Women's approach shoes - where to buy?

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Hi all, 

Desperately trying to replace my old Kayland approach shoes which are now essentially undead (and, it turns out, definitely cannot be held together by finger tape), but I'm hitting a wall.

No shops seem to really stock women's approach shoes much at all.

I've tried Outside, Ellis, Cotswold, GO, but they all only have about 1-3 models available and with shortages of sizes, normally only about 1 women's shoe available per shop in practice. I also need something built for mountains, not the approach across the car park.

Shops all a bit of a faff to travel to from Sheffield so I'm loathe to go on the off chance - but I do need to get to a physical shop, in the next two weeks.

Any women climbers know of any other shops around the Peak/Manchester/Yorkshire with a decent selection?

Perhaps somewhere independent I haven't heard of...?

Ta.

 oldie 26 May 2022
In reply to Queen of the Traverse:

If nobody has any suggestions and its urgent your best bet might be to check return and refund policies with reputable firms and order several online inc a range of sizes. Perhaps look at reviews like outdoorgearlab etc. I think Needlesports still has Womans Boulder X in many sizes. Never done this myself as it seems loads of faff and financial risk.

 Babika 26 May 2022
In reply to Queen of the Traverse:

I was trying to buy approach shoes in Ambleside last year and was told there was a chronic shortage . 

In the end I just said "bring whatever you have in size x" and ended up with a brand I'd never heard of - Oboz. But they've turned out alright. 

But I agree it's all a pain

Post edited at 18:10
 iccle_bully 27 May 2022
In reply to Queen of the Traverse:

I ended up ordering loads from Rock and Run, trying them then sending the ones that didn't fit back. I had to compromise on design (f***ing pink for god's sake!) but the shoes are well built and fit well. I have narrow feet and have a pair of Scarpas crux. I use them over moors, mountains, scrambling, everything. 

 The New NickB 27 May 2022
In reply to Queen of the Traverse:

Mountain Wild in Hebden Bridge might be worth a phone call, look to have a decent range, but could no doubt tell you what they actually have in stock in you size and you can then decide if it is worth a visit.

I would have suggested Mountain Feet in Marsden, but they appear to have closed down.

Thank you all. After trying Outside, Cotswold and Ellis (all of which had extremely little stock - or for Cotswold, 0) I've plumped for some mojitos. Bit disappointed to find they seem to be less grippy and technical than I had hoped but was the best of extremely slim pickings...

If anyone reading this heads up similar shops, please, dear god, get some women's kit in!

 BusyLizzie 02 Jun 2022
In reply to Babika:

That's funny, my husband was introduced to Oboz by a shop in Ambleside a few years ago. He loves them and is on his third pair I think.

 LakesWinter 03 Jun 2022
In reply to Queen of the Traverse:

Needlesports seem to have a good range in at the moment including down to size 3 if you have smaller feet.

 TobyA 03 Jun 2022
In reply to Babika:

> I was trying to buy approach shoes in Ambleside last year and was told there was a chronic shortage .

We are hearing this all the time with regards to UKC reviews. I'm meant to be doing a review of summer approach shoes and they just can't get them into country. Some winter clothing didn't turn up until May. I was meant to review a 1 man tent, and all the company could get into the UK is the 2 man version. Another company wanted some hiking poles reviewed, again they've not made it to Europe so far. 

It seems every company is struggling at least with some lines. Brexit and global supply issues.

 spragglerocks 03 Jun 2022
In reply to Queen of the Traverse:

I know you're sorted now but would recommend Backcountryuk in Otley. They specialise in ski stuff and walking boots/approach shoes and usually have decent stock. Worth giving a ring before travelling to see what they have in your size but not that far from Sheffield in the grand scheme of things.

In reply to spragglerocks:

Thanks - I wish I'd known that before; I'm spending the weekend right next to Otley!! 

 Jude Harris 30 Jun 2022
In reply to Queen of the Traverse:

I gave up trying to find approach shoes which fitted and got a pair of walking shoes: hideous colour but very comfy. I find it very difficult to get shoes in my size: 8.5 left and 8 right, so it's always a massive pain as few places do half sizes

 climber34neil 30 Jun 2022
In reply to Queen of the Traverse:

Pop down to dark ventures, distributors of unparallel shoes , new rock guides approach shoes in stock , there is a showroom there and can purchase straight from them. Ask for pat and he will be more than happy to help. It's just off Whittington Moor roundabout other way into Chesterfield.  Better to go in the morning/lunchtime though


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