Best approach shoes 2024 | Tested and reviewed

La Sportiva’s TX range of approach shoes has a longstanding, stellar reputation. Known for its high-end performance, hitting a sweet spot between comfort, protection and technical precision, the TX range is spearheaded by the TX Guide, the “most technical” shoe in the series. The TX Guide is surprisingly lightweight (346g per shoe, the second lightest on test), yet feels stable and supportive in use.

There is a lot of stiffness and rigidity to the platform, ensuring you can securely hold edges using the outsole’s flat climbing zone at the toe. The fit is snug and foot-hugging, with the climbing-style lacing extending all the way to the toe for maximum fit accuracy.

The Vibram MegaGrip and IdroGrip dual compound outsole is designed for a perfect compromise between grip and long-term durability, while the pronounced heel facilitates downhill braking and improved uphill traction. The upper is an abrasion-resistant mesh with TPU reinforcements. A leather version is available.

Downsides are that the toe rand has some flex and give to it, and thus is not as strong as other pairs. The lightweight build may not be robust enough for all. As with many approach shoes, the fit may be a tad narrow for some foot shapes and they’re perhaps too stiff for long-term hiking comfort.

Check out the women's version here

This approach shoe is highly technical, with innovative technology and a climbing shoe inspired design. It all works excellently, with a precise fit, sure-footed traction and good features.

The Pomoca Speed MTN outsole has a flat toe ‘climbing zone’ with a rigid ‘edging plate’, providing the directional stiffness and solid edging performance you need. The lug pattern provides good all-round grip, and deeper lugs at the heel help with descent braking.

The suede upper is covered by an ‘exa shell’, a strong casing that protects the shoe from wear and tear. There is a lot of flex at the forefoot, but this shoe still feels robust and stable, and comfort levels are high.

The best feature, however, is the Switchfit lacing system, which flips the shoe between climb and hike modes. Tighten the laces at an extra rear eyelet to pull your foot forward into the toe box for a snug, climbing-style fit; loosen for a roomier, comfier hiking experience.

If we’re being fussy, the fit may be slightly on the narrow side for some foot shapes. The outsole’s climbing zone only covers the big toe area, rather than wrapping around the whole toe box. And we found comfort and performance are stronger on technical ground than during long hikes.

Check out the women's version here

This approach shoe is well-priced, durable, supportive and protective, featuring a grippy outsole and a breathable waterproof membrane.

The outsole is Black Diamond’s in-house BlackLabel-Mountain sticky rubber compound. It delivers good traction. A climbing zone that wraps around the toe enables you to ‘edge’ along little ledges and small holds. The diamond-shaped lugs are pretty deep while an angled heel brake and midfoot shank are designed for via ferrata and ladders.

The upper is made from a high-grade nubuck leather, which combined with Black Diamond’s proprietary BD.dry membrane provides waterproofing. The tongue is gusseted and padded, and the all-round fit provides good levels of comfort.

There is lots of flex at the forefoot but the heel is stiff, and the general ‘feel’ of the shoe is moderately rigid. This ensures confidence and stability on scrambling terrain. A strong rubber rand at the toe and heel protects the foot, and improves durability.

At 435g this is the second heaviest shoe on test. The waterproofing, combined with the low cut, may struggle to cope with British bogfests. It also feels a little chunky, rather than precise, with a higher internal volume than some other pairs. Lacing could be more precise too.

Check out the women's version here

Not all approach shoes are built equally. Some designs are far stiffer, narrower and more precise for performance on technical ground; others are softer, roomier and comfier with more flex for a better hiking experience. Which is best for you? It all depends on how vertical and technical your scrambling will be, and whether you’ll be mostly hiking with a touch of scrambling, or vice versa.

The Eldo GV falls into the lighter, comfier, less-rigid category of approach shoes. At 328g, it’s the lightest on test. It’s also the most flexible, with loads of bend at the forefoot, and the fit is more spacious than other pairs. This means the Eldo GV has the best comfort for hiking in our round-up – but it still performs pretty well on technical ground.

Features include a Gore-Tex waterproof liner, a PU wraparound rand and a grippy Asolo/ Vibram AG outsole with climbing zone. The climbing-style lacing is excellent too.

For more serious and technical scramblers, the Eldo GV will probably feel too light and flexible, with insufficient stiffness. This may be a dealbreaker for some. The fit doesn’t feel quite as precise as some pairs either, meaning your ‘groundfeel’ is slightly compromised.

Check out the women's version here

This shoe has some excellent features. The 360° wraparound rand is very strong and solid, providing top-notch protection for the suede leather upper. The inner has a bootie-style, sock-like design, featuring a stretchy tongue integrated into the collar. This is cosy and snug, without feeling restrictive, and in general comfort levels are high.

The Vibram Pepe outsole is grippy with pretty deep lugs, and special zones at the toe and heel are provided for technical manoeuvres such as edging. There is a tiny bit of flex at the forefoot, but overall this shoe is very stiff and rigid for bombproof stability on rocky terrain.

But the standout feature is the lacing set-up, featuring a combo of Velcro and hook-and-loop fasteners. The idea is you can customize the volume and tension of the fit to your foot shape by adjusting one strap. We found it a little fiddly and weren’t ‘wowed’ by it, but it worked fine.

There is no women’s specific version, although the shoe is considered unisex. The distinctive lacing system is rather odd, and is likely to polarise opinion. At 447g it’s the heaviest shoe on test. The Velcro can annoyingly accumulate bits of vegetation when you’re walking.

Dolomites-based brand AKU makes first-rate footwear with typical Italian craftsmanship, and the Rock DFS is no exception. It’s an excellent approach shoe: fully featured and technically proficient, striking a nice balance between comfort, support, protection and performance.

A big flaw in the whole approach shoe market is that the better a shoe is for climbing, the more uncomfortable it’ll be for hiking. AKU have a solution however. The Rock’s ‘dual fit system’ is a double lacing system, with both normal laces and ‘quick-laces’ (similar to those used on some running shoes). Use the normal laces for a looser, comfier hiking fit; tighten the quick-laces for a precise, snug fit for climbing sensitivity. The best of both worlds in one shoe.

Features include a 360° rand, a super-grippy Vibram Approcciosa outsole, a 1.6mm suede upper with air8000 mesh panels, a Gore-Tex liner, and a stiffened heel cup. Overall stiffness is moderate, with lots of flex at the forefoot.

It almost won our Best in Test award, but was let down by the high price tag. This is a lovely approach shoe, but it’s difficult to justify its significant price hike over its competitors.

Check out the women's version here