New Arc’teryx Kragg Is an Exceptional Shoe

By recognising that climbers have been making compromises on their approach footwear choices for years, Arc’teryx has built the Kragg, a shoe that offers the best of everything available, from boxy approach boots to flimsy flip-flops. And it quickly became our new favourite shoe to wear to the crag and between climbs.

Walking to the crag in bedroom-slipper-like shoes was something I’d never experienced before. As I neared the crag, someone asked me, “What are those?” To which I replied, “They’re plush new shoes,” before explaining that they’re the new Kragg. We then talked about the evolution of Arc’teryx over the past 30-plus years, and we were pleasantly surprised that we both once owned the first harness ever released by Arc’teryx, which hit the shelves in 1991.

In all seriousness though, the Kragg is the perfect shoe for post-climb times. I like to climb in tight climbing shoes, which leaves my feet begging for freedom after each pitch. I started to look forward to getting back to the ground so that I could slide my stressed feet out of my climbing shoes and into the Kraggs. The instant relief brought relaxation to my cramped feet.

The Kragg harmonises ultimate comfort with protection and style, striking an equilibrium between support and mobility. The upper is made of breathable mesh, which stretches to conform to your foot and provide a personalised fit. While the material in the heel area snugged the shoe perfectly around my foot, a key feature for maximising pain-free movement. Not only is the Kragg durable and protective, but it’s impressively breathable, which makes long approaches a pleasant experience.

One of the best features is the collapsible heel, which allowed me to effortlessly slide them on and off between climbs. It was like having the convenience of a flip-flop with the protection of a robust approach shoe.

And surprisingly, I couldn’t really feel the pull pull tab under my foot when wearing the shoe in slipper mode. And while the stretch upper had a tendency to squeeze my foot out of the back of the shoe with the heels down, over time the Kragg broke in perfectly.

My feet were protected against rubble, falling stones and sticks thanks to the stylishly designed molded toe cap and rubber sidewalls. And while the Kragg isn’t as durable as a heavy duty hiker, they’re more than rugged enough to handle the terrain around any sport climbing area.

The Vibram Megagrip, a tried and tested outsole popular on top trail running shoes, is designed as an all-surface shallow-lugged sole. So, despite the comfortable fit, the Kragg worked surprisingly well for moving around uneven ground at the base of the crag, on slippery surfaces and on muddy sections of the trail.

As expected from Arc’teryx, the Kragg’s meticulous attention to detail extends to the inner. The sock liner, crafted from a bio-based poured PU compound with an open-cell foam top layer, is both comfortable with or without socks, and has antimicrobial properties to reduce odours even after prolonged use.

In conclusion, the Kragg epitomises thoughtful design and exceptional craftsmanship. Whether on steep, rocky approaches or relaxing around the campsite, it provides comfort, support, performance and protection.

Now, every time I head to the crag, I leave my technical approach shoes and flip-flops at home and choose the Kragg.