![]() What we don’t: Not enough protection or cushion for long approaches or descents. What we like: Streamlined weight and bulk is great for toting up and over a climb. ![]() See the Men's La Sportiva TX4 See the Women's La Sportiva TX4īest Lightweight Approach Shoe 2. Both are top-notch approach shoes and the TX3 is ideal for summer missions, but overall, we give the slight nod to the more versatile TX4. It’s true that the leather on the TX4 is slightly less breathable and may soak up water during extended exposure to the elements, but it’s also much tougher while only adding an ounce of weight to the equation. We love our TX3s but have bored holes in the mesh on three pairs in two years, and because of the air permeability, we hesitate to bring them along for approaches involving significant snow. However, such a lightweight material comes at the expense of protection and durability. We used to have the TX3 in our top spot, which features a breathable mesh upper in lieu of the TX4’s leather. Further, the TX4 (along with the mesh TX3) is made with a wide toe box for exceptional comfort on the trail, which is something we love to see in an all-around approach shoe. The Vibram rubber is super high-quality and among the stickiest we’ve tested for both scrambling and hiking. It offers a standout combination of protection, low weight, and durability, and is suitable for everything from toting up a climb on your harness to long hikes with heavy loads. Of this venerable grouping, we like the balanced TX4 best. La Sportiva’s popular TX series combines features from climbing shoes, mountaineering boots, and mountain running shoes, ranging from the superlight TX2 to the burly TX4 Mid GTX below. What we don’t: In hot summer conditions, breathability can be limited. What we like: Leather upper fits well and is impressively durable. Best Approach Shoe with Everyday Appeal: Black Diamond Sessionīest Overall Approach Shoe 1.Best Approach Shoe for Mountain Terrain: Arc’teryx Konseal AR.Best Approach Shoe/Trail Runner Hybrid: La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II.Best Approach Shoe for Technical Scrambling: La Sportiva TX Guide.Best Lightweight Approach Shoe: Black Diamond Circuit.Best Overall Approach Shoe: La Sportiva TX4.For more information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks. Below we break down the top approach shoes of 2023, including comfortable crag and trail shoes, nimble climbers, and mid-height waterproof models. And because approaches can take on so many different forms-from walking to the crag to scrambling fourth or fifth class or embarking on a multi-day slog-approach shoes are a diverse bunch. For climbers, they’re an essential piece of footwear that provides stability and traction on rock but comfort for miles on the trail. Combining the features of hiking shoes, climbing slippers, and even mountaineering boots, approach shoes are in a category of their own.
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