WINNER: ScrewGravity
Five Ten once 'invented' the Approach shoe category with the introduction of the 'Five Tennie' back in the late 1980. The Access continues this theme, blending hiking shoe performance and support with light and durable sport shoe materials to produce a shoe that is a true all round performer.
Outsole
The Stealth® S1™ outsole on the Access features a climbing zone for added durability, technical edging and smearing performance.
Stealth® S1rubber is also known for its superior grip on the pedal, which makes this shoe also great for riding a bike or going on bike and hike trips.
Midsole
The thick but lightweight EVA midsole offers comfort and cushioning. This adds to the high rubber content of the outsole which increases shock absorption and durability.
Upper
A reinforced toe cap coupled with the rubberized exoskeleton lacing system make this a highly protective and supportive approach shoe. The version with the mesh upper is ideal for warm weather, whereas the leather version withstands the forces of the elements.
The Takeaway
From hiking to biking, from travel to casual wear–the Access is a lightweight multisport and approach shoe that can literally 'go anywhere and do anything'
KEY FEATURES
- Stealth® S1™ rubber outsole with Climbing Zone toe
- Rubberized exoskeleton lacing system for added torsional support
- Reinforced toe cap protection
- EVA midsole for added shock absorption and cushioning
GOOD FOR
- Light approaches
- Hiking
- Biking
- Travelling
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Comments
These sort of spotty soled approach shoes are terrible for the UK unfortunately. On damp grass they're not much better than climbing shoes.
They're terrible for the UK in conditions where there is damp grass to cross, on the sections that cross the damp grass. But if you allow for that then they're great.
So far this year I've worn mine for 2 long scrambling days in Scotland (they were poor crossing the snow on the summit of Ben Nevis, but you'd expect that), and a day climbing a Diff link-up in Langdale. Last year I used one pair as approach shoes for the Talisman (so a good 3 hours walk in, a bit more for the walk out as we took in a few summits), another pair the next day for a 17 mile walk over Lochnagar and some of its tops, taking in a Mod climb and a scramble on the way.
what would you recommend for a pair of approach trainer type things that can deal with slippy grass? I use the aescent (old version of the access) for kayaking, and they're fantastic in safety situations when you're running about on slippy rocks, but when it comes to the approach through fields with a heavy kayak on your shoulder they're useless. I have pretty much worn through the tread anyway, so they're just flat soled climbing shoes now ;)
For that sort of terrain I usually wear a pair of fell running shoes - usually a pair of La Sportiva as they're relatively robust. But not much use for scrambling or climbing!