Sticky Approach Shoe

[sprocket]

After slipping and sliding my way off the SCW last weekend for the second time in trail runners and watching others with stickier shoes motor ahead of me I'm thinking of taking the plunge and buy a pair. Any reccomendations? Thoughts? I saw the Climing mag really liked the Mad Rock Fanatics. I know there are some strong opinions on Mad Rock in general but anyone had experience with these. Would be nice if the shoe I purchased was solid enough for a easy/moderate alpine approach and was functional for 5.6ish climbing. I normally climb 5.8/5.9 in rock shoes.

 

Thanks

[Dechristo]

I liked my Guide Almighty's until I wore 'em out.

 

I've been told by a wearer that the Exum's were good.

[MountaingirlBC]

They're not shoes but my Dunham Waffle Stompers are are the stickiest boots I've ever used. I feel like I have suction cups on my feet when I wear them.

[crackers]

I've just picked up a pair of the discontinued sportiva's from Mgear's clearance sale.

 

My general philosophy is to buy the cheapest pair I can and wear them for the season that it takes to wear them out...

 

sucks to be a throw away consumer but except for those blue scarpas that were discontinued six years ago, i've never had a pair last more than one season.

[sprocket]

Are the Exums your refer to the Nike ones? I've heard they are functional but don't last real long, but that sounds what I'm hearing about all the shoes.

[sjwages]

I have a pair of 5.10 Mountain Masters. Excellent friction, not so great at edging, good in cracks; works well for me up to 5.7.

[MattStan]

It all comes down to what fits you best, of course. My personal favorite are the Montrail CTCs, but you should head down to the store and spend an hour or so trying on various models, keeping each on your foot for several minutes.

[larrythellama]

you dont need no stupid approach shoes, just some practice moving over stone.

[Figger_Eight]

Take MattStan's advice and try a bunch on and get the one that fits best. I like the CTC's too, but I know some folks that dig the Sportiva and Garmonts.

 

I used to just use old running shoes for approach shoes, but really appreciate having sticky rubber shoes for stuff like the granite sidewalk in Darrington.

[layton]

i agree with crackers. get the cheapest pair out there with sticky rubber that fits and doesn't weigh over two pounds. they're all the same. But go big on the insole purchase to make up for the shoe.

[NYC007]

I have a pair of the Fanatics and I have been very happy with how they climb and hike, but you can feel the down hill a lil more in them. But cheap is important since most dont last long..

[G-spotter]

mtn masters used to be good but quality control is way down, they suck. i am in the market for new oines myself and have it narrowed down to sportiva b5s or kayland (can't remember model name). the CTC is a POS.

[slothrop]

Montrail D7s aren't bad. They even have some toe rand for foot jams and are fairly narrow in profile. Dru's right about Mtn Masters... Mine are falling apart in funny ways. Rubber's great, though.