Evolv Pontas

Redesigned for 2012, the Pontas II is a versatile shoe that can handle almost any terrain, from ticky-tacky dime edges in Squamish, British Columbia, to steep, sinker buckets in Skaha, B.C. A flat last with slight asymmetry and an aggressive and form-fitting, rubber-coated heel cup make for an easy-to-wear foot platform. A 1.5mm, full-length MX-P midsole adds stiffness that will last the life of the shoe. The Pontas II fits narrow- to average-width feet and can be sized large for all-day wear or tight for technical faces. Testers loved the 4.2mm TRAX outsole on the new heel that’s 100 percent rubber-coated for improved hooking and scumming, where your feet drag or skid on the wall. Cotton-lined synthetic uppers and a split mesh tongue ease entry and add comfort. Evolv added a third Velcro strap to the Pontas II for superior adjustment. Testers experienced above-average precision and grip on the micro-edges of the long and dead-vertical Petrifying Wall at Squamish as well as the overhanging jugs of Skaha. It’s designed as an all-around shoe and does everything well.