Tested by Tiso | Scarpa Crux Approach Shoes Review

Price: £145 Best suited for: off-road walking and easy climbing Location: Schiehallion, Scotland Weather: sunny Best feature: Vibram® Vertical Sole Unit Tested by: Andrew Robertson

Overview

Since 1938, Scarpa has been committed to creating some of the best climbing and mountaineering footwear through craftsmanship, innovation and tradition. I've worn Scarpa since 2002 and when it came to look for approach shoes I put my trust, once again, in Scarpa to deliver in the form of the Crux. 

Having worn them in Moab, Utah, I wanted to fully test them in Scotland. Schiehallion was to be the final proving ground, offering trail, rock, pea gravel and a boulder field. A quick 10km where I wanted to travel light and test the shoes at pace.

Features

• Vibram® Vertical Sole with MEGAGRIP Compound: the model I have is the third version of this shoe. There have been a few cosmetic changes but the big change is the improvement in the sole, the Vibram vertical unit. MEGAGRIP compound has been used resulting in grip you can put your faith in no matter the conditions or terrain.
• Tough suede material and rand: the shoes have a solid, minimal look to them, black with orange detailing, they aren't flashy and don't draw much attention. The 1.8mm water-resistant suede it tough, breathable and light. The wrap around rand protects the suede from rock strikes and cleans easily.
• Precision lacing: lacing down to the toes provides a secure and comfortable fit, allowing you to relieve pressure at different parts of your foot whilst still remaining snug. The lacing cord loops work well, keeping your laces tight while allowing a little movement to accommodate your foot responding to different terrain. The lining is a stretch textile which adds to the overwhelming feeling of comfort these shoes provide.

Testing

I chose to walk at pace to the summit and then run back down. The path on the way up was well maintained and led to a steady climb. No hot spots, and my feet felt cool. Once I left the trail, and started scrambling over the rocks that make up the last 1500m to the summit, the test really began. All the rocks seemed to have sharp points and edges and I was concerned for the durability of the Crux soles.

After a quick check that concern was gone, I was soon hoping from rock to rock without worry of damage or slipping. The MEGAGRIP certainly lived up to it's name.

A quick summit and it was time to see how well I could run in them. Back across the rock field I was able to move at pace, the grip and lightness of the shoe, allowing for very secure and fast movement. I was then back on the trail where I upped the pace and encountered patches of dust and pea gravel. Normally I'd slow down for these, often I've skidded or slipped on them. I found the Crux provided grip on any of the conditions.

Finally back on the main path I opened up my pace and it was almost like wearing running trainers. I was able to jog along without my feet feeling heavy or hot. Which on a warm day in June I was grateful for.

Verdict

More robust than a trainer, but far lighter than boots, these shoes are an excellent choice for hiking summer trails and hills in Scotland. I tend to wear my shoes straight from the box and that's exactly what I did with these. They fit like a favourite trainer, instantly comfortable and moulding to my feet. No need for additional insoles or socks.

This won't be the last time I pick these for a day or two in the hills, I've even worn them around town, Edinburgh's cobbles and potholes are no match for them.

The Scarpa Crux Approach Shoes are well worth the price and offer the wearer the opportunity to take on a lot of terrain. I'd recommend these to anyone getting outdoors this summer.

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