# Best approach shoes for scrambling Source: https://trailandlace.co.uk/best/best-approach-shoes Publisher: Trail and Lace. Picks are based on what the Amazon listings state, not on hands-on testing. Method: https://trailandlace.co.uk/how-we-pick 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. ## Products ### 1. LA SPORTIVA TX4 Evo GTX - Men's Approach Shoe - Carbon/Bamboo Upper: Suede; Outsole: Rubber; Membrane: Gore-Tex; Listed use: Rock, gravel, 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. ### 2. SCARPA Mescalito Upper: Water-repellent suede; Outsole: Vibram Dynamis LB; Membrane: None stated; Listed use: Technical approach, via ferrata, hiking 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. ### 3. Scarpa Crux Hiking Shoes EU 46 1/2 Upper: 1.8 mm suede and polyester mesh; Outsole: Vibram Vertical Approach / Megagrip; Membrane: None stated; Listed use: Not stated 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. ### 4. La Sportiva TX Guide Leather Upper: Leather and synthetic; Outsole: Rubber; Membrane: None stated; Listed use: Hiking and climbing 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. ### 5. La Sportiva Boulder X, Men's Hiking shoes Upper: Synthetic; Outsole: Synthetic; Membrane: None stated; Listed use: Climbing, hiking 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. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.