Approach Shoes Trail Grip Review — Hands-On Test & Verdict

Approach shoes live in the awkward middle ground between hiking boots and climbing shoes, and most compromise too much on one end. The VerticalEdge Trail Grip gets the balance right. The Vibram Megagrip outsole is the star — on slick sandstone, wet granite, and loose scree, it provides confidence-inspiring traction. We tested these on a 3-mile approach to a climbing area with a technical scramble at the end, and never felt the need to switch to climbing shoes until the actual route. The rubber toe rand protects against the inevitable toe-stubbing on talus fields. The quick-dry mesh upper came in handy during a stream crossing; they drained within an hour of walking. The heel clip is a thoughtful addition for basic crampon use on alpine approaches. Fit runs narrow — if you have wide feet, definitely try before buying or size up. Not as cushioned as dedicated hiking shoes, but that is the trade-off for climbing performance.