Evolv Royale

We give the Royale a thumbs-up as the review’s most affordable shoe. It’s a sturdy, well-built novice boot, designed with a hefty 5mm TRAX XT-5 sole and double toe rand. For toe-dragging beginners, these features will translate to durability, though more advanced climbers might find the fit a tad clunky. That said, the Royale is very comfortable: it has a leather upper (lined in front, not in back), a 2mm, stiff, full-length midsole, and a flat, symmetric last.