In the past, mountaineers wore approach shoes to walk the trails leading up to their actual climb (the “approach” refers to the route between the start of the hike and the base of a cliff). Nowadays, it feels like I can’t throw a rock without hitting someone dripped out in these Gore-Tex sneakers.
The New York Times calls them “a shoe that looks great on everyone.” It’s true there’s been an uptick of this outdoorsy style all over, from around my local coffee shop to the ad campaigns of luxury fashion houses like Proenza Schouler and Loewe.
While true hiking boots are too clunky for long distances, an understated, low-profile approach shoe is much easier to slip on and walk in. We’ve tested the trendy Salomons, but here I’ve rounded up comfortable alternatives with a similar gorpy flair. These pairs can be styled with your favorite barrel jeans, cargo pants, or even a maxi skirt this fall.
Keen Jasper
Tara Larson/Business Insider
Why we love them: These have a wide toe box and a molded cork footbed similar to Birkenstocks.
Skip if: You prefer foam cushioning and meaningful arch support.
Keen’s Jasper line has been around since 2008, but thanks to the gorpcore trend, the shoe has made its way onto urban landscapes (Harry Styles and Zoe Kravitz were each seen wearing them). I wish I had tried them a little earlier — scrambling up a rock crevice in Sedona’s Cathedral Rock hike a few months ago might have gone better with these in my rotation.
When I first slipped them on, I noticed their rugged, yet soft suede uppers. I was concerned they would be too stiff for walking, but once they were on I found them comfortable.
As for their technical qualities, the chunky soles are made of thick rubber material and use tread patterns inspired by tire tracks, giving it a little extra grip. The footbed is made up of cork and Latex footbed cushions, which is designed to mold to your foot, similar to Birkenstocks.
These are a good fit if you like a wide toe box. Style-wise, the shoes are a happy medium between an walking shoe and an approach shoe. The Jasper is available in several colorways, from bright to neutral. They add a little spice to my typical bodega run or thrift shopping outings without going too far out of my comfort zone.
Sorel Callsign Horizon Low GTX
Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider
Why we love them: They’re fully waterproof with reflective details and a contoured fit.
Skip if: You want a slim, flexible approach shoe — their waterproof Gore-Tex upper is stiffer than mesh. They also come in a more flexible, non-waterproof version (Men’s│Women’s).
“I met my best friend in college, where she studied fashion with a focus in textiles. She loved her first pair of Sorel Callsigns so much that she ordered a second in a different color, which influenced my friends and I to try them,” says style editor Gabrielle Chase.
Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider
“These Salomon alternatives have a thick platform sole unlike actual approach shoes, which are thinner to allow for more nimble climbing. Sorel’s waterproof walking shoes are still great on the trails, as they’re lighter than boots. If you have any pants that are too long, these can also give you a nice boost so the hems don’t drag.”
See more of our favorite Sorel shoes in our guides to the best clogs, best winter boots for women, and best winter boots for men.
La Sportiva TX4 EVO
Backcountry
Why we love them: The durable, rugged soles are great for gripping.
Skip if: You want a light approach shoe, as these weigh more than similar pairs.
La Sportiva is a household name in the climbing space. However, some have noticed a change in this shoe’s design over time, with many debates on whether they’re as good as they once were.
As far as the look of the La Sportiva TX4 EVO ST goes, these are more typical for what you’d expect of an outdoors brand. They feature several different colorways of a rigid leather upper, and a design perfect for scrambling — but may be less comfortable for day to day walking. They’re also heavier than some of the competition, weighing in at 1.5 pounds for the women’s, and 1.75 pounds for the men’s.
Arc’teryx Konseal
Arc’teryx
Why we love them: The sleek, minimalist look makes them easy to style.
Skip if: You have a wide foot, as these have slim toe box.
When I think of Arc’teryx, I think of the brand’s quality Gore-Tex shell jackets and beanies that pop up all over SoHo every December. The brand added footwear to their rotation in 2018, and quickly made a name for itself among the approach shoe crowd.
The Konseal shoes are popular for a few reasons. They’re are a highly durable option, thanks to its Vibram XS Flash 2 outsoles and nubuck leather uppers. The shoes also boast a minimal, sleek aesthetic with clean lines and understated colorways, though the color options are limited. One pair weighs 12 ounces. Several reviewers commented on the comfort of the shoe, with one saying they hiked 500 miles in them without any blisters. However, a few noted that the toe box runs narrow.
FAQs on approach shoes
What are approach shoes?
Approach shoes are designed for terrain hikes on the approach to a climbing route. They combine features of hiking boots and climbing shoes, including supportive uppers and grippy traction, into a slim silhouette with precise toe boxes for more nimble climbing.
Are approach shoes good for hiking?
Unlike heavier hiking boots, approach shoes are lighter, so they cause less fatigue. They’re not the best for every type of hike, though. Some approach shoes have stiffer soles, less cushioning, and shallower tread, which can make long distances, muddy trails, and soft terrain less comfortable.
Are approach shoes good for walking?
It depends on the terrain. They’re great for rocky trails, but the grippy rubber soles will wear down faster if you’re mostly walking on smooth pavement.
See our guides to the best walking shoes for women, best travel shoes for women, and best travel shoes for men for pairs better suited to everyday wear.
