Test report - approaching shoes & approaches 2017: discovery of light -footedness - multifunctional shoes for mountain & rock

"The most important thing on the mountain is decent, firm footwear" - with this traditional wisdom in mind, most of us may have made their first attempts in the Alps or the domestic low mountain ranges.For a long time, when looking at the feet of ambitious hikers and mountaineers, heavy and ankle -high leather boots dominated - the epitome of robustness and supposed security in rocky terrain.In contrast, lowlands Tyroleans or so-called "Zuagroaste" immediately exposed themselves through their gymnastics and sports shoes or even sandals or.In the worst case through flip -flops.

In recent years, however, a lot has happened in terms of footwear on the mountain.As long as there are no crampons in the game, the trend is clearly towards lighter, multifunctional models - so -called approacher or climbing shoes - which are suitable for both the path to climbing, as well as for via ferrata, simple rock tours or for normal hiking.The advantages of the all -rounder are obvious: they weigh significantly less and are therefore neither a block on the foot nor a load that is too large when transported on the climbing belt and still grasp the foot stable and safely.So off -road passages with changing difficulty and varied terrain can be mastered as comfortably as it is sure -footed, without having to have a second pair of shoes in your luggage - and in case of doubt, even the city stroll is still on a trekking trip.

But of course there are also huge differences in the rigidity of the sole, comfort and in terms of general robustness within the approach-range.The famous egg -laying wool milk sow does not exist here either and ultimately you always have to cut back somewhere.Before buying, you should therefore think carefully about where the shoe should ultimately be used.Because in principle it can be said that the more robust and stable the shoe, the more the comfort suffers.In the following test report we present our personal favorites from the current collections of various manufacturers.

La Sportiva TX4 GTX - comfortable all -rounder for the mountains

With the traverse X series, La Sportiva released three new climbing shoes in summer 2016, which are supposed to combine the flexibility and weight of trail running shoes with the protection of light mountain shoes and the grip of climbing shoes.The line has recently had a new addition in the form of the TX4 GTX, which is equipped with a Gore-Tex® membrane as the further development of the TX4 and is therefore waterproof.The upper is made of robust suede.In addition, the shoe has a 1.5mm thick PU Techlite rubberization, which should ensure high scratch resistance and optimal protection.The so -called STB Control System ™ construction promises to precisely enter the foot, to deliver the side to the side and at the same time to offer a comfortable fit.

The TX4 GTX was developed for climbing and for descents on a technical surface, which is why the sole was of course also paid special attention.The proven Megagrip Vibram sole with climbing zone at the top and Impact Brake System in the back promises perfect grip and soft walking comfort in rocky terrain as well as in a wide variety of weather conditions - and at the same time being very durable.The lacing system of the TX4 was derived from the climbing model myth and, according to the manufacturer.

Das af-Testurteil von Vroni:Für mich ist der Tragekomfort der mitunter wichtigste Aspekt für einen überzeugenden Approach-Schuh.In my opinion, La Sportiva really did everything right with the TX4.I have rarely worn a shoe that sits as pleasant and comfortable on the foot as the all -rounder of the Italian shoe specialists.In New Zealand, I went on numerous multi -day tours for me with the TX4, where we mostly covered over 40 km per day - through mushy meadows and small streams as well as steep, rocky terrain with small climbing passages.Despite the heavily loaded backpack, the soles of the feet never burned me and I didn't run a single bladder - for myself as a "problem -footer" with an extremely narrow heel almost a small sensation.Only the cut is not entirely optimal for me personally, because the TX4 is a bit wider in the forefoot area and I still have too much game.Since the shoe can be pulled closer and fluently with the help of the well -thought -out lacing, I was able to compensate for this smaller shortcoming quite well.

The Megagrip sole from Vibram has already convinced me with various trail running shoes-and it also does it with the La Sportiva TX4 GTX.She just feels comfortable on rock - even when it pours out of buckets.Nevertheless, the sole offers a very pleasant and, above all, liquid rolling behavior.If one of the "flow" grabs (or you have left your rain jacket in the hut and have to complete a few additional meters of altitude), then small running units are not a problem.However, the softness of the sole also has the disadvantage that the shoe does not perform as well in short climbing passages in very small kicks.But as already mentioned, the famous egg -laying wool milk sow just does not exist.For me, the La Sportiva TX4 GTX is therefore the perfect choice for everyone who is looking for a comfortable shoe with a wide area of application and does not see their focus on climbing.

