Black Diamond Mission LT Zustiegsschuhe

Black Diamond Mission LT Approach Shoes

April 19, 2023
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What is an Approach Shoe?

Originally, approach shoes were developed for climbers to get to the climbing wall or for the descent afterwards. Most models are low-cut shoes and have a very grippy sole optimized for rock and scree. Meanwhile, there is a multitude of manufacturers and models. There are models with a stiffer sole that are better suited for alpine climbing, and softer models that are great for hiking.

First Impressions of the Black Diamond Mission LT:

I have been using the Mission LT for a year now, from alpine climbing to a multi-day tour in Val Grande, it has done it all. The shoe is rather soft when rolling off, and the fit is rather wide. The "Black Label" rubber is very grippy and has a smooth zone for friction climbing at the front. I also like the heel brake, which acts like a brake when walking downhill.
The seamless "Enduro Knit" upper is robust, airy, and dries relatively quickly. An internal "bootie" construction ensures a very comfortable fit and keeps sand and pebbles out. As is typical for approach shoes, the lacing extends quite far forward. This allows the shoe to be laced very precisely, either looser or tighter.
A nylon plate is also integrated into the EVA midsole (good cushioning, long durability) to prevent stones from pressing through.

What can the Black Diamond Mission LT shoe do?

The Mission LT is very well suited for lighter alpine climbing and via ferratas. For more difficult climbs, the shoe is too soft.
What works really well: Hikes in alpine terrain, even over several days. Especially in the Alps, a trail running shoe like the Altra Lone Peak is not always suitable; too little stability and grip, especially in difficult terrain with a large backpack.
On our tour in Val Grande, the Mission LT was able to show what it can do: steep ascents and descents with overnight gear over several days. Thanks to the airier upper material, my feet didn't overheat, so there were no blisters, and the shoe was dry the next day. The (for approach shoes) wide fit also suited me. Thanks to the excellent lacing, I could secure my feet firmly and always felt safe even on tricky passages. The size is true to size; I wore the same size as in my other shoes.

My Conclusion:

A great shoe when a trail running shoe is not enough, but a high waterproof mountain boot is too much. I find the comfortable fit and the airy upper material to be a very good combination. Whether an approach shoe is generally the right choice for you, you have to decide for yourself. Depending on your experience and the difficulty of the tour, a higher / stiffer / waterproof shoe might be a better choice for you.
You can find the shoes here: