could be better

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

eu:44

Height

6` 4"

Weight

170 lbs

less than 1 month into ownership and already delaminating around the toe area, barely even used them (probably less than 20 miles). would expect much more durable shoes for such a price. fit is right, traction is right, look is right, delamination at the toe is not cool.

spe4894350

Best approach shoe for climbing

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

48

Height

6` 7"

Weight

195 lbs

I've soloed many thousands of feet of 5th class in these and do not trust any other approach shoe as much as I do these when it comes to moving over rock. Yes the tread is pretty low profile, but its a worthwhile trade-off; hiking shoes they are not!

Cameron S.

Great just not that Durable.

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

Runs large

Size Bought

42.5

Height

5` 8"

Weight

160 lbs

These shoes are awesome, just don't expect them to last very long. I've had them for about two month and used them about a dozen times. They preform well hiking and climb up to 5.7, I thought I'd found a great all around shoe, but they lack durability, I noticed the leather uppers around the eyelets starting to tear, and slight separation of the sole around the toe and where the rubber rand come up on top of the toe box. So I won't be buying them again, I expect a shoe to last at least a good 4-6 month of heavy use in the mountains.

jsp3692426

Nice rubber, poor tread

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought

13

Height

6` 3"

Weight

215 lbs

I used these shoes on 2 scrambles so far on mixed terrain with exposure. The good: The shoe sizing is accurate. The feel is closer to a climbing shoe, these are perfect for sections of clean rock on scrambles. The bad: The tread pattern extrudes literally 1/16th of an inch so I really don’t recommend these on mixed terrain especially if there’s exposure. I wore these on a chossy exposed slab and the shoe tread couldn’t get past the grit to the solid rock leaving stability to be desired. These don’t do well on loose dirt either due to the lack of tread. The foam on the bottom of the shoes also seems to be wearing out easier than my less expensive Scarpa crux shoes which I would have rather had on both of my hikes due to being a better all around shoe that offers a little bit more tread. These would be great for Utah but probably not meant for mixed terrain and conditions in the PNW. I wanted a higher end approach shoe for scrambles after my Scarpa crux shoes started falling apart. I feel like the gecko is a specialized shoe just for rock, I’d recommend wearing a different shoe or boot to get you to those sections if you’re out on a day scramble or just go with something better all around.

James M.

Best in Class

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought

10

Height

5` 10"

Weight

170 lbs

Although not as sticky as the old FiveTen Guide Tennies, the fit and durability of this shoe make it my go-to on long technical days in the Wasatch and Tetons. The fit is great, and unlike many other approach shoes, it's possible to cover some serious ground in these shoes without your feet begging for mercy. If you want one shoe that can climb easy 5th class, is comfy around the campsite, and will last for 100's of miles, then this may be the shoe for you.

Kevin R

The best approach shoe for technical

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Height

5` 9"

Weight

145 lbs

These thing are the perfect shoe for technical scrambling. They are not good for trail running ad there is very little padding under foot, but because they are slimmed down, they perform very well in technical terrain, giving you great sensitivity for climbing. Recently used on West Ridge of Mt. Stuart in terrible rime ice conditions, and they shined. It took mine ~35 miles of hiking and scrambling in the cascades to break in.

Taylor Bentz

5th Class Possible

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

43

Height

6` 0"

Weight

157 lbs

The Gecko is my #1 go-to approach shoe if there is any scrambling involved in the approach or descent. I find it comfortable to go 5.5 in these easy. PROS: - Great rubber, toe control + sticky - Snug fit - Nice heel loops that clip easily - Robust out-sole and leather construction CONS: - They are minimal, which makes perfect since for an approach shoe that you'll need to clip to your harness. But there's a small sacrifice for support. That said, I think these hit the sweet spot. Still, anything longer than 4 miles and my dogs are barking. - Weight. They aren't the lightest shoe to be clipping to your harness or putting in a pack. But I have a pair of Arc'teryx "approach" shoes that are ultralight but terrible for scrambling... I guess you can't have it all, right?

Stephen

Great approach shoes!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Height

5` 8"

Weight

180 lbs

I had a pair of Scarpa Crux approach shoes for several years before they kicked the bucket and I decided to upgrade to the Gecko. The fit on these is even better than the Crux (which didn't fit badly by any means). The toe box is more comfortable, and I like the dual-density EVA midsole because it is more durable than the Eco-Pure midsole on the Crux (which was the first thing to break down on me). These definitely have higher quality materials so they are built to last. They are less bulky and have a better toe shape for scrambling than the Crux, while still having super grippy rubber. These don't have a ton of cushion under the forefoot, so my feet were a bit tender on the one 7+ mile hike I did in them, but that is my fault for not wearing my normal hiking shoes on a non-technical hike of that distance. I normally wear a size 9 and I went with a 41.5 for a snug fit for use on more technical scrambles.

Pat Guinn

Mountain Slayer

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

11

Height

6` 0"

Weight

200 lbs

These shoes are battle hardened mountain slayers. Tough, look great, feel great. Very impressed. These shoes will last a long time.

Michael D.

Rugged Approach Shoe

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

44.5

After a dog stole and hid one of my beloved, yet dilapidated Guide Tennies, I took it as a sign that I should get new approach shoes. I ended up settling on the Geckos after reading some great reviews regarding their durability. I climb pretty much every weekend, so my approach shoes take a beating. I've had the Geckos for a couple months now and though I haven't done any approaches longer than a few miles, they have been comfortable and are showing very little wear. The rubber is pretty sticky, which is nice on steep scrambles and easy climbs. Climbing-wise they feel a bit bulky for jamming, but perform pretty well otherwise. Overall, these shoes are great. I would happily buy them again.

Cole P

Killer Shoe!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

42

Height

5` 11"

Weight

145 lbs

This shoe is one of my favorite approach shoes I've ever tried. It is lightweight, comfortable, has sticky rubber that just doesn't slip. I've done everything from scrambling ridges & talus fields, to soloing the Flatirons & West Slabs in this shoe & climbing 5.9s in these guys. The toe box is stiff enough to jam cracks and not feel like the shoe is crumbling below you. There is a low drop on the heel to give a "minimalist" feel to the shoe. There is a little bit of a break-in period with these shoes but once they break in they are very comfortable. Scarpa really crushed it with the Gecko. I would take these over the classic Guide Tennie's all day long!

Cole Seaton

Best shoe ever

Fantastic fit and comfort..

Rick Spencer

Sweet Shoe

Familiarity:

I gave it as a gift but have feedback to share

Gave these to my bro for his birthday upon his request. He had to have them after seeing some out on the trail and at his work. He loves the way they look and says they're comfortable.

Stephen

Sweet shoes!!

Fit:

Runs small

Size Bought

46.0

Height

6` 1"

Weight

180 lbs

I use the Scarpa Gecko Approach Shoes both for outdoor excursions and just wearing around. They excel at both!! The Vibram sole provided amazing grip on Moab sand stone (as expected) . The sole is also fairly stiff, which combined with a moderately pointed toe, let's you actually do some easy sport climbing. They have enough cushion to be comfortable on long hikes or just wearing around town. I personally dig the styling, but that's probably open for interpretation. Sizing runs a bit small, I'm usually a 12.0 / 45.0 with a wide-ish foot, and the 46.0 is great (tried the 45.0 first and ended up returning it).

Will S.