Millet Yalla

Millet’s new high-performance lace-up sports a downturned toe that’s unusually stiff. Testers were surprised by how well that rare combo provided exceptional grip. One tester said that he stood on dime edges with confidence, while on steeper-than-45 terrain he “could grab and hook features almost as well as if I were wearing a slipper.” The rigid forefoot broke in after just a few limestone sport pitches, softening just enough to offer both support and sensitivity for the lifespan of the shoe. The lacing system allows for plenty of adjustment, but the narrowest feet may swim a little in the wide-lasted Yalla. The synthetic upper—lined only in the toebox to prevent stretch—feels like soft leather, yet it will hold its shape over time. After sandstone bouldering, limestone cragging, and indoor training, one tester said that the Yalla is one of the few bouldering and sport climbing shoes that truly masters a wide variety of angles and rock type while holding its shape. One tester summed it up when he said, "Why aren't more shoes designed like this one?" after sending a steep and techy 5.13a project.