Re: What are the best Approach shoe?
Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2011 6:31 pm
I'm saddened that Darija doesn't consider bright-colored approach shoes to be the height of fashion. Even her winter boots are a drab color.
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Daria wrote:I've used my regular asics running shoes to crampon up steep slopes and front point (abbot, feather peak, black, etc.) It works. Doesn't feel the most secure but if you tighten the crampons up they stay on.
MoapaPk wrote:
NOTE though that Five-ten makes a very similar model, Exum Guide,
http://fiveten.com/products/footwear-de ... e-twilight
with "water-resistant" uppers (ankle length), supposedly made for strap-on crampons. We had some feedback about them; they still get wet in a day of use on all snow. You will want to put a small amount of urethane (e.g. seam grip) on the seams anyway, so the threads don't pull out when abraded.
MoapaPk wrote:FWIW, I just got a pair of inov8 griproc 325, which are called approach shoes. I can't test then fully for a while, since I am still on the mend from surgery. I've walked around the block and wore them while running up and down 1000 concrete stairs at the high school.
First impressions:
--very light and comfortable (1lb 9oz per pair, M 9.5, slightly heavier than advertised)
--probably not very durable
--don't feel as snug as the camp fours (of same size) near the toe, more flexible near the toe
--lace-to-the-toe, but you have to go out of your way to pull the toe-lacing tight
--probably a lot better for running
--will soak quickly, but even with good fit, I can get a 3mm neoprene sock inside if I loosen the laces.
--good for low-volume feet (a plus for me).
The rubber doesn't "feel" as sticky, but still have to go somewhere to test them on sandstone ramps.
I did wear them for one trek over snow. I put 3mm neo socks inside, and gaiters on top, then strapped microspikes over the outside. Feet were toasty (in fact too warm). Should have brought crampons.
Price (~$130 US) a bit too high-- I normally go through several pairs of approach shoes a year.
Steve Pratt wrote:Any one with experience with Mad Rock approach shoes, like the Fury? Can't beat the price, and look equivalent to five ten's. Is there anything wrong with them?