Five Ten Guide Tennie Pro GTX Approach Shoes
We designed the Guide Tennie Pro GTX for climbers who need a single shoe that transitions from technical approaches to moderate scrambles without hesitation. The GORE-TEX membrane keeps your feet dry on wet trails and river crossings, while the Stealth C4 rubber sole delivers the same friction you rely on at the crag. The reinforced toe rand wraps protection around the front of the shoe where trail debris and rock contact concentrate, and the mid-height collar locks your ankle without restricting natural flex.
The GORE-TEX membrane in the five ten guide tennie pro gtx seals out rain and stream crossings while allowing internal moisture to escape during steep ascents. We laminated the membrane directly to the synthetic leather upper rather than using a bootie construction, which reduces bulk and improves fit precision around the midfoot. The result is a shoe that weighs only marginally more than non-waterproof models but keeps your feet dry through hours of wet conditions.
Stealth C4 rubber and edging performance
We used Stealth C4 compound for the outsole because it maintains grip on wet granite and polished limestone better than standard approach shoe rubber. The lug pattern is lower-profile than what you’d find on a trail runner, which lets you feel small footholds during easy fifth-class sections without sacrificing traction on loose scree.
The toe rand extends the rubber coverage forward and upward, protecting the upper from abrasion and giving you a small edging platform for toe hooks on scrambles. Climbers who frequently move between technical approach terrain and moderate climbing pitches will notice the rand’s utility on mixed routes where you’re alternating between hiking steps and face moves.
Fit, sizing, and break-in period
The Guide Tennie Pro GTX fits true to US street shoe sizing for most climbers. We recommend your normal athletic shoe size rather than sizing down as you would with climbing shoes — this is an approach shoe built for all-day comfort on long trails. The lace-to-toe system lets you fine-tune tension across the forefoot, which is critical when you’re carrying a heavy pack and need precise heel lock without pressure points.
Break-in requires about 10–15 miles of hiking. The synthetic upper softens faster than full leather, and the midsole compresses slightly to match your foot shape. Expect some initial stiffness around the ankle collar, but it won’t cause hot spots if you’ve sized correctly.
Tech specs at a glance
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Guide Tennie Pro GTX buyer questions
The Guide Tennie Pro GTX works well for scrambles and easy fifth-class terrain up to about 5.7, but we recommend switching to dedicated climbing shoes for anything steeper or more technical. The midsole stiffness and outsole lug pattern prioritize approach comfort over precision edging on vertical faces. Many climbers carry these for the approach and change into climbing shoes at the base of the route.
The GORE-TEX membrane reduces breathability slightly compared to non-waterproof models, but most climbers don’t notice a significant difference during normal use. Internal vapor escapes fast enough that your feet stay comfortable on all-day approaches in moderate temperatures. In very hot conditions above 85°F with no water crossings expected, a non-waterproof approach shoe will feel cooler.
The Pro GTX adds a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, a mid-height collar for ankle support, and a more robust toe rand. The standard Guide Tennie uses the same Stealth C4 rubber and overall fit but lacks waterproofing and comes in a low-top design. Choose the Pro GTX if you frequently encounter wet conditions or need extra ankle stability on uneven terrain.
Order your normal US athletic shoe size. The Guide Tennie Pro GTX is designed for all-day comfort on long approaches, not the snug performance fit of a climbing shoe. The lace-to-toe closure lets you adjust tension across the forefoot, so there’s no need to size down for a tighter fit. If you’re between sizes, we recommend going with the larger size and adjusting the laces.
With proper care the GORE-TEX membrane remains waterproof for several years of regular use. The lifespan depends on how often you climb and how aggressively you treat the shoes. Rinse them after each outing and reapply DWR treatment every 20 to 30 days of use to maintain surface bead-up. Most climbers report full waterproof performance for at least 200 days of field use before noticing any degradation.
Resoling is possible but not common for approach shoes because the cost often approaches the price of a new pair. A few specialty resolers work with Five Ten rubber, but you’ll need to contact them directly to confirm they can handle the GORE-TEX bootie construction. Most climbers replace the shoes entirely when the outsole wears through, which typically happens after 300 to 500 miles of hiking and climbing.
No. The Guide Tennie Pro GTX does not have a rigid shank or heel welt required for automatic or semi-automatic crampon bindings. These are approach shoes designed for scrambling and hiking, not winter mountaineering. If you need crampon compatibility for snow and ice, look for a full mountaineering boot with a stiff sole and heel welt.