This Italian Hiking Shoe Is So Clutch, It Replaced Half of My Sneakers

The men’s footwear conversation ebbs and flows with an inconsistent rhythm. One minute, it’s boat shoes. Next, it’s torpedo shoes. Now, according to our trend predictions and menswear enthusiasts alike, the next wave is here: approach shoes. Think of them as the lovechild of a hiking shoe and a rock-climbing shoe. Designed to help climbers walk, or “approach” a cliff face.While today’s approach-shoe landscape is full of reinterpretations from brands as far-flung as Prada and New Balance, North Italian footwear label Scarpa was one of the earliest pioneers of the category. As someone who admittedly doesn’t spend weekends hanging off rock faces, I can still appreciate the utility and the style of approach shoes. That’s exactly why I wanted to try two of Scarpa’s signature models: the Mojito and its more casual successor, the Mojito Wrap.Originally launched in 2008, the Mojito feels rooted in Scarpa’s climbing heritage. It features a suede upper, a protective rubber toe cap, and a Vibram Spyder outsole that delivers considerable traction. The Mojito Wrap, introduced in 2023, feels more like the lifestyle-minded evolution of the formula. It’s aimed less at scaling cliffs and more at navigating hiking trails, city sidewalks, and everything in between.Approach shoes don’t seem to be losing momentum anytime soon. So, I put together three outfits featuring both of Scarpa’s most recognizable models. Whether you’re considering taking up rock climbing or tend to forge a path on the tamest of hiking trails.Outfit 1: Scrambling MulchOmar AtwanOmar AtwanWhile my terrain isn’t steep or rocky, my version of scrambling is mostly over mulch while chasing my son around the playground. This fit can handle snack stains, spilled water bottles, and the full range of motion required to keep up with a kid who pretends to do parkour through every slide. I may be the latest victim of the cropped-tee-and-baggy-pants wave (and certainly not the last), but damn, it looks good. These pants from Earth\Studies are billowy, breathable, and packed with some wild pleats—on nylon, no less—which is a combination I’ve rarely seen executed this well.Los Angeles ApparelShort Sleeve Wide Garment Dye T-ShirtEarth/StudiesMP-111PA P_Article Pleated TrouserOutfit 2: Take a HikeOmar AtwanOmar AtwanIf you haven’t touched grass in a while, maybe copping a pair of approach shoes will do the trick. I paired this pocket tee from Patagonia with these paratrooper shorts from Brooks Brothers for a family hike. Out on the trail, the Mojitos really showed their strengths: the Vibram soles bite into the ground with confidence, and the lacing system locks your foot in place without feeling restrictive. It’s the kind of setup that makes you feel prepared for the wilderness, even if the toughest part of your hike is convincing a five-year-old not to pick up another cool-looking stick.PatagoniaMidweight '95 Oval Logo Pocket TeeBrooks Brothers7" Cotton Blend Paratrooper ShortsOutfit 3: Topping-Out at a Farmers MarketOmar AtwanOmar AtwanThis linen pullover gives the fit a bit of breathing room with its wrinkled texture and voluminous cut. The ecru field pants and tortoise shades are undefeated in any season, let alone summer. That said, of the two Mojito models, I prefer the Wrap. The full rubber rand looks better, and the silhouette leans more toward lifestyle wear while still being trail-ready. The OG feels like you’re strictly heading out for a hike, while the Wraps feels like you’re browsing for heirloom tomatoes that count as your daily trek.ToastHalf Placket Linen ShirtEarth/StudiesMP-103 Field Pant