+ Insanely comfortable and comfortable+ foot is perfectly bordered+ very good hold+ high -quality processed+ sole with excellent grip on rock - even with wet+ precise and far forwards to the front

- cut a little too soft in the forefoot area - a little too soft for very small steps

Die Details:Besonderheiten: eingespritzte und dämpfende EVA, Ortholite Fußbett, STB Control System™ Konstruktion, Schnürsystem vom Mythos-Kletterschuh, Anziehhilfe an der FerseSohle: MegaGrip Vibram mit Impact Brake System und Climbing Zone an der SpitzeMaterial: Sämischleder, TechLite 1,5 mm Gummischutzrand, Gore-Tex Extended ComfortFarben: Rot, Grün (Damen), Gelb, Grün, Beige (Herren)Größe: 36-43 (Damen, auch halbe Größen), 36-47,5 (Herren, auch halbe Größen)Gewicht: 340 g (pro Schuh, Damen), 400 g (Größe 43, Herren)Preis: 179.- Euro (RRP)

Lowa Approach Pro GTX® LO - with innovative lacing

In order to save valuable strength for the later climbing on the rock when approaching, mountain athletes rely on functional models such as the Approach Pro GTX LO von Lowa.The special thing about the new approach shoe is an integrated damping in the heel area, thanks to which you should get to get started carefree and light foot.According to the traditional cobble from Jetzendorf, the reinforced fire sole ensures more control.And in combination with the climbing zone on the tip of the shoe, even narrower steps should be able to be targeted in light climbing routes.

The waterproof upper shoe is equipped with a Gore-Tex membrane to keep your feet dry even with crossings of mountains and snow fields.The material encloses the foot like a kind of elastic sock, which can be optimally adapted to the foot shape via an innovative 2-zone speed speed.DIEVIBRAM sole promises the necessary grip on every surface, which nestles in the so-called "Close to the Ground construction" around the shoe in order to enable optimal hold and improved rolling behavior with the lowest possible profile depth.

Veit's AF test judgment:

I have eagerly observed the development of the new Approach GTX® LO from Lowa.And the result can really be seen.The only innovative development of speedlacing to adjust the fit in two zones white to convince.At first glance, the climbing shoe looks quite soft, but shows his true genes directly when slipping in.The upper shoe is made of waterproof, breathable and rather robust textile material with a gore-tex membrane, but thanks to the handy vibram sole and the all-round reinforcements, the approximation is anything but a wimp.Accordingly ambitious, the low -shoe itself stems slight climbing in the 3.Degree without problems.For targeted start, the climbing zone on the tip of the shoe forms an optimal unit with the rock.

This makes it the perfect "hybrid solution" for alpine tours in rugged terrain.For pleasure hikers, however, the approacher is rather not recommended, since the sole comes along quite stiffly.The only real drawback for me as a "Breitfüßler" is once again the very narrow striking strip.And even in terms of weight, the low shoe with almost 900 grams brings relatively much to the scales.The same applies to the price, which in my eyes pulls quite violently by the wallet.

+ Trade-resistant sole and stable side stop+ 2-zone lacing for perfect adjustment+ perfect grip even with wet+ direct contact with the rock

- some stiff sole - relatively difficult - high price

Die Details:Besonderheiten: Double Speed Lace Schnellverschluss mit Fit Wing Fersenzug, verstärkte Brandsohle mit integrierter Fersendämpfung, minimalistische Sohlenkonstruktion („Close to the Ground“)Sohle: Vibram Rock Trac (mit geringer Profiltiefe, hinterschnittene Absatzfront) / Kletterzone an der SohlenspitzeMaterial: Textil (Innenmaterial: Gore-Tex)Farben:Anthrazit / Limone; Blau / Rot; Schwarz / GrauGröße: UK 6-13Gewicht: 900 gPreis: 189,95 Euro (UVP)

Hanwag Makra Low GTX - robust climbing shoe for alpinists

The Makra Low GTX of the Bavarian tradition Schuster Hanwag is a technical multifunction shoe for tours or climbing through rough and rocky terrain.Due to its surrounding rubber rubble protection, the Apporacher is particularly robust and durable.Furthermore, the access shoe offers a soft textile graduation with a honeycomb structure and should therefore be extremely convenient.Thanks to the incorporated Gore-Tex® membrane, the shoe is waterproof and breathable, so that the feet remain pleasantly dry in any weather according to Hanwag.The low weight is particularly noticeable on longer hikes or multi -day tours.Last but not least promises the slide and abrasion-resistant Vibram® running sole eoptimal hold in changing terrain.

Das af-Testurteil von Mitch:Bei der Anprobe der Testschuhe war ich etwas verwundert, dass mir der Makra Low GTXin meiner üblichen Größe (43,5) nicht richtig passen wollte.Already when running in the level, flat terrain the fit was extremely spongy and the heel had too much game.But wait, there was something!

The Bavarian Bergschuster Hanwag is installing an alpine wide strips in its new climbing shoe.This has a significantly wider forefoot area than the usual alpine strips of other approach shoes.Which means that - depending on the foot shape - you should take the shoe half or even a whole size smaller to achieve the optimal fit.Anyone who now thinks that they therefore do not have a high level of comfort are wrong.Because the larger space in the forefoot area is made, a pressure -free walking and climbing is made possible.Compared to shoes with normal or.The comfort of the wear is significantly higher.But not only the strips alone are responsible for the good fit.The ghilly lacing (cruise guide through loops instead of eyelets instead of eyelets) pulled far forwards enables the shoe to be tightened properly without cutting off the foot.

Another important criterion for a climbing shoe is its sole, which always has to offer good hold on a wide variety of substrates.In addition, the degree of hardness must also master a true balancing act between soft and hard.The macra masters this without any problems: the handy vibram sole is ideal for every terrain and that is necessary for alpine tours or in short climbing passages necessary to compete small kicks.The climbing zone placed on the tip of the shoe ensures more feeling and the best grip.So that you can always stay completely relaxed even during long climbs or hikes, the particularly light construction of sole and shoe offers significant weight advantages.

And if the weather is shown from its bad side again, you don't have to go straight to the mountain or rubber boots.Because thanks to the GORE-TEX membrane, the approacher remains permanently waterproof and breathable.So the feet stay dry at least as long as the water does not reach over ankle and runs into the shoes from above.All in all, the Makra Low GTX is a true all-rounder that can stand out from other manufacturers with its light construction, the comfortable alpine wide strips and best-grip compared to vegetable models.

+ Extraordinarily convenient and comfortable+ foot is perfectly bordered+ freedom of movement in the forefoot area (alpine-wide strips)+ precise and far forwards to the front+ optimal hold on every surface+ perfect hardener degree of the sole for the start of small kicks

- Easy detachment of the rubber on the glue edge of the rubble protection

Die Details:Besonderheiten: sehr leichte Konstruktion, umlaufender Geröllschutz, langlebige und dauerhaft wasserdichte Gore-Tex Membran, Zugschlaufe für leichteres Anziehen, im Zehenbereich optimierte Ghilly-SchnürungSohle: Vibram Sohle mit Honigwabenstruktur für deutliche Gewichtsreduzierung, Kletterzone an der Spitze, selbstreinigendes ProfilMaterial: Wildleder mit CorduraFarben: Schwarz, Kiwi (Damen), Schwarz, UN Blue, Rubin (Herren)Größe: 36-43 (Damen, teilweise auch halbe Größen), 39,5-48,5 (Herren, teilweise auch halbe Größen)Gewicht: 820 g (pro Paar, Schuhgröße 7-7,5, Damen sowie Herren)Preis: 179.- Euro (RRP)

La Sportiva Boulder X - approach shoe for alpine adventure

Thanks to its particularly grippy vibram sole and the climbing zone in the area of the shoe tip, the boulder X from La Sportiva is not only suitable as a pure access shoe, but is also used as well with light alpine leaves or when walking via ferrata.The soft upper made of flexible creamy leather and the breathable interior material made of mesh should ensure maximum wearing comfort.The soft EVA midsole with 2 mm thick and pronounced anti-shock properties in the heel area also contributes to this.

The innovative Impact Brake System also offers improved hold in the shoe when walking downhill.For maximum protection and to reinforce the upper shoe, the approacher is also equipped with a rubber rubble protection tape made of rubber.Its patented lace -up system is pulled far into the forefoot area and is based on the climbing shoe model mythos.Both the fit and the lacing system of the boulder X are asymmetrically cut.All of this will be rounded off by dressing on the heel for more comfortable dressing.

Veit's AF test judgment:

As a confessed "wide feet", I keep fighting with the problem that my "flat feet" like to "quill out" on the side across the sole.This usually not only suffers the shape of the shoe, but also press my small toes to the outer walls and sometimes put them under tension that the outer material tears in the long run.But this is exactly where the strengths of the boulder X are.Although the strips are quite narrow, my foot is optimally kept in shape thanks to the surrounding rubber band.The lacing pulled up to the forefoot also contributes to this, so that my very wide toe area is held perfectly in the check.In addition, there is the wonderful and above all butter -soft wearing comfort, which effectively prevents too quickly tired and burning soles of the feet in longer tours.

Even if the shoe is a bit heavier than a comparable approach models, the approacher still knows how to convince in many points.Starting with the extremely grippy sole, the climbing zone for targeted competing in alpine terrain and the flexible upper material.Only the shaft, which is somewhat drastic on the ankle, with too close lacing can sometimes disturb something when descending.It remains to be mentioned that the well -rolling sole is too soft for my taste for extensive climbing actions.As a result, you have to work more with your foot and use much more in strength and energy.Likewise, one should stay at home with the approach shoe in (duration) rainy days, as the material is fully sucking out quite quickly.Otherwise, the Boulder X scores as a perfect all -rounder for every occasion - be it on tour or in your free time.

+ Incredibly comfortable and comfortable+ foot is perfectly bordered+ optimal support on every surface+ high -quality processing+ precise and far forward

- Shaft cuts something on the ankle in the event of close lacing - a little too soft for targeted starts - not waterproof

Die Details:Besonderheiten: EVA Plantareinsatz, Zwischensohle, umlaufender Geröllschutz,Sohle: Vibram Sohle mit Impact Brake System und Climbing Zone an der SpitzeMaterial: Sämischleder mit GummibandFarben: Iceblue (Damen), Grey-Yellow, Rot (Herren)Größe: 36-43 (Damen, auch halbe Größen), 36-47,5 (Herren, auch halbe Größen)Gewicht: 800 g (pro Paar, Herren),750 g (bei Größe 38, Damen)Preis: 139.- Euro (RRP)

*Note from the editorial office for labeling obligation: the tested or.Products presented were made available to us free of charge by the respective manufacturer.In addition to the product value, no further payments or consideration.The editorial judgment is still independent and the specific brands have no influence on the content of the test report.