I am looking for one pair of footwear to wear for a couple week trip in the Brooks Range this summer. Lots of miles on foot, in the packraft, and ability to climb some 4th, low 5th class routes. Lots of approach shoes lack the comfort of hikers/trail runners. Many also are made of leather which, of course, will never dry. Lots of hikers/trail runners however, don’t climb well. Any suggestions?
The La Sportiva Mutant is a popular shoe used when soloing Boulder’s flatirons. It has a fit that some find a bit narrow, but if it fits your foot it’s quite comfortable and climbs lower 5th class somewhat well. Some people I know have resoled it with dot rubber, but I find the stock sole works well enough…especially once the lugs have worn down a bit. right out of the box the lugs aren’t optimal for techy stuff, but still work.
You can check out Salewa canvas approach shoes. Solid approach shoe, canvas versions have good breathability and dry quickly.