Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Acrux SL Approach Shoe

I got these shoes for a birding trip to northern Argentina. They needed to cope with both hot and dry as well as humid and wet conditions. I wore them for two weeks and they performed very well. Always comfortable and performed everything that was asked of them. Their biggest test was in wet rainforest when they were submerged in water. Even so, my feet felt comfortable within the soaked inner. My only advice to anyone considering this shoe is that in a hot and humid environment (where you don't have access to any suitable drying system) the shoe's inner sole is almost impossible to dry out thoroughly. It seems super absorbent - despite squeezing out as much excess water as possible. Having said that, I need to admit that I'd plunged into water well above my ankles, so they got a thorough soaking. So far, I'd recommend the shoe. It will be interesting to see how they stand up to more challenges. And, I'm already thinking about a Gore-Text version.

I got these shoes for a birding trip to northern Argentina. They needed to cope with both hot and dry as well as humid and wet conditions. I wore them for two weeks and they performed very well. Always comfortable and performed everything that was asked of them. Their biggest test was in wet rainforest when they were submerged in water. Even so, my feet felt comfortable within the soaked inner. My only advice to anyone considering this shoe is that in a hot and humid environment (where you don't have access to any suitable drying system) the shoe's inner sole is almost impossible to dry out thoroughly. It seems super absorbent - despite squeezing out as much excess water as possible. Having said that, I need to admit that I'd plunged into water well above my ankles, so they got a thorough soaking. So far, I'd recommend the shoe. It will be interesting to see how they stand up to more challenges. And, I'm already thinking about a Gore-Text version.

So, it's been around 500 miles now (probably a little less). I've bought those shoes in march 2017 for a solo hike in Madeira Island, done around 100 miles there. Been using them since. I normally hike from 1 to 3 times a month, 3 seasons. Light to medium difficulty, 15 to 20 miles a day. Mostly day hikes. I was using them on some spring leftover snow, on rocky mountain peaks, muddy woods, open fields, gravel roads and in heavy rain. They perform very well. Weight is marginal and that was very important for me. I can not feel them on my feet for most of the time. Except for shoelaces while going down hill. You can feel them and it can hurt if your shoe is not laced well, starting from the front. Other issue with them is how they behave on soft surfaces, like mud or wet snow. This is a nightmare. You will feel like on ice. This sole was not prepared for that, it was made for stone. Now, don't misunderstand this, soft is not same as wet. For this Vibram sole, it makes no difference if this rock underneath you shoe is dry, wet or in water. They will maintain grip regardless of humidity. Sometimes I slipped on some wet leafs. But beside that I think this is a great shoe. I'm not saying they are best, as this is my first short hiking shoe. They are quite durable, but I tend to be big on maintaining my gear. I've added some pictures so you can see how they look. I got no Gore and non-leather because I wanted a fast drying shoes. They performed exceptionally well. In light rain and in wet grass they are surprisingly water resistant (I was expecting far less). And after heavy rain I just took them off for 15 minutes, changed socks and was able to go. Mind you, they were soaking wet. P.S. Got one more issue. Where is yellow? Those current-days colors are unacceptable. Lichen or Everglade are a must!

So, it's been around 500 miles now (probably a little less). I've bought those shoes in march 2017 for a solo hike in Madeira Island, done around 100 miles there. Been using them since. I normally hike from 1 to 3 times a month, 3 seasons. Light to medium difficulty, 15 to 20 miles a day. Mostly day hikes. I was using them on some spring leftover snow, on rocky mountain peaks, muddy woods, open fields, gravel roads and in heavy rain. They perform very well. Weight is marginal and that was very important for me. I can not feel them on my feet for most of the time. Except for shoelaces while going down hill. You can feel them and it can hurt if your shoe is not laced well, starting from the front. Other issue with them is how they behave on soft surfaces, like mud or wet snow. This is a nightmare. You will feel like on ice. This sole was not prepared for that, it was made for stone. Now, don't misunderstand this, soft is not same as wet. For this Vibram sole, it makes no difference if this rock underneath you shoe is dry, wet or in water. They will maintain grip regardless of humidity. Sometimes I slipped on some wet leafs. But beside that I think this is a great shoe. I'm not saying they are best, as this is my first short hiking shoe. They are quite durable, but I tend to be big on maintaining my gear. I've added some pictures so you can see how they look. I got no Gore and non-leather because I wanted a fast drying shoes. They performed exceptionally well. In light rain and in wet grass they are surprisingly water resistant (I was expecting far less). And after heavy rain I just took them off for 15 minutes, changed socks and was able to go. Mind you, they were soaking wet. P.S. Got one more issue. Where is yellow? Those current-days colors are unacceptable. Lichen or Everglade are a must!

I have logged over 500 miles on these shoes and they are still going strong. I know what you're thinking--why so many miles on a pair of approach shoes? The answer is, they are so comfortable and the rubber is so good, I have begun using them for rocky approaches, long scrambles, even wore them on the 20ish mile approach to Mount Olympus. When (if?) this pair ever runs out of rubber or starts to break down with age, I will immediately replace them. One note on fit: I'm usually a size 9.5/41 but the 9.5 in these shoes translates to a 41.3 which is too large for me so I had to size down.

Received these awesome shoes today and they got fired straight onto my feet .Fit is really good no tight spots, rubbing or pinching when normally walking . My only point on fit is that the one piece upper sometimes pinches when you go into a squat positions and put extreme flex on the toe cap ... but this is a minor point as it never really happens. I took them out for trail run today over a variety of terrain , mainly being - mud , gravel , concrete , beach shingles and rocks . I have to say out of any shoe I have used these are some of the most versitile footwear . Grip is great , the upper is really tough , not a scratch on them after walking over all the rough stone and single .Also completely waterproof after taking them through sallow water . Id recommend them to anyone who wants a rugged everyday shoe or something for outdoor or off track walking

Bought these several months ago but gave them their first true test this weekend in the North Cascades, gaining 2,000 feet with a 45-lb pack (overnight gear + ski mountaineering setup) up the Eldorado Creek trail and over the infamous boulder-field, then, many hours later, after taking the ski boots off to gain the dry rock summits of Austera and Klawatti peaks. They performed exceptionally as hikers (even with pack-weight), had terrific grip on the boulders, and were light enough I was able to carry them in my pack, during the ski portion, for the summits. (My partner wasn't as happy, stashing his more traditional approach shoes at the end of the boulder-field, and settling for doing the rocky summits in ski boots.)

This is an incredible shoe. It is my second pair, the first is the Gortex version. i wear it for virtually everything now.

These shoes are made for mountain trails and approaches. You can step on a wet rock, edge on a boulder or cross a talus and all that with confidence and in good comfort. For those of us (including myself) who used to hike in trail runners - this is not a trail running shoe. The sole is harder and shaped for grip and stability, not for rolling forward and softening your step. I find that that the wide footprint of a trail runner is the price you are paying for some stability in a soft shoe. But a wide footprint makes it more difficult to place your foot and sometimes requires constant attention. The smaller footprint of this shoe makes life much easier on a trail. Overall I am very happy with the Acrux SL and it now become my primary dry weather hiker.

These shoes are made for mountain trails and approaches. You can step on a wet rock, edge on a boulder or cross a talus and all that with confidence and in good comfort. For those of us (including myself) who used to hike in trail runners - this is not a trail running shoe. The sole is harder and shaped for grip and stability, not for rolling forward and softening your step. I find that that the wide footprint of a trail runner is the price you are paying for some stability in a soft shoe. But a wide footprint makes it more difficult to place your foot and sometimes requires constant attention. The smaller footprint of this shoe makes life much easier on a trail. Overall I am very happy with the Acrux SL and it now become my primary dry weather hiker.

I bought these to replace some Saloman's that had seen better days. Wanted a shoe that was tough, comfortable and looks good. These ticks all the boxes, but did take a while on the comfort side, they needed two weeks of walking in. I wasn't wearing them all day by tried to wear them as much as possible. I'm please to say once broken in they are lovely to wear. The laces don't need to be done up tight to have a firm but secure fit around the top of the foot. I take foot care seriously and always buy a flexible, supple shoe. While the Acrux doesn't have a hugely flexible sole, this is a walking shoe and is perfect for that activity. Gripy like no other shoe I've worn, they will give you precise and confident step every time.

I've been looking for a lightweight summer hiking shoe that still provides good ankle support and these are amazing! They're a perfect blend of flexibility and support and the soles are great for climbing.

Really light yet robust, and very comfy with excellent fit (including roomy toe box for my wide feet) and liner. Wonderful design and attention to detail with one small exception: the heavy duty round laces come undone easily. I added those little spring loaded cord tightener thingies and it solved the problem immediately. Highly recommend.

My best Arc shoes, much more breathable than Acrux FL and even more comfortable than Arakys. My best all round shoes ever.

Excellent overall hiking and camp shoes for summer and three season use. Thanks to their relative light weight they also easily replace trail runners on longer hikes even when feet are allowed to get wet, just use a waterproof sock in camp. Having used the shoes weekly for about a year now I find the build quality to be excellent. They have been my go to shoes on all hikes (except in continual rain or high snow). Only once has one of my feet get wet when I stepped into a a puddle, but otherwise the bottom plastic comes up high enough to protect from wetness significantly better than trail runners. It is worth mentioning I also have the Bora2 Mid GTX Boots in size 47 1/3, but my Acrux SL are size 46. The difference comes from two factors. First, I find the toe-box on the Bora2 to be narrower and second, I like to use the Bora2 with double or extra thick socks in winter. Usually also being a size 46 I find that size to be the perfect for me with these shoes, since I use them with one pair of wool socks.

Excellent overall hiking and camp shoes for summer and three season use. Thanks to their relative light weight they also easily replace trail runners on longer hikes even when feet are allowed to get wet, just use a waterproof sock in camp. Having used the shoes weekly for about a year now I find the build quality to be excellent. They have been my go to shoes on all hikes (except in continual rain or high snow). Only once has one of my feet get wet when I stepped into a a puddle, but otherwise the bottom plastic comes up high enough to protect from wetness significantly better than trail runners. It is worth mentioning I also have the Bora2 Mid GTX Boots in size 47 1/3, but my Acrux SL are size 46. The difference comes from two factors. First, I find the toe-box on the Bora2 to be narrower and second, I like to use the Bora2 with double or extra thick socks in winter. Usually also being a size 46 I find that size to be the perfect for me with these shoes, since I use them with one pair of wool socks.

First off, if you have a wide foot, chances are these are not going to be super comfortable in a size that will climb/scramble well. They fit me well, so it isn't much of an issue. I also mention that I have the Acrux FL in 10 and I purchased the SL in 9.5. The 1/2 size difference is noticeable in the toe box and heal cup. The SL just fits a tiny bit better for me, but doesn't play as well with ticker padded socks that i'd use for a really long approach. Weight wise, the SL is noticeably lighter than the FL. They also cram into a leader pack much better, and if i'm climbing all day with them on my back (or harness) I'd much rather have the SL than the FL unless the approach was long and brutal. So how do they perform? In a word Awesome. They climb well, have great grip and hold up to a 40lb pack just fine. They are more nimble than the FL version without giving up much in the way of durability. These are an almost perfect approach shoe. The biggest trade off vs the FL version of this shoe is that you feel the rocks and whatnot under your foot quite a bit more. These are more sensitive which helps in actual climbing, but will lead to foot fatigue if you are carrying a heavy pack on a long approach. If you are just scrambling over a few miles take the SL. If you are really slogging out the miles to a remote climb, grab the FL. This is a case of the right tool for the job an honestly these are both fantastic tools to have in your toolbox!

These shoes are fantastic. Lightweight yet equipped with a sticky vibrant sole, they will see you through difficult approaches on all sorts of terrain without weighing you down. They are fast and easy to slip on and small enough to through in your pack when conditions demand something higher or stiffer. The styling is also versatile enough to transition from the mountains/crag to the pub for a post-climb meal. I would absolutely recommend them!

I like to get the most out of the most minimal gear I can get away with. Sure, we lose some burliness with the lighter weight - and I'm impressed with how they are holding up after two and a half months of weekly sessions of 10+ mile hikes, 5+ mile approaches, boulder talus scrambling, and vertical splitter crack climbing. I even loaded up on them in a 50+ pound pack three different times on rough trails and my high top hiking boots have remained in the closet. Love the no tongue design - no need to worry about uncomfortable bunching. The lining is comfortable enough to wear without a sock. Great approach shoe, they dry fast too! I'll be continuing to take these into my alpine approach adventures.

Does what it says on the tin, super light, very grippy, and super durable

I have narrow, low volume, bony feet that are really hard to fit in walking shoes. These fit like a glove. Thank you!