Approach Shoes for Capitol Peak?

[MyFeetHurt]

sportiva mutant trail runners...no problem

How are the Mutants regarding durability in rocky terrain? I'm debating between the Mutants and Ultra Raptors. The Mutant seems to have a good toe protection and fewer seems. Obviously its still a mesh shoe, but I would hope they would be better than something like the Wildcat.

[sarahhaubert]

sportiva mutant trail runners...no problem

How are the Mutants regarding durability in rocky terrain? I'm debating between the Mutants and Ultra Raptors. The Mutant seems to have a good toe protection and fewer seems. Obviously its still a mesh shoe, but I would hope they would be better than something like the Wildcat.

Ahh! I just searched for this thread hoping that someone had said something about the durability of La Sportivas...and it turns out that was a question that was asked and not answered. Anybody?

[BKS]

I've worn LaSportiva Raptors (not Ultra - notGore Tex) almost exclusively the last two years hiking. They fit my feet better than anything I've worn - (I have a narrow foot). The grip is fantastic for scrambling. I've done capitol, pyramid, LIttle Bear and the Bells with them. I really like them.

But, the durability is quite poor. Ten mountains is about the limit for a pair. The lugs get all torn up and they lose their structure. The grip is heavily in the lugs.

I have the Boulder X also. Durability is better, grip is not as good, and fit isn't any where close.

FWIW

[sarahhaubert]

But, the durability is quite poor. Ten mountains is about the limit for a pair. The lugs get all torn up and they lose their structure. The grip is heavily in the lugs

FWIW

Rats. But I suspected as much. Sticky soles don't last, durable soles aren't sticky. I have a dream, that science will find a sole that sticks to rock AND lasts more than a couple weeks. A sole that can do Capitol more than once! I'll keep searching while the shoe companies figure it out.

[bobalob]

I prefer my Nordstrom Rack Nike running shoes. Light, cheap, fast. Not so great when you roll a rock over on your ankle bone but otherwise big thumbs up. But approach shoes can be good to take more "fun" ways up certain routes.

[Jeff Valliere]

sportiva mutant trail runners...no problem

How are the Mutants regarding durability in rocky terrain? I'm debating between the Mutants and Ultra Raptors. The Mutant seems to have a good toe protection and fewer seems. Obviously its still a mesh shoe, but I would hope they would be better than something like the Wildcat.

Ahh! I just searched for this thread hoping that someone had said something about the durability of La Sportivas...and it turns out that was a question that was asked and not answered. Anybody?

As far as durability is concerned, it completely depends on the model Sportiva, your usage, weight, running/hiking style, etc... I have run in/tested just about every trail running shoe La Sportiva makes and have found that the Mutant, Akasha and the Bushido have average to above average treadlife, especially given the amount of grip the sticky rubber gives. All great shoes, but I have found the Akasha to be particularly versatile, cushioned and comfortable, still with great grip/traction. I would highly recommend any of them for usage discussed in this thread and beyond.

[eskermo]

La Sportiva Mix! I have two pairs and have climbed dozens of peaks and countless flatirons in both. Their durability is nothing like a Boulder X or Scarpa Crux but insanely more comfortable than both. I have tried on every approach shoe I could find and the Mix blows everything away IMO. Sounds like a slight step up in durability from the La Sportiva trail runners.