Approach shoes

[Steve_RRG]

Having owned about 10 different ones, just thought I would chime in. I agree with the recommendations on the La Sportiva Exums, but you can't get them any more. They have a new one called the Xplorer that looks about the same, but I haven't tried them yet. My choice for a heavy pack and longer approach is 5-10 Camp 4's. Good traction on the rock and good support. When I do trad, my pack is about 50 pounds with food water, etc. and these work quite well. Still, a lot of it is just what fits your feet.

[Cramsie]

Water shoes.
http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/webstore/p ... erralID=NA

You can totally wear these to climb too. Mega-legit.

[KD]

I though the book was about those skinny little Kenyan fuckers. Still, it started the funniest trend it running I have ever seen - bunch of trendoids wearing feet-shoes - funny shit for sure.

[vertical1]

I never owned a pair when climbing in the red, not much need.

They do place the bolts pretty close...so you don't need a pair.

[der uber]

A pair of shoes that are comfortable to do some light hiking in are good. There is not a need for a specialized shoe to get to the crag. However you can get cool expensive shoes that will work well if you like.

I think approach shoes that have sticky rubber soles and rand are well suited for setting in the gym. They would also be good for approaches if the approach involves lots of scrambling up and down rock.

I currently wear new balance running shoes and feel very comfortable getting to, from, and around the crag.

[kneebar]

I love it, ask a legitimate question and whole bunch of higher then thou, I've done it all, crawl up onto my environmental, save the world soapbox "climbers" give there opinions. Mostly other then just answering the question if they can. Well worth the entertainment value and exactly what was expected.

[der uber]

You're welcome, bud, I guess.

[bcombs]

ok just got to ask...when and where would flip flops ever be a good choice? the indoor gym?

I may be old but this is pure tomfoolery....

I have watched Andrew cover some serious terrain with Adidas flip flops on.

[Shamis]

I haven't been able to find any decent approach shoes with good support (for flat feet). I do find most La Sportiva shoes to be pretty awesome though.

I did once do the descent from the top of Taquitz in flip flops. I wouldn't really recommend it though.

[Andrew]

ok just got to ask...when and where would flip flops ever be a good choice? the indoor gym?

I may be old but this is pure tomfoolery....

I have watched Andrew cover some serious terrain with Adidas flip flops on.

I was going to suggest this but figured that this thread was pointless. If money is a concern where whatever you have lying around... but if you have money to burn then go to an outdoor store and try on approach shoes until you find something you like. I thought everyone knew this.
























































p.s. Adidas flip flops are pretty good.