Arc’teryx climbing and approach shoes for women are designed for the hike up to the climbing area (also called the approach), climbing on up to fourth-class terrain (where the climber is scrambling with both feet and hands, but doesn’t require a harness), and for recovery periods or belay sessions in between climbs. Compared to true climbing shoes, approach shoes have a roomier toebox for more comfort while hiking and wearing all day – while they can be used in fifth-class terrain with a harness, they only work for routes that don’t require extremely precise foot placement.

Arc’teryx approach shoes offer lightweight construction to move fast, support for long days and objectives, traction and grip for maximum purchase on all surfaces while climbing or hiking, and precise tooling for accurate foot placement on high-consequence terrain. They are generally more rigid than running shoes and hiking shoes, offering performance on versatile terrain and maximum efficiency on ascents at the expense of some all-day comfort.

TYPES OF WOMEN’S APPROACH SHOES

Lightweight approach: The Arc’teryx Vertex Alpine family is lightweight and inspired by running shoes, but with more sidefoot and underfoot protection, extra grip for scrambling on rocks, and added stability for varied terrain on both approach and climb.

Approach/recovery hybrid: The Arc’teryx Kragg family features a supportive midsole and capable outsole with grip and traction to handle technical approaches, while a breathable upper and fold-down heel for quick transitions make this a great recovery and belay option for long days at the crag.

Mid-height hiking boot: designed for easy to moderate scrambling, with a higher cut for added ankle support on challenging approaches with obstacles like rocks and roots.

Low-collar hiking shoe: designed for easy to moderate scrambling, with a lower cut below the ankle for a more lightweight, nimble fit and faster approaches on trails.

Mountaineering boot: Ultra-durable and stiff footwear for precise, efficient movement in high-consequence mountain and alpine terrain. Mountaineering boots are designed to accommodate crampons for snow, ice, and glacier travel.

KEY TECHNOLOGIES AND FEATURES

Precision tools: A TPU shank adds stability, while a Vibram® XS Flash 2 outsole and proprietary lugs are designed for maximum edging control on rock requiring precise movement on high-consequence terrain. EVA/Polyolefin blended midsoles feature higher abrasion components in the forefoot of approach shoes for scrambling.

Protection: Because climbing subjects the entire shoe to wear-and-tear, the TPU shank protects the underfoot from sharp rocks, while a toecap guards the front foot from rocks, obstacles, and abrasion.

Grip and traction on all surfaces: Vibram® XS Flash 2 approach and climb outsoles offer industry-leading grip on rocks for scrambling and climbing, while Vibram® Megagrip hiking outsoles and lugs provide more durable grip and traction on all surfaces, including descending. Vibram® Mont mountaineering outsoles offer excellent grip even in sub-zero temperatures.

Breathable, durable uppers: Abrasion-resistant Matryx® mesh improves durability on approach shoes, while CORDURA® hiking mesh provides a comfortable, breathable fit that resists snags and abrasion on the trail. For belaying and recovery between climbs, Spacermesh is a stretchy, breathable fit for all-day comfort that can also withstand an approach.

Waterproof: For hiking options, GORE-TEX® technology seals out water in wet conditions and water crossings to keep your feet dry, which can be critical to avoiding blisters and other foot health complications on long hikes and multi-day backpacking treks. GORE-TEX® is the only waterproof, windproof, breathable material effective and durable enough to meet our standards. It is comfortable for both summer and winter temperatures.

Balanced support plus climbing efficiency: In approach shoes, an EVA/Polyolefin blended midsole features higher abrasion components in the forefoot for efficient ascents while scrambling. Arc’teryx hiking midsoles prioritize stability and control on uneven terrain, which can be crucial to avoid falls as hikers grow fatigued over long hikes or multiple days.

Crampon compatible: Mountaineering shoes can accommodate crampons for glacier travel and climbing on ice.

HOW WOMEN’S APPROACH SHOES SHOULD FIT

Women’s climbing and approach shoes should fit tightly around the midfoot for support and stability on uneven ground and changing terrain. The toebox should feel roomy enough for a comfortable approach, particularly on downhills, but should not be too loose for precise movements while scrambling and climbing. Be sure to account for sock thickness when considering sizing. Compared with men’s climbing and approach shoes, women’s climbing and approach shoes tend to be slightly narrower at equivalent sizes (e.g. a US W9 will be narrower than a US M8, which is the same length). To find your size, refer to Arc’teryx’s footwear sizing chart.

MEN’S APPROACH SHOES

Explore the latest Arc’teryx men's approach shoes.