The term "Approach Shoe" is very loosely bandied around, but ideally it should mean a lightweight shoe suitable for summer approaches to high crags and possibly for carrying up your climb to wear on the descent.
Some of the shoes listed here fit this description better than others and this is generally indicated in the text, but in many ways, Fell Running Shoes make better approach shoes than "Approach Shoes" do as they are lighter and have much more studded soles which give a far better grip on the steep wet grass of the British mountains, whilst the flatter soles of the approach shoes can be lethal in such conditions and are best used for such adventurous activities as going to the pub, which is indeed what they are mostly worn for.
However, the approach shoes listed below will be ideal for hot rock trips to Spain, France, the USA etc where you are dealing with dry conditions and and need shoes that are a) reasonable thorn proof and b) can be worn around town and to the bar afterwards, as well as on the plane home.
Sizing:Â Sizes given are UK or Continental - not USA.
Fit:Â Buyers beware, sizing on boots and shoes varies a great deal. This is true, not only between different companies but also between different models from the same manufacturers. As most boots are still hand-made, even the same sizes in the same model can vary! When you take all these factors into account, buying boots unseen over the internet is not recommended. Therefore this service is intended for those who have already worked out what size and model they require but for one reason or another cannot get to a shop to make their purchase.
Returns: Please note that we cannot under any circumstances at all accept returns of any boots that have been "used" - not even a little bit! This includes a "ust a few minutes outside to see what they feel like". Please try your boots on in your own home when you receive them. If you are unhappy with the fit we will refund or replace them provided that they are returned with their packaging and in (in our opinion) "as new" condition. Please see our section on Returns.
Scarpa give good advice on fitting boots and shoes in the film below: