Buying guide
Best approach shoes for scrambling
Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick
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Top picks at a glance
Compare them allBest overall
La Sportiva TX4 Evo GTX: suede, for rock and wet slabs
The listing names rock, gravel and wet slabs as recommended surfaces, which is the British scramble mix.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate linkBest value
Scarpa Crux: Vibram Megagrip, 358 g listed
The listing names a Vibram Vertical Approach sole in Megagrip compound, built for grip on rock.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate linkMost features
Scarpa Mescalito: lacing to the toe, Vibram Dynamis LB
The listing says the lacing extends to the climbing zone, letting you snug the fit for scrambling.
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An approach shoe sits between a walking shoe and a climbing shoe. It has a sticky rubber sole, often with a smooth climbing zone under the toes for edging on rock, a rubber rand around the front for protection and lacing that runs close to the toe so you can snug the fit for scrambling. That makes it a good tool for rocky ridges and summer scrambles such as Tryfan's North Ridge or Striding Edge in dry weather. The trade-offs are less cushioning, a lower cut and soles that wear faster on long tarmac or gravel. Approach shoes do not make a scramble any less serious: grade, weather and experience still decide whether a route is right for you. This guide compares five approach shoes using only what each listing states: upper, outsole, membrane and named uses. Sizes are in UK sizes first; Italian brands often size small, so check the chart.
All products compared
- La Sportiva TX4 Evo GTX: suede, for rock and wet slabs
- Upper
- Suede
- Outsole
- Rubber
- Membrane
- Gore-Tex
- Listed use
- Rock, gravel, wet slabs
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Scarpa Mescalito: lacing to the toe, Vibram Dynamis LB
- Upper
- Water-repellent suede
- Outsole
- Vibram Dynamis LB
- Membrane
- None stated
- Listed use
- Technical approach, via ferrata, hiking
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Scarpa Crux: Vibram Megagrip, 358 g listed
- Upper
- 1.8 mm suede and polyester mesh
- Outsole
- Vibram Vertical Approach / Megagrip
- Membrane
- None stated
- Listed use
- Not stated
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - La Sportiva TX Guide Leather: leather approach shoe
- Upper
- Leather and synthetic
- Outsole
- Rubber
- Membrane
- None stated
- Listed use
- Hiking and climbing
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - La Sportiva Boulder X: rubber-wrapped, speed laces
- Upper
- Synthetic
- Outsole
- Synthetic
- Membrane
- None stated
- Listed use
- Climbing, hiking
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link
| Product | Upper | Outsole | Membrane | Listed use | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Sportiva TX4 Evo GTX: suede, for rock and wet slabs | Suede | Rubber | Gore-Tex | Rock, gravel, wet slabs | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Scarpa Mescalito: lacing to the toe, Vibram Dynamis LB | Water-repellent suede | Vibram Dynamis LB | None stated | Technical approach, via ferrata, hiking | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Scarpa Crux: Vibram Megagrip, 358 g listed | 1.8 mm suede and polyester mesh | Vibram Vertical Approach / Megagrip | None stated | Not stated | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| La Sportiva TX Guide Leather: leather approach shoe | Leather and synthetic | Rubber | None stated | Hiking and climbing | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| La Sportiva Boulder X: rubber-wrapped, speed laces | Synthetic | Synthetic | None stated | Climbing, hiking | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.
The products in detail
No. 1 · La Sportiva
La Sportiva TX4 Evo GTX: suede, for rock and wet slabs
La Sportiva's TX4 Evo GTX is a suede approach shoe with a Gore-Tex lining, listed for rock, gravel and wet slabs. A versatile pick for British scrambles in changeable weather.
In its favour
- The listing names rock, gravel and wet slabs as recommended surfaces, which is the British scramble mix.
- Gore-Tex lining is stated, useful on wet approaches and damp grass to the crag.
- Suede upper is listed, tougher against rock abrasion than a mesh shoe.
Good to know
- A Gore-Tex lining makes it warmer and slower to dry in summer than a non-membrane shoe.
- The listing does not name the outsole compound, so check La Sportiva's details.
Listing title: LA SPORTIVA TX4 Evo GTX - Men's Approach Shoe - Carbon/Bamboo
No. 2 · Scarpa
Scarpa Mescalito: lacing to the toe, Vibram Dynamis LB
Scarpa's Mescalito is a suede approach shoe with lacing that runs to the climbing zone, a rubber toe cap and a Vibram Dynamis LB sole. It suits technical approaches and via ferratas.
In its favour
- The listing says the lacing extends to the climbing zone, letting you snug the fit for scrambling.
- A Vibram Dynamis LB sole is named, which Scarpa says keeps grip while cutting sole weight.
- An asymmetrical rubber toe cap and TPU heel support are described in the listing.
Good to know
- No membrane is listed, so feet will get wet on boggy approaches.
- The specs field lists the sole as leather, which conflicts with the bullets, so check the maker's page.
Listing title: SCARPA Mescalito
No. 3 · Scarpa
Scarpa Crux: Vibram Megagrip, 358 g listed
Scarpa's Crux is a light approach shoe with a 1.8 mm suede and mesh upper and a Vibram Vertical Approach sole in Megagrip. It suits dry rocky paths and summer scrambles.
In its favour
- The listing names a Vibram Vertical Approach sole in Megagrip compound, built for grip on rock.
- A 1.8 mm suede and polyester mesh upper is stated, a balance of protection and breathability.
- The listed weight of 358 g is light for an approach shoe.
Good to know
- Listed as not water resistant, so wet grass on the approach will soak through.
- The listing does not say whether the weight is per shoe or per pair.
Listing title: Scarpa Crux Hiking Shoes EU 46 1/2
No. 4 · La Sportiva
La Sportiva TX Guide Leather: leather approach shoe
La Sportiva's TX Guide Leather is a leather approach shoe with a leather lining, listed for hiking and climbing. It suits scrambles and crag approaches where durability matters.
In its favour
- Leather upper and leather lining are both listed, hard wearing against rock.
- The listing names hiking and recreational climbing as uses, the job of an approach shoe.
- Shoe adjustability is listed and the fit is described as fitting well.
Good to know
- Listed as water resistant rather than waterproof, so wet approaches will soak in over time.
- The outsole compound is not named in the listing.
Listing title: La Sportiva TX Guide Leather
No. 5 · La Sportiva
La Sportiva Boulder X: rubber-wrapped, speed laces
La Sportiva's Boulder X is a long-running approach shoe with speed lacing, listed for climbing and hiking and as impact resistant. It suits rocky approaches and dry scrambles.
In its favour
- The listing names climbing and hiking as uses, with impact resistance as a special feature.
- Speed laces are listed, which make it quick to tighten for a scramble and loosen for the walk out.
- The fit is described in the listing as true to size.
Good to know
- Listed as not water resistant, so it is a dry-weather shoe in British conditions.
- The listed weight of 1.2 kg does not say whether that is per pair.
Listing title: La Sportiva Boulder X, Men's Hiking shoes
Read before you buy
- What are approach shoes and who needs them?Sticky rubber, toe rands and lacing to the toe: what approach shoes are for, where they beat walking boots on British rock and where they do not.
- Do you need walking boots for Snowdon?Footwear for Yr Wyddfa path by path: Llanberis, Pyg, Miners and Crib Goch, in summer and winter, and when walking shoes are enough and when boots are wiser.
- Scarpa vs La Sportiva bootsTwo Italian makers compared by last width, sizing quirks and their walking, approach and mountain models, with four listings set side by side.
- Approach shoes vs hiking shoesApproach shoes trade cushioning for sticky rubber and precise lacing; hiking shoes do the reverse. When each one earns its place on British paths and rock.
More buying guides: Walking and approach shoes
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