Approach shoes fit

Just picked up a pair of 5.10 Guides for an approach shoe. How should the toe box fit snug or like a gym shoe?

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.

Truthfully, when my approach shoes throw in the towel, I'm just going to go back to a low hiker because I find them to be overall more comfortable and sure footed on trails.

Don't know about the 5.10's but I've got a pair of Sportiva's Boulder X's. Best shoe I've ever bought. I can climb 5.7/8 in them no problem. Stable in scree and I've even used them in snow with a good gator although you have to waterproof them yourself. Last weekend they got beat on for 25 miles of backpacking with an absurdly huge pack full of non-essentials. Absolutely love them. The most versatile piece of footwear I've ever owned. Size them tight. They take a while to break in, but they will and you will love them.

If your approach shoes are no better than cheap tennis shoes then you are buying the wrong approach shoes.

I bought Guide Tennies earlier this summer. Purchased regular street shoe size. Fit is slightly snug in toe box and can be adjusted with laces. I love these these shoes-neutral fit, good hikers, awesome climbers. I've been scrambling in the flatirons up to 5.6/5.7 w/o a second thought to what's on my feet. Hope they work for you, too.

A bit off-topic, but is anyone using trail runners for both running and approach? I've been using Montrail Hardrocks (old style) for some time, and they're OK as an approach shoe (though not very sticky), and are awesome as a trail runner/hiker. They're on their last legs, and was looking to get something like La Sportiva Wildcats or 5.10 Domes. Anyone have any experience using these?

Hey Puzman, check out this thread

mountainproject.com/v/sport…

My husband, who has a fairly square forefoot, acquired a pair of these recently. He sized them to accommodate the light wool socks he prefers, and so his toes won't die on descents, and loves them. They smear well, but don't edge too great. Oh well, that's what climbing shoes are for!

Puzman wrote:A bit off-topic, but is anyone using trail runners for both running and approach? I've been using Montrail Hardrocks (old style) for some time, and they're OK as an approach shoe (though not very sticky), and are awesome as a trail runner/hiker. They're on their last legs, and was looking to get something like La Sportiva Wildcats or 5.10 Domes. Anyone have any experience using these?

I've always used trail runners for both running and approach. Never the same pair, though. That's a good way to wear out your running shoes really fast. I've always used Nike's because they fit my foot really well and I can crank down the laces when I need snug.

I've got a pair of La Sportive Crossleathers ( lasportiva.com/catalogue/ca…) and really like them. Trekked in Africa and done a number of pretty steep approach/descents on both slab and silt; the soles are grippy enough for the former and cleat-like enough for the latter. Sized snug enough to prevent any ankle instability.