Do you wear approach shoes with socks?

Approach shoes also fit similarly to hiking shoes: they aren’t meant to be tight with your toes curled at the end like a climbing shoe and unlike climbing shoes, are worn with socks. They are supposed to be relatively comfortable, with your foot laid out flat like in a hiking shoe.

Are approach shoes necessary?

Unless scrambling precedes the technical part of your climb or you are going to hike down some sketchy rock, you do not need to buy a pair of approach shoes. However, if you normally wear a mid or low light hiking boot/shoe, and you need a new pair, get an approach shoe (or mid boot).

Why are they called approach shoes?

Approach shoes were developed for use on long, semi-technical approaches to climbs, hence the name. The body of these shoes are more like running shoes than climbing shoes, because they need to be comfortable for long approaches.

How snug should approach shoes be?

I think like a hiking shoe sized slightly on the snug size is best. You won’t want to carry two extra pairs of shoes, so the approach shoe will have to be comfy on the trail and sure footed on the scrambles. But, if you need more performance than that, just slip into your climbing shoes.

Are approach shoes comfortable?

Approach shoes by their very nature are versatile. Not only do they provide sticky grip on rocks, but they’re designed for long days on the trail, too. They’re a do-it-all hybrid between a climbing shoe, a hiking boot and a trail-running shoe: sticky, supportive and comfortable. That’s a powerful trifecta.

Where do you wear approach shoes?

Approach shoes will be much better when you’re on rock surfaces than hiking shoes, this is because they have much stickier rubber and less aggressive lugs that allow you to get more rubber on the rock – and more rubber means more grip.

What are sock shoes?

Sock sneakers are an unusual breed of shoes, at least when compared to classic kicks. With a stretch-knit, breathable fabric, sock sneakers are a hybrid shoe made – as the name suggests – to resemble a sock. A curiosity ten years ago, nowadays, sock sneakers are everywhere.