Approach shoes
An approach shoe will allow you to reach easily the start of your rock climbing adventure. They have all the required features to walk safely in your favourite playground. Good foot support, durability, traction, manufacturers do everything to design a shoe that is a hybrid between climbing shoes and hiking shoes, and that will follow you on all your adventures. Read our tips at the bottom of the page!
Read more Show less![Salewa Approach shoes Alp Trainer 2 Wmn Dark Denim Black Side Salewa Approach shoes Alp Trainer 2 Wmn Dark Denim Black Side](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£163.71
-22%
£127.31
Salewa's Alp Trainer 2 Wmn Dark Denim Black women’s hiking shoe offers excellent support, cushioning and performance grip on wet terrain.
- 5 (38)
- 5.5 (38.5)
- 6 (39)
- 7 (40.5)
![Millet Approach shoes Friction Gtx U Ivy 2 Side Millet Approach shoes Friction Gtx U Ivy 2 Side](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£181.91
-35%
£118.21
-
- 10 (44 2/3)
- 11 (46)
![Scarpa Approach shoes Mescalito Titanium Mango Side Scarpa Approach shoes Mescalito Titanium Mango Side](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£191.01
-19%
£154.61
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- 44
- 46
![Millet Approach shoes Trident Guide Gtx Tarmac Side Millet Approach shoes Trident Guide Gtx Tarmac Side](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£200.11
-31%
£136.41
The Millet Trident Guide Gtx Tarmac approach shoe is durable and precise for all your mountain hikes on steep terrain.
- 7.5 (41 1/3)
- 8 (42)
- 8.5 (42 2/3)
- 9 (43 1/3)
- 9.5 (44)
- 10 (44 2/3)
- 10.5 (45 1/3)
- 11 (46)
![Scarpa Approach shoes Zodiac Tonic Side Scarpa Approach shoes Zodiac Tonic Side](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£177.45
-40%
£106.38
The Scarpa Zodiac Tonic is a durable, flexible, and comfortable approach shoe, perfect for mountain trails, featuring water repellent suede leather, Sock-fit technology, and a Vibram sole for enhanced grip.
- 40
- 40.5
![La Sportiva Approach shoes Tx4 Woman Carbon Aqua Side La Sportiva Approach shoes Tx4 Woman Carbon Aqua Side](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£172.81
-40%
£103.65
The La Sportiva Tx4 Woman Carbon Aqua approach shoe is highly robust and designed to be durable. Grip has not been sacrificed, the Vibram outsole with climbing zone ensures traction in technical sections.
- 39.5
![Dolomite Approach shoes Diagonal GTX Storm grey Fiery Red Side Dolomite Approach shoes Diagonal GTX Storm grey Fiery Red Side](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£145.51
-25%
£109.11
The Diagonal Gtx Storm grey Fiery Red is a lightweight and versatile men’s hiking shoe from Dolomite.
- 7 (40 2/3)
- 8 (42)
- 8.5 (42.5)
- 9 (43 1/3)
- 9.5 (44)
- 10 (44.5)
- 11 (45 2/3)
![Asolo Approach shoes Eldo Oasis Smoky Grey Side Asolo Approach shoes Eldo Oasis Smoky Grey Side](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£154.61
-23%
£118.21
-
- 7.5 (41 1/3)
- 9 (43 1/3)
- 9.5 (43 2/3)
- 10 (44 1/2)
- 10.5 (45)
![Scarpa Approach shoes Mescalito Gtx Shark Azur Side Scarpa Approach shoes Mescalito Gtx Shark Azur Side](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£200.11
-20%
£159.16
The Scarpa Mescalito Gtx Shark Azur men’s approach shoe is a technical model designed with a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane and a Vibram sole to provide grip and protection from the elements.
- 41.5
- 42
- 42.5
- 43.5
- 44
- 45.5
- 46
![Black Diamond Approach shoes Mission Lt Eclispe Blue Amber Side Black Diamond Approach shoes Mission Lt Eclispe Blue Amber Side](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£131.95
-34%
£86.36
-
- 9 (42)
- 9.5 (42.5)
- 11 (44.5)
![Millet Approach shoes Super Trident Gtx Ivy Side Millet Approach shoes Super Trident Gtx Ivy Side](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£209.21
-26%
£154.61
- 10.5 (45 1/3)
![Millet Approach shoes Super Trident Gtx Tarmac 2 Side Millet Approach shoes Super Trident Gtx Tarmac 2 Side](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£218.31
-20%
£172.81
- 7 (40 2/3)
- 7.5 (41 1/3)
- 8 (42)
- 8.5 (42 2/3)
- 9 (43 1/3)
- 9.5 (44)
- 10 (44 2/3)
- 10.5 (45 1/3)
- 11 (46)
![Salewa Approach shoes Wildfire Canvas M Bungee Cord Black Side Salewa Approach shoes Wildfire Canvas M Bungee Cord Black Side](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£127.31
-24%
£95.55
-
- 8 (42)
- 8.5 (42.5)
- 11 (46)
![Salewa Approach shoes Alp Trainer 2 GTX Onyx Black Back Salewa Approach shoes Alp Trainer 2 GTX Onyx Black Back](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£181.91
-25%
£136.41
-
- 10 (44.5)
- 10.5 (45)
![Salewa Approach shoes Alp Trainer 2 GTX W Syrah Black Front Salewa Approach shoes Alp Trainer 2 GTX W Syrah Black Front](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£181.91
-25%
£136.41
-
- 5 (38)
- 5.5 (38.5)
- 6 (39)
![Scarpa Approach shoes Mescalito Gtx Women's Midgray Aqua Side Scarpa Approach shoes Mescalito Gtx Women's Midgray Aqua Side](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£200.11
-20%
£159.16
Designed by Scarpa, the Mescalito Gtx Women's Midgray Aqua women’s approach shoe protects your feet from the elements, offers good support as well as good grip on all types of terrain.
