Minimalist approach shoes?
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Do any of you guys have recommendations for minimalist approach shoes? |
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Not sure how minimalist you want to go, but I hike and run long distances in my Luna Leadville Pacers. Definitely not super great for climbing, even 4th class can feel a little sketchy, because, well, they're sandals, but I've survived plenty of scrambling and boulder hopping in them. As far as actual shoes, I love my Evolv Cruzer Classics: light, compact, sticky rubber. They climb excellent in my opinion, pack down to nothing. I only wish they were more durable, mine usually only last 6 months-year max before I wear holes in the canvas where it rubs when foot jamming. |
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I was going to say Luna's as well, the best approach/descent shoe ever. Your friends will make fun of you though. |
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La Sportiva TX2's - they arent cheap, but they're quite light and compact and climb better than just about any other minimalist approach shoe out there. |
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my every day shoe is the barefoot merrell trail gloves. i run in them too. however, i use la sportiva tx3s for long approaches, hiking through talus, soloing low 5th; anything climbing related. tx3s and tx2s have about a 4mm difference in heel to toe drop off (tx2's are more minimal). |
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I just got the black diamond session approach shoes and am a fan. Minimalist design and weigh nothing, they’re like if vans slip ons had sticky rubber. They could be stickier and are not meant for edging, but for my purposes (and yours by the sound of it) they’re pretty sweet. |
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I hadn't thought about using sandals, I might try some as a day hiking / camping shoes. I had thought about the crushers but I think I'd like something more booty lol. I want something that's going to last and give me a bit of protection for hiking rocky trails. |
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Joey Chicharrones wrote: I just got the black diamond session approach shoes and am a fan. Minimalist design and weigh nothing, they’re like if vans slip ons had sticky rubber. They could be stickier and are not meant for edging, but for my purposes (and yours by the sound of it) they’re pretty sweet.They look pretty nice. Have you climbed in them yet? I know BD makes good climbing gear. I've never tried an approach shoe before though. I can climb like up to 9/10ish depending on the rock and climb type in the vans so I figure if I can climb at least that in em then they'll be good. |
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Jackson Bellinger wrote: They look pretty nice. Have you climbed in them yet? I know BD makes good climbing gear. I've never tried an approach shoe before though. I can climb like up to 9/10ish depending on the rock and climb type in the vans so I figure if I can climb at least that in em then they'll be good. If you're climbing 5.10 in vans, it's unlikely these shoes will let you down, haha! I've messed around on some 5.8s in the sessions and felt like I could push them more. Obviously the rubber quality is not as good (or field tested) as C4/Vibram, but it is still decent. I mainly use them for peace of mind while scrambling up talus to reach obscure areas. They're also fashion forward enough to hit the bars afterwards.......at least in the old days. |
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I use sockwa shoes while belaying outdoors and sometimes approach it’s about as close to barefoot as you can get. For hiking sandstone I had a rock shoe resole place take a pair of Merrell’s I like and remove the sole and replace it with stealth rubber. Vibram does it on their website as well send in any shoe and they’ll put their rubber on the bottom. I’ve ran barefoot for 10 or so years so prefer minimal padding on shoes even when distance hiking. |
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I love my Evolv Cruzers. They feel like Sanuks but with sticky climbing rubber and laces. I don't wear Evolv normally either for climbing but I love the cruzers. |
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The whole TX series is fantastic. TX2 is closest to your needs, and also my favorite. |
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Merrell bare access are good for me. Very light, foldable, not too shabby smearing. Though they've removed the clip loop on recent models, bah. |
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5.10 Mesh! Best I have found. |
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Scarpa Iguanas have been my favorite all around lightweight shoe. Hold up on the trail and scramble pretty good too. |
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Tricam Proselytist wrote: Not sure how minimalist you want to go, but I hike and run long distances in my Luna Leadville Pacers. Definitely not super great for climbing, even 4th class can feel a little sketchy, because, well, they're sandals, but I've survived plenty of scrambling and boulder hopping in them. As far as actual shoes, I love my Evolv Cruzer Classics: light, compact, sticky rubber. They climb excellent in my opinion, pack down to nothing. I only wish they were more durable, mine usually only last 6 months-year max before I wear holes in the canvas where it rubs when foot jamming. Man, I’ve been wanting minimalist sandals for awhile now, but damnit if I’m hard pressed to drop $100 on a thin piece of rubber and webbing. |
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As far as I'm concerned, TX2's are floppy, foot-shaped climbing shoes that walk well. Smear great, smudge well, edge... they.. don't really edge (not board lasted obvy). |
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Mitch Musci wrote: I prefer the TX3 Pro Nice hack job! |