Field Tested: Five Ten NIAD Lace

The NIAD Lace is a great technical all-rounder, especially for climbers with long, narrow feet. It fills a niche for high-end trad and face climbing, multi-pitch performance + comfort, and thin edging. I appreciated its reliable stability and precision toe, and would use it at most granite venues and on tech-9 climbing like you find at Smith Rock, the Fins, or Ten Sleep. It’s always nice when classic shoes come back better than ever—like running into an old friend.