Best trail running/approach shoes?

So, my much-loved Exum Pros are well past their useful life but I'm still using them because I can't find anything else that comes close. I tried a pair of Scarpa Crux's but they just didn't fit me very well.

My ideal shoe would be closer to a trail runner, but with sticky rubber for alpine and low 5th-class climbing, but failing that I just need a good approach shoe.

I've read good things about the Patagonia Rover, what do you suggest? Think along the lines of, "the best shoe for running/jogging up Garnet Canyon, climbing the upper Exum, and jogging back down."

For trail running and approaches that don't require climbing, I really like my La Sportiva Ultra Raptors, which replaced a worn-out pair of Exum Pros. The rubber is sticky, making slabs and boulder-hopping secure and the sole has considerable traction on loose, muddy, and other slippery types of terrain, much better than a dot sole, for instance.

They aren't adapted for climbing---edging is poor, for example, although what you can or cannot scramble in them might depend more on the climber than the shoe.

I got a pair of 5.10 domes on amazon for 35 bucks (they have been discontinued) and I absolutely love them. They are sold as trail running shoes but work great as approach shoes too.

You should be able to find killer deals on them too

Billed as a Trail Runner - not an approach shoe - I still like my La Sportiva Wildcats for approaches - Stiff enough provide some protection for carrying a pack and very lightweight. Sole is sticky but not is not really designed for climbing tread wise - I can still feel confident on easy climbing. Worth a look is you're leaning towards a Trail Runner more so than a full Approach shoe.

Despite that your Crux's didn't fit well, I will say that my favorite trail running/approach shoes are the Scarpa Epics. Perfect for what you are describing, I've done the Matthes Crest traverse and Mt Conness West Ridge each in under 6 hours car to car with some casual running in them. They are built as a mountain runner with sticky rubber that's good for scrambling, plus super comfy and pretty durable. I've gone through 3 pairs and will continue to use them. They are leather and will stretch about a half size after maybe 5 days, so size them fairly snug.

I've been really happy with my Adidas Solos. They run well and have Stealth Rubber. I've climbed 5.7 in them, and could probably climb a little harder. Only complaint is that they should be waterproof.

I've had cruxs, they fit me well, great for approaches, but didn't care for them to run in. Had a couple of pairs of Evolv Cruzers, which were decent for running and climbing (as long as you like the "barefoot running" feel)- I'd get another pair.

I saw the patagonia rover that came out awhile back, seemingly fits the bill well. Anybody tried these and have an opinion?

Rover is comfortable and runs ok. Doesn't climb that well in my opinion. Very soft shoe.

Thanks for the input everyone!

Check Sportiva's new shoe, the Mutant. Supposed to be a great cross between trail running and more technical scrambling

That Mutant looks pretty sweet. Not running-focused, but anyone have experience with the La Sportiva XPlorer? Looks like that's the "new" Exum.

La Sportiva Vertical K. I have owned three pairs and use them for both trail & approach. They're definitely pretty minimalist, but they're super-light to throw in a pack for long walk-offs.

Salomon Speedcross. Newest model is the 3 I think. They are hands down the best outdoor shoes I have ever owned, and most comfortable if you get the right fit. Also insanely light. Not good on ice or soaking wet rocks though.

I actually have the Fellcross, and love them, but I'm not sure how they'll climb with those big lugs. Great for loose trails and running, but easy edging and slabs...not sure.

Resurrecting an old thread, but anyone tried the La Sportiva Akasha? Curious how it runs and climbs.

The Akasha is more in the vein of "maximalist" shoes. Tons of cushion, out of the box I felt like I was walking on a cloud. A decent amount of grip with the hybrid sole and a wider fit than some of the other styles. I really like mine for running and longer hikes.

If you want some level of climbing performance out of the shoes, I would probably recommend the Mutant or Ultra Raptor over the Akasha. They both have a slightly narrower, more performance-oriented fit. They'll also edge better because they don't have such cushioned midsoles.

I just bought a pair of Adidas Kanadia 7's. They look good for trail running and the rubber is nice and sticky. Lug pattern and depth look good too. The stickiness of the rubber makes me think they'll be good on rock although the design makes me think they probably won't be awesome as rock turns more vertical. But...That's what they make "rock climbing" shoes for.

Good luck in you search!

The la sportiva Helios SR. Great trail runner with sticky rubber (SR).

I use the Dynafit Pantera S for trail running and approaches, but I like cushier shoes. They have a Vibram sole and climb well on low 5th. For more of a traditional approach shoe I'm currently using Salewa Wildfires; the Xplorers didn't hold up very well. Both run wide.

Ryan Pfleger wrote:Resurrecting an old thread, but anyone tried the La Sportiva Akasha? Curious how it runs and climbs.

I just bought a pair earlier this summer, over 100 miles on them by now. At first I couldn't decide between these and the Ultra Raptors, they are basically the same fit and cushion wise, just different rock guards and styling. They run awesome and I use them for light scrambling, but I would not climb in them. They have so much padding that any kind of edging gets squishy and squirrelly. They grip very well on loose terrain, slab grip is acceptable but not as good as a real approach shoe.

I have also been using a pair of TX3's, they are great and can be run in just fine although padding is minimal. They are more durable than they look, and are sized true to fit unlike most other sportiva models. These are probably more what you are looking for.

Salomons are the best,