2025 Fall Gear Guides
The year’s top gear for climbers, tested and reviewed
Approach Shoes
Approach Shoes
This “Running Shoe” Actually Climbs Well. Seriously.
After 12 months of field testing, we can confidently say the Arc'teryx Vertex Alpine is our new all-around favorite.
Sticky Rubber, Trail Comfort, Crag Style: 6 Approach Shoes We Swear By
Tested on long hikes, sketchy scrambles, and alpine missions—these are the approach shoes that can do it all.
Our Editors’ Favorite Approach Shoes (Updated for 2023)
This isn't a guide to 2023's newest approach shoes—it's the pairs we return to time and again.
Editor’s Choice: Scarpa Rapid Approach Shoes
Scarpa is pushing approach shoes to new heights—and distances
The Best Hiking Boots and Shoes of 2022
These hikers will help you carry your load and stay comfortable and secure, no matter the terrain
Crag rompers reviewed: the La Sportiva TX Guide
Check out Michael Levy's author page.
This New BD Approach Shoe Is Lean and Mean
Check out Chris Weidner's author page.
Butora Icarus Approach Shoe Review
Our picks for the best gear of 2020.
Gear Guide 2020: Black Diamond Technician Approach Shoes Review
Our picks for the best gear of 2020.
Gear Guide 2020: Salewa Dropline Running Shoes Review
Our picks for the best gear of 2020.
Review: Five Ten Five Tennie Approach Shoes
Check out Matt Samet's author page.
First Look: Black Diamond's New Z4 Cams and Approach Shoes
Check out The Editors's author page.
Evolv Rebel Review
Our top climbing gear picks for 2019
Review: AK Rapida GTX Shoe
Check out Matt Samet's author page.
Review: Salewa Wildfire Edge Approach Shoe
Check out Chris Weidner's author page.
Review: Forsake Range Low Sneakerboot
Check out Matt Samet's author page.
2018 Climbing Gear Guide: Editors' Choice Awards
Our top climbing gear picks for 2018
Editors' Choice 2018: Five Ten Guide Tennie Review
Our top climbing gear picks for 2018
Editors' Choice 2018: Adidas Terrex Scope GTX Review
Our top climbing gear picks for 2018
2017 Approach Shoe Review: Treksta Libero
Locker Fit
2017 Approach Shoe Review: Scarpa Gecko
Cushy Stone Master
2017 Approach Shoe Review: Salewa Firetail 3 GTX
Wide Comfort
2017 Approach Shoe Review: Millet Rockway
Boss All-Arounder
2017 Approach Shoe Review: Mammut Wall Guide Low GTX
Scrambling Edger
2017 Approach Shoe Review: Mad Rock Topo Teal
Ultra-Light Urban
2017 Approach Shoe Review: La Sportiva TX4
Thunder Muscle
2017 Approach Shoe Review: Hanwag Makra Urban
Scramble Maniac
2017 Approach Shoe Review: Evolv Zender
Frontcountry Lovin'
2017 Approach Shoe Review: Cypher Logic Approach
Comfy Slab Master
2017 Approach Shoe Review: Boreal Sendai Vent
Alpine Agility
2017 Approach Shoe Review: Asolo Magix
Mountain Maestro
2017 Approach Shoe Review: Arc'teryx Acrux SL GTX
Wet-Conditions Pro
Women’s Climbing Gear Hall of Fame
Ten pieces of perfect gear with smart, female-friendly designs.
Review: Evolv Cruzer Psyche Approach Shoe
Check out Drew Higgins's author page.
Review: Our Top 5 Approach Shoes for 2016
Move fast in the mountains with these 5 new approach shoes