Durability
We appreciate the durability of the shoe itself. However, we wish it were waterproof. The molded toe cap and raised side walls provide extra durability and protection. The upper is made from knit polyester mesh. The laces are inset and protected by the abrasion-resistant polyester.

Comfort
These shoes are fairly lightweight, weighing 10.6-ounces each. The midsole is made from EVA foam and aids with shock absorption. Also integrated is a 4mm Ortholite 3D molded insole. The insole provides great comfort but also takes away from the sensitivity of the shoe. The one-piece knit polyester upper hugs the foot and aids in overall stability.

Support
These shoes provide great support. The TPU midfoot chassis features raised walls that make the shoe slightly stiff and enhance stability. The outsole is constructed with Vibram Megagrip. This grip, paired with strategically placed lugs make the Konseals great on smooth, rocky, and uneven terrain. These shoes have a square heel that improves agility and edging.

Overall Fit
Everyone seems to have their own opinion on the fit of these shoes. Many say that they fit true to size, while others recommend significantly sizing down for a performance fit. To be safe, we have deduced that your normal size will be great for daily use, and a ½ to full size smaller will give you a performance fit. They can feel stiff at first, but only take about a week to break in. The laces can be slippery and should be double knotted.

Summary
These shoes offer great comfort and support for multiple terrains and climbing. They can be used for general use and technical approaches. If this pair were waterproof or included Gore-Tex, it would be just about perfect. Luckily, there are many features that make up for this slight downfall, included a gusseted tongue that helps to keep out debris.

Durability
TX4 shoes are sturdy and built-to-last shoes. Thanks for the STB Control System, the shoe has structure and stability. The leather uppers have a clean design and abrasion-resistant thanks to the PU TechLite rand. Finally, with the Vibram MegaGrip sole, the climbing zone at the toe, and Impact Brake System at the rear gives a great balance of performance and longevity.

Comfort
This approach shoe from La Sportiva provides a great deal of comfort overall. It expertly finds the balance between the need for rigidity and overall stability and cushioning that is hard to match, especially in a low rise shoe such as this. In addition, many customers found that the slightly roomier toe box area helped to increase their overall comfort levels and keep fatigued to a minimum.

Support
The support system in this shoe is designed with an STB control system that helps to balance out the use of both rigid and flexible support.

The sole of this shoe is comprised of a combination of synthetic rubber material and Vibram outsole for superior gripping power. In addition, the heel area features an area that is designed to “bite” at the surface of the ground to ensure that slippage is kept to a minimum.

Overall Fit
One of the areas where this approach shoe really shines is in the overall fit and feel of the shoe. Almost all – nearly 100% -- of the customers surveyed found that these shoes fit so well that they nearly forgot that they were wearing shoes at all.

Summary
If you're looking for a quality, nice-looking shoe with a great all-around performance the TX4 shoes are for you.

Durability
While the rubberized sole and the leather uppers were found to wear quickly, the upper part of the shoe stays intact. The suede and mesh last a long while, far beyond the soles.

Comfort
Most people found these shoes to be very comfortable to wear. The combination of the adaptive and breathable liner and leather uppers means that feet remain relatively warm, so these shoes may not be the best choice in warmer climates or weather.

Support
Most people found that the overall arch support and increased heel and ankle support was more than enough for their overall needs.

The soles of the Crux might be the one downfall of these great all-around shoes. They tend to wear out rather quickly though; the performance is middle of the pack. Overall this is still a great car for a beginner looking for comfort.

Overall Fit
The majority of people found this shoe to be comfortably snug and a great overall fit, especially while in use.

Summary
This lightweight shoe from Scarpa is a great overall choice if you’re searching for an approach shoe that can easily adjust to whatever type of terrain you want to conquer. While we would like to have seen a little more durability when it came to the sole, overall this isn’t a bad shoe.

Durability
Overall the upper portion of the shoe, which is made of a combination of leather and textile holds up remarkably well, even with frequent use. The rubber sole, however, does tend to wear down with regular use at a somewhat startling rate. If you don’t mind re-soling the shoe in about a year of regular use, then there would be a good choice. If you’d rather spend your money on other things besides the sole of your shoes, you may want to consider other options.

Comfort
Most people who tried this particular approach shoe to be very comfortable overall, if slightly on the heavier side. The mid-rise design makes it a great choice for those who have less than stable ankles, or situations where ankle support is an important factor, such as boulder fields or unconsolidated sand or dirt.

