If you’re going to call an approach shoe the El Cap, it’d better be a pretty accomplished climber. The name of these great approach shoes from Italian technical footwear specialist Zamberlan gives an obvious clue that they’re towards the climbing end of the approach shoe spectrum. Developed in collaboration with a group of professional mountain guides, the El Cap ( ) is intended for climbers and those taking on technical via ferrata adventures.
For the uninitiated, occupy the middle ground between hiking shoes and climbing shoes, offering some of the performance and grip on rock of the latter, with the comfort and wearability of the former. Founded in 1929, Zamberlan’s handmade philosophy and drive for quality has garnered it a reputation for quality mountain footwear, with classic Italian style. I was excited to try the El Caps out on scrambles in North Wales’ Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
I recently tested and reviewed the approach shoes, which are designed for trails as well as rocky steps, arêtes and buttresses. A side-by-side comparison reveals that the El Caps are indeed tailored more towards climbing. There are nine eyelets for more precise lacing, as opposed to seven on the Salathés; the protective rubber rand is beefier; and the ankle cut is subtly lower on the El Caps.
However, the most obvious difference is in the lug pattern on the Vibram Ferrata outsole. With relatively flat triangular lugs and ample climbing zones (flat rubber sections for maxim.
