​Approach shoes have both the characteristics of rock-climbing shoes and hiking boots. Since their introduction, approach shoes have evolved over the years. Application of recent technology has enhanced their performance to shoes you can use not only when hiking but also when mountain climbing or trail running. A quality pair of approach shoes for hiking should be comfortable and strong enough to withstand any type of hiking terrain. This review gives you our top three approach shoes you can pick for hiking and what to look out for when shopping for a quality pair.
Table of Contents
​What should you look out for?
We all want a pair of hiking shoes that are comfortable, strong and durable. Below are the qualities you should consider when buying approach shoes for hiking.
Stable and stiff
A good approach shoe should be a little stiff and very stable to help you keep your balance. The tougher the terrain you will be hiking on, the stiffer and stable your approach shoes need to be. Stiff shoes are a bit uncomfortable at first but as your feet get used to them, it will be easier.
Breathability
Your feet need to breath for your comfort. A highly breathable pair is good for your feet when hiking. Different brands have different makes with some being highly breathable and others not breathable. Approach shoes with an upper layer made of mesh will offer you better breathability compared to GTX models, leather or suede ones with some canvas shoes offering you some breathability.
Some brands will, however have you compromising on some qualities. They will offer you high breathability but they are not very protective and do not last for long. Approach shoes with an upper body mesh are very breathable but not as protective as their counterparts when the trail is sandy. For a more durable pair consider one with another upper make such as suede, canvas or leather.
Weight
One of the biggest concerns of any hiker is the amount of weight to bear either from the backpack or the feet. The weight of approach shoes should matter whether you are in them or carrying them in your backpack. You need to have light luggage on you when on a hiking trail. This applies to what you wear too, approach shoes notwithstanding. The lighter your approach shoes are, the lighter and less strenuous your feet and backup will be- if you are carrying the approach shoes.
One thing to remember though are the other qualities you might compromise when looking for light approach shoes. Lighter approach shoes are less durable and offer less stability and protection. Even when considering lightness, do not compromise the other qualities that much.
Rubber Rands
Approach shoes with rubber rands that extend to the toe box are better since they will provide your feet with more protection. Some approach shoes even have an all-round rubber rand, covering the whole shoe. This is better because it protects your whole foot. Larger rubber rands will offer you more protection as well as making the shoe more long-lasting and stable for tough terrains. The only compromise with this is that they shoe will be a little heavy and will not also be very breathable.
Our top choices of the Best approach shoes for hiking
​SCARPA Men’s Gecko Approach Shoe
Outdoor Veteran Rating: Great
Price: 
Bottom Line: It has a suede upper body that offers protection and makes it very durable. The sole is second to none for grip and durability and they look great!
The Lowdown
​Weight
​Weighing 1 lb. 9 oz., the Scarpa Gecko approach shoe makes it easy for you to walk on any terrain due to its light in weight.
​Sole
​The sole is made of rubber giving the shoe excellent grip.
​Upper body
​The upper body is made of suede making it durable and comfortable.
​Rubber rand
​A rubber rand at the toe to protect your toes from an abrasive terrain.
Pros
- An upper body made of suede making it long lasting.
- Rubber rand up to the toe giving superior resistance on abrasive terrains.
- Sticky sole made of rubber for good grip.
Cons
- It is rigid which makes it uncomfortable for hiking for long days.
​SCARPA Men’s Gecko Approach Shoe Review
​The mid sole of the shoe has a dual-density that makes its strong and study enough for support. The out sole is made of Vibram Reptilla SR, which makes it ideal for hiking during a snowy weather or rough terrain. The toe of the shoe has an extensive rubber rand protecting your toe in an abrasive terrain.
If you will be on the terrain for many days, this is not the best approach shoe to have. It is rigid, which makes it better for a steep rocky terrain and not for a long period.
See it in Action
​Five Ten Men’s Guide Tennie Leather Approach Shoe
Outdoor Veteran Rating: Great
Price: 
Bottom Line: ​This approach shoe has protruding climbing zone close to the toes and a not very stiff sole that gives you a better grip and great support.
The Lowdown
​Weight
​The upper body is made of suede making it long-lasting as well as offering you more protection on a sandy trail on during snowy weather.
​Sole
​Its sole is C4 stealth tread and made of rubber making it very strong making it good even for climbing.
​Upper body
​The upper body is made of suede making it long-lasting as well as offering you more protection on a sandy trail on during snowy weather.
​Rubber rand
​Has a rubber rand and more proprietary zone on the toes giving it more precision.
Pros
- Stealth rubber sole for grip.
- More precision because of proprietary zone for toes.
- Very durable
Cons
- A very stiff sole that might be a little uncomfortable for some
​Five Ten Men’s Guide Tennie Leather Approach Shoe Review
​The new update of Five Ten Guide Teenie has still left the approach shoes as one of the best approach shoes to own. The performance of the shoe on rough terrain especially a rocky one is top notch. This is because its sole is made of stealth rubber, which offers your feet more protection on rough terrains. The sole is a bit slippery on a wet terrain so one needs to be a bit careful lest you slip.
The sole is also a bit stiff and one needs to use the pair a few times before hitting the hiking trail in them. This will help you get more used to the shoes for comfort as well as avoiding getting blisters while out there. This new update, however, makes it lighter than the previous models, breathable and comfortable at the ankle.
The upper body is made of suede offering you protection from debris of sand if the terrain is sandy, or from dust in a dusty terrain and getting wet in case it is snowing. The suede also makes the shoe more durable. The entire toe box has a rubber rand protecting your toes from abrasion.
See it in Action
La Sportiva TX3 Approach Shoe Mens
Outdoor Veteran Rating: Great
Price: 
Bottom Line: With a combination of mountain running shoe, boots for mountainous terrain as well as climbing shoes these approach shoes are perfect for hking
The Lowdown
​Weight
​The mesh upper body and its 1lb. 9 oz. makes it light in weight for a hike if you have a heavy back pack or long terrains.
​Sole
The Vibram Megagrip sole offers you good grip on tough terrains and the mid sole has MEMIex making it very comfortable.
​Upper body
The upper body is made of mesh making it highly breathable for your feet.
​Rubber rand
​Has an all-round rubber rand that offers more protection when hiking on abrasive terrains.
Pros
- Highly breathable compared to other models.
- Light in weight so it weigh you down.
- A very comfortable sole with good grip.
Cons
- Less durable because of the mesh on the upper body.
​ La Sportiva TX3 Approach Shoe Review
​La Sportiva TX3’s upper body is made of synthetic mesh. This makes it one of the most breathable approach shoes in the market at the moment. The upper body mesh lets your feet breath without absorbing any water or sweat.
It is also light in weight due to the mesh used in the upper body. This is good because the shoe will not weigh you down. The only problem with this is that the shoe will not last long compared to its counterparts made of suede, canvas or leather. The mesh also offers you less protection especially on a sandy or stony terrain.
TX3 offers you much comfort on the trail and high performance. The sole is made of Vibram Megagrip making it dependable on a rocky terrain or during snowy weather. To help with downhill terrains, they have in-cut heels making it easy for you to go downhill without slipping down.
This is a nice pair of approach shoes to have especially during summer.
See it in Action
The Best Women’s Approach Shoe for Hiking
La Sportiva TX3 Approach Shoe womens
Outdoor Veteran Rating: Great
Price: 
Bottom Line: Top quality just like the mens version, a great approach shoe for hiking providing everything you need in a shoe for hiking
Final Note
In conclusion, for better comfort on a hiking terrain, consider getting an approach shoe with a rubber rand at the toe but if you can get one that has an all-round rubber rand, your feet will be protected much better. Another thing to consider is the upper body of the shoe because it will affect the durability of the shoe, its comfort as well as the breathability.
