Arc’teryx Kragg Insulated Approach Shoes

The new Arc’teryx Kragg Insulated Approach shoes made me rethink approach shoes. In the past my approach shoes were usually my current favorite trail runner, I did not see a need for a dedicated approach shoe, in fact most approach shoes are a combination of trail shoe and climbing shoe and do a poor job at either task. But Arc’teryx is redefining the purpose of the approach shoe.

The Kragg is meant to be a shoe for short, cool weather approaches and post-climb recovery. I would also add in that it is great for belaying on single pitch sport climbs.

Arc’teryx has designed this shoe with a very smooth ‘sock’ like liner that has very few seams. This makes the shoe comfortable enough to slip on with bare feet. To make it more comfortable for bare feet the liner is breathable PrimaLoft and has an odour-fighting antimicrobial treatment.

The uppers are easy to pull on and seem to have a nice balance between support and not too tight fitting. Additionally, the shoe has a Vibram sole to facilitate what the approach trail throws at you.



The Kragg comes in both ankle boot height and shoe height. I think the ankle boot would be the best choice as an approach shoe for the additional support and protection (I tend to always be scraping the heck out of my ankles).

We are going to do a detailed review in the early Spring to test how well these work as an approach shoe. As soon as I got these shoes I knew exactly where I was going to take them and that is Grotto Canyon just outside of Canmore. It is a short 2 km hike in, but the trail is a little bit of rock hopping and scrambling over ice.

https://www.mountainproject.com/area/113323819/grotto-canyon

Men's Version at Arc'teryx

Women's Version at Arc'teryx