Five Ten NIAD Lace - an Updated Classic

Five Ten have tried to bring the Anasazi range into the modern era with the NIAD Lace. Have they succeeded? Kind of, although the answer is more nuanced and in reality, it's a different shoe. A more streamlined heel will appease long-time critics of the shoe but disappoint others. The toe rubber is a welcome addition for some purposes, although it's not designed for rigorous toe hooking. I think the NIAD Lace is certainly more comfortable than its predecessor (though everyone's feet are different, so that's subjective) but the higher volume in the top of the shoe is irritating. In a versatile like the NIAD Lace there are always going to be compromises to performance, but it remains a great all-rounder and something I will always keep in my climbing bag. It's versatile on both edges and smears, and manages to maintain degree of comfort, so as a jack of all trades it's a strong contender.