Lightweight approach shoes

I currently own a pair of Scarpa Crux approach shoes and they weigh approx 1lb 9oz.

In trying to pare down the weight of what I have to haul up some long multipitches for the walk offs. 

Anyone have a suggestion for light approach shoes?  

EDIT: I'm reading through this https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-approach-shoes#budget  and see the LS TX2 might be a good choice for me.  Anyone have experience with any of the shoes listed here that are on the lighter side?

La sportiva TX2

TX2’s. At 1 lb 4 oz., theyre light, comfortable, and the bungee packing system keeps them compact on the harness or in a bag. I also have Scarpa Gecko Airs which are 1lb 2 oz, but they arent as sturdy and you’ll feel the wind through your socks. 

TX2. Great shoe.

Ever tried bedrock sandals? Light, vibram rubber  soles, and pack flat

Guide pro tennies

I think they're discontinued but someone was selling them for $45 on MP. Like a cross between cruzer and tennies, and lighter than tx2s.

If it's mellow terrain, some barefoot style trail runners might be lightest real shoes

i can't recommend the evolv cruzer's at all. mine last 6 months before the soles were falling apart. they never climbed or hiked well, and aside from being comfy, were a total waste of money.

I've been very happy with the Black Diamond Tag LT. Significantly lighter and more compact than the tx2 and very close in terms of hiking comfort. Relative to the tx2, my complaints are that the BD's are on the narrow side, expensive, and the rubber is not as sticky as the vibram. Still, my opinion is that they are the best version of a walk off shoe on the market right now.

Do you want a lightweight approach shoe, or an ultralight walkoff shoe? Similar(ish) but slightly different.

TX2 is lightweight approach shoe. Lighter than a clunker approach shoe but still full functionality. Not the absolute lightest option though for days when you spend much more time carrying the approach shoes than walking in them.

The BD Tag or the Evolv Cruzer is more an ultralight walkoff shoe. You wouldn't do a long approach in these, and they aren't as sturdy, but have sticky rubber and are really lightweight in the pack or in the harness. Good for walking off long routes, when you don't want to carry a full approach shoe. I use a "barefoot" running shoe for the same application (lacks sticky rubber though).

In Squamish I'd often walk off the Chief in Rainbow flip-flops. Nice and light to carry when climbing!

Matt N wrote:

Guide pro tennies

I think they're discontinued but someone was selling them for $45 on MP. Like a cross between cruzer and tennies, and lighter than tx2s.

If it's mellow terrain, some barefoot style trail runners might be lightest real shoes

I'll look for my size in those. . . Not sure how mellow red rock walk offs in Black Velvet Canyon are, but they don't look that mellow lol

JCM wrote:

Do you want a lightweight approach shoe, or an ultralight walkoff shoe? Similar(ish) but slightly different.

TX2 is lightweight approach shoe. Lighter than a clunker approach shoe but still full functionality. Not the absolute lightest option though for days when you spend much more time carrying the approach shoes than walking in them.

The BD Tag or the Evolv Cruzer is more an ultralight walkoff shoe. You wouldn't do a long approach in these, and they aren't as sturdy, but have sticky rubber and are really lightweight in the pack or in the harness. Good for walking off long routes, when you don't want to carry a full approach shoe. I use a "barefoot" running shoe for the same application (lacks sticky rubber though).

In Squamish I'd often walk off the Chief in Rainbow flip-flops. Nice and light to carry when climbing!

Leaning towards a lightweight approach shoe.  For example, hiking into Black Velvet Canyon I know there are some 4th class sections, and some of the other canyons we're planning on hitting have approaches that could take a couple hours.  Thanks for pointing out the differences there, didn't really consider that!

I own about 8-9 pairs of lightweight approach shoes. The best are a $25 pair of Sketchers (not joking) that I got at Sierra Trading Post. THE BEST hands down. I've spent a lot on approach shoes too.  Realize that as you beef shoes up, weight increases. So depending where you are, you might need beefier shoes. Lighter = weaker. Period. If you are trucking hard through high friction sharp granite, these won't last long. Speaking only as a fat weak old white guy who appreciates short, flat, walk offs, these Sketchers are top notch. 

hmm - just went looking for a photo and didn't see one. They have little black soft sticky rubber pads on the bottom. Good stuff. 

Black diamond makes the only decent pair these days since Addidas stopped making them. I tired the ultralight Arctyrx (on sale of course ) and they were destroyed quickly . Do not get the evolve. The other option is to get a minimalist running shoe like Merrell makes and resold them with sticky rubber at the rubber room but that is very expensive. Flip flops are great but there’s a countdown running until you filet your big toe at some point on talus

Cannot yet comment on durability, but the Black Diamond Circuit were a really great everyday and casual approach shoe. Super comfortable, very light at 9 ounces/shoe, and decent looking. They’re a bit soft though, but did well on 4th class with 20 lbs of gear.

https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/product/circuit-ms-shoes/