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If you’ve ever hiked into a crag in trail runners and spent the whole approach feeling your socks go from damp to soaked, you know why approach shoe choice matters as much as your climbing shoe choice. The La Sportiva Kubo GTX is built for exactly that stretch between the trailhead and the base of the route, and getting the size right makes the difference between a comfortable approach and blisters before you’ve even racked up.
Top pick: La Sportiva Kubo (check current price)
Who the Kubo GTX is for
This shoe is for climbers who hike into crags on loose talus, wet trails, or muddy approach paths and want something sturdier than a running shoe but still light enough to stuff in a pack if you’re swapping into rock shoes at the base. It’s also a solid pick for scrambling sections where you need some edging ability but you’re not climbing fifth class the whole way in. If your approach is a flat ten minute walk from the parking lot, you probably don’t need this much shoe. Save your money for something lighter.
How La Sportiva sizing runs
La Sportiva’s approach and hiking line tends to run close to true to size, sometimes a touch narrow through the midfoot compared to brands like Salomon or Merrell. Most climbers who wear a standard street shoe size find their regular size works, but if you have a wider foot or you plan to wear thicker socks in colder months, it’s worth sizing up half a size. Check the toe box before you commit. You want enough room to wiggle your toes on a long descent, since a cramped approach shoe gets painful fast on loose scree.
Width and fit notes
- Standard width works for most feet, but narrow heels may want to snug the laces higher up
- If you wear the GTX version with a liner sock in winter, factor that extra volume into your size choice
- Break the shoes in on short hikes before a long approach day so you know where the pressure points sit
Why the GTX version is worth considering
I used to try to save money by getting shoes that aren’t waterproof. I don’t usually go out looking for trails with water, but I came home with soggy socks often enough that waterproof shoes became a must for me. Whether I’m scrambling or hiking, a waterproof shoe is my go-to now, and GORE-TEX has been my favorite of the waterproof options I’ve tried. If your approach crosses creek beds, snowmelt, or just a soggy trail in the morning dew, the GTX lining on the Kubo keeps your feet dry without adding much weight.
What to check before you buy
Look at the outsole pattern if your approach involves slab or polished rock low angle scrambling. The Kubo’s sole is built with edging in mind, which helps on those in-between sections that aren’t quite a trail and aren’t quite a route. Also check the ankle height. Some climbers prefer a low cut for mobility on scrambles, others want the extra support on long, loaded approaches with a heavy pack. Confirm sizing and the return policy with the shop before you buy, since fit on approach shoes can vary more than people expect from the listed size.
Where to find it
The La Sportiva Kubo in Goji/Neon is available through Outdoor Gear Exchange. check current price at Outdoor Gear Exchange.
More on climbing shoes
For the bigger picture on climbing shoes, start with our The Best 11 Climbing Shoes Under $100. You’ll also find related reads on Scarpa Arpia V LV Climbing Shoes, La Sportiva Solution Comp vs. Solution and Scarpa Boostic R Sizing.
FAQ
Does the Kubo GTX run true to size?
Most climbers find it close to true to size, with a slightly narrower midfoot fit. If you have a wide foot or plan to wear thicker socks, sizing up half a size is a common fix.
Is this shoe meant for climbing or just approaches?
It’s built for approach hiking and light scrambling, not for technical rock climbing. Pack your climbing shoes separately for the route itself.
Is the GORE-TEX lining worth it if I rarely hike in rain?
Even dry trails have morning dew, creek crossings, or muddy patches near the base of a crag. A waterproof lining keeps your feet dry on those stretches without adding noticeable weight.
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