# What are approach shoes and who needs them?

Source: https://trailandlace.co.uk/blog/what-are-approach-shoes
Published: 2026-10-12
Publisher: Trail and Lace

**In short:** Approach shoes are low-cut shoes made for the walk to a climb and the easy rock on the way. They have sticky rubber soles, a smooth climbing zone under the toes, a protective rubber rand and lacing that runs to the toe. They suit scrambles, rocky ridges and crag approaches; for muddy paths and long flat miles, walking shoes or boots are usually more comfortable.

Approach shoes started as footwear for climbers walking in to a crag: comfortable enough to walk in, grippy enough to scramble up easy rock to the start of a climb. Today many hill walkers use them for summer scrambles and rocky mountains. This explainer covers the features that define an approach shoe, what they are used for in Britain, where they beat boots and where they do not.

## The features of an approach shoe

Scarpa's Mescalito listing, for example, describes lacing that extends to the climbing zone, an asymmetrical rubber toe cap and a Vibram Dynamis LB sole. La Sportiva's TX4 Evo GTX listing names rock, gravel and wet slabs as recommended surfaces.

- Sticky rubber outsole: softer and grippier on rock than standard hiking rubber.
- Climbing zone: a smooth, flat area under the toes for standing on small edges.
- Rubber rand: a band of rubber around the toe and sides to protect against rock.
- Lacing to the toe: laces that start near the toes, so you can tighten the front for precision.
- Durable upper: usually suede or leather, sometimes synthetic, with or without a membrane.

## What approach shoes are used for

In Britain, approach shoes are popular for summer scrambles such as Tryfan's North Ridge, Striding Edge and the ridges of Glen Coe and Skye, for walking in to crags, and as a tough summer hill shoe on rocky mountains. They are also used for via ferratas abroad.

Their precision helps on rock steps where you need to place your foot on a small hold. The rand protects the shoe when jamming toes into cracks or brushing against rock.

Note: Scrambling is serious and exposed terrain. Grippy shoes do not reduce the need for experience, good conditions and a route within your ability. Consider a scrambling course with a qualified instructor.

## Approach shoes vs walking boots and shoes

Read [approach shoes vs hiking shoes](https://trailandlace.co.uk/blog/approach-shoes-vs-hiking-shoes) for a direct comparison with one model of each.

|  | Approach shoe | Walking shoe | Walking boot |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Grip on dry rock | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Grip in mud | Fair, shallow lugs | Good | Good |
| Cushioning | Firmer | Softer | Varies |
| Ankle cover | None | None | Yes |
| Water from wet grass | Gets in | Gets in | Kept out to the cuff |
| Sole wear on tarmac | Faster | Moderate | Slower |

General comparison

## Who needs approach shoes

Approach shoes make sense if you scramble regularly, climb and walk in to crags, enjoy rocky ridges in summer or want a tough shoe for dry mountain days. They are not essential for most hill walking; good walking boots or shoes handle easy scrambles too.

They are less suited to boggy moorland, long lowland walks and wet grass, where their shallow lugs clog and soft rubber can feel slippery. In winter conditions they are not suitable for snow and ice.

## Choosing an approach shoe

Fit precisely but comfortably: you should be able to walk for hours, but the shoe should not slop around on rock. Many walkers wear approach shoes slightly snugger than walking shoes. Italian brands such as Scarpa and La Sportiva often size differently from UK brands, so check charts.

Decide whether you want a membrane. A Gore-Tex lining helps on wet approaches but makes the shoe warmer and slower to dry. Many climbers prefer non-membrane shoes for summer.

Our guide to the [best approach shoes for scrambling](https://trailandlace.co.uk/best/best-approach-shoes) compares five models from La Sportiva and Scarpa using listing facts, and our [walking shoes for hill paths](https://trailandlace.co.uk/best/best-walking-shoes-for-hill-paths) guide covers more cushioned alternatives.

[See the best approach shoes](https://trailandlace.co.uk/best/best-approach-shoes)

## Caring for approach shoes

Brush off grit after use, as it wears suede and stitching. Clean the soles to keep the rubber grippy; dirty rubber grips less on rock. Dry them slowly away from heat. Some approach shoes can be resoled by specialist repairers, which is worth asking about if you wear them often.

Store them somewhere cool and dry, not in a hot car, which can soften the sticky rubber compounds approach shoes rely on. When the climbing zone wears smooth or the rand starts to peel, grip and protection drop, so plan a resole or replacement before your next scrambling season.

## Frequently asked questions

**What is an approach shoe in hiking?** A low shoe with sticky rubber and a climbing zone, made for rocky approaches and scrambles.

**Can you hike in approach shoes?** Yes, especially on rocky ground. On mud and long flat sections, hiking shoes are usually more comfortable.

**Are approach shoes good for scrambling?** Their grip and precision on rock make them a popular choice for summer scrambles.

**Do approach shoes give ankle support?** They are low-cut with no cuff. Some mid-height approach boots exist for those who want more cover.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://trailandlace.co.uk/best/best-approach-shoes
- https://trailandlace.co.uk/best/best-walking-shoes-for-hill-paths
- https://trailandlace.co.uk/best/scarpa-walking-boots-compared