Support
For the most part, the stability and support of this particular approach shoe are focused on the heel and ankle area. It is designed to keep the ankle, foot, and lower leg aligned properly to get the job done in the most efficient manner. The shoes are also capable of aiding in the carrying of heavier loads based on the shoe’s ability to evening distribute the weight over the length of the shoe.

The sole itself is made from a highly textured rubber material that is designed to grip any and all surfaces that it encounters. It should be noted, however, that with frequent use, the stickiness of the sole does wear down.

Overall Fit
About 75% of the customers indicated that the overall fit of these approach shoes was what they expected, and about a quarter of the people indicated that the shoes were entirely too small for comfort.

Summary
If you want an approach shoe that is strong enough to give you the support you need for weaker ankles, and still is relatively comfortable in a wide range of situations, this shoe from Five Ten is definitely worth a close look. We certainly would have liked a longer-lasting sole portion, but if you don’t mind a little shoe repair from time to time, these shoes should serve you quite well.

Durability
The synthetic materials used and the quality construction provides this shoe with excellent overall durability. There were very few reports of undue wear, detachments, or signs of distress even after numerous uses. There is a very good possibility of these shoes lasting with proper care for years to come.

Comfort
However, where these shoes from Sportiva fail slightly is in the overall comfort levels of the shoes. Many users found them to be a little too heavy to wear for long treks, as they were designed to do. Also, even with the extra LaSPEVA layer of cushioning in the mid-sole, people found that the shoe overall could be a bit jarring, especially in more technical terrains. And lastly, quite a few users found the toe box area to be surprisingly narrow.

Support
These shoes provide a great deal of neutral support, using a closed-cell pattern within the rubberized mid-sole region to help absorb the shock of walking and provide for proper alignment.

Created using state of the art technology feature Vibram-Idro grip material, these shoes have some of the most potent gripping power on the market today. Short of smooth glass or ice, there are very few surfaces that these shoes won’t adhere to.

Overall Fit
A little over half the people who used these shoes found them to be a good fit after a break-in period of about two to three weeks. However, quite a few people found these shoes to be either somewhat small or painfully too small.

Summary
These approach shoes from La Sportiva provide one of the best, and most durable gripping surfaces for your feet on the market today. While there are some significant comfort issues dealing mainly with the weight of the shoe and sizing issues, if you want a shoe that will last through many approaches, this is one to consider.

Durability
Despite the minimal amount of material used in these shoes, they are surprisingly durable and long-lasting. The canvas uppers have been shown to withstand quite a few treks up into the mountains, and the rubber soles, although on the thinner side have been shown to be tougher than most soles twice as thick.

Comfort
One of the potential drawbacks for this particular pair of approach shoes is that they don’t provide much in the way of cushioning. There is a memory foam insole that provides moisture-wicking ability, but other than that, there isn’t much to absorb the impact shock you may encounter. As such, we wouldn’t suggest running around in these shoes or doing activities that require a great deal of impact.

Support
As expected in a minimalist style shoe, the overall support is quite a bit less than in some of the other approach shoes listed here.

The rubber sole on these shoes is relatively thin and flexible, making them a fantastic choice for scrambling up and over rocks and debris with relative ease. They have decent grip strength and are best suited for small to medium length scrambles over the average technical terrain.

Overall Fit
A little over half of the people who used these shoes found them to be comfortable, if snug, fit which is perfect for using them as approach shoes. The rest, about 40%, found them to be slightly on the smaller size. While this is by no means the majority of users, it may be worth considering getting a half size larger than normal just to be on the safe side.

Summary
The Evolv Men’s Cruzer Approach Shoe is a great overall choice if you’d rather keep things simple. Although it has little cushioning and support, the simple yet flexible design makes for a versatile shoe that is extremely durable and lightweight.

Durability
Generally speaking, these approach shoes are durable enough and offer additional rubber around the toe and heel area for added protection from scrapes and tears. While there are no exceptional measures taken to promote durability, the shoes are well made and should last for quite a few seasons.

Comfort
The combination of natural leather material uppers and rubberized soles provide for a great deal of flexibility and overall comfort. While the amount of cushioning is kept to a minimum, for the most part, the overall support and flexibility lend itself to long-wearing comfort.

Support
Overall, this shoe relies on support in the arch area and an overall comfortable fit to make sure that the foot is well supported during the trek. We certainly would have liked to see a bit more ankle support, but provided that the terrain isn’t too rugged, these approach shoes should serve a person well.

