Evolv Zenist Review: The Brand’s Softest Bouldering Shoe Delivers All the Feels

Evolv generously sent both the “normal” Zenist and the LV version, both in 44. The LVs were decidedly tighter all around other than length. Both versions had the “performance fit” feel to me, but the LV version was just a tad more “performance.” The added tightness around almost every millimeter of my foot added a touch of sensitivity and power. After alternating between the shoes for weeks, I concluded that the “normal” Zenist would be my go-to training shoe. I could keep them on for up to 90 minutes without problems, backing my foot out occasionally, and I wasn’t in any pain. The Zenist LV would be my “redpoint” shoes, meaning when I was up against my limit and the goal was to send the rig. I had to at least undo the single Velcro closure strap and back my foot out after a few attempts. If I left them on for 15 minutes, I had some pain. So, to me, the Zenist LV broke out of the “training” category and rose up into the “boulder-sending” echelon.