The Alpinist Mountain Standards reviews apply Alpinist's tradition of excellence and authenticity to gear reviews by providing unbiased, candid feedback and anecdotal commentary to equipment tested (hard) in the field. Our panel is comprised of climbers who use the gear every day as part of their work and play. Only the gear they would actually buy themselves, at retail price, qualifies for the Alpinist Mountain Standards award. The five-star rating system is as follows: No Stars = Piece of junk. One Star = Below average. Two Stars = Average. Three Stars = Above average. Four Stars = Pretty dang good. Five Stars = Nearly perfect. An Alpinist Mountain Standards award-winner. The reviewer would buy this piece themselves. Review Panel Aimee Barnes Chris Brazeau Larry Goldie Angela Hawse Sarah Hueniken Julia Niles John Race Will Stanhope Jon Walsh Jed Workman Editorial and Guest Reviewers |
 La Sportiva Exum Ridge Approach ShoePosted on: December 6, 2005 
When La Sportiva first came out with the Exum Ridge approach shoe, it was a winner. I wore mine up and down the Grand Teton guiding moderate routes during many long days in the mountains until they practically fell off my feet, threadbare. When I got this year's version I was psyched. It feels like a comfortable running shoe underfoot and has plenty of sole to cushion rocky trails. Best of all, it climbs great. I find the dot rubber super sticky and the lacing system works well to crank them tight for decent edging. They are built to last with more durable materials, extra rubber in the right places and quality construction. Also improved is the aggressive heel, which definitely makes loose descents less sketchy. Of all the approach shoes I tested during the summer, the Exum Ridge gets my vote as the best overall performer in all categories. |