While this particular shoe doesn’t have quite the gripping power of our top contenders, the molded Vibram Spyder II sole does provide a great deal of traction in a wide range of situations. For the most part, climbers will find these shoes to be an efficient choice for getting to the climb in one piece.

Overall Fit
Most people found these approach shoes to be snug yet comfortable fit, with about 20% indicating that they would probably buy a larger size the next time around.

Summary
If you’re looking for a good all-around approach shoe that provides good comfort and decent stability over a wide range of terrains, this leather and rubber shoe might be a great choice.

Durability
Overall, these shoes are very well put together, although the durability is nothing spectacular. With proper care and maintenance, these shoes should last for a few years.

Comfort
If you don’t like a whole lot of bulk or weight on your feet, then these shoes will feel like a dream overall. They are designed to be extremely light, and the adaptive fit liner is air permeable for increased overall breathability. While the lack of substantial cushioning may make this shoe a no-go for some, others will like the refreshing lightness overall.

Support
These shoes do provide a fair amount of support, especially in the heel and arch area, leaving the toe box area with somewhat less overall support.

The sole of these shoes not only has great gripping strength overall but also features a very flexible nature that is configured to help manage descents and ascents over steeper slopes and hills.

Overall Fit
About half the people found these shoes to be a great fit overall, with the other half fluctuating between the shoes being small or very small comparatively. Many indicated that these shoes were not suitable for people with wider feet as well.

Summary
The Arc’teryx Acrux SL Approach shoe is a great choice if your approach includes a number of steep inclines where agility, control and the weight of the shoes play an important role. While some may find these shoes on the smaller side, and less than comfortable, for those special situations, they are a great find.

Durability
Not to get off on the wrong foot here, but the durability is something that we would like to see improved on the Access Knit. The issue (and one of the best features) is in the name. The knit upper can be easily frayed or caught on something. It’s not ideal for cracks or loose sharp rocks. Other than that, the sole of the shoe is strong and doesn’t show signs of wearing out quickly.

Comfort
Comfort and style are what make these shoes stand out. The knit upper is breathable and comfortable, giving you a sock-like feel. These shoes are extremely lightweight at only 12.1-ounces. Starting, the shoes can feel a bit narrow, but the material quickly forms to your foot, providing a good fit. One place we would like to see more cushioning is in the tongue. If you choose to tighten the laces, it can be slightly uncomfortable on the top of your foot.

Support
The synthetic polyester upper attaches with the heel panel and provides great stability. For added confidence, the Stealth PH Phantom outsole features sticky rubber dots. This makes the shoes great for boulder hopping, climbing, edging and smearing. The injection-molded EVA midsole provides comfort, support, and stability.

Overall Fit
The manufacturers and customers both recommend ordering a ½ size up from your normal shoe size. The width of the shoes is average, and the knit materials provide a bit of flexibility. For the most part, you can wear these shoes as a slip-on, without bothering with the laces.

Summary
This urban style shoe is great for everyday wear and adventure wear. They can be worn with or without socks, can be laced or slipped on, and can easily be worn around town or on the trails. They are incredibly lightweight and feature a hook to easily hang off your bag.

Durability
While the rubberized sole is truly tough as nails, many customers found that the upper, synthetic portions and mesh layers were less than tough. These areas were known to wear through with repeated use, long before expected.

Comfort
Overall, these shoes were found to be fairly comfortable, if a bit on the snug side. Many customers found the toe box to be slightly too tight for comfort on longer treks, but for short jaunts, up to the climb (under a mile) they were found to be manageable.

Support
Extra support is offered in the heel and ankle area of the shoe, and the arch is supported somewhat to provide a great deal of neutral stability overall. While the support is nothing extraordinary, it will certainly get the job done in many different environments.

This particular pair of approach shoes have one of the best overall grip strengths on the market today. They combine Vibram technology with a durable rubber compound that is often used in actual climbing shoes to create a truly “sticky rubber” feel to the shoes.

Overall Fit
Many people found these shoes to be true to size, with about one-quarter of them indicating that their shoes were a bit on the smaller size. However, the climbing inspired lacing, and the overall adjustable fit allows for a more customized fit experience than normal hiking boots or shoes.

Summary
The Salewa MS Wildfire Vent Approach Shoes have been proven to be quite versatile and able to deal with several different surfaces. While we would certainly have liked to see better levels of comfort, and slightly better durability, for most climbers and hikers, these shoes will fit the bill quite nicely.