What Our Gearhead(R) Experts Are Saying:"I've put the Verto Approach through rough granite, loose gullies, and long dirt miles, and the mix of durability and precision stands out. The suede upper molds nicely to the foot, and the rock plate plus shank combo gives it the stiffness I want for edging. The Megagrip outsole feels trustworthy on rock and still hikes well on the way out."We reach for the Verto Approach Shoe from The North Face when our day blends long miles, rocky ridgelines, and careful footwork on steep terrain. Designed with input from TNF climbing athletes, it brings expedition-ready durability with its suede upper and full rubber rand, while the ergonomic forefoot gives us confident precision when edging or navigating tricky ledges. The shoe feels equally at home on rugged approaches, via ferrata, and mixed alpine scrambles. The technical backbone of the Verto Approach shines underfoot. A 3/4-length ESS rock plate and a midfoot stability shank add the rigidity needed for vertical movement, while the Vibram Megagrip outsole uses a combination of climbing-zone rubber and braking lugs to keep us secure on everything from friction slabs to loose walk-offs. With a 20mm heel stack and 6mm drop, it moves naturally over long distances while maintaining the feel of a true approach shoe. Durable, capable, and precise, the Verto Approach keeps us focused on the mountain ahead.