Terrific shoe for rocky approaches and climbs

By akknskkn Ranked #921 - Rock Climbing Shoes September 17, 2009

I took the shoes out of the box and immediately set out to climb one of Colorado's 14ers. Without any pre-climb breaking in I found them to be as comfortable as running shoes, weigh about as much, but have a torsional stiffness that really makes them perform on talus and crossing boulder fields. The soles have been cleverly designed: the forefoot has minimal lugs and mold themselves to whatever rocky incline you face. The heel lugs grab loose dirt and gravel on steep trail declines. The best aspect of the shoe is the smearicle sole material. While my girlfriend was struggling up cliff sections in her hiking boots, my new shoes gave me solid foot holds and let me climb with ease. After returning from the trip I ordered a second pair for the lady.

I've put a few more trips on the shoes climbing 13ers. They are wearing faster than I would have liked, but I think they will last long enough to merit the price paid. Moreover, the material isn't as breathable as I would have hoped. My feet tend to get hot in the shoes, and if made wet by a misstep in a creek your feet will stay wet most of the day.

Overall, a fantastic shoe an a lot of fun on rocky trails. I would definitely buy again at this price!

View Details: The North Face Smedge Approach Shoe - Men's

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