There is a lot of terminology surrounding the Arc’teryx Kragg Aura that is aimed squarely at the climbing crowd – Approach shoe. Belay. Bouldering.
I don’t do any of that.
But thankfully, you don’t have to be a climber to find a pretty good use for these shoes. For me, the Kragg Aura fits nicely into the increasingly important category of footwear that lives in the space between “running shoe” and “shoe I throw on when I’m done running.”
It is a comfortable pre- and post-run option that brings along some of the technical construction Arc’teryx is known for, without requiring you to spend your day hanging off a rock face (even if that’s the marketing).
After a run — especially when the temperatures climb — your feet need a chance to breathe. Most sandals and slip-ons are designed around being cheap, simple and easy. But I learned a long time ago that my feet appreciate well-constructed footwear even when I’m not running. I’ve invested in better sandals and recovery-type footwear over the years, and my feet have thanked me for it.
Looks
The Kragg Aura has that unmistakable Arc’teryx look: sleek, modern and technical without screaming that it is a piece of outdoor equipment.
Honestly, they almost look too nice to get dirty.
That’s a little funny considering Arc’teryx designed these with technical climbing and approach use in mind, but I think that versatility is part of the appeal. They look just as comfortable sitting around the house after a run as they would walking down a trail.
And for someone who already spends a lot of time in sandals, having something that offers some style and comfort is a nice combo.
Construction and Fit
The biggest selling point for me is the combination of an open-air upper and a more substantial outsole.
The upper gives your feet plenty of ventilation, which is exactly what I want after a sweaty run. Rather than stuffing your feet back into another enclosed shoe immediately after finishing, the Kragg Aura gives them some room to breathe.
At the same time, this isn’t just a glorified house slipper. There is enough structure here to make the Kragg Aura useful when you actually want to walk somewhere. There is also a protective toe cap and 2mm, which is another reminder that this shoe wasn’t designed simply for lounging around.
The collapsible heel is another feature I’ve come to really appreciate. Leave it upright when you want a more traditional shoe-like fit, or push it down and slide your foot in when you’re making a quick trip outside. That sounds like a small feature, but I’m here for it.
I’m not taking these out for a serious technical adventure, but I’ve got no problem wearing them for an easy-to-moderate hike or a walk where the terrain gets a little less predictable. You get the comfort and ventilation of something that feels appropriate after a run, but with enough grip and protection that you don’t have to immediately change shoes if the afternoon plans turn into a walk on the trail.
The Bottom Line
As a runner who spends a lot of time outside, I appreciate comfortable footwear and has learned that my feet like having a good post-run option. And that’s where the Kragg Aura works for me.
It is ventilated, comfortable and easy to get on and off, but it also has enough technical capability to handle dirt trails, uneven terrain and easy-to-moderate hikes.
You don’t have to climb rocks to appreciate what Arc’teryx brought to the Kragg Aura. Sometimes you just need something comfortable to put on when the run is over.