cons
- Narrow fit
- Long break-in period
What makes it the best overall?
Sporting the TX Guide Leather means arriving at your rock destination with less tired feet and more smiles on your face. Yes, wearing this comfy yet secure La Sportiva shoe takes you where you need to be as it makes serious hiking challenges a lot less worrying along the way. It is an approach conqueror that does not lead you to second guess your adventurous steps.
Best Salewa approach shoes for men
Salewa Wildfire Edge GTX
Amazon
Free shipping
$139
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$190
Outland USA
Free shipping
$200
Running Warehouse
Corescore
Pros
- Mighty grippy outsole
- Runs true to size
- Incredibly polished construction
- Eye-catching looks
- Comfy yet sturdy
Cons
- Narrow fit
- Extremely bad to tie
- Too pricey
- Long break-in period
What makes it the best Salewa?
Donning the Wildfire Edge GTX equates to fleshing out your technical footwork on more treacherous approach routes. Reflecting the Dolomites mountain range (where jagged rocks abound), this Salewa shoe helps you ascend with boosted control without sacrificing protection. While it may not be for everyone price-wise, the Wildfire Edge GTX is a boon where the tough gets tougher.
Best Arc'teryx approach shoes for men
Pros
- Spider-Man-level grip
- Quite light
- Excellent on edges
- Incredibly durable
- Very precise on talus rock
- Scaler of easy cracks
- Exceptional breathability
Cons
- Too stiff for long hikes
- Unruly laces
What makes it the best Arc'teryx?
A conqueror of shifting terrain—this is the Konseal FL 2 in a nutshell. Engineered stiffer than usual, this approach shoe from Arc'teryx does not cower at the face of various rocky obstacles, be they ledges, cracks, or smooth boulders. There's also its amazing lightness, which translates to bigger steps and easier foot swings.
Best Scarpa approach shoes for men
Scarpa Crux
Outland USA
Free shipping
$139
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$149
Backcountry
Free shipping
$149
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$149
Pros
- Comfortable
- Grippy outsole
- Remarkably durable
- Fine option for smearing
- Offers security
- Breathable
Cons
- Not ideal for edging
- Tongue keeps sliding down
- Quite expensive
What makes it the best Scarpa?
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.
Best Five Ten approach shoes for men
Five Ten Guide Tennie
Amazon
Free shipping
$84
Eastern Mountain Sports
$120
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Corescore
Pros
- Comfortable approach shoe
- Supportive midsole
- Excellent smearing ability
- Awesome flexibility
- Durable
- Excellent ankle padding
- Cool look design
Cons
- Blister-inducing break-in period
- Does not excel on wet terrain
- Poor walking performance
What makes it the best Five Ten?
The Guide Tennie is a highly recommendable approach shoe, thanks to its amazing supply of comfort and support. It is also something that people can appreciate in the areas of mobility and style. And this is without mention of the shoe's remarkably tough build yet. However, despite these satisfying features, a couple of criticisms still hound it.
Best value
Adidas Terrex Swift Solo
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$55
Backcountry
Free shipping
$110
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Corescore
Pros
- Fantastic comfort level
- Exceptionally grippy
- Quite durable
- Protective toe cap
- Among the cheapest approach shoes
- Supportive on long walks
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Stiff at first
- Narrow forefoot
What makes it the best value?
Where the lead-up to your rock climbing spot is strewn with low-lying boulders and rocky inclines, you can turn to the zestful Adidas Terrex Swift Solo. Built with a wide climbing zone and ridged heel, this pair of approach shoes will help you ascend and descend rugged terrain with extra-sticky steps. And if its hundred-dollar price tag doesn't reel you in, perhaps its magnetizing sneaker-like design will.
Most popular approach shoes for men
Salewa Wildfire 2
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$160
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$160
Backcountry
Free shipping
$160
Outland USA
Free shipping
$160
Pros
- Superb stickiness
- Long-lasting comfort
- Fits wide feet too
- Doesn't get hot
- Incredibly lightweight
- Durable outsole
- Surprisingly water-resistant
- Fences out debris
Cons
- Quite pricey
- Not for those with a high instep
What makes it the most popular?
Pure performance bliss is something that you'll get while sporting the Wildfire 2 from Salewa. From trails to boulder-filled valleys, this featherweight approach shoe cuts through the terrain with mind-blowing tenacity, all while pampering your feet for hours on end. And on warm days, the Wildfire 2 is a must-have despite its rather high asking price.