- 37.5
- 38
- 38.5
- 39
- 39.5
- 40
- 40.5
![Aku Approach shoes Rock Dfs GTX Rust Side Aku Approach shoes Rock Dfs GTX Rust Side](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£181.91
-20%
£145.51
The Rock Dfs GTX Rust approach shoe from AKU keeps your feet dry thanks to its waterproof Gore-Tex membrane.
- 8.5 (42.5)
- 9.5 (44)
- 10 (44.5)
![Aku Approach shoes Rock Dfs black orange Side Aku Approach shoes Rock Dfs black orange Side](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£163.71
-38%
£100.01
-
- 7.5 (41.5)
- 8 (42)
- 9.5 (44)
- 10 (44.5)
- 10.5 (45)
- 11 (46)
![Kayland Approach shoes Vitrik Gtx Teal Blue Side Kayland Approach shoes Vitrik Gtx Teal Blue Side](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£163.71
-24%
£122.85
The Kayand Vitrik Gtx Teal Blue is a men’s approach shoe featuring a Gore-Tex membrane. This model guarantees good foot support and maximum traction on any terrain.
- 7.5 (41)
- 8 (42)
- 9.5 (43.5)
- 11 (45.5)
![Scarpa Approach shoes Zodiac Gtx Anthracite Sulphur Side Scarpa Approach shoes Zodiac Gtx Anthracite Sulphur Side](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£236.51
-15%
£200.11
The Scarpa Zodiac GTX Anthracite Sulphur is a versatile approach shoe, featuring advanced features like BAS technology, Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, and 37.5 temperature control.
- 41.5
- 42
- 42.5
- 43
- 43.5
- 44
- 44.5
- 45
![La Sportiva Approach shoes Tx4 Gtx Carbon Flame Detail La Sportiva Approach shoes Tx4 Gtx Carbon Flame Detail](/Assets/220928/Theme/Project/Glisshop/img/empty.png)
Recommended price
£186.55
-41%
£109.11
- 45.5
INCLUDED
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What is a mountain approach hike?
To access a remote climbing spot, it is sometimes needed to hike, and even climb short sections to reach the starting point of your ascent. Often, the trail that leads to the bottom of the crag is very technical, across dense overgrowth, massive rock formations, testimonies of past landslides. More than a mere hike, an approach walk has the taste of what’s coming. Because an isolated climb, far away from the crowd, needs to be earned.
Approach or hiking shoe, which is best?
A hiking shoe can be appropriate for approaches. If you know the area well enough and are not the type to venture on unknown and isolated cliffs, an approach shoe may not be required.
However, you can’t always know specifically what’s ahead on the route. Sometimes, the access requires venturing off the trails and scrambling your way up short walls or slick slabs. Approach shoes are now justified for their comfort, grip and protection on more challenging terrain.
The advantages of a dedicated approach shoe
Approach shoes are designed by manufacturers to combine the advantages of three types of mountain sports shoes:
- Climbing shoes: thanks to a lacing system that goes down all the way to the toes, approach shoes guarantee good foot support in any situation.
Which approach shoes for via ferrata or climbing?
In some cases, on easy climbing or secured via ferrata routes, approach shoes can be a good alternative to less comfortable climbing shoes. Keep in mind that not all models are appropriate, to help you choose the shoes that work best, here’s a list of the various types of approach shoes available to this day.
Boots
Boots are high ankle approach shoes. They look very similar to traditional hiking boots and have the same advantages. Thanks to their high cuff, they guarantee good foot and ankle support, while being comfortable. Because of their design, they are the ideal mountaineering boots for winter approaches. Paired with gaiters, they’ll offer ideal protection from cold, moisture and snow.
Low cut shoes
At the other end of the spectrum, this type of approach shoes is better suited to summer use in dry conditions. Praised by climbing enthusiasts, these low cut shoes are appreciated for their lightness and how durable they are for mountain use. They will also satisfy backpackers who often have to venture off the trails, in remote and wild locations for multiple days. They will make hikers and climbers looking for lightness to move fast happy.
Mid cut boots
The perfect balance between low cuts and high ankle approach boots, mid cut models offer a very interesting weight/comfort/performance ratio. Ideal for those you can’t choose!
Gore-Tex approach shoes, why?
Even if climbing generally takes place in dry and sunny weather, the trail that leads to the climbing spot may cross a stream. In addition, if you’ve decided to go scouring for places to climb and the weather looks unsettled, a waterproof approach shoe will be much appreciated.
Nowadays, Gore tex style membranes are popular on the outdoor market. From technical garments to trail running shoes, the brand can be seen on the products of many manufacturers. Some approach shoes are now equipped with it. Such is the case of the Millet Super Trident gtx, or the low cut SalewaAlp Trainer 2 gtx.
Keep in mind that while Gore tex is efficient and beneficial in poor weather conditions, waterproof approach shoes will show their limitations when it gets hot. Breathability is affected.
La Sportiva, Scarpa, Salewa... the best men’s and women’s approach shoes are available at Glisshop
At Glisshop, we’re proud to offer approach shoes from the most renowned brands in the outdoor world such as Kayland and the Vitrik range. One thing is certain, you’ll find what you’re looking for on our online store. Discover right now a large range of approach shoes and start the season with high quality equipment that answers your needs! They are all durable and provide comfort, as well as safety on your most beautiful adventures.