La Exum - Shoe Par Exelence!

By jma3380000 Ranked #488 - Rock Climbing Shoes December 1, 2009

Bottom line up front- the best approach shoe I have ever owned and only one I have purchased again and again!

I have hiked 35 miles in a day along the divide with these guys and my feet were happy as clams.

I have done 3 fourteeners in a morning including a 4th class mile long ridge traverse and much 3rd class (Little Bear-Blanca-Ellingwood w/SW ridge descent) with happy feet.

I have led 1500 feet of fairly sustained 5.5 & 5.6 in a day (Red Rocks- Johnny Vegas & Solar Slab) with 'em and still, happy feet. OK, they were tired feet, but happy!

Ive even led 5.10s at the crag in them from time to time.

I can even boulder V0 in them - Im totally not worthy - I know!

The Exum is not your typical approach shoe since it doesn't have super thin padding in the mid sole. It is built more like a trail runner with an outer sole that is about 1/2 way between a slick approach sole and a knobby trail runner. Why is it such a good approach shoe then? Well, basically, IMHO, approaching is a LOT more about hiking and a lot less about climbing. My knees thank me for the extra cushion and there is plenty of climbability in them as referenced above. Im nothing fancy as a climber so if I can do it...

A note on sizing- I have skinny feet and these fit perfectly. I get them 1/2 size smaller than my typical running shoe size. Seems to work out great.

Anyway, bottom line on the bottom- I am obviously a big fan of these shoes and would be hard pressed to wear or recommend anything else.

View Details: La Sportiva Exum Pro Approach Shoe - Men's

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes