Gear Review
The North Face Smedge Approach Shoe - Men's
Somewhat Narrow
By tah2969093
Ranked #24 - Rock Climbing Shoes
March 9, 2009
These shoes are reminiscent of the Montrail CTC. The fit is narrow and long in the toe for the size. They would've been too tight if I'd of down sized for the toe length. If you have a narrow foot this might not be a bad choice.
The rubber is not very sticky! I like sticky rubber when I'm talus hopping or climbing or doing techy approachs. As such they will be long wearing with this harder rubber. They will make good hikers more than good scramblers above 3rd or 4th class. The "smedge" platform is anvil like in its profile making it jut out too far for it to be a decent edger and the rubber is too hard to make it smear well in compensation for it's edging shortfall.
Again if it fits your narrow foot and you don't need it to climb 4th or 5th class. It looks like a well built shoe with climbing shoe styling and hiking shoe manners. I've returned them for some La Sportiva EXUM pro's which I'v had luck with before in a similarly lasted shoe for my Med wide foot.
View Details: The North Face Smedge Approach Shoe - Men's
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
Change me.
1 Comments Last Reply: September 17, 2009 By: Josh Der
I've got a narrow foot (I wear a women's climbing shoe for the better fit) and these shoes don't feel narrow on me. If anything, I wish I could crank them a little tighter when I'm climbing and loosen them on the trail. Length is right for the size.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes