La Sportiva Martini Approach Shoe

I bought a pair because they looked cool/different and were cheap. They were about $18 on steep and cheap so I figured whats to lose. I liked them so much I bought a second pair off Back country. I use these dirt jumping and digging, they are head and shoulders better than any skate/bmx shoe I have ever had. The sole is super grippy on my pedals and they have great support for when I make a mistake and case a jump, unlike vans/airwalk that have the support of a pair of sandals. So far they seem like they will be very durable and hold up well to the rigors of digging, building, riding and hiking in the woods. I seriously think LaSportiva could market a line of dirt jump shoes and do very well.

I don't own other approach shoes, so I have no basis for comparison, but I'm very pleased with my Martinis. The fit is good, the looks are awesome, and the sole is sticky as hell. I haven't taken them on any bonafide approaches or fourth-class yet, but laced up tight they hold my foot secure and they performed admirably in a little baseboard-edge buildering. The sole also appears to be non-marking--a definite plus. The leather uppers look durable, and the stitching is rock-solid. They don't give off that crazy-technical approach shoe vibe like B5s or Guide Tennies, but they're definitely going to work better than my Chacos or Keens. At this price, you can't go wrong.

Finally had a chance to test these shoes out. 4 inches of snow and a freeze-thaw turned paths around campus into a frozen-over post-holed mess, and the stability of these puppies was impressive. I've had boots that felt more wobbly than this. Score. Then took them to the bouldering wall, and all I can say is WOW. These things smear and edge so well, I didn't want to take them off. Problems up to V2+ were as easy in these as in my climbing shoes. I've never found that before. And everybody thought I was climbing in skate shoes. Hehehe. Applause, La Sportiva.

Good shoes. They have treated me well hiking in mud, and snow and have really good traction. It took about two days for them to pack out and not feel as stiff on my foot but I really like the feel of these shoes.