[J.Kydd]

I use a pair of Salomon XA Pro GTX shoes.
http://www.salomon.com/uk/product/xa-pro-3d-gtx.html
Great quality build, really comfy, decent grip and waterproof as they use Gore-Tex.

Really can't get my head around why more approach shoes aren't waterproof. For walk-ins involving long grass (Dartmoor!) they're facking brilliant. 

[Paul B]

Sportpursuit are flogging them off for £80.

...there you go. I've ordered a pair of the 7.5 so when they come and I can let you know about sizing Galpinos if you wish?

[galpinos]

Sportpursuit are flogging them off for £80.

...there you go. I've ordered a pair of the 7.5 so when they come and I can let you know about sizing Galpinos if you wish?

That'd be great Paul. What's your normal show size? Did you go GTX or not?

[Paul B]

These:

https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/896939

I'm 7 in Adidas (ZX 500). I've just got a pair of 5.10 Approach (Xmas) more as trainers in a 7 (these are tight). I wouldn't entertain walking anywhere further than Kilnsey in these as they feel as if they'll just fall apart.

[galpinos]

Sportpursuit are flogging them off for £80.

...there you go. I've ordered a pair of the 7.5 so when they come and I can let you know about sizing Galpinos if you wish?

Did you get them Paul? Any first impressions/sizing info?

[Paul B]

Yes, they have arrived:

They seem very light for what they are.
The construction seems like an all-in-one type, with everything moulded together, I'm not sure how well it'll last?
The sides have thin material with perforations, any water and your foot will be getting soaked (but I guess you'll stay dry if it's a bit sweaty).
The inner sock is a bit odd and might become frustrating if you wore them out cragging / bloddering (on/off/on/off etc.).
I'm usually a size 7-7.5 (7 in 'das), I've got a lot of toe room at 7.5 in these. However, with a decent pair of socks on they almost feel too narrow at the broadest part of my foot.

I'm not sure I'd pick them in a shop.  They're probably going back.

[galpinos]

Sounds like a no then,. Cheers for the feedback.

[Paul B]

Sounds like a no then,. Cheers for the feedback.

What size are you? I could delay return for a while and take them to Manc depot one night I was heading that way if useful.

[Tommy]

I'd get some of these

http://www.fiveten.com/uk/outdoor/approach/access-carbon

Best approach shoe that I've used from Five Ten in years, by quite some way. I've absolutely ragged mine and put them in all sorts of situations and no failure point after one year. I'm really harsh on shoes as well... not exactly a kind user. I tread the heels down, where them in the mud, wet, whatever. I reckon I could go through 2-3 pairs of any other shoe with the same use.

[galpinos]

Sounds like a no then,. Cheers for the feedback.

What size are you? I could delay return for a while and take them to Manc depot one night I was heading that way if useful.

Cheers Paul but I'[m a 9.5/10. I was a bit unsure anyway (can't resist a bargain) but will save my pennies. I will probably just get another pair of fell shoes.....

[Paul B]

Best approach shoe that I've used from Five Ten in years, by quite some way. I've absolutely ragged mine and put them in all sorts of situations and no failure point after one year. I'm really harsh on shoes as well... not exactly a kind user. I tread the heels down, where them in the mud, wet, whatever. I reckon I could go through 2-3 pairs of any other shoe with the same use.

Said the sponsored athelete 

Sorry but I'm unconvinced by this; I've got a pair of the Access in mesh (maybe this is the difference), maroon. I'd be amazed if they last a year being used as a normal trainer! They seem to size up quite small IMO too.

[galpinos]

Said the sponsored athelete 

Sorry but I'm unconvinced by this; I've got a pair of the Access in mesh (maybe this is the difference), maroon. I'd be amazed if they last a year being used as a normal trainer! They seem to size up quite small IMO too.

I would imagine the dotty sole would leave you on your arse quite a lot trying access British mountain crags.

[Paul B]

A new meaning to "Get in the sea"?

