La Sportiva Boulder X Approach Shoes

I’m starting to think that approach shoes are it for when you need something that kind of does it all. Commuting? Check. Actual approaches? Yep. Hiking? You got it. Lounging around because you’re lazy? They do that too. With its retro design and delightful colors, the La Sportiva Boulder X shoes are something you can rock 24/7.

Available through Amazon | REI | CampSaver

At 14.39 oz, these ultra-padded shoes are pretty burly. They aren’t dainty approach shoes that look cute on your feet. With an all leather upper, they’ll protect your feet from whatever your approach throws at you. Vibram Idro-Grip compound means you’re stuck to whatever surface you’re standing on.

Available through Amazon | REI | CampSaver

I used to live in my Ahnu Yoga Flex shoes for ultimate comfort, the ability to run away in a zombie apocalypse, and the ridiculous orange color. But not anymore! The La Sportiva Boulder X are my current go-to shoe in my wardrobe. These look less like a technical approach shoe and more like a retro pair of sneakers.

The Vibram rubber sticks to everything which is awesome for me because I’m really good at falling everywhere. Sierra granite or desert sandstone, the only way I’m tumbling is if I trip over something. The shoes are not waterproof but the thick, soft leather keeps water out when cycling in torrential downpour. I wish that the shoe pull tab was on the inner mesh lining instead. I’m getting really good at accidentally stomping the lining down into the shoe when I put them on. It makes it difficult to quickly slip in and out of the shoes when your climber is impatiently waiting for a belay.

These beauties will set you back $110. Buy through La Sportiva, Amazon, REI or CampSaver.

Photos by Josh Ourada.

These were sent to me for review.

Last updated on December 4, 2017.