How to Choose Hiking Boots

Rugged trails or fourth-class climbing, these Arc'teryx approach shoes are up for it. The outsoles can smear up slabs and descend softer ground. Carbon-fiber midsole shanks add stability.
Imported.
View all Arc'teryx Men's Hiking ShoesBest Use | Rock Climbing Hiking |
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Gender | Men's |
Upper | Nubuck leather |
Midsole | Compressed EVA |
Outsole | Vibram XS Flash 2 rubber |
Lining | Leather/textile |
Support | Carbon-fiber midsole shank |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 12.9 oz. |
Sustainability | Fair Trade Certified™ factory |
6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 26.5 Mondo | 27.5 Mondo | 28.5 Mondo | 29.5 Mondo | |
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U.S. Men's | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 11.5 |
U.S. Women's | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 11.5 | ||||||
UK | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13.5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
EU | 39.33 | 40 | 40.6 | 41 | 42 | 42.6 | 43.3 | 44 | 44.6 | 45.3 | 46 | 46.6 | 47.3 | 48 | 49.3 | 42 | 43.3 | 44.6 | 45 |
Mondo | 24.5 | 25 | 25.5 | 26 | 26.5 | 27 | 27.5 | 28 | 28.5 | 29 | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 | 32 | 26.5 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 29.5 |
Foot Length (in.) | 9.6 | 9.84 | 10.04 | 10.24 | 10.47 | 10.63 | 10.83 | 11.02 | 11.22 | 11.42 | 11.61 | 11.81 | 12.01 | 12.20 | 10.47 | 10.83 | 11.22 | 11.61 |
Calculate your own foot measurements, then select your product size. Use a ruler or tape measurer to measure your foot from the heel to the tip of your longest toe. Find the closest measurement that is equal to or greater than the length of your foot.
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I took these shoes to the Cascades to do some alpine rock climbing on them. I used them for the 2-3 hour hike in and o the rock. The hiked and climbed well. My one issue is the toe rubber is super lacking. After 2 days of use it already worn down to the suede. Compared to other shoes in it's price range and capability it should also have durable toe rubber as others have lasted longer in similar terrain.
A fairly light and fairly comfortable shoe. The upper seems well-built, and the sole is good for hiking, but could really be refined for climbing by being a touch narrower and having a larger climbing zone in the sole pattern. These tend to be pretty hot compared with other shoes with more mesh in the uppers, but that will likely be made up for by the longevity. With stickier rubber and a bit narrower toe box and a bit lighter weight, this shoe could be stellar. Right now, it's a solid hiking-oriented approach shoe
A downgrade from the previous version in my opinion. The upper is less breathable, which makes these less comfortable in summer months. I miss the older toe kick which had better coverage than this version. The sole is still very high quality. The heel required more break in than the older version. I had blisters from my initial day wearing them, though comfort has since improved.
Hi Chris. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on the Konseal Shoe. We're glad to hear the sole quality and overall comfort have improved with wear, but we appreciate your feedback on the upper breathability, toe coverage, and heel break-in. Insights like yours are incredibly valuable as we continue to evolve the design—thank you for letting us know.
First time owning a version of this shoe. I think this is a perfect all arounder for backpacking and peak bagging. Strapped these on for a 10 mile 3500'+ climb to base camp and 2000' summit - aside from a little break in during the week before, these performed flawlessly and were comfortable both loaded and in summit mode, no blisters or hot spots. Very solid shoe.
Took these bad boys out on a hike the other week. Felt very secure in these shoes throughout the hike. The Vibram XS feature and the lug pattern stuck like glue on the rock face, loose shale, and uneven terrains, making it easier for me to trust my feet on those steep eleys. Also, one of the most comfortable alpine shoes I have in my wardrobe! No cap.
It is a sturdy “functional” and simple looking shoe, but compared to the legacy Norvan SL line they lack lightness, breathability, and feel “clunky” than what I’m comfortable with which can also be compared to more mainstream athletic shoes in the same price range. I would not be using this shoes for active activities other than walking.
Hi there. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Konseal Shoe. While it differs from the Norvan SL—which is a lightweight running shoe—the Konseal is an approach shoe, designed to provide stability, durability, and traction on rocky or technical terrain leading up to a climb. This often means a sturdier build and less breathability than a running or athletic shoe. We appreciate your feedback on weight and feel, and we’ll pass it along to our product team as we continue refining the line.
Great update to this shoe! I've been wearing Konseal (former) version for the last several years and they are by far my favorite. The leather version has been stable on the trails but nice looking for the office. This version has a more capable design for varied terrain. I hope they come out with a non-leather GTX version as well.
These shoes are extremely comfortable and walkable as they are less stiff than previous versions, but that is where the positivity ends. These are a huge disappointment otherwise and I would be hesitant to call them approach shoes. The biggest gripe is their durability a consequence of a major design flaw in material selection. The upper rand on the shoe is more of a mid sole foam than a durable rubber and gets holes after only a couple uses on technical terrain. My previous Leather Konseal shoes had thick rubber around the entire toe box as that is what approach shoes need for protection and durability. My previous pair lasted years or climbing/approaching and daily use while these are in the weeks range of use and look just as ragged. The rubber on these feels slightly stickier which is nice as the lack of stiffness isn't as ideal for steeper terrain. While I couldn't advocate enough for the previous Konseal model of shoe these are mediocre at best and should be avoided... Unless your approach is walking on sidewalks to an urban crag as these shoes do not have the pedigree for approaching mountains.
Hi there. Thanks for taking the time to share such a detailed review of the Konseal Shoe. We’re glad to hear the comfort and walkability stood out, but we understand your concerns around durability and protection for technical terrain. Approach shoes are built to balance support, grip, and durability for rocky approaches, and your feedback on material selection and toe coverage is valuable—we’ll be sharing it with our product team as they continue to refine the design.
I have had multiple versions of the Konseal over the years and this iteration is the best. Over fit and finish are superb and minimal break in was required. Another premier offering from Arcteryx
The last gen Konseal was my favorite high country hiking / scrambling shoe. This new version is even more comfortable and durable. I like the leather upper and the minimalist design.