[sidewinder]

Best approach shoe that I've used from Five Ten in years, by quite some way. I've absolutely ragged mine and put them in all sorts of situations and no failure point after one year. I'm really harsh on shoes as well... not exactly a kind user. I tread the heels down, where them in the mud, wet, whatever. I reckon I could go through 2-3 pairs of any other shoe with the same use.

Said the sponsored athelete 

Sorry but I'm unconvinced by this; I've got a pair of the Access in mesh (maybe this is the difference), maroon. I'd be amazed if they last a year being used as a normal trainer! They seem to size up quite small IMO too.

I am not sponsored and have been very happy with the non-mesh version (3 months use with non-appreciable wear so far).

[Duma]

I wear inov8 roclite 295 for approach stuff - amazingly tough given the negligible weight, can get GTX version too if you want, great sole for wet grass etc

[Oldmanmatt]

I have the Guide Tennie (I think that's the model, grey leather/blue fabric).
Best shoe I've had in a long while. Dotty soles are the dog's bollocks on wet granite and mud alike. Ran a 12k across Dartmoor, in the autumn, in them. Only problem is they pick up leaves etc really badly, leading to me being in the cack for walking it into the house. Daily wear as trainer/work shoe too. 18 months old, maybe six left?


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[Paul B]

Conversely mine failed (toe rubber peeled away) walking (~6 miles) from the Mountain Shop in Yosemite to the base of Snake Dyke (or perhaps Reg NW face). Nat's Sportiva Boulder X's bought on the same day (in 2013) which have been roughly through the same as mine, are still going strong (and I've been through another pair since, along with plenty of shoe goo).

[Johnny Brown]

Never liked the Guide tennie. Clumpy, stiff, heavy, and my pair delaminated within weeks. Admittedly they are the best edging trainer I've had.

Five ten's strength for me was always the smedging ability, as exemplified by the Daescents, which means on rough rock you can climb almost as hard as rock boots.

Anyone got any beta on the current crop? Those access carbon look okay for approaching (ideally with a ghetto blaster on shoulder) but not so much climbing...

[Tommy]

Paul, I wouldn't bother saying if I didn't think it. Stop being such a negative arse. I'm trying to help out... I'd just say silent otherwise.

[galpinos]

Paul, I wouldn't bother saying if I didn't think it. Stop being such a negative arse. I'm trying to help out... I'd just say silent otherwise.

Tom, aren't they "death on a stick" on wet grass like guide tennies? I'm not sure I'd love wandering around on the gogarth grassy banks in them?

[Tommy]

No, they're much better for some reason. I think they've changed the rubber composition on these (taken from their wet / canyon stuff??) but I completely know what you're referencing. I think I was more injured at Font from slipping on snow in Guides than climbing problems! It was always a bit scary as you got so used to the friction on rock, but polar opposite on wet grass. I really rate these new shoes. Yeah, no shoe will do everything, but the level of compromise and acceptable levels across the whole range of the features is impressive IMO - and I'm pretty harsh!

[Oldmanmatt]

I don't recognise them. Never a problem. \_[emoji53]_/


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[BrutusTheBear]

Funky colours, anti-slip soles, insulated for warmth and bomb proof, All the rage on Exmoor

http://images.esellerpro.com/3278/I/653/8/C662343.jpg

[Paul B]

Perhaps I've been overly quick to judge the new Approach although seemingly the mesh was the wrong choice (Tom and I have kissed and made up elsewhere BTW).

I remembered this:
https://twitter.com/BrokenBennett/status/648457692105867264?s=09

which shows Nat's Sportivas on the RHS, my very glued tennies and finally the replacement 'das. It's a shame I didn't snap a picture of these (the 'das) last month when I stuck them in the bin as they were ruined (glued the outer rand for the inner to fail etc.). The Sportivas still live.

[Johnny Brown]

Yeah, no shoe will do everything, but the level of compromise and acceptable levels across the whole range of the features is impressive IMO - and I'm pretty harsh!

So are they good for climbing? Tend to do all my gritstone mileage soloing in trainers, mostly ~VS but up to about E2.