Simul-climbing somewhere in the middle of the 3000′ Direct North Ridge of Mt. Stuart
The longevity I’m getting out of these shoes is also very
surprising. I’m not wearing them around town which helps, but my days logged in
the mountains with these far exceed the lifespan of any other approach shoe
I’ve used. Normally my fellow guides are lucky to stretch a pair of shoes
through two seasons on rock, but I’m moving into the fall of my 3rd
year with them and they’re still kicking. I’m curious about resoling them as
well, because that is the only part of the shoe that’s really starting to wear
out. It would appear to be a simple job with a quick cutout of sticky-dot
rubber to be replaced.
The one criticism I’d have of the shoe would be the traction
on loose dirt trails due to the limited tread of the sticky-dot pattern. Deeper
tread on a shoe allows it to dig into loose terrain gaining better purchase.
I’ve only rarely had an issue with this however because once the trail becomes
steep enough for my feet to slip the terrain has normally changed to exposed
rock where these shoes excel.
I’d highly recommend the Patagonia Cragmaster Approach Shoe
for anyone looking for the perfect blend of hike and climb. Just a quick note
on sizing; I normally wear a size 9 hiking shoe and size down to a size 8.5 for
approach shoes, making for a tighter and more precise fit while climbing. I
have the Cragmaster in an 8.5 and it still feels a little roomy. It hasn’t been
a problem but I might consider going down to a size 8 on my next pair. Always
best to try them on before you buy!
–Jeremy Devine, Instructor and Guide