Party Mode Approach Shoes

April 7, 2024

Quick tip for increasing approach shoe climbing ability:

Add a second set of laces only going half way up. Use a small shock cord toggle to tie them. I cannot take credit for this idea, AKU sells approach shoes with this feature from the factory. This allows you to tighten up the toe box so it feels more secure on a climbing route. More and more often I leave the climbing shoes at home.

I used 1.8mm Zing-it for my laces and a micro cord-lock. The Zing-it is incredibly strong and durable, sliding easily though the eyelets. One could use pretty much any small diameter cord though. Simply thread it through your eyelets, add the cord toggle, and a stopper knot.

I call this party mode, but I am sure you can find a less dorky name for this.