Tough New Merrell Approach Shoe

Outdoor footwear and pack manufacturer, Merrell, have launched a new approach shoe designed for the sketchier moments on trails. It's called the Jam and it includes a climbing rubber rand and toe bumper, so you get some of the grip you'd find in a rock shoe. This combines with a Vibram Sole and EVA Air Cushion midsole, so i'ts comfy when you're walking. In other words, you get some decent grip but without rock boot levels of pain as you approach the crag.

The outer is made of leather with a breathable polyester mesh lining, so it should hold off the elements without life getting too hot and sweaty inside. For those who like to know all the techy bits, we can also tell you that the shoe has a 'board-lasted' construction. In a nutshell, that means you get a good stiff sole. Add to that the three quarter shank in the insole and there shouldn't be too much flex underfoot.

The other prominent feature is the double lacing system, which lets you tighten the shoe in tourniquet-style, for a close fit.

It looks like it could be a good shoe for scrambling and approaches to inconveniently-placed crags:-)

Retail price is £60, in men's and women's versions. Weight is 1 lb. 1 oz in the men's version, which is about 500g.

More information on the Merrell website.