Best Approach Shoes

1. La Sportiva Men's Boulder X 

• Synthetic
• All-leather upper and sticky rubber toe rands offer durable protection
• High-cushion LaSpEVA cushions foot on long approaches
• Uber sticky rubber adds deluxe comfort and performance
• Vibram Idro-Grip compound stays sticky on every type of rock even when wet
• Mythos lacing system for a highly adaptable and custom fit, 16.97 oz. per shoe

2. SCARPA Men's Crux

• Suede and Textile
• Imported
• Rubber sole
• Shaft measures approximately low-top from arch
• Suede upper for long lasting durability
• Vibram Vertical Approach outsole with Megagrip rubber for outstanding traction
• lace-to-toe design for performance fit
• Rubber toe rand for superior abrasion resistance

3. SCARPA Crux Air

• Upper Material: knit polyester mesh
• Lining: polyester
• Closure: lace-to-toe lacing
• Footbed: polpropylene (70% recycled)
• Midsole: 2D EVA-MP

4. Scarpa Men's Gecko

• 100% Suede
• Imported
• Synthetic sole
• Sticky Rubber sole provides excellent grip
• Suede upper for durability and comfort
• Lace-to-toe design for performance fit
• Dual density EVA sole
• Rubber toe rand for superior abrasion resistance

5. La Sportiva TX4

• Synthetic
• Uber-sticky Vibram Mega-Grip traverse outsole with enhanced stability area and Trial Bite Heel Braking Platform
• Durable leather upper for comfort and abrasion resistance in rugged terrain.
• Wide forefoot fit for all day comfort and stability.
• STB Control System delivers torsional rigidity and support without encumbering underfoot cushion.
• With a leather-constructed upper for durability and comfort, the TX4 is designed for long approaches on rugged terrain. The "Climbing Zone" toe, featuring Vibram Mega-Grip Traverse rubber, coupled with the burly Trail Bite Heel Platform provides maximum grip in scree and mud.

6. Evolv Zender Men's

• Microfiber lined memory foam insole for lasting comfort
• Soft microporous EVA midsole
• Ultra-light
• Full leather upper

7. Men's Hiking Climbing Trekking

• BREATHABLE COMFORT: Superior upper, delicate and waterproof texture. Honeycomb insoles keep the interior dry and clean.
• STRONG GRIP: Bionic patterns for excellent anti-skid grip, unimpeded in the rock or mud ground on outdoor travel.
• ANTI-COLLISION: The shoe cap adds anti-collision rubber sheet, reduces the injury possibility and intensity of collision during outdoor sports.
• UNIQUE DESIGN: Extended shoelaces wrap the entire vamp, compact and safe. It also increased the overall fashion sense, looking fresh and trendy.
• Explanation for the shoe size adjustment: Dear customers, this sneaker is half or one size smaller than the standard US size. In order to facilitate your purchase, we have listed the standard size on Amazon. You can still pick them according to the standard size as usual. When the size on the shoe mark not match the size you ordered, don't worry, that is indeed the size you want.

8. Vasque Men's Grand Traverse

• 100% Leather and Textile
• Imported
• Rubber sole
• Athletic shoe comfort
• Webbing Heel Lock
• Poron Strobel
• TPU Heel
• Vibram Ibex with Ideograph and Mega grip Compounds Outsole

9. adidas outdoor Men's Terrex Swift 

• Mesh
• Imported
• Rubber sole
• Keep your movements fluid on any terrain with the Terrex Swift Solo shoe by adidas Outdoor®.
• Ideal performance shoe for difficult approaches and demanding outdoor sports.
• Durable mesh upper with superb breathability.
• Contoured, seamless tongue for added comfort.
• Climbing-specific toe area for abrasion protection and excellent traction. Pull tab at heel for easy on and off. ADIPRENE® cushioning in the heel for comfort and shock protection. Outsole has an approach-specific design that is lightweight and provides grippy traction. Measurements: Weight: 11 oz Product measurements were taken using size 6, width D - Medium. Please note that measurements may vary by size. Weight of footwear is based on a single item, not a pair.

10. Merrell Men's Moab Fst

• 100% Mesh and TPU Upper
• Imported
• Vibram sole
• Low-profile hiking shoe featuring lace-up front and bellows tongue
• Padded tongue and collar
• Breathable mesh lining
• Vibram MegaGrip outsole provides the best combination of stickiness and durability for sure traction on both wet and dry surfaces

The FST is lighter and more breathable. If you're one who runs in your hikers, you will definitely find the FST to be a quicker shoe. The FST is a more form-fitting shoe with a significantly higher arch than the Ventilator, which is something I appreciate. The FST feels a little tighter in the mid-section, but the toe box is roughly the same size as with other Moab models. This is true, and is due to a slightly more compact outer sole and less bulky upper, compared to the Ventilator.

This is where I have been EXTREMELY pleased, because after nearly three months there is virtually no sign whatsoever of wear, anywhere on the Vibram Megagrip Sole. The FST has proven to be a comfortable, stable, breathable and durable shoe with excellent wet-weather grip.

Since my old Trail Glove 3 finally fell apart completely, I needed to buy some new work shoes that would be a little bit more durable and better at keeping dirt out. They feel very secure on steep inclines and declines, and are quite comfortable. I used Columbia Trail shoe's prior to switching to Moab, and I couldn't be happier.