Hiking & Approach Shoes

Hiking & approach shoes at eXXpozed

What are hiking & approach shoes?

Hiking shoes, also called approach shoes, are particularly stable shoes that were primarily developed for climbers who need lightweight yet sturdy shoes for the ascent to the climbing wall, which offer a lot of grip on rocky ground. Manufacturers achieve this main requirement of approach shoes through some technical details that can only be found in approach shoes. Approach shoes come in a variety of styles, from universal to very technical.

Where are approach shoes used?

As the name suggests, approach shoes are made for the approach to the climbing wall. For this purpose, the shoes must be light and strong and have a good grip, especially on rock. But shoes with such properties are of course also suitable for a variety of other uses: Approach shoes, for example, are ideal via ferrata shoes, because a firm hold in the shoe, a good grip and lightweight shoes are also advantageous here. In addition, you can also do hikes of all kinds with approach shoes, from forest trails to scree fields and benefit from the technical details of the shoes. Last but not least, an approach shoe can of course also be a lifestyle shoe, first and foremost the Scarpa Mojito, which has now become a popular everyday shoe and has a large fan base.

What makes a good approach shoe?

• The sole: For hiking & approach shoes, everything revolves around the grip. Approach shoes should provide the best possible grip on the rock. This is achieved by a natural rubber component in the sole, which provides extra grip. Approach shoes also have a relatively flat profile - in contrast to classic mountain boots, which all have a deep profile. The reason again lies in the grip: A flat well adhering profile provides a better grip on smooth rock. The deep profile is more advantageous on scree or loose rock.


• The "Climbing Zone": The toe of the shoe is also specially equipped in approach shoes. Many models have an area at the front of the sole completely without profile - the so-called "Climbing Zone". This makes it easier to tackle light climbs or a via ferrata than with a rough tread, which could even snag you on wire ropes or narrow steps.In addition to the "Climbing Zone" on the sole, many approach shoes have a rubber coating on the toe of the shoe and are thus almost reminiscent of real climbing shoes. This provides a good grip on the toe of the shoe during short climbs. In addition, the rubber coating protects the shoe from abrasion and wear.


• The lacing and the heel construction: Also in terms of lacing and heel construction approach shoes stand out from normal mountain shoes. A typical feature of approach shoes is a lacing that runs all the way to the toe of the shoe. This allows the shoe to be perfectly adjusted to the foot and the foot sits tightly in the shoe. The heel construction, which some manufacturers use in their approach shoes, aims to achieve exactly the same thing. The Wildfire from Salewa, for example, has stabilization straps for the heel area, which provide even more support in the shoe.

Approach shoe or hiking shoe?

Whether an approach shoe or hiking shoe is the right choice depends, of course, on your own hiking and climbing preferences. An approach shoe is generally much firmer and less cushioned than a classic hiking shoe. So if you do a lot of hiking on paved trails, a hiking boot is the more comfortable choice. In addition, approach shoes as low shoes naturally do not offer stability in the ankle area. On rough terrain, this can quickly lead to injuries if you are not used to this lack of stability. For beginners, an ankle-high hiking shoe is therefore always the better choice. If you are looking for a lightweight shoe for short hikes over rock or for via ferrata, approach shoes are the ideal choice. With their sophisticated technical details, they are perfectly tailored to these specific requirements.

What are the names of the best-known manufacturers and models?

The traditional Italian brand La Sportiva also offers a classic approach shoe in form of the Boulder X, which is particularly suitable for technical approaches with its asymmetrical lacing and the climbing zone in the toe area. adidas delivers technical approach shoes with a sporty look with its TERREX collection.

Where can I buy cheap hiking and approach shoes?

In our outlet for hiking shoes and approach shoes you will always find a large selection of current models of the well-known outdoor manufacturers at reduced prices. It's worth taking a look